Amanda Bittner is on a mission to seek out unconventional experiences across the Mile High City.
When you first call back of Denver , your nous might go to the outdoors — tilt climbing up cliffs , hiking along scenic trails , and skiing down pulverization - topped slew . But one Colorado transplant is making a event for Denver right — where carabiner and trail boots are n’t necessary .
Travel content creatorAmanda Bittneris documenting the vivacious , eccentric , and sometimes overlooked civilisation happening in Denver . “ When I tell people I do n’t ski and I do n’t camp , but I endure here , they look at me like I have three heads , ” she says . “ That ’s just not me . I ’m here exploring the city . ”
Bittner ’s love and hold of Denver is n’t one that ’s steeped in kinsfolk heritage or even from decades of living here . She and her married man only impress to Denver three years ago , after living in Raleigh , North Carolina , for nine years . “ We just felt like it was sentence for a raw adventure , ” Bittner says . “ We packed our bag , load down up our Arabian tea , and tug 24 hour across the commonwealth . ”
Photos by Stephanie Kelly
When they arrive , Bittner ’s curiosity prompted her to attain the ground running . She launched a 30 - day video recording series on Instagram , documenting her experience as a novel resident of Denver . Every twenty-four hours , Bittner pushed herself to explore a new part of the city — chitchat a new burnt umber shop class , try out a hip - hop physical exertion class — and her account gain ground traction .
Today , she ’s become a source for transplants , long - metre residents , and tourer , by keeping her finger on the impulse of under - the - radar experiences in Denver . “ There ’s so much going on in the urban center that multitude do n’t know about , I need to uncover it all and share it , ” she says .
Below , Bittner break down a few of her favorite name and address that encapsulate the quirky , real - feel vibes of Denver .
Cheesman Park
locate in Central Denver , Cheesman Park is a quaint enclave where locals gather for run clubs , yoga classes , and masses - watch over . But there ’s a creepy chronicle beneath its grounds . The Mungo Park is the former land site of Denver ’s first burying ground , which after years of disregard , was designateda public park in 1890 . Though the grave accent were removed to make way for Cheesman , “ There ’s some spooky stuff underground that they have reveal the last few yr when they ’ve done landscaping , ” Bittner says . Some may be draw to Chessman for its obsessed past times , but Bittner love the commons because it ’s the perfect spot for a daytime knack . She often contact up with friends by the pavilion , where they snack and partake a few cans ofPacifico Clarabeer while taking in the Energy Department of the metropolis and its people . “ I ’m never not in the mood for a Pacifico , ” she says . “ It ’s just an sluttish go - to that has a crisp , bracing gustatory perception — a great beer to share conversation . ”
Lakeside Amusement Park
To casual passersby driving down Interstate 70,Lakeside Amusement Parkmight not look like much from the exterior , but the amusement park is a destination cherished by locals for its wooden roller coasters , funnel cake , and bumper cars .
From the first weekend in May through Labor Day , the car park is open to people of all ages , and now and again hosts after - hours event for adults . “ Its reliable charm happens after the sun goes down because it has the in force atomic number 10 signs in the metropolis , ” Bittner order . The 25 - drive commons is beautify with iconic nontextual matter deco neon signs , some dating back to 1935 , that give off lively colors at nighttime .
Another highlight ? The car park ’s affordability . According to Bittner , the owners of Lakeside are dictated to keep the locale approachable . patron can bring in their own food , admittance is $ 5 , Zea mays everta is $ 1 , ride ticket range from 50 cents to $ 3 , and unlimited drive head are available .
Art District on Santa Fe
Just west of Cheesman Park is the Art District on Santa Fe . It ’s the first neighbourhood Bittner lived in when she moved to Denver . The historically Latino neck of the woods is bonk for its bustling arts scene with boutiques , performing prowess venue , and colorful mural lining the street .
One of Bittner ’s favorite stops to make in this area is atArt District Antiques . The workshop is an oasis for thrifters , packed floor to ceiling with antiques and knick knacks . There ’s even a parrot session by the cash register that greets customers when they walk in . “ It ’s overwhelming in the good way , ” she says . Here , she looks for treasures for her apartment , like the vintage French poster of a calico cat , redolent of her own cat , that now hangs in her living way .
Beyond its wizardly shopfront , the neighborhood really comes alive during itsart walk . On the first Friday of every calendar month , galleries around the district afford their doors . There ’s live medicine , food trucks , pop - up shop class — it ’s the place to be on a Friday night . “ It ’s nostalgic to me now , because that ’s where I first started to douse my toe into Denver , ” Bittner pronounce . “ These were the first couple of blocks that I explored . ”
