5 Places To Go After the National Western Stock Show

Don’t head straight back to the ’burbs after a day of mutton bustin’ at this year’s National Western Stock Show: The neighborhoods of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea offer plenty of urban appeal to balance out the stock show’s country charm. Below, our favorite hotspots near the stock show.

1. CSU Spur

Colorado State University’s two-year-old annex in the National Western Center offers a range of unconventional ways to learn about our world in its three buildings: Terra (land), Hydro (water), and Vida (life). If you’re a gardener without a green thumb, for example, bring samples of your sick plants to Terra and CSU will diagnose the malady for $30. If you have budding biologists in tow, head to Vida to watch surgeries (dependent on the day’s schedule) in the Dumb Friends League Veterinary Hospital’s operating theater. 4777 National Western Drive

2. Prodigy Coffeehouse

Prodigy Coffeehouse’s name is more than just marketing: It’s a mission statement. Over the course of its 12- to 18-month apprenticeship program, the cafe gives young Denverites the chance to increase their economic mobility by earning resumé-enhancing certificates and learning workplace leadership skills. So go ahead and indulge in an affogato—a shot of espresso poured over a vanilla scoop. It’s for a good cause. 4500 Broadway

3. Globeville Riverfront Art Center

Thanks to something that’s all too rare in Denver—affordable rent—more than 80 artisans have found space in this unassuming Globeville warehouse. You can catch a glimpse of their latest works on the first Friday of each month when the center opens its 1,500-foot gallery space to the public. Or swing by for occasional community events, including live art demos and open studio time. 888 E. 50th Ave.

4. Globe Music Hall

This laid-back, saloon-style venue isn’t just Globeville’s hub for live music; it’s also the neighborhood’s go-to spot for Southern fare. Carnivorous concertgoers can tuck into brisket platters and Nashville hot chicken, while vegans won’t miss pulled pork after they order the barbecue jackfruit sandwich. You don’t need a ticket to dine in the adjacent restaurant, but food is only available when there’s a show, so you might as well grab one to dance off that banana pudding dessert in the standing-room-only venue. 4483 Logan St.

5. Emmanuel’s Bakery

While you’d expect a panadería to offer plenty of traditional Mexican treats such as sweet bread conchas (pictured), this family-run spot is equally at home serving lunch staples like stuffed gorditas with your choice of filling. We’re partial to the fried pork belly burrito, but whatever you order, don’t leave without perusing the aisles of Mexican snack foods such as Duvalín, a candy cream that you can spread on crackers or eat with a spoon. 500 E. 45th Ave.