Welcome to Denver Part 2

Congratulations! You made it from the airport to the hotel for the
2009 ACFW Conference
(Welcome to Denver Part 1).

As long as you're here you may as well enjoy a taste of Colorado. Perhaps you can find time before the conference, after or even in between. Fun is only a short ride away.

For strictly going into Denver, I recommend the Light Rail and a good pair of walking shoes. You will avoid traffic (rush hour and sports event evenings are a nightmare), parking meters, exorbitant parking fees and one way streets.


















From the Marriott DTC you will pick up your ride at the Belleview Station .
(Click on images to enlarge them for detailed viewing.)





From the Marriott, if you go out the parking lot to the corner, cross over Union and walk the side walk, you come to the Light Rail and transit bus stop.



There is a set of stairs and an elevator to get you down to the level of the station, right on the other side of the bridge.



Basic Fare Information:

The listed discount fare is for seniors.













At every station there is a detailed map/schedule which tells you when the next train will arrive. Generally you will wait no longer than 15 minutes for a train during peak hours. Most routes run from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. Keep your ticket. While it is an honor system there are periodic checks done by Light Rail patrol. BTW, avoid rush hour on the Light Rail, by planning your excursions after the 7-8 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. crunch during the week.

That's all there is to it. Still nervous? Check out this "how to ride the Light Rail" site.



Here are a few favorite stops to consider, however if you want to plan your own trip on the Light Rail you can go here for more detailed information.

Please click on this map to see the route in detail.

• Belleview Station South to the County Line Station (E) will take you to Park Meadows Mall.
• Belleview Station North to 16th and California (H) takes you to Downtown Denver 16th Street Mall.

Relax and enjoy the ride. You can't get lost, and at any point you can get off and pick up another train.
































A few suggestions for your Light Rail adventures...

• If you get off at the 16th Street Mall area (see map above) you can ride the entire 12 block pedestrian mall on a free shuttle bus and get off when you please. It is filled with shopping and eateries such as The Hard Rock Cafe, and Virgin Records.

• Larimer Square is another favorite location. It is only a few blocks from the 16th Street Mall at 14th and Champa to this historic neighborhood of restaurants, shopping and art galleries. Larimer Square's 18 buildings date back to 1870. My favorite shop, Crybaby Ranch, is located there. There is also a Ted's Montana Grill.

• LoDo. (Lower Down Town) You can either take the C Light Rail and get off directly in the LoDo District (at Coor's Field) or take the 16th Street Mall shuttle to the end of the line to get there. Either way you have to stop at the Wynkoop Brewery and Tattered Cover Bookstore, just to say you did. This neighborhood is filled with pubs, fine restaurants and unique shops. There is also the historic Union Station which is still an Amtrak station.

A few more cultural options for your trip into Denver. Some may require a cab or longer walks. See the map below.

• The Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th Street, LoDo. Known affectionately as The Brown. High tea at the Brown is not to be missed. The Brown also displays period memorabilia.
  

• The Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Civic Center, Denver, CO. $13, free Sat. for Colorado residents. OPEN: Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10-5; Fri. 10-10; Sun. noon-5.

• Denver Public Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Civic Center, Denver, CO. They have an expansive Western History and Genealogy section.

• The Molly Brown House Museum , 1340 Pennsylvania St. (Located at the A below on the map) Tours are $8.00. Tuesday - Saturday: first tour begins at 10:00 a.m., last tour begins at 3:30 p.m. Sunday: first tour begins at 12:00 p.m., last tour begins at 3:30 p.m.

Finally, if you decide to rent a car and visit outside of the metropolitan area here are a few suggestions. You can also check out bus tours such as Gray Line Colorado, which will pick you up at your hotel.


Colorado Springs, Cave of the Winds


Garden of the Gods


Royal Gorge


Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave


The Colorado Tourism site provides even more ideas!



We in Seekerville are looking forward to seeing you in DENVER!