The City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the High Plains, just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Denver downtown district is located immediately east of the confluence of Cherry Creek with the South Platte River, approximately 15 miles (24 km) east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Denver is nicknamed the "Mile-High City" because its official elevation  is exactly one mile, or 5,280 feet (1,609 m) above sea level.  The 105th meridian west of Greenwich passes through Union Station, making it the reference point for the Mountain Time Zone.

The United States Census Bureau estimated that the population of Denver was 610,345 in 2009, making it the 24th most populous U.S. city. The 10-county Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated 2009 population of 2,552,195 and ranked as the 21st most populous U.S. metropolitan statistical area and the 12-county Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area had an estimated 2009 population of 3,110,436 and ranked as the 16th most populous U.S. metropolitan area. It is also the second-largest city in the Mountain West after Phoenix. Denver is the largest city in the Front Range Urban Corridor, an urban region stretching across eighteen counties in two states. The population of the Front Range Urban Corridor is estimated at 4,251,663. The city has the tenth-largest central business district in the United States by population.

Looking for Denver Restaurants?   by Nick Shelton

Eating out during travel trips is one of the main attractions of any vacation plan. If you are traveling to Denver and are unsure as to where to begin your culinary adventure, we can tell you about the most popular restaurants in the city. Some of the top names that come to mind while discussing eating out options in Denver city are the 1515 Restaurant, Vesta Dipping Grill, Lime and Panzano.

The Vesta Dipping Grill is one of the finest restaurants in the city. Built in the year 1997, the restaurant is a prime example of classic appeal and ageless modernity. Named after the Goddess of the Hearth, Vesta, the restaurant has been done up in warm tones and sensual colors that bring together a surreal atmosphere and an intimate feel. The décor of the restaurant is known for its ethereal appeal, with a sculpture of the Six Vestal Virgins finding a place of honor by the host stand. The bars, the awning and the soffit of the bar are supported by a number of steel sculptures that have been crafted to add to the eclectic appeal of the place. An exposed grill with open flames and blow glass lights make a fiery and passionate atmosphere. The restaurant has been built at 1822 Blake Street in Denver and has won a number of awards and accolades for design and décor. The Vesta Dipping Grill is open from Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm. From Friday to Saturday the restaurant is open from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Panzano is another acclaimed restaurant in the city, located at the address 909 17th Street at Champa in Denver. The restaurant has been built close to the 16th Street mall, at the corner of the 17th and Champa. The restaurant has won a number of accolades and applause for its interiors, the cuisine and the ambience of the joint. Based around the motto "Chia mangia bene, viva bene" which means "those who eat well live well", the restaurant is headed by Chef Elise Wiggins and her staff of trained professionals. Dedicated to the finest dishes of Northern Italian cuisine, the restaurant has become a hallmark of excellence and professionalism. The restaurant is a blending together of the most prominent determinants of any quality restaurant- food, ambience, décor, theme, and location and service. The food at the restaurant is cooked using the freshest produce, local ingredients, organic and seasonal spices and indigenous foodstuffs. With its perfect amalgamation of a modern setting with a traditional appeal, the restaurant makes for an excellent dining experience. With special lunch and dinner menus along with a widely celebrated wine collection, Panzano is a heavenly experience.

Visiting Denver means dining in Denver and with the restaurants mentioned above and many more awaiting your discovery, we know you'll have the time (and meal) of your life!