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Nonstop Love: Denver on Demand

jmcatee
Explorer B

Denver

Beginning October 13, Dallas Love Field is FREE!  The restrictions of the Wright Amendment will be gone, ushering in nonstop destinations that span from coast to coast.   Southwest has been counting down the years and weeks (literally—we have a billboard at the Love Field entrance and a countdown clock in our Headquarters lobby) until we can say, “Goodbye, Wright Amendment. Hello, America!"   We are excited to begin this new era by serving five new nonstop destinations on October 13, followed by ten additional new nonstop destinations on November 2.  The addition of these 15 new nonstop destinations will bring Southwest to a total of 31 nonstop destinations from Love Field. In anticipation of this momentous event, each week we will take a look at one of the cities that North Texas Customers will be able to soon visit nonstop on Southwest.  Each post is written by a Southwest Employee who is affiliated with the city and can give an insider’s view of what to see and do while visiting.  Enjoy! During my 31-year-career with Southwest Airlines, I have lived in six different cities, and by far, Denver is my favorite!  There are so many reasons why it ranks that way—a great climate; numerous museums, galleries, parks, hiking trails, golf courses; and fabulous restaurants.  After living there for four years and continual visiting after moving away, I am always encouraging my family and friends to visit Denver.  Even if it’s just a stop on the way to the mountains, Denver is a great place to start (or end) a vacation.  I cannot wait for nonstop flights from Dallas, which will make visiting even easier!

DENgolf

In terms of daily departures, Denver is Southwest’s fifth busiest airport.  Home to mild winters and 300 annual sunshine days, Denver is great yearround.  It hosts the tenth largest downtown in America and the second largest performing arts center in the world.  With so many choices to choose from, I’m happy to recommend some fun things to eat, do and see!

Your Denver to-do list:

To Eat:
  • Farmers’ Markets:  Visiting one of the many local farmers’ markets is a no-brainer for a delicious experience.  Checkout locally grown farm-fresh produce, artisan cheeses, unique local gourmet food, and Denver’s signature green-chili delights.  You can also enjoy chef events and live music, as well.  The Cherry Creek Fresh Market and the South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market are two great places to start.
  • Civic Center EATS:  Providing a unique picnic experience, Civic Center EATS organizes a variety of food trucks and live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.  Hosted at the Civic Center Conservancy, these summertime events occur on certain days, so be sure to check the schedule.
To Do:
  • Hiking Trails and Local Parks:  There are more than 200 city and mountain parks and eight state parks in the Denver area.  Cheesman Park, City Park, and Washington Park are a few of my favorites.  No matter what kind of trail or scenery you’re looking for, you’ll surely find it!DENhiking
  • The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park:  If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to check out the Southwest Rink in downtown Denver.  Located in Skyline Park near the historic Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower, the rink is free and open during the holiday season, November through mid-February.
To See:
  • Red Rocks Amphitheater:  This well-known, world-class concert venue and makeshift gym for fitness-minded visitors is open to the public on non-concert days.  At 6,000 feet high in altitude, Red Rocks has two staircases, each with 380 steps, making it a great place to work out amidst the Rocky Mountains scenery.  If you aren't in the fitness mood, catch a concert or stop by to enjoy the view.
  • The Denver Art Museum:  The Denver Art Museum hosts a variety of spectacular exhibits and also has Free First Saturday visit days.  King Tut, Becoming Van Gogh, and Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective are just a few of the past exhibits.  Spend some time gazing at some (or all) of the 70,000 art pieces.
My City Secret:
  • Little Man Ice Cream:   Take a trip back in time at Little Man Ice Cream, where employees dress in vintage uniforms and the ice cream tastes like the good ole’ days!  Not only are you getting a delicious treat, but for every scoop you purchase, a scoop of rice is donated to an underdeveloped community abroad.  Try just one scoop, and you’ll quickly find yourself asking for more!