Editor’s Note: This is a guest post written by Lauren Pescarus, for www.DenverDogJoggers.com
We aren’t the only species bored by taking yet another lap around the fire hydrant at the end of the street – even a visit to that same old park isn’t perking our ears any more. Both you and your dog need unique experiences and new frontiers to keep yourselves enjoying your regular walks, but sometimes it can be difficult to break into a new area. This is especially true if you have lived in the same city for a while or are just settling in.
Fortunately, we have compiled a whole list of neighborhoods you should know about when searching for new routes to walk Fido. While we tried to cover as many different areas as possible in Denver, many of them are do overlap some of the more populated neighborhoods. No matter where you live, though, you can be sure a happening hotspot is nearby for you to visit with your dog – whether you live in Stapleton or Capitol Hill.
1. Baker
Located in the West Central area of Denver, this historic district features historic homes which are nice for you to rubberneck, and wide avenues and tree-lined neighborhoods, tempting your pooch for a novel sniff. This area is adjacent to many of the more popular shopping districts (and café spots) so you’re just as likely to cross this neighborhood on your way to check out a new community event downtown as to purposely visit for a stroll.
2. Capitol Hill
Known as a Denver Mecca for artists and hippy-types (no offense if you’re currently wearing a flower crown), Capitol Hill offers both the most densely populated area on our list and the most varied in architecture. While it is a little difficult to park near, it does offer some of the best places to catch a coffee or visit a nearby park (both Lincoln Memorial and the Civic Center parks are located near this neighborhood). With so many local businesses, chances are good Fido is also allowed on the front porch at some, but always check before plopping down.
3. Cheesman Park
This part of Denver offers wide open parks, grassy manicured areas, and some local history as it is also a converted cemetery. Cheesman Park can be found in central Denver and has a long (and fascinating) history of changing hands throughout the development of Denver. It has served numerous functions and experienced many renovations. While you can take Fido out to the inviting park area, it also has some very interesting historic homes to take a look at if you get bored of playing fetch.
4. City Park
If you are looking for mostly green lawns with a dash of sidewalk, City Park is where you should head. It is bordered with residential areas but mostly offers open spaces, filled with grassy areas, water access, linked walkways to other parks, and is considered to be the best maintained for visitors. You’ll find this park in the Northeastern part of Denver, more towards central Denver.
5. Congress Park
Another park which went through multiple reinventions, Congress Park also used to be called Cemetery Hill. Due to the Denver area having such a rich mining history, many of the popular areas of the city once served as cemeteries to the dangerous profession. This park also has a public outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a nearby Botanic Gardens for the non-furry family members. If you are looking to practice urban socialization with your pup in town, this area has a nearby residential area that offers new experiences with traffic, children, and lawn mowers.
6. Lincoln Park
Located in the Northwestern part of Denver, this neighborhood offers the most variety in public parks, with the Sunken Gardens, Lincoln and Frog Hollow Parks also found in this neighborhood. It also has the Denver Art District on Santa Fe Drive, which creates an interesting sensory opportunity for your pooch as well as you. It also offers some of the biggest variety in scenery in general with trees, greenery and multi-family housing.
7. Park Hill
This neighborhood is located on the Eastern side of town and includes many single-family homes, a thriving historic district, and community outreach events to keep an eye on. While not all of our selections will include parks and outwardly canine-themed things to do, it is always a good idea to expose your pup to new environments (even when they don’t offer grassy areas). Park Hill offers new smells, unique textures under their paws, and novel sounds as many people bustle about their business in this area.
8. Five Points
Like many of the other neighborhoods on this list, Five Points has a rich history, not all of it cheerful. The Five Points has seen the most renovation, once being called the ‘Harlem of the West’ and inspiring a poor reputation for Denver. Once abandoned, it underwent a quick renovation in the 90’s and is now a recovering pedestrian area. It offers interesting urban areas to explore with as many sidewalks and historic buildings to appreciate as well as many recent community outreach programs.
9. Washington Park
This final neighborhood on our list can be found in Central Denver and includes both a thriving neighborhood and an urban park to stroll with your pup. Washington park has also gone through several renovations, even once having its design influenced by the Unsinkable Molly Brown of Titanic fame. Many even compare it to Central Park in NYC for its variety of manicured gardens, sprawling grassy area, running tracks and lake access. It also offers a nearby artsy store area, grocery stores, and a small shopping district for those looking to squeeze in some retail therapy while Fido is with a friend. This is one park you won’t want to miss!
If you are a resident of Denver (or are looking for a day trip to check it out) these neighborhoods are considered both the most walkable and the best areas to stretch the legs with your dog. While not all offer green spaces for Fido, because it’s Denver it means you are definitely likely to find a small park tucked in along the way. This Saturday, ditch the regular turn around the block and get out and explore one of these areas – it’s fun to make new friends in new neighborhoods (especially in Denver).
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