Denver's New Union Station

It's worth your time to stop by Denver's Union Station to grab a cup of coffee or cocktail and walk around to admire the asthetics of this marvelous space.

Denver residents and tourists can now take advantage of a fully functional train, light rail, and bus terminal. Plus, there is a whole lot more that this place has to offer. The renovated building is located at 1701 Wynkoop St. in the heart of the lower downtown area or LoDo as it is called. Previously, this was an abandoned rail yard but as of last year, it has re-opened as a train terminal that in addition to serving as a transit hub, also houses retail space, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and even a hotel.

There was no question about it, this was a fantasic place to duck into to escape the rain that was begining to hinder my morining walk.

Immediately when I entered the terminal, I noticed the elaborate design that showcases the building's extreme openness and enabled my view of the striking gold light fixtures that were hanging down from the ceiling.

In the center of the building is a large lounging area. The very inviting glam style decor was sophisticated and tastefully executed in that it maintains just enough subtlety to provide a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere. I loved the white walls outlined with contrasting black bordered windows. The furniture consists of gray tufted and black leather couches. There are large community tables that were well lit with gold lamps providing group work areas. Whether intentional or not, you kind of get the feeling that you are in a more stylish, animated version of a library. It seems to be a gathering place for people to work, socialize, read or study while having the relaxing new age music preside in the back ground. If I had brought my laptop with me, I probably would have ended up spending many hours here in one of the comfy couches or leather chairs just working away on my blog.

But instead, I meandered around looking like an intrigued tourist, snapping photos and popping in and out of the different shops which included a home decor shop, flower shop, book store, and a specialty artisian food market.

Encompassing the perimeter of the retail and lounge area is The Crawford Hotel which is a 110 room hotel that can be accessed only by a private elevator for guest. The hotel is closed off to the public until 4:00 daily when the hotel bar opens so I was not able to get a sneak peak but I have a feeling I'll be finding my way back there soon. Perhaps I will make a return visit as a guest of the hotel with my husband when we decide to take a weekend trip to Denver. The many local breweries in the Denver area will surely be a bargining tool that I will use to lure him here. Shouldn't take much coaxing.

Serving as a focal point of the massive terminal building is The Terminal Bar which is architecturally beautiful. Its design reminded me of a modern English pub, very charming and stylish. Again, the predominate black and white theme with gold accented decor makes a very dramatic statement.

The menu consists of a variety of different German inspired dishes such as the German Beer Brat, the Elk Jalapeno Cheddar Brat, Tender Belly Hot Dog (served with German saurkraut). All of the food on the menu is prodived by Acme Burgers and Brats which is one of the vendors in the trerminal. As for as the beers go, the selection included many different local Denver brewed beers such as the Denver Brewing Co's Graham Cracker Porter, Funkwerks Saisons and Dry Dock Apricot Blonde Ale. The cocktail list is equally as appealing featuring such drinks as the Chili Vodka Avocado; a concoction made with green chile vodka, avocado syrup and lime juice, also the LoDo funk Cup which is made with gin, Pimm's #1, lime juice and a saison beer. These are just to name a couple. I could go on about the very unique drink menu. There is also plenty of different wines sold by the glass or bottle. It goes with out saying that I was sure wishing that I had come here during cocktail hour rather than earlier in the morning but that just gives me another reason to return to Union Starion's Terminal Bar on another trip. Some of the other restaurants in the terminal included Stoic and Ginuine, Fresh Exchange, Merchantile, and the Cooper Lounge.

Overall, my morning exploration in denver's LoDo area turned out to be very productive and inspiring. Visiting Union Station left me with a new optimism and excitement for the people of Denver, for they will be able to reap the benefits of this Terminal for years to come. Not only because of the beauty and asthetical aspects, but also because of the functionality that it will provide in giving the residence and tourists a new and improved, more stylish way to travel.