Under $100: Denver, Colo.

Denver, Colo., sits in a picturesque valley on Colorado’s High Plains just east of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The stunning, beautiful setting sits above a cosmopolitan culture and a strong, diverse economy that supports major energy producers, big financial firms and innovative technology companies. The great park system and proximity to incredible natural assets makes Denver among the healthiest and most active U.S. cities.

The city is extremely affordable relative to many other major American cities, making it a great place to stretch your vacation budget.

© Frederick Matzen | Dreamstime

Begin your day at Beatrice and Woodsley for brunch, Denver’s most romantic restaurant. The restaurant launched a new brunch menu and expanded its hours. Dive in on the apple pie pancakes with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream for $12, or the eggs Johnny Fever with pan-fried Goetta sausage on onion bread with sunny eggs, mustard hollandaise, peas and roasted cauliflower for $14. Sip on a Lambrusco mimosa served in a flute with sparkling Lambrusco, fresh orange juice and tonic for $10.

Work off brunch by hiking North Table Mountain Park. The flat-topped remnants of an ancient lava flow are just 10 miles west of downtown Denver. The park encompasses 15 miles of hiking trails, including the scenic and easy North Table Mountain Trail. For stunning views of downtown Denver, the High Plains and foothills ascend Lincoln Peak via the trail of the same name. Entry is free.

Cool down and sip on a beer, or a flight! Colorado has numerous craft breweries. Wynkoop Great Divide brewery offers free tours. Order bar bites ‘Koop Calamari or Pulled Pork BBQ Nachos for $11 at Wynkoop and pair it with the Belgian Tripel Monk-Y Business or the Pale Ale Mile High, both available all year.

Denver Public Library and Museum of Art © Benkrut | Dreamstime

Take in an exhibit at the Denver Art Museum and view more than 70,000 works of art. If you happen to visit on the first Saturday of the month, admission is free but every other day admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, military and college students and free for children 0–18. Get there early, unless you enjoy large crowds.

Cap off the day at To the Wind. You will be hard-pressed to find a more intimate dining room anywhere in Denver. Chef Royce Oliveria and his wife run the gem reminiscent of a Parisian café. The menu is rooted in classic French recipes. Order the monkfish, potato gnocchi, braised veal and oyster mushrooms for $29 or the Greek Meagre, with roasted cauliflower romesco, wild rice and burnt lemon, for $27. Sit at the bar for a view of the kitchen. Reservations are not accepted, but the restaurant holds the table for you for 15 minutes or will give you an approximate time of availability when calling ahead.