Denver in fall is calling us...

Denver is arguably one of America’s sportiest cities and attracts a casual/cool crowd that's just as comfortable on the slopes as it is at a rooftop bar. Locals seamlessly head from Rocky Mountain trails to hip cafes and yoga classes then out for craft brews or cocktails when the sun goes down.

But the Mile High City (with an elevation of 5,280 feet, or one mile above sea level), isn't lacking in culture: it's got world-class museums and art galleries and is home to the second largest performing arts center in the U.S. after New York's Lincoln Center.

With Denver's range of activities and changing altitudes, your wardrobe here is key. So Tripadvisor Plus has teamed up with Rent the Runway on a new membership perk to deliver designer rentals directly to your hotel. To celebrate, we whipped up a quick guide on where to wear your new outfit. Start packing...

(If you're making the trip to Denver, stay safe and check the current COVID-19 protocols)

In Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, within easy walking distance to Union Station and Coors Field, Mint House is perfect for travelers looking to check in and stay a while. The modern apartments offer the best of both worlds, with access to hotel-worthy amenities, including a gym and outdoor pool, had home conveniences like spacious kitchens and an outdoor grilling area for entertaining your crew.

This glossy new hotel and members club in Cherry Creek attracts a big local crowd thanks to a cool co-working lounge, laid-back food market, and rooftop pool and bar. Check in to one of the 63 Mid-century modern rooms, where mini-bars are stocked with homegrown goodies, like microbrews and artisanal chocolate, that are ideal for late night hangs.

The rugged spirit of the Wild West meets the romanticism of the Victorian-era at this 17-room hotel in LoHo. There are plenty of accommodations available but our favorite are the bunk rooms, which have beds inspired by Pullman train cars and work well for a group of friends. Downstairs, Wildflower restaurant is one of the most in-demand reservations in town. Don’t miss the excellent craft cocktails, like the bourbon-and-rum-spiked Marigold de la Rosa.

Set in the artsy RiNo District, the new 165-room Catbird appeals to travelers looking to explore Denver for a week or more. The light-filled apartments include thoughtful touches like kitchens stocked with pre-measured spices and picture windows that double as projector screens. A 3,300-square-foot rooftop deck feels like a luxe private backyard, complete with fire pits, lawn games and hot tubs. Bonus: If you're all about the city’s adventurous spirit, rent a bike, GoPro or skateboard from the Catbird Playroom.

It's all about the music at this vinyl-focused wine bar and restaurant from the team behind neighboring hotspot Tavernetta. The speaker system here is first-rate with two Sonus Faber towers and 16 palladium speakers that play a rotating collection of records curated by Vinyl Me, Please. Don't miss Wednesday night flight nights when you can sample five wines while noshing on Mediterranean plates and listening to everything from funk to punk.

Taste your way across this food hall in the LoHi neighborhood where you’ll find 7 gastro upstarts that serve everything from arepas to hot chicken to pizza. But it's not just about eating here: there are two great bars, including one on the rooftop, that serves some of Colorado’s top craft brews. Avanti is especially appealing in the warmer months when crowds spill out onto a spacious patio that overlooks the city skyline.

The still-warm-from-the-oven pita and creamy hummus turned out by Safta's kitchen is reason enough to book a table here. An airy space filled with light woods and shades of rose-gray sets the scene for large plates of modern Israeli specialties like pomegranate-glazed lamb shank.

This lively haunt in Capital Hill is a local favorite. The place is done up in blond woods and greenery with brick walls and large windows to let the light flow in. A record player spins tunes from morning until night when a lounge-y cocktail scene takes over. Come during the day for fancy coffee drinks or when the sun goes down for creative concoctions like a cold brew spiked with gin and Campari.

You’ll want to devote at least two hours to explore the psychedelic new Meow Wolf's 90,000 square-foot exhibit. The four-story space by the Santa Fe-based art collective features more than 70 trippy installations, rooms, and portals by 200-plus artists. Trust us, you'll leave a changed person.

Catching a show at Red Rocks is a Colorado right of passage. Thirty minutes from downtown Denver, this acoustically perfect concert venue has been carved out of 70 million-year-old sandstone rocks. It’s also one of the prettiest workout venues in the country. Runners and hikers come to feel the burn with climbs of up to 300 feet of elevation.

Denver is hands down one of the country’s best beer cities. The fanaticism for suds means you’ll find nearly 150 breweries in the area. If sipping a cold one from a rooftop isn’t relaxing enough, head to his new day spa-taproom where you can follow up a beer hydrotherapy session with an IPA from Resolute Brewing Company.

The Denver Art Museum has 70,000 works of art, including one of the most extensive Native American collections in the country. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the building will unveil an extensive $150 million renovation this fall.

It’s hard to resist the pull of the snow-capped Rockies, which frame the Denver cityscape. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great day trip, just 67 miles from Denver. Within the park you’ll find 150 lakes, more than 160 trails and over 100 peaks rising 11,000 feet. If you’re acclimated to the altitude and an experienced hiker, tackle Long’s Peak, one of the state’s iconic 14ers.

You’ll want a wardrobe that’s sporty and stylish for exploring Denver. No matter how fancy the venue, a nice pair of jeans with some cute boots (definitely no heels) will do the trick. Weather changes quickly in the Mile High City so be prepared with layers. A comfortable, colorful sweater that you can pull out at a ball game then transition to dinner is a must. And a wrap or long coat is always good to have on hand for outdoor concerts. Your accessories should be functional so opt for a smart backpack that you can take on the trails and then out to the cocktail bar. Denver is an active city so pack a few pairs of your favorite leggings and sports bras for hikes, bike rides and yoga sessions.

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