Use Web to plan trip to Denver

By ROGER PETTERSON, Associated Press Writer Mon Apr 7, 4:02 PM ET

The next time you're thinking of an urban getaway, turn on your computer and see what the Internet can tell you about Denver. It's a lot more than just a place to pass through on your way to a ski resort in the Rockies.

For a little cultural variety against the mountain backdrop, there's an exhibition on Impressionist art at the Denver Art Museum — http://denverartmuseum.org/ — scheduled through May 25. For works more closely connected to the region, click on "Explore Art" to get acquainted with the museum's collections on American Indian, pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial and Western American art.

The museum is part of Denver's Civil Center Cultural Complex, close to the state Capitol — http://www.milehighcity.com/capitol/ — and the state provides information on tours of the domed edifice — http://tinyurl.com/4r7aks — plus photo tours for a preview.

Northwest of the cultural complex, between Coors Field and the Pepsi Center, there's an area called LoDo — http://www.lodo.org/ — for the Lower Downtown historic district, an area of restaurants, shops and businesses. Slide your cursor over "About LoDo" to open the menu of sections on tours (walking and virtual), a map and directions, events, and "LoDo 411" with directories of attractions, galleries, shops and restaurants.

LoDo isn't the whole thing. Downtown Denver — http://tinyurl.com/4927qg — is your guide for shopping and entertainment in other parts of the area. There's even a "Kids' Stuff" section, in case you're taking the whole family, with links to the Denver Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, Children's Museum and even the Firefighters Museum. For other fun, "Sports Schedules" has links to the local teams.

Try some of the great outdoors that Denver residents enjoy in and around the city. Go to the Denver visitors bureau — http://www.denver.org/ — click on "What To Do" and type "parks" into the search box. There are links to the Buffalo Herd Nature Preserve and the Butterfly Pavilion, the nearby Cave of the Winds, the Garden of the Gods, cliff dwellings and gardens, and amusement parks. Some are a bit of a trek outside the city limits, like Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, about 90 miles away. That search also gets you a link to the Colorado State Parks system.

Of course, you don't have to run around outside. That "What To Do" page also has links to still more shopping and more arts and culture. Try "Like A Local" for restaurant and hiking trail tips, and "Day Trips" for places you can go in your car. And no matter where you are in this Web site, there are links at the top of the page for finding places to stay, dine and relax at night.

Get another view of the area's attractions from Denver.com — http://www.denver.com/attractions/ — without having to use a search command. Learn about the old town of Black Hawk, now home of casinos, the shopping on Denver's 16th Street Mall, and the Molly Brown House Museum. And look to the left side of the page for golf courses, festivals and a neighborhood guide.

Give your ears a treat with one of the concerts at Red Rocks — http://www.redrocksonline.com/ — the scenic amphitheater just west of the city. Death Cab for Cutie is set for the end of May, with R.E.M on the calendar for the June. Check out "Visiting"; this concert venue even has hiking trails.