For a relaxing day in the spring, summer, or fall the Denver Botanic Gardens offers a tranquil oasis in the city.  Located about two miles east of downtown, it’s easy to catch the #10 bus from 17th Street, and find the entrance just two blocks south on York.  If coming from Cherry Creek it’s a 10 block walk up Josephine, (or choose a quieter parallel side street).  Or the #24 bus runs operates about every half hour.

To the west of the gardens (walking along 9th or 11th Avenue) is Cheesman Park, which is a great place to walk and take in views of the skyline, mountains, and adjacent mansions and modern high rises.

Through the spring and summer the gardens offer concerts in the evening.  For nearby coffee or a meal visit the Congress Park neighborhood (my home) and dine at Chef Zorbas greek restaurant or Diedrichs Coffee, just four blocks east on 12th Avenue.  Nohana Sushi is five blocks north up York on Colfax.

Denver Botanic Gardens web site.