Summer is in full force here in Denver and this heat wave is no joke! There are many ways to hide from the heat, mainly ducking into any shop or restaurant to enjoy their blasting air conditioning, but we like to find ways to embrace it while still keeping cool.
Whether it’s stopping by our favorite neighborhood ice cream spot, having a picnic in one of Denver’s many parks or enjoying a cocktail on one of our favorite patios, there are many other ways to hide from this heat while still enjoying summer!
6 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT IN DENVER
#1 TRIP TO A LOCAL DENVER ICE CREAM PARLOR
Photo: ©The Every Hostess
Ice Cream is your 90 degree weather best friend! The best way to cool down after a fun day outside is with a delicious, locally made ice cream scoop (or cone, whatever you prefer). Denver is filled with many delicious ice cream shops that cater to all your flavor desires (even for my vegan friends!)! Here, are a few of our favorite stops:
- Little Man Ice Cream (psst..don’t stand in the big line for the main shop, there is a smaller stand to the left of the shop which offers just as many flavors!).
- Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
- Liks Ice Cream
- High Point Creamery
- Sweet Action Ice Cream
#2 ENJOY A PICNIC AT THE PARK
Photo: ©The Every Hostess
Have a picnic in the park! Pack a basket with all your favorite goodies, our go to is our favorite cheeses and charcuterie selection from the grocery store (or hit up The Truffle Cheese Shop), watermelon, cherries, and most importantly a delicious beverage! Additionally pack a blanket, cups, napkins and a fun park game to play – we love bocce ball. Find a shaded spot under a tree and set up your spot to enjoy for the afternoon and don’t forget to pack plenty of water!
#3 SIP COCKTAILS AT AN OUTDOOR PATIO
Photo:©The Every Hostess
Have a cocktail out on one of our 10 favorite outdoor patios! There is nothing better than a refreshing cocktail to beat the heat with! An aperol spritz at Hedge Row, sangria from Barcelona, a spicy margarita from Comida or a locally made beer from Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co., are all perfect spots to cool down. Here, are some of our favorite patios to go to to beat the heat.
- Hedge Row
- Barcelona Wine Bar
- Sol Mexican Cantina
- Berkeley Untapped
- Comida
- Denver Central Market
- Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company
- El Five
- Avanti Food and Beverage
- Quality Italian
#4 OUTDOOR FRIENDLY MATCHES AT WASH PARK
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Gather your friends for a game of volleyball in Washington Park! “Wash Park” (as we like to call it), has one of the biggest gatherings of volleyball tournaments in Denver! It may be too late to join the league now, but you can still get a group of friends together to go play your own game in the park.
#5 BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHT
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Host a backyard movie night! There is no better way to beat the heat, literally because it will be cooler in the evening, than with a backyard movie night! If you don’t have a screen you can easily hang up a sheet against your fence or garage. Set up blankets and pillows in your backyard, along with libations and snacks! You have yourself a simple movie night! Don’t have a backyard to do this? Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosts movie nights on Tuesday evenings. Additionally the 88 Drive-in Theatre is another great go to.
#6 SHOP AT A LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
Photo: ©The Every Hostess
Head to one of Denver’s farmers market to collect ingredients to make a fresh meal! There are many great farmers markets on different days around the city. A favorite being the South Pearl Street farmers market on Sunday’s from 9am – 1pm. You are bound to find delicious local goods to make a fresh summer meal! Another great way to enjoy the market while beating the heat is gathering a few goodies you find throughout the stands like fresh goat cheese, lemonade and a personal favorite, Kettle Head Popcorn, and have a picnic in a shaded spot nearby.