Main Character Moment : Denver, Colorado
City Finds + A Sentimental Return
Denver holds a soft spot in my heart. It’s where a big life moment happened years ago, and every time I return, it feels like a gentle hug from the mountains. On this trip, I finally made time to explore the city itself — to really soak in its charm, food, and design-forward corners.
If you’re planning a long weekend in Colorado’s capital, here’s the full guide to where I stayed, sipped, and self-cared through the Mile High magic.
Where I Stayed: Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver
Let’s start with the Hyatt Centric, perfectly planted in the heart of downtown. I’m pretty picky when it comes to hotels — I want to feel inspired by the space I’m in, especially when I’m traveling to reset. Hyatt Centric was modern, chic, and just understated enough to feel elevated but comfortable.
The room had just the right amount of space, and the shower alone deserves its own highlight — large, spa-like, and honestly a dream after a long day of walking. The staff was kind and accommodating when I arrived early from a nonstop flight; they held my bags so I could go explore the city while waiting to check in.
Where I Ate: Food Finds + Cozy Favorites
🍣 Milk Market
Just a few blocks from the hotel is Milk Market, a food hall with tons of cute restaurant options. It’s a little confusing at first (if you’re not used to food-hall setups), but once I got the lay of the land, I ordered a sushi bowl, a drink, and soaked in the vibes.
🌸 Apple Blossom (Inside Hyatt Centric)
That first night, I kept it simple and stayed in for dinner — but don’t mistake that for boring. Apple Blossom, the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, is a standout. I started at happy hour (highly recommend for the drinks and prices), and moved into a full three-course dinner. Every bite was thoughtful and flavorful.
🥢 ChoLon
During a solo afternoon, I treated myself to lunch at ChoLon, a swanky Asian-inspired restaurant that served what might be the best food I’ve ever tasted. Highly recommend the lunch experience here if you’re wandering downtown and want something elevated but not pretentious.
🍷 Sunday Vinyl
Later that weekend, I stopped by Sunday Vinyl, a moody little wine bar with a rotating vinyl collection that inspires the wine flights. It was intimate, vibey, and packed with people who looked like they knew about good music and good food. A must if you're into sound and sip pairings.
🥔 Citizen Rail
For steak lovers, Citizen Rail is a dream. But even if steak isn’t your thing — go for the duck fat potatoes. I’m not even going to describe them. Just... trust me.
🍸 The Family Jones Spirit House
Thanks to a little hotel surprise, I made my way to The Family Jones for cozy craft cocktails and small plates. The bar itself is beautiful, but it’s the quality of the drinks that will bring you back.
🎥 Avanti Food & Beverage Hall
I capped off the trip at Avanti, a mixed-use indoor/outdoor food hall in a cute Denver neighborhood. When I arrived, they were playing an outdoor movie on a giant projector, and the space was buzzing with energy. Groups were gathered around picnic tables, sipping drinks, grabbing snacks — the kind of local magic I wish we had more of back home.
How I Softened the Schedule
✨ Self-Care Stop: Aveda Institute Denver
If you’re craving a treatment but want to keep things budget-friendly, book a facial at the Aveda Institute. I had a great experience — calm environment, quality product, and a perfect solo date moment.
🐠 Unexpected Fun: Denver Aquarium
Yes, the Denver Aquarium randomly has a lion. It also has stingrays you can pet, colorful fish from all over the world, and enough underwater charm to give your day a little magic. Great for kids or adults who just need a reset.
🏔️ Day Trip to Breckenridge
One morning I took a quick day trip to Breckenridge. While the mountain access was closed, the town was still alive with charm. I stopped at Daylight Donuts, where a sweet woman gifted me a donut just because, and ended up grabbing lunch a little higher in the hills. It made me want to plan a winter trip back, just to see it all blanketed in snow.
Recap: My Denver Favorites
If you’re heading to Denver and want a mix of chic, chill, and city soft — here’s where I’d send you:
🛏️ Stay:
🍴 Eat + Sip:
💆 Experience:
💌 Wanna Be Featured?
Whether it's a wine bar with a vibe, a boutique stay, or a local donut shop — I love highlighting spaces that feel personal and thoughtful. If you’re a hotel, experience, or local gem looking to be featured in my next curated city guide:📩 Reach out here
Until next time — cheers to your next main character moment.
