5280 Magazine

Founded in 1993, 5280 is the largest local magazine in Colorado. The magazine's stories often make national headlines, and since 2005 5280 has been nominated for four National Magazine Awards. Get 5280 Magazine digital subscription today.

5280 Magazine

Tops In My Book

SPENCER CAMPBELL

First Light

LoDo Redux • July marks a decade since Union Station reopened following its $54 million renovation in 2014. In honor of the anniversary, the depot is getting another touch-up, this time to the tune of a mere $11 million. Check out these five new(ish) neighborhood eateries and experiences where you can toast the landmark’s second second wind.

Over Yonder • A scandal closed State Forest State Park’s rental yurts in 2022. This Steamboat couple is finally bringing them back.

THREE OTHER STATE PARKS WHERE YOU CAN BED DOWN IN A YURT

Natural Intelligence • If Denver’s dry climate and clay soil dampen your gardening dreams, you might lose your gourd over Flora.

Painting A Picture • A new Denver Art Museum exhibit offers a glimpse into life at a WWII Japanese American internment camp.

Into The Woods

Plant Kingdom • With the help of a new chef, five-year-old Somebody People continues to rule Denver’s vegan scene.

TASTE THE RAINBOW • The noodle dishes, sushi, and salads produced by these Front Range restaurants prove that you don’t have to practice veganism to enjoy plant-based cuisine. Even omnivores will adore these four venues.

See Spot Litigate • In Colorado, a growing number of attorneys are dedicating their practices to four-legged defendants.

Reasons To Love Denver • From the hippest new restaurant to the coolest bookstore, we tracked down the best of the Mile High City. Here, our curated list of editors’ picks, complemented by our readers’ choice winners.

How • we selected this year’s Top of the Town honorees.

TOP NEW RESTAURANT • Alma Fonda Fina

2024 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

TOP COFFEESHOP • LaTinto Café

TOP CHEF • Carolina Zubiate

LOCAL GLOBAL EATS • Denver’s roster of far-flung cuisines is ever-expanding. Try these five spots for amazing diasporic foods.

TOP DESSERT • The Cake Bar

TOP DELI • Blackbelly Market

ALL–AMERICAN FARE • OK, yes, cultures the world over have their own versions of—and claims on—these culinary traditions, but our homegrown iterations are just as good as (if not better than) any other.

TOP KIDFOCUSED ENTERTAINMENT • The Museum for Black Girls

TOP PLACE TO GO DANCING • Stay Tuned

TOP THEATER COMPANY • Theatre Artibus

TOP AUTHOR • Rebecca Yarros

TOP COCKTAIL MENU • Desert Social

TOP BAR • Emerald Eye

TOP BREWERY • Westbound & Down Brewing Company

TOP HAPPY HOUR • Cochino Taco

TOP SPA • Pure Elevations Spa & Garden

TOP BIKE SHOP • Treehouse Cyclery

TOP FLORIST • Rowdy Poppy

TOP PLACE TO BUY BOOKS • Petals & Pages

TOP FITNESS STUDIO/GYM • Viv Cycle

TOP LOCAL JEWELRY DESIGNER • Young In The Mountains

TOP FLY SHOP • Anglers All Fly Shops & Boathouse

TOP BARBER • R&R Head Labs

TOP HIKE WITHIN 90 MINUTES OF DENVER • Denver Orbital Trail

THEY CALL THE THING RODEO • Rodeoing ain’t easy—not for those looking to stay in the saddle nor for the people behind the chutes, who make riding, racing, and roping possible. But in towns across Colorado, where the sport lassos residents to their past and binds them together in the present, the payoff is worth the pain.

COLORADO’S COWBOY MYTH • In small towns and medium towns, and even in big cities, there has long been a rodeo...