Visiting Denver for ETHDENVER-Here Are Some Planning Tips
I tried to attend ETHDennver 2022 or 2023 and I wasn’t able to secure a spot. But, I live in Denver so it’s still possible to connect with attendees and learn about what’s happening. This year I’m a little too busy to attend. But, I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for folks coming in for part or all of the ETHDenver experience.
I do think they do a fantastic job of curating a kick ass experience for their attendees. But, I thought it would be helpful to share some additional tips and ideas before folks make their way to Denver.
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Cowtown Denver
Schedule Tours NOW
The tourist season is busy all year long in Denver and the state of Colorado. However, as we head into March and beyond tourism starts to pick up significantly with Spring Break, Semana Santa and conference visitors. That’s why I strongly recommend that you begin booking the tours you have an eye on now.
What is the Weather Like in Denver
ETHDenver is happening at the end of February, beginning of March. A lot can happen at that time in terms of weather. We could be in false Spring, second Winter or having an arctic blast.
What does this mean?
You need to obsessively watch Denver’s weather starting 10 days before your arrival. Then, don’t trust the reports LOL! If you’re here for 10 days you will likely experience a full range of weather conditions especially if you plan to visit the mountains and enjoy activities in the mountains such as going skiing or exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
You May Experience Flight Delays
You could potentially have a flight delay-Don’t worry, I’ve shared some things to do if you experience a flight delay at Denver International Airport.
Denver is a High Altitude Vacation
When you travel to Denver it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a high altitude location. Even if you’ve visited numerous times and have been perfectly fine, many Denverites would encourage you to learn about the symptoms of altitude sickness prior to your trip and to take it easy for the first couple of days after your arrival.
Where Should You Stay
To keep things simple, I recommend staying close to Denver’s Union Station. You can take the train from the plane (airport) direct to Union Station. It’s the last stop. Then, you can walk or talk a free mall shuttle or Lyft to your accommodation depending on how far it is from Union Station.
Here are a few suggestions.
- The Source Hotel
- You would actually exit the train at the 38th and Blake stop (one stop before Union Station)
Will You Need to Rent a Car
If you decide to stay in a hotel in the downtown Denver City Center you won’t need a car. You could also take public transit or a ride share to get to places that are a little further from the city center. You may be tempted to use a scooter and I’m to going to strongly discourage you from riding any of the scooters until the end of the event. Why? Because they are dangerous AF. I would actually discourage you from using them at all. If you do-I hope you have travel insurance.
Just in case.
But, if you would like to rent a car. Check out Discover Cars a tool that helps people find the best rental deals for their budget.
What Should You Bring
If you’re wondering what you should bring while you’re here there are a few things that you need to know. It is really dry in Denver. Typically it’s also very sunny as well. Think in terms of bringing and wearing layers. Coloradans are fairly casual but do bring one or two cute outfits for going out.
- You need a swimsuit for hot tubs or hot springs!
You’re going to need to wear and bring layers. If you plan on hiking you’ll also need to bring some gear or get some gear while you’re in town. Always remember to bring your bathing suit! Especially if you’re spending any time in the mountains during your Denver based visit.
Plan a Couple of Mountain Days
A trip to Denver isn’t complete without spending some time in the mountains. Just like folks who live close to the ocean and spend a lot of time at the beach, Coloradans make a point to spend time in the mountains. You can go skiing, tubing, camping and more. Or, you can just spend the day soaking in a hot tub and enjoying the view.
I love Colorado mountain towns so much and have been lucky enough to visit a large number of them numerous times. Towns that I highly recommend checking out.
- Breckenridge
- Estes Park
- Leadville
- Ski Joring Event March 1-March 3, 2024
Fun Things to Do While You’re Here
Denver is a really fun town with a ridiculous amount of things to do. ETHDenver does a great job of hosting events for the attendees and you’re going to have a fantastic time attending those. But, I thought that it might be nice to have some additional suggestions of things to do if you’re arriving early, staying a few days after the event or just would like to do a few things on your own while you’re in town.
- Check out Meow Wolf Denver-One of my favorite experiences in town. It’s an interactive art experience that is hard to describe. It does have a cocktail bar inside it that you can enjoy before or after you experience the exhibit.
- Denver Restaurant Week-If you’re looking to check out and enjoy dining in Denver, Denver Restaurant Week begins on March 1st and ends on March 10, 2024. It’s a great way to enjoy restaurants around town at a slight discounted rate.
- First Friday Art Walk-Friday, March 1, 2024 is a First Friday Art Walk experience. If you enjoy art, music and chilled vibes this is a great way to explore different parts of Denver hosting events the first Friday of each month.
- Message in a Bottle-February 25, 2024. If you love musical theater and the musician Sting, this show is for you.
Love Professional Sports?
- Colorado Mammoth vs. New York Riptide-February 23, 2024 (Professional Lacrosse) These games are a party and they are very affordable!
- Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars-February 27, 2024 (Professional Hockey) Wear warm clothes and watch the Colorado Avalanche kick the Dallas Star’s butts!
- Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat-February 29, 2024 (Professional Basketball) Love basketball? Make sure to catch a game while you’re here.
Coffee Shops to Enjoy
Denver’s coffee scene is equal to our craft beer scene. We take our coffee seriously. There a tons of local shops that freshly roast their beans or source their beans from great local roasters. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Vibe Coffee and Wine-Located in the heart of downtown Denver it’s a bright and open space with fantastic cocktails as well as great coffee.
- Cherry Bean Coffee Shop-You’ll find this shop on Broadway within walking distance of the Denver Art Museum. Great coffee and wonderful service.
- Little Finch-If you’re on the 16th Street Mall and are needing something light and yummy to eat and a great coffee drink-Little Finch is the place to check out.
Here’s a longer list of coffee shops to check out in Denver.
Welcome to Denver!
I hope that this post gives you some additional tips and ideas on what to do while you’re in town. I hope you have a fantastic time meeting all of the other attendees and being a part of the ETHDenver event and broader community.