To Do in Denver

Denver is an amalgam of rustic rurality and urban chic. The skyline's backdrop is a set of breathtaking, snowcapped mountains, yet its museums are world-class, its shopping highly respectable and its restaurants delectable. And you're always within a short drive of a rodeo.

Some of the best mac-and-cheese and spaghetti and meatballs can be had at Steubens, an upscale diner, or try a well-crafted pizza at Proto's, a regional chain. On the upper scale, try Rioja for the leg of lamb with goat cheese polenta, Bistro Vendome for its molasses-glazed duck confit, Tamayo for a prickly pear margarita or Mizuna for scallops if they're on the menu.

There are also the wonders of Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, distilled right downtown. Next door is Flying Dog Brewery. Both give tours, which might make for an interesting way to pass the time between sessions.

If you've eaten enough and need a non-museum break, Tattered Cover Book Store has a big selection of books and magazines and a cafe where you can inspect the wares pre-purchase. (It's also the host of an Emerging Museum Professionals evening reception during the meeting.) You might also like the flagship REI store with its mountain biking trails and indoor climbing structure, modeled after the sandstone bluffs of the Colorado Range.

Welcome to the Annual Meeting Blog!

It's T minus one month until the American Association of Museums' (AAM) 2008 Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo™, April 27–May 1 at Denver's Colorado Convention Center. If you're joining us in the Mile-High City, you have by now signed up—or are planning to register on-site—filled out a session preference form and decided which workshops, tours and evening events you want to attend. But what about the rest of your days in Denver? Take time between keynote speeches, On-Site Insights and Career Café™ visits to hit a biking trail or grab a home-brewed beer.

Museum magazine Editor in Chief Susan Breitkopf has listed a few of her personal Mile-Highlights. Everything mentioned here is within 1.5 miles of the convention center—an easy jaunt to-and-from between sessions.