Denver CO

Got into the hotel last night about 7 pm.  It was touted as a Victorian bed and breakfast that had been built in the 1890's.  I believe that nothing had been done to it since the 1890's and there was no breakfast to be had.   On top of that, the area was not very nice.  Not wanting to go anywhere at that time of night we stayed but immediately made a reservation downtown at the Hyatt.  Lesson learned- stay with hotels you recognize.

When we walked into the lobby of the Hyatt, we just said "yes!"  It's lovely.  The downtown is lovely.  We are now happy.

Our Uber driver last night told us that Denver folks take all holidays very seriously and we certainly saw that today on St. Patrick's Day where at least every other person had some green on and we saw some pretty elaborately decorated people!

We left our luggage at the hotel and went strolling to the 16th street mall, a mile long walking mall full of stores and restaurants. Since it was a beautifully warm day today, the mall was very busy and as we wandered we saw that there was a parade on the next block so, of course, we had to see that!

Doesn't look all the busy here but we just lucked out with this photo

We ran into a filming of "America's Best Food Trucks" and this was one of two trucks involved

This has to be the best Union Station inside and out we have ever seen!  The parade came right in front.

Two other surprises today were the Denver Convention Center which was holding the Crossroads 2018 competition for girls volleyball.  An incredible building.

The building is huge and the entire front and sides are glass

The other big surprise was running into the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Everything in one place, parking, restaurants and multiple entertainment options

So we're off to dinner somewhere and we have until 6 pm tomorrow here and then back on the train to Naperville IL.