The Mile High City is shaking things up with a string of “firsts” this summer: a new hotel, a first-ever festival and a new location of a vaunted Colorado restaurant. Plus, with its endless blue skies and fresh mountain air, you’ll find every excuse to be outside.
Populus
Set to open this summer, Populus at Civic Center Park is the country’s first carbon-positive hotel. While guests feel good throughout their stay due to the chic accommodations, they’ll also be doing good by supporting this eco-friendly project, which was designed to evoke aspen trees. Lodging starts at $231/night.
populusdenver.com
Outside Festival
Befitting Denver’s outdoorsy image, the inaugural Outside Festival is set to draw hundreds of climbers, hikers, cyclists, skiers and music lovers this June 1-2. The fest will offer live music (with a lineup including Thundercat), film screenings and wellness classes like yoga journaling. Everything is centered on the benefits of being outside.
festival.outsideonline.com
Blackbelly Market
Chef Hosea Rosenberg opened Blackbelly Market in nearby Boulder after winning season five of Top Chef in 2009. Last year, it became the first Colorado restaurant to receive a Michelin Green Star for Sustainable Gastronomy. Its second location is making waves in Denver after opening in March. The Tennyson Street hot spot offers a meat-heavy menu led by head butcher Kelly Kawachi, including charcuterie boards, burritos, sandwiches and more.
blackbelly.com
