Top of the Town

We scoured the city to come up with nearly 200 deserving winners that make Denver such a killer place to live.

Colorado-rama

Export: Dale's Pale Ale
Lyons' Oskar Blues has gotten a lot of love over the years, gathering attention in the New York Times, Men's Journal, and even on The Today Show. Unlike other spotlight grabbers—ahem, Britney Spears—this attention has actually been earned. Quite simply, Dale's is the best beer—can or bottle. It's hoppy, strong, but eminently drinkable. And now that Oskar Blues is distributing across the country, the rest of America gets to savor our finest beverage.

Flower: Denver Daisy
The eponymous new Black-eyed Susan, named for the celebration of Denver's 150th Anniversary (Nov. 22) makes its debut this summer.

Song: Rocky Mountain High
Last year, John Denver's can't-help-but-sing-along ballad became one of Colorado's official state songs, thanks to state Senator Bob Hagadorn of Aurora, who got a resolution passed through both state houses. This, of course, earned Hagadorn attention from The Colbert Report. But before the jokes recommence: John Denver himself said the song refers to the high you get from the mountains.

Breakfast: Anything but the Denver Omelet
It pains us to admit it, but it's true: The one food named after our city is plain gross. Who orders this for breakfast, anyway? Cheddar, ham, green peppers. Bo-ring. Besides, none of the ingredients are particularly Denver-y. Now, if it came with buffalo sausage, some salsa, a dash of sour cream...You writing this down, Snooze?

Snack: Elk jerky
Go into any gas station in Colorado and you'll find plenty of jerky. But the best in the state is the elk jerky you'll find on the side of the road in the high country from some guy selling it out of the back of a semi-sketchy van. Next time you think, "That looks good," pull over.

Postcard-Worthy View: Independence Pass
The drive up Highway 82 is tight and narrow, but the top-of-the-world view at the summit is why postcards are printed.