where should a girl go for a taste of Denver?
 

Yes, it's another Californian looking to move to CO. I'm from the Silicon Valley and looking to take a 3 day weekend to get a taste of Denver and the surrounding areas to see if CO is the change I'm looking for. I'd like to understand which neighborhoods have decent priced condo's or single family homes close to a downtown area - somewhere I can walk to get a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning and then stroll to dinner / dancing that same Saturday night.
I'll be looking for employment in high tech - I understand there's a tech center area. However, I also gathered that there can be quite a bit of snow in that general area. I'm prepared for snow, but I've never lived in it so I'll need to ease in to it, if possible.
Any ideas, guidance, general info anyone can provide is GREATLY appreciated.

Welcome to the cellar, vttegrl. I leave your request for Denver info to those more qualified than myself. However, I can tell you we're glad you're here and with a screename like vttegrl, you should probably check in here too.

I suggest Cherry Creek. Its relatively near the tech center area and its a fairly good neighborhood in Denver where you can do the things you mentioned - walk to coffee shops and clubs with pretty decent music, there's a terrific independent bookstore called the Tattered Cover and you also can walk to a huge city park and the Denver Botanic Gardens. I used to live in Cherry Creek and liked it a lot.

Boulder is a fun university town, but VERY expensive. However, if you are used to Cali prices, you might actually find Boulder reasonable.

Avoid Colorado Springs like the plague unless you are right wing, fundamentalist whacko in which case you'd feel right at home! ;)

Thanks Marichiko - I'll do a little research based on your response. Sounds like Cherry Creek is a great starting point. Know of any decent hotels which would be a good representation of the area?

There's the Marriott at Cherry Creek and the Wyndham (sp?) at the Tech Center. I believe the Wyndham is the less expensive of the two. I've never had to stay in a hotel in Denver, but I've heard people say good things about both. The Brown Palace right in downtown Denver has loads of historic interest (its the oldest hotel in Denver) and is supposed to be a fun place to stay. Its a bit pricey, as is the Marriott. The Wyndham, which I understand goes for around $95/night is probably the best deal for your money. If you want to spend less than that, I suggest anywhere but Colfax Avenue. There are some good places there, but, in general, a Colfax Ave address is to be avoided.

Good luck!

Is it just me, or does anyone else get curious when someone says 'avoid this place' or 'whatever you do, don't go there'?

The Google Earth map view of the center (E meets W) of Colfax looks pretty normal, if a few too many large buildings. Nice looking park. Is a hotel on Colfax Ave. like finding a hotel on Central Park in NYC?

Great - I like the Wyndham. Thanks again for all of your help. I'm hoping to head over there in the next couple of months!

Strange...I *like* Colorado Springs. Most especially, I like Manitou Springs right next to it.

Colorado Springs is fun to visit. Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Old Colorado City. There's a lot of neat things for a tourist to do and see. Living here is like a personal hell. I know there's people that like it here, but they're cut from different (dumber) cloth than people like Mari and I.

That was a cheap shot. If I offended anyone by making the "dumber cloth" joke, I promise I meant everyone but you.

I finally got to Cripple Creek last weekend. I had never actually been gambling, let alone in a casino. We got all dressed up and hit the Double Eagle. I had a pretty good case of beginner's luck, and walked out of the casino with 230 dollars after dropping about 140.

Oh, and Manitou Springs is cool. I would live there.

We're house shopping in Piney Creek - a "division" of Centennial - I'm working in the Tech Center - it's a really nice business area, and it's great not to have to go downtown. If you have kids, check out Piney Creek, and Parker. GREAT schools. If you want to go north, I hear Fort Collins is pretty cool too.
Checked out the Denver Zoo last weekend - once we finally freakin found it, it was a really nice zoo.
Tried to get tickets to the Kings/Avs game Wednesday, but didn't feel like blowing $300.
Going to check out "Halloween With Horses" in Parker tomorrow.
Yes - I am very glad I got the hell outta L.A.

In that case, you may want to postpone moving until spring or summer. Moving to a cold place at the onset of winter is the opposite of easing into it. ;)