Denver’s Union Station hearkens back to the days of old with a futuristic appeal. The tall wooden benches are surprisingly comfortable and cool. The vast tall ceiling leaves lots of room to imagine where you might want a train to take you. The old tiled destination markers click and spin as one may see in a reminiscent movie.

Walk down the cool corridors and let them take you back. Breathe in and you can feel the hectic passage ways fill up around you in memory of Victorian Bustles and Overalls, all clamoring to get into the promise of the city. Take a break on the darker benches of the hallways and let the years and the history sink in. Gaze at the photos that line the walls, look into the eyes of the pioneering travelers, pick one that mirrors your spirit and introduce yourself.

Head on back to the counters and pick a destination. From Denver’s Union Station you can go to practically any point on the map after first boarding the California Zephyr Route. Treat yourself and travel in the luxurious atmosphere of a train, where you can see the land unfold before your eyes and get up to walk around at anytime. No need to worry about the seat back in front of you ending up in your lap!

Daytrips up into the mountains are a fantastic idea as well. Hop a train up to Winter Park in the summer to hike or to take a hay ride. In the winter, ride the Ski Train to the slopes. In any season it is the perfect solution to beating traffic and giving yourself a break.

Making Union Station a destination on its own is highly recommended. Step through where the Mizpah Arch used to be, look up at the sign, browse through the main station and down the dark hallways. Lift yourself up onto the platforms and gaze down the tracks. Listen for the trains and watch them come and go. The trains and the tracks are strong enough for whatever you may dream and Union Station will hold the memory for a lifetime.

Union Station is on what feels like the bottom of downtown, yet it is actually on the northern end. 1701 Wynkoop Street at 17th Avenue. Union Station is open from 5am to 10pm seven days a week. The ticket counter and baggage check are open from 6am to 10pm seven days a week. The 16th Street Shuttle stops at Market Street Station- only two blocks away.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Denver’s Union Station as shot by Flickr User mre770.

[photo-Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

If you are visiting our fine town you may not even notice the traffic as you can meander during the off peak times when the roads are clear and manageable. This is a viable solution. Though, here in Denver there is even a better choice for visitors and residents alike.

The Light Rail started its life here in Denver over a decade ago and has been building steam ever since. Its incarnation took some doing, for residents along the planned routes thought it would be too noisy and fought its being built for quite some time. Luckily, other neighborhoods were excited for it to be put in place and the rest is as they say- history.

It not only helps you beat the traffic, it helps the environment and many people’s sanity as well. No more driving, way more reading, or listening to music, or people watching. Even the short walks to and from the stations are beneficial to your health.

The fare ranges from $1.75 to $4.00 depending on how many zones you travel through. Bikes are allowed on board, and many routes let off near some great bike paths. Don’t worry, the Light Rail’s Routes all point to downtown so it is a great option for commuters, not just for the recreational riders.

Catching the Light Rail is simple- there are many stops throughout Downtown. Each stop has a ticket station with easy to follow instructions. Buy a ticket, get on board, and take the Light Rail to Union Station, to The University of Denver, Invesco Field, Littleton, all the way out to County Line Road! DNC 2008 participants- it even goes to The Pepsi Center. With 6 lines to choose from- the destinations are plentiful.

Post from: The Denver Traveler