I’m a neighborhood kind of gal. When I travel to a place I’ve never seen before, sure, I like to visit highly touted tourist attractions—but I also want to do what the natives do. Learning about a destination is like peeling away the layers of an onion—all the obvious stuff is on top, but there’s also some buried treasure just below the surface.

During my recent trip to Denver, I was able to experience some unique neighborhood haunts and I’m happy to share some inside scoop with TravelViews readers.
Milan, the friendly proprietor at my lodging choice— Queen Anne Urban Bed & Breakfast —was happy to point me in the right direction. I have him to thank for recommending the dive on Santa Fe Drive with the top-notch Mexican fare (you’ll read about that later).

But first a word about my accommodations: The Queen Anne was reputedly the first Denver bed and breakfast to go green—from bedding to breakfasts to toiletries, the word is organic, and guests are even encouraged to participate in recycling. Although I primarily chose the eco-sensitive property because it is a short walk from downtown, the genuine hospitality and tasty vegetarian breakfasts prepared with local ingredients will lure me back again. And, the neighborhood pooches walk their owners in Benedict Fountain Park, an urban green space directly across the street.

I’m an art lover, so a trip to the ArtDistrict was at the top of my to-do list. Hispanic culture prevails in this neighborhood south of downtown on Santa Fe Drive between 7th and 10th streets, with some 30 galleries displaying paintings, ceramics, stained glass, photography and more.

I leisurely wandered along the street, perusing the colorful window displays and ducking into whatever gallery captured my attention. Proprietors were happy to chat and answer questions about the various pieces displayed, and it was fun to observe resident artists at work on their latest creations in some of the studios. One of the artists clued me in about the Art Walks held the first Friday evening of every month—the event draws quite a crowd of folks who enjoy celebrating the spirit of this small arts community by mingling among the galleries, sampling wine and cheese, and listening to local jazz musicians.

This section of Santa Fe Drive also is the location of Museo de las Américas, which provides insight into the Latino community’s culture and heritage through its diverse collection. After stopping in the museum and checking out a few of the district’s funky shops, I managed to work up quite an appetite.

It was at this point that I remembered my innkeeper’s suggestion, El Taco de Mexico. The tiny, bright yellow, no-frills joint at 714 Santa Fe Dr. served up the best green chile burrito I’ve ever had the divine pleasure of eating. You order at the counter, pay cash only, and there’s next to no ambience, but for authentic Mexican at great prices it can’t be beat. And I hear that their breakfast burrito is amazing.

 I needed to walk off my meal and had some shopping energy left in me. So, I hopped in the car and headed a few blocks farther south to Antique Row, a hodgepodge of shops situated between 1000-2000 South Broadway. Antique lovers could justifiably spend the entire day here—there are dozens of shops along the 18-block stretch, with merchandise ranging from fine collectables to kitschy yet fun conversation pieces. Eclectic shops, restaurants and galleries also are scattered throughout the area.

At the end of the day, I was glad I scoped out some off-the-beaten-path areas of Denver not on the typical tourist radar. I hope to return to Denver one day soon, dig a little deeper, and experience more layers of what I’ve come to know as a culturally vibrant city. Meanwhile, please let me know what I missed so I’m fully equipped for round two.

Click on the map to get directions to the Museo de las Americas and the ArtDistrict on Santa Fe Drive, as well as more Denver accommodations and attractions.