Located just an hour’s drive from the trifecta of ski resorts—Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge—and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains; Denver is scaling the ranks of the country’s most desirable places to live. And while Colorado’s capital city is a world class hub of winter recreations, a booming restaurant scene is on the rise, too. Brunch waits now rival those of its coastal counterparts. Sounds a little weird given Denver’s land-locked nature, but sushi is also popular here. Downtown, you’ll find Italian Trattorias, sprawling beer gardens, and a slew of coffee shops that range from pour over bars to laid-back, locals-only spots. Larimer Square forms the heart of downtown’s historic district and houses upscale restaurants fit for special occasions. On the outskirts of town, Red Rocks Amphitheater draws festival crowds for its outdoor acoustics and epic views.