Denver, Colorado, has been my home for the past 20 years. And I’ve been a VetPartners member for 8 years. So, when it was announced that the 2023 VetPartners Mid-Year Meeting would be held in Denver July 11–13… well, let’s just say I was pleased that I’d be able to attend one of my favorite professional gatherings without having to hop on an airplane.
The Mid-Year Meeting is reason enough to come to Denver in July, but it’s not the only reason. The Mile High City offers an array of unforgettable experiences for visitors. So, if you’re planning to attend the VetPartners Mid-Year Meeting and/or the AVMA Convention, which is immediately following the VetPartners Meeting July 14–18, be sure to take some time for yourself and explore everything Denver has to offer.
Enjoy a unique dining experience
Casa Bonita is a Mexican-themed restaurant located just west of downtown Denver. The iconic spot opened in 1974 and became known for the unique experience—not necessarily its food quality. At the center of the restaurant was a large indoor lagoon, surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls. While dining, guests could enjoy a variety of live performances, including cliff divers, costumed characters, magicians, and mariachi bands.
In April 2021, the restaurant’s owners filed for bankruptcy, and Casa Bonita’s doors closed. But, in August 2021, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone announced that they would purchase the establishment and bring it back to life, planning to reopen in May 2023.
Today is June 1, and the grand opening has yet to take place. But local media personalities were recently invited for a sneak peek at the inside of the restaurant, and rumor has it that it will be opening any day now, with limited reservations. Will you be one of the lucky few to experience this one-of-a-kind restaurant when you visit Denver? Sign up now to get a chance (and let me know how the food is!).
Take yourself out to the ballgame
OK, OK…so, the Colorado Rockies aren’t great this year. (Hey, the Denver Nuggets play game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight, and the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022. We can’t have all the good teams.) That being said, if you’ve never enjoyed America’s favorite pastime at Coors Field, you’re missing out. The Rockies play a 3-game series at home against the New York Yankees July 14–16, so grab yourself some cheap tickets, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks, and root-root-root for the home team.
Watch a cabaret performance
I’ve been a Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) subscriber for a couple of years now, and I’m a huge fan. During VetPartners and AVMA July 12–16, you can walk over—seriously, it’s really close—to DCPA’s Garner Galleria Theatre, and enjoy “Miss Rhythm—The Legend of Ruth Brown.” According to DCPA’s website, “Before Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner, there was Ruth Brown. This intimate cabaret experience explores the life and times of R&B legend Ruth Brown through story and song, accompanied by a five-piece jazz band.”
Head for the hills
If you want to escape the city for a while, head west toward the majestic Rockies. You don’t have to travel far to find fun: Go for a hike near Boulder or head to Idaho Springs for a soak in the geothermal hot springs followed by a craft beer at Westbound & Down Brewery.
Listen to some live tunes
Regardless of your music preferences, chances are you’ll be able to find a concert you’ll enjoy this July in Denver. (Now, whether you’ll pay an arm and a leg for tickets is another story—Swifties, I’m talking to you.)
- Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Too Short will be at Ball Arena on July 12.
- Al Green will perform with the Colorado Symphony on July 12 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
- Paramore will perform at Ball Arena on July 13.
- Taylor Swift will be at Empower Field at Mile High on July 14 and 15.
- String Cheese Incident will perform at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 14–16.
In case this article didn’t convince you to head to Denver for the 2023 VetPartners Mid-Year Meeting, part 2 will dive into everything great about this year’s program: “Let’s focus on solutions.” Stay tuned, and click here to register for the meeting!
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