"Zoom out. What's the story here? Union Station, Denver's so-called "living room," sits in the center of Lower Downtown. It's a busy transit center with an outdoor play fountain, patio-filled restaurants, and boutiques. But this is all new; for decades the historic Beaux Arts building—constructed in 1881 before several fires required renovations in 1914—was a desolate and run-down train station, struggling to find purpose after the heyday of train travel in the 1930s ended. A $54 million restoration and a dedicated train to the airport changed all that. The station’s Grand Hall has returned to its glory days, with huge chandeliers; the original ticketing office transformed into a bar. Milkbox Ice Creamery is in the old Union Station barber shop, showcasing terrazzo floors, subway tiles, and original antique mirrors. It’s all free to explore, although a beer from the Terminal Bar or scoop of ice cream certainly improves the experience. What’s the vibe? Union Station is a bustling hub of activity, with travelers wheeling suitcases, young professionals camped out over coffees and laptops, and families stopping in for a quick breakfast or lunch. What if we've never been here before? Explore the Grand Hall for free or head to the Crawford Hotel —the only hotel inside Union Station—for weekend tours. What's the crowd like? Tourists and locals alike come to gawk at the historic architecture, linger over drinks, or enjoy community events, including a weekend farmer’s market. Did it meet expectations? Much like Denver itself, Union Station is a blend of old and new. The Grand Hall is a gorgeous example of how to restore a historic building, while the modern, swooping train platform located directly behind the building is an Instagrammable stopover in its own right. Expectations couldn’t have been higher when Union Station reopened in 2014, and since then it’s lived up to the hype. So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for? Big spenders can quickly tour Union Station. Grab a farm-to-table dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision, then finish the night slinging cocktails at the Terminal Bar. Likewise, those on a budget can take in the sights with a simple coffee or ice cream. In other words, Union Station offers something for everyone." - Megan Barber
