Denver, Colorado, known as The Mile High City, is a wonderful city with beautiful mountain views and lots of wondrous attractions to explore. In Colorado, there are miles of hiking and adventures to pursue, from the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater to local favorite Casa Bonita and much, much, more. Colorado has something for everyone during your stay for The Montessori Event 2025.

Dining and Recreation at the Gaylord

The Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center offers not only great views and welcoming accommodations, but also has many onsite attractions and dining options for guests. If you are in the mood for the highest quality beef, fresh seafood, caviar, artisanal cheeses, house made desserts, craft cocktails, and fine wines that the Gaylord has to offer, If you are in the mood for a traditional English pub dining experience, then look no further than The Fortunate Prospector. The menu pulls inspiration from traditional English roots featuring such dishes as fish & chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and sticky toffee pudding. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy some drinks and snacks with panoramic views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains, then check out the Embers Lodge Bar with their savory small plates and Colorado-inspired cocktails. The Gaylord also has quick dining options, coffee and tea bars, and the Mountain Pass Sports Bar with their 75-foot flat-panel TV that is perfect for cheering on your favorite team! Learn more about all the dining options at the Gaylord Rockies.

But the Gaylord has more to offer than just the food, drinks, and sights. The Arapahoe Springs Water Park (open year round) offers a three-acre aquatic paradise including indoor and outdoor heated pools, waterslides, a 720-foot-long lazy river with bubblers and a rocky grotto, sunbathing decks, and private cabanas with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

The Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center also has a Topgolf Swing Suite with interactive simulators that offer a variety of golf and non-golf games if you are interested in playing 18 holes, or just hitting some practice swings, all while not leaving the resort.

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Be sure to visit The Montessori Event 2025 page to learn more and secure your place online or in-person!

More Dining Options in Denver

If you are looking for entertainment and dinner, Casa Bonita is a Denver staple. You can have dinner and drinks while watching cliff divers and puppet shows. If you are interested, make sure to make reservations in advance! If you are seeking out a spot to dine that has vegetarian or vegan options, True Food Kitchen has a variety of choices crafted with seasonal and quality ingredients in mind. The Pig and the Sprout is another location offering not only meat options but also vegetarian and plant-based meals. City o’ City is another fun “plant forward” restaurant and bar. For vegans, Watercourse Foods serves a from-scratch, fully plant-based menu, while Bang Up to the Elephant serves up curry and plant-based Caribbean-inspired dishes.

In Aurora, near the convention center, there are many spots to grab a bite to eat with colleagues and friends. The food stalls at Mango House offer a variety of cuisines from Asia and Africa. The Denver Biscuit Company, voted Best Breakfast 2024, is a breakfast spot that makes everything in house, from their pickles to the local honey butter. If you’re craving dumplings or noodle bowls, try Nana’s or Mason’s. Ted’s Montana Grill is an American grill serving everything from burgers to bison and steaks, with gluten-free options. The Lazy Dog boasts gluten-free options and a weekend brunch menu. If it’s a craft beer you’re after, Colorado is also renowned for its breweries, with 80 in Denver and 150 in the greater metro area. Whether you are looking for a sit-down meal, a quick bite, or a spot to enjoy a drink with friends, there is something for everyone in the Denver area!

Where to Explore

Denver has many attractions for all interests and ages. One of Denver's most popular interactive art venues, Convergence Station, is Meow Wolf’s largest permanent exhibition and provides attendees with a unique experience. Union Station offers not only 9 different dining options, but also boutiques for shopping, including the Denver pillar Tattered Cover Book Store. If you want more books (and also a great selection of stationery), Shop at Matter is a hidden gem. Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace is a sprawling shopping and dining destination, with 50+ vendors housed in a former aviation manufacturing facility.

If the Colorado outdoors is more your speed, there are tons of options to explore. The Red Rocks Amphitheater has incredible views, amazing live events, and is a great natural space for yoga, hiking, and exploring during the day. Rocky Mountain National Park has 415 square miles (265,807 acres) of incredible natural areas. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing, we recommend checking out the meadows found in the montane life zone and the glistening alpine lakes tucked in the towering mountain peaks. If you are looking to tackle a 14’er, Pikes Peak has hiking trails leading to the top, but driving is also an option.

If relaxing in the beautiful views and natural landscapes is appealing to you, then we suggest checking out the many Colorado Hot Springs located in the state. There is nothing like taking a soak in these natural springs.

Where to Learn

Denver also provides opportunities for learning outside of The Montessori Event. Check out the Wings Over the Rockies: Air and Space Museum, located in Hangar 1 of the former Lowry Air Force base. Here you can learn about iconic aircrafts, space vehicles, artifacts, military uniforms and much more. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers a variety of special exhibitions and experiences, and is the premier natural history and science Museum in Denver. Visit their webpage to check out the latest exhibits! At the Denver Art Museum, they work to build a world where art sparks creativity, and connects, inspires, and empowers people and communities. They have many exhibits and beautiful works to view, but they also offer creative classes. If you want to get a closer look at some large wild animals, The Wild Animal Sanctuary offers their ‘Mile Into The Wild’ walkway that allows visitors to walk above the animals, providing an incredible experience while reducing stress of human interaction for the animals. And finally, if state history and government is an area of interest for you, a tour of the Colorado State Capitol Building provides a look at the beautiful Colorado rose onyx that the building is made of, and a look at the history of the state.

See You There!

The Montessori Event is the largest global gathering of Montessori professionals, aligned with AMS's core values of respect, integrity, diversity, inclusiveness, responsibility, and enthusiasm. This year's conference celebrates the 65th anniversary of the American Montessori Society and will feature a captivating array of festivities, including an exhibition museum showcasing the AMS's rich history, the anniversary gala honoring our influential figures, and the Friday night party to dance through the decades.

Whether you're joining us in person at the stunning Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center or virtually through our online platform, we are excited to welcome you! Virtual attendees will have access to the online exhibit hall, livestreams of keynote and spotlight sessions, and recorded sessions available throughout the event weekend. Most content will remain accessible until April 12, 2025, allowing you flexibility in your participation.

Bookmark this page for your travel planning needs, and check out the map of Denver below!

As you prepare for your time in Denver, don’t forget to pack water, sunscreen, and lip balm—Denver’s altitude can be dehydrating! We can’t wait to grow, learn, network, and make lasting memories together in March, whether in person or online. See you soon!

Map of Denver with All the Recommended Spots!