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Top Friend-Date Locations In Denver

16th Street Mall (credit: CBS)16th Street Mall (credit: CBS)
Now that May is here, the sun is shining and it's time to get out to enjoy all that Denver has to offer. The month of May is also brings National Best Friends Day, so why not celebrate the most important people in your life with an afternoon or evening of fun activities for you and your BFF? From local museums to restaurants, malls and plenty of outdoor activities, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the sunshine in Denver. Here are five fun ideas to get your friends-day outing started.
History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 447-8679
www.historycolorado.org

Price: $12 for adults/$10 for students and seniors/$8 for children

Denver has many fantastic museums, and you can easily enjoy an afternoon getting lost in any of these great local hot spots, but one of the best is the History Colorado Center. There are lots of exciting exhibits to check out here, from permanent exhibitions like "Denver A to Z" and "Destination Colorado" to traveling exhibits like the recent hit "Toys" and the currently running "El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement in Colorado." This local museum is a wonderful place to spend a few hours with a couple of good friends as you explore the many different stories that have helped to make Colorado great.

The Source
3350 Brighton Blvd
Denver, CO 80216
(720) 443-1135
www.thesourcedenver.com

There are lots of fantastic spots all over Denver for foodies to find special treats and The Source is just one of those must-visit places. This 1880s brick foundry building has been converted into an artisan food market where you can stock up on everything from carefully prepared meats, baked goods, coffee, craft beer, gourmet cheeses, flowers and more. There are often fun events and movie nights at The Source or you can just go with a few friends to get lost in the different specialty shops. The Source is a unique way to shop for gourmet treats, so make a day of it and bring a friend or two to experience this great Denver hot spot.

Related: Top Historical Sites In Denver

Red Rocks Amphitheatre
18300 W Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
(720) 865-2494
www.redrocksonline.com

One of the most iconic locations in the Denver area is also one of the most beautiful natural amphitheaters in the world. You already know that Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a great place to see a concert, but did you know that it's also the perfect place to visit during the day for some picturesque hiking? When it's time for a break, swing by the visitor's center to check out the history of this amazing venue, or just enjoy the stunning panoramic views as you and your bestie climb the stairs or just wander around the massive park. Spending an afternoon at Red Rocks is truly spending an afternoon in the best Colorado has to offer.

Sie FilmCenter
2510 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 595-3456
www.denverfilm.org

You may be amazed at the robust film community in Denver and there is no better way to get to know the independent film scene than to visit the Sie FilmCenter. From small film festivals to larger ones, from short-run movies to larger nationally-known independent flicks, there is always something exciting happening at this great center. In fact, the Sie FilmCenter is the only nonprofit organization in Denver that is dedicated to understanding film and film culture. So if you and your buddies are fans of the cinema, try something off the beaten path and check out a flick at the Sie FilmCenter. Once you visit this great movie theater, you'll certainly be hooked and will want to return often to check out many more great independent movies.

Related: Top Bars With History In Denver

16th Street Mall
16th Street
Denver, CO 80265
(303) 534-6161
www.16thstreetmalldenver.com

This mile-long pedestrian mall is more than just the heart of the city of Denver, it's also one of the best places to enjoy a day with a friend or two. The mall was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and has a free shuttle bus that travels the length of the mall. You can hop on and off the shuttle as you and your pals stop at all the great shops, attractions and restaurants, enjoying the day and celebrating everything that is truly, uniquely Denver. With more than 42 outdoor cafes to choose from, you'll have no shortage of things to do when you spend some time on the 16th Street Mall with your best friends.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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