4 Quirky Denver Excursions You Won’t Want to Miss

| Apr 03, 2018 | Uncategorized

In the Mile High City, it’s easy to find the more popular attractions to explore. After you’ve explored the major sites and are looking for more unique experiences in Denver, there are some fantastic offbeat attractions to check out. Some of these point to the rich history and culture of the city, while others simply highlight the quirky nature of Denver. Here are a few eccentric excursions to check out in Denver:

1. Denver Zine Library

If you aren’t yet familiar with zines, they’re basically homemade publications of independently-produced magazines that are usually about less conventional subject matter or subcultures. There are hardly any limits on the size, style, or subject matter. They can be anything from a small graphic novel of only 10 pages to a longer collaborative magazine including poetry and imagery from multiple artists. The subjects can range from politics to poetry, from comics to photographs and illustrations. The DZL originally started with 2,000 zines in the shed of one of the writers, but you can now find them at 2400 Curtis Street. Their original mission remains true — to create a zine community where people can borrow zines and inspire the future zine-making generation. Today, the writers Jamez Terry and Kelly Shortandqueer work to preserve DIY publishing culture with their vast collection of over 15,000 zines. They also create curriculum for classes at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, hold workshops, and sponsor the annual Denver Zine Fest. Check them out on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-3pm or by appointment.

2. Linger Eatuary

This next excursion is in the LoHi district of Denver, and it will surely satisfy your taste buds. Linger is one of the Mile High’s hippest spots to grab a globally-inspired small plate and a delicious drink. With a rooftop patio for warmer days and everything from Wagyu Sliders to Samosas, it’s no wonder this Root Down sister-restaurant thrives. What gives this seemingly normal restaurant its offbeat twist is its history. Upon approaching Linger, you’ll notice its rooftop neon sign that says “Olinger Mortuaries”. They simply adjusted the letters to light up saying “Linger Eatuaries”. This now hip restaurant transitioned from being Denver’s premier mortuary owned by the Olinger family. This family business not only organized many of Denver’s funerals, but also once housed the body of Buffalo Bill Cody. Today, it’s evident that the Linger owners have fully embraced its history as a mortuary — you’ll find tables made from metal conveyor belts, hanging lamps made from old A/C units, and a church pew in place of a host stand. To get a feel for Denver’s most morbid restaurant, stop by and meet a friend for their excellent happy hour deals.

3. Fifty-Two 80’s

For those looking to be transported back to the 1980s, Fifty-Two 80’s is your spot. This quirky nostalgia shop is packed will all kinds of old cult toys, vintage clothes, pop-culture icons, and any nostalgic fad you can remember from this decade. Located at 1874 S Broadway in an antiques district in southern Denver, this outlandish shop will satisfy your need for Cabbage Patch Kids trading cards, vintage Pepsi cans, old cassette tapes, vintage video game cartridges, and much more. You could easily spend an hour or two scouring through their stacks and boxes of collectibles of every sort. Fifty-Two 80’s is like a museum for all things 80s pop culture and memorabilia. Whether you grew up in the 80s, have a kid who did, or simply want to be swept back into this technicolor era, this shop is the perfect way to stroll down memory lane.

4. Buckhorn Exchange

Your final offbeat excursion in the Mile High City is at Denver’s oldest original steakhouse, Buckhorn Exchange. Located only 5 minutes from downtown at 1000 Osage Street, this restaurant was founded in 1893 and retains its historic feel with its taxidermy-filled decor. Inside you’ll find all kinds of stuffed animals adorning its red walls, as well as antique weapons. You may also notice their liquor license on display proves that they were Denver’s first. When you dine at Buckhorn Exchange, you’re also visiting a National Historic Landmark and Western Museum. As far as the menu, they offer many adventurous plates of “Old West” fare, including alligator tail, quail, buffalo sausage, pheasant, and famed Rocky Mountain Oysters. The restaurant claims that Buffalo Bill once visited, and they host an annual Buffalo Bill look-alike contest. Make sure to get a reservation and experience this one-of-a-kind dining destination.

Denver might not be quite as eccentric as its hip Boulder counterpart, but it certainly hosts some unique excursions nonetheless. Start with a few of these quirky spots to explore, and then venture out to stumble upon the multitude of other destinations hiding beneath the surface.