Jets road trip 2011: Denver

The Jets travel to Denver to take on Kyle Orton and the Broncos on Nov. 17. If you're flying out for the game, here's a quickie travel guide of 10 things to do and places to see while you're in town. Use the comments section at the bottom to share your favorite places.

1. 16th Street Mall
Downtown, Denver, Col.
303-534-6161
denver.org

Great for midday shopping, relaxing and eating, the 16th Stret Mall is a mile-long stretch in downtown Denver. A pedestrian mall, the walk is lined with trees and often features entertainers throughout the day. There is a diverse selection of food, ranging from chain restaurants to outdoor cafes.

2. Coors Brewery
13th and Ford, Golden, Col.
303-277-BEER
millercoors.com

A trip to the world's largest brewing site is a must when you visit Colorado. Visitors go on self-led tours to see the brewing process from start to finish. The tours usually last about half an hour. The best part? Samples afterward in the hospitality area . . . just make sure to bring ID.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park
970-586-1206
nps.gov

If you're going to be in Denver the day before or after the game, a day trip to the Rocky Mountains is worthwhile. The park includes 76 mountains over 412 square miles. Be ready for an elevation shock, too. The valleys are about 8,000 feet above sea level, while Longs Peak maxes out at 14,259 feet. A visit can include fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding and climbing.

4. Colorado Avalanche
1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
303-405-1100
avalanche.nhl.com

Catch Denver's other winter sports team at the Pepsi Center. The two-time NHL champs have hit a rough stretch of late, but have a rich (albeit brief) history since moving to Colorado in 1995. The Avalanche are home in 2011 the night after the Jets play the Broncos, taking on the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m. local time.

5. Boulder, Colorado
303-442-2911
bouldercoloradousa.com

Boulder is a great alternative if you are looking to stay outside the city. A 30-minute drive from Denver, Boulder has a wide array of things to do, with a bustling downtown area, 200 miles of hiking trails, and the Pac-12's Colorado Buffaloes. The football team is on the road in UCLA the week of the Jets' 2011 trip to Denver, but a trip to the campus is worthwhile based on the surrounding scenery alone.

6. Larimer Square
1430 Larimer St., Denver
303-534-2367
larimersquare.com

Retail stores and Applebee's not for you? Head to Denver's shopping district, marked by locally owned shops and restaurants. You can visit Larimer Square during the day or night, with several clubs open late. If you plan on eating dinner in the area, make reservations at TAG.

7. Lower Downtown Historic District
1616 17th St., Denver
303-628-5428
lodo.org

LoDo Denver is known most for its plethora of restaurant and club options -- including local breweries and sports bars -- and its dozens of art galleries. There are several hotel options in the area also, including the Oxford Hotel and the Hyatt Regency. Urbanspoon suggests Osteria Marco and the Vesta Dipping Grill as the best eateries in the area.

8. Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver
720-865-5000
denverartmuseum.org

The Denver Art Museum's architecture will make you think you are in Colorado's version of the Museum of Modern Art. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the museum consists of a pair of eye-popping buildings. Inside, Native American art is showcased with over 50,000 works.

9. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain, Golden, Col.
303-526-0744
buffalobill.org

William Fitzgerald "Buffalo Bill" Cody was one of the defining figures of the "Wild West." Cody, who earned his nickname as a buffalo hunter, earned a Medal of Honor while serving in the Army, and then enjoyed a career as a showman. The museum honors the folk hero with both permanent and temporary exhibits. You can also visit his grave, which overlooks the plains, as per his request.

10. Winter Park Resort
85 Parsenn Rd., Winter Park, Col.
970-726-1564
winterparkresort.com

A little over 60 miles from Denver, Winter Park Resort is one of the premiere outdoor sporting centers in Colorado. Visitors can go mountain biking, get lift tickets, ride on an alpine slide and much more. Also, be sure to check the events calendar near game day for seasonal options.