Denver Travel: The City vs. The Mountains

Let’s start here because many people believe that Denver is in the mountains, and while that’s technically true, you still need to travel outside of the city to be in the mountains. Winter Park is a great place to do mountain activities and also see more Black folks. Strawberry Park Hot Springs has the most magical hot springs, as the snow-capped mountains serve as the perfect landscape.

Ski Noir 5280 is a great resource for mountain tings as they are working hard to diversify the mountains. They offer training and equipment as a means of support so that more of us take over the slopes.

Wellness and Self-Care Experiences in Denver

Denver has a variety of Black-owned businesses and wellness services designed to help you prioritize self-care. BodyLove by Tal, for example, offers organic skincare products created to heal, nourish, and restore your skin naturally. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, the Potted Peace Project promotes racial healing through plant love, offering plants and nature-centered events.

If you're more into holistic wellness, Sound Baths with Courtney offers guided meditations and sound baths that can provide much-needed relaxation and healing energy. Urban Sanctuary and Charismatic Movement Yoga also offer yoga classes to help you find balance, both physically and emotionally.

Beauty and Haircare Services in Denver

Finding a trusted haircare provider can be essential to maintaining your confidence. Denver has a variety of Black-owned beauty salons, including B&B Beauty Supply in Aurora, where you can find all your hair care needs, from extensions to braids. For specialized braiding, Tay, The Braid Bestie, is known for her work with knotless braids and feed-ins, offering services to both men and children.

If you're looking to keep your hair on point, Official Micah specializes in sew-ins, frontal wigs, and high-quality hair products, while Stylez by J’Nice at Timeless Designs in Aurora offers a range of hairstyling services, from natural hair to weaves to a buss down boho knotless style. Janice has been getting me together for years, and I adore her hands.

Looking for a MUA? Tatiana Artistry and Angela Ranae are the best to ever do it. And if you need your nails did, I only trust the Nail Transformers with my fingertips. They also offer pedicures, lash extensions, facials, and more.

Denver Cultural Activities and Nightlife

Denver offers a host of cultural events where Black women can connect and feel represented. One thing that shocked me when I first moved was that the Juneteenth Music Festival is one of the city’s major cultural events, celebrating Black heritage with music, food, and community. For a unique art experience, visit The Museum for Black Girls, which celebrates iconic moments in Black culture through its interactive selfie installations.

When it comes to nightlife, you’ll find some great spots catering to the Black community. If there’s Munchies & Mimosas happening while you’re in town, get that ticket. This event that mixes culture, cuisine, and music in one unforgettable experience. If you love a good night out, The Lobby is another must-attend spot, where you can enjoy great music, hookah, bottle service, and a lively atmosphere.

Vibes in the Park is also a wonderful space dedicated to connecting us with our roots. From park events to networking, it’s always a vibe with this gang.

If you’re into fashion, you’ll want to check out Color of Fashion. They are transforming the fashion industry by advancing inclusivity, diversity, and racial equality.

Honestly, if you’re looking for specific moves and vibes, follow the Mile High Tribe and Community Keis on Instagram — they keep you up-to-date on the Black and brown spaces and events going down.

Shopping Black-Owned in Denver

Supporting Black-owned businesses in Denver is easy, with several options around town. Be a Good Person offers streetwear that promotes positivity, while Rachel Marie Hurst and M.Bolden Boutique provide luxury fashion, including custom handmade pieces. For high-quality, eco-friendly apparel, check out The Common Collective, a Denver-based brand committed to sustainability and social impact.

Whether you're looking for unique clothing or just want to support local Black entrepreneurs, Denver's shopping scene has something for everyone.

Green Spaces is also an amazing community hub for Black and Brown folks. From Black & Blossomed, which serves up flowers for the culture to Migas Coffee with the best matchas, it's a one-stop shop to grab some goodies and co-work.

Food for the Soul

Denver’s food scene is as diverse as its community, with several Black-owned restaurants offering soul food, BBQ, and Southern cooking. Mattie's Soul Food is a family-owned spot that brings the flavors of the South to Denver, serving everything from collard greens to chicken and dressing. Another great spot is Saucy Southern, known for its delicious southern-style BBQ wings and soulful meals.

For brunch lovers, Mimosas is a retro-inspired restaurant that serves up creative comfort food alongside its namesake beverage. If you're craving a taste of New Orleans, Nola Jane’s, and Four Friends Kitchen have you covered with gumbo, po’boys, other classic dishes, and collard greens to die for.

Living your best life as a Black woman in Denver means finding spaces that celebrate your identity, support your wellness, and connect you with the community. Whether you’re indulging in self-care at a yoga class, enjoying a soulful meal, or dancing the night away, Denver has plenty to offer.

Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.