Top Spots For Free Wi-Fi In Denver

Living as we do in this age of connectivity, we take for granted the ability to connect to the Internet. Fortunately more places than ever are jumping on the Wi-Fi wagon, sharing their signal with those needing to stay in touch 24/7. When we have to pay for Wi-Fi, we do it, but not happily. When we can log on at no cost, we we're all cyber-smiles. Here are some of our favorite "hot" spots.

Barnes & Noble

Multiple Locations
barnesandnoble.com

Bookworms can surf the shelves and the Web at any Barnes & Noble bookstore, all of which now offer free AT&T wi-fi. Sink into one of the comfy overstuffed chairs scattered among the bestsellers or grab a table at the store's café and sip a Starbucks grande latte or tall Frappuccino. Weekend mornings are sometimes a bit crowded but rarely will you be shut out of a spot to set up. Plus, bookstores still exude that library aura, meaning minimal noise… just the way we like it.

Denver International Airport

6951 Tower Rd
Denver, CO 80249
(303) 342-2000 (888) 547-4947
flydenver.com

DIA provides free Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the airport - in Jeppesen Terminal and at A, B, and C gates. Your wireless device should automatically detect and connect to the public wireless network. If for some reason you need to connect manually, use the airport's service set identifier (SSID) of DIAFREEWIFI. It's case-sensitive, so use all capital letters. Need more information about DIA's Wi-Fi service? Stop at an airport information booth. Our only caveat: come fully charged, those hunkering down for a long online session or who need a recharge may have to look hard for an available outlet.

Panera Bread

Multiple Locations
panerabread.com‎

Panera was among the first quick-casual restaurants to offer free wi-fi, making it popular among the gotta-stay-in-touch-every-minute crowd, so popular that Internet users are politely asked to keep their online time to 30 minutes or less during busy lunch hours. Still Panera is among the most user-friendly of bakery-cafes with ample floor, wall, and sometimes even above-head electrical outlets, allowing laptop users to plug in instead of draining their batteries. Many of the newer locations have carved out "quiet" rooms more conducive to worker-bees than chatty groups or families. Another plus: if you lose yourself in your work, you are only steps away from a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and oh-so-tempting pastries.

Pearl Street Mall

1048 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 449-3774
boulderdowntown.com/connect/wireless

Boulder's highly acclaimed Pearl Street Mall pedestrian zone (11th to 15th Streets) and nearby downtown streets are equipped for wireless service, which makes every café a Wi-Fi hotspot. In the chill of winter, order a cup of something hot and settle in. On warm days, set yourself and your mobile device down outside and work away. To connect, you'll have to get an access code at most places.