Denver is an outdoor city known for its world-class cultural attractions, thriving craft breweries, chef-driven dining, and music scene. If you find yourself in the Mile High City, we’ve put together this sample 48-hour itinerary to help aid you in supporting local Black-owned businesses.
1. Day 1: Morning
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Start your morning with coffee from Denver’s only ‘African espresso bar.’ Whittier Café only serves coffees from African nations. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, be sure to pop in at 2p for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at the café.
Spend some time exploring Denver’s historically Black Five Points neighborhood— said to be the Harlem of the West. This area was home to several jazz clubs that were frequented by iconic greats during an era when musicians were still prohibited from staying in white hotels. The Five Points area was their safe space.
A great tour operator to consider is the Five Points Business District Walking Tour.
2. Afternoon
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After you get the lay of the land, head to the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library. There, you can get to know more about Denver’s Black history through archives, photos, and other media forms.
Another excellent resource for Black cowboy culture, homesteading and more is the Black American West Museum. The building is currently undergoing renovations but is slated to open in February 2022.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite for lunch— and still within Five Points— grab a seat at Welton Street Café. The longstanding neighborhood staple is family-owned and serves up some of the area’s best fried catfish, wings, and more. The restaurant is currently raising money to move into a bigger space this year.
Looking for a light snack? Smith + Cannon Ice Cream co. has you covered. Try flavors like: honey, Thai tea, butterbrickle and more.
3. Evening
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Catch a show at The SOURCE Theater Company. According to the website, it is “a non-exclusive African-American theater company dedicated to cultivating an ensemble of indigenous artists to create original theatrical works of cultural and historical significance in the African-American tradition.”
*Be sure to check the website for COVID-19 updates and show dates first.
After your show, try local beers at a few of the area’s Black-owned breweries— after all, you’re in the nation’s beer capitol. Hogshead and Novel Strand are a few options. There is also Rising Sun Distillery where you can try local spirits.
4. Day 2: Morning
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Start your day at a neighborhood favorite, Coffee at the Point in the heart of Five Points. Come for the coffee and breakfast sandwiches, stay for the book clubs, professionals of color networking events, and more.
Next, make your way to the History Colorado Center to view the Black in Denver exhibit (through Mar. 5, 2022) and the Brick & Soul photo exhibit by Armando Geneyro (through Jul. 30, 2022).
5. Afternoon
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For lunch, do a little food truck hopping. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: Smokin Bones BBQ (BBQ), Toby’s New Orleans Po’Boys, and The Ethiopian Food Truck. For all, be sure to check social media pages for weekly schedule and location information.
After lunch, grab your camera and selfie stick and head over to The Culture Museum. You’ll have a ball snapping photos in front of the unique installations that feature moments from Black culture. The owners tap local Black artists to create the rooms in the museum, too.
6. Evening
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Spend a few hours relaxing before heading out for the evening.
Once you’re recharged, Nocturne is a modern jazz and supper club that celebrates Denver’s rich jazz heritage through the art of hospitality, and the combination of good food, music, and cocktails. There’s nothing better than ending the day with great food and live music.
