Traveling While Black Across America RoadTrip: Stop #2 - Denver, CO
Welcome to the second stop of our Traveling While Black Across America (Volume 1) series! A little background on this series, we decided to hop on the road to take (and document) a roadtrip from Wentzville, MO to Billings, MT.
Our show Traveling While Black usually has us in the Pacific Northwest or flying to international destinations, but we realized that many don’t know what middle America is like OR how safe it is for Black travelers. So, we decided it was time for us to expand our show to help those who may be wondering what it’s like to drive and stop in four cities: Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; Cheyenne, WY; and Billings, MT. For each city we will provide our typical ratings too: Drive Grade, Level of Fun, and Comfortability For Black People! This is our review of our stop in Denver, CO!
The Overview
Denver, also known as the Mile-High City, offers a lot of Black history and culture. To learn more about that Black history, we started our journey within the historic Five Points neighborhood, by taking a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood!
Five Points: The Harlem of the West
The Five Points neighborhood was bustling with Black-owned businesses ranging from clothing stores to grocery shops and even dry cleaners. A notable landmark within this neighborhood is the historic Denver Fire Station No. 3, a symbol of safety and community for the residents (we got a chance to tour it too!).
Us on the Five Points District Walking Tour.
Jazz also played a pivotal role in shaping Five Points' identity. Thanks to a local musician, George Morrison, the district attracted legendary artists like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, thus earning its nickname “Harlem of the West.”
Unfortunately, like many historic Black neighborhoods across America, Five Points faced decline due to factors like continued redlining and the construction of a light rail. This led to the area being declared blighted in 2012. Despite these challenges, vibrant Black businesses and motivated individuals are working tirelessly to preserve the neighborhood’s character and heritage. To learn more about the Five Points District head here.
Drive Grade:
Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO
Let’s talk about our road trip experience, or what we call our Drive Grade Rating. Here’s how we broke down the drive from Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO. The drive is typically 9 hours, but ours took a lot longer because we decided to stop at some historic Black history landmarks along the way. The first landmark stop was in Topeka, KS at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park. This park and museum is housed at the historic Monroe school building where the landmark cases started. This is a stop you should definitely make! Not only is it history, but Topeka is the capital of Kansas - so there are ample restaurants and gas stations in this city.
Next we stopped at the Buffalo Solider’s Memorial in Junction City, Kansas. This memorial is great if you’re interested in the history of the Buffalo Solider’s and need a food or bathroom pit stop. Junction City is very close to Fort Riley, so you’ll see a big military presence in the city.
Us at the Nicodemus Historical Park
The last Black history stop in Kansas before we stopped into before Denver was in Nicodemus, KS. The Nicodemus, KS National Historical Park commemorates: (from the park website) “Formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky at the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction period to experience freedom in the "Promised Land" of Kansas. Nicodemus represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.” This is a wonderful place to visit! It is slightly off of 70, so you will need to go through many small towns before you make it to this park and to get back on I-70. So be sure to get gas in Hays, KS before you stop here. Also be sure not to speed through those small towns on the way to the park and on the way back to I-70.
Now let’s get into the drive grade rating:
Quality of Views: 0/2 points - Unfortunately, the drive through Kansas was flat and boring. Even though that was expected, we can’t give any points for views.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 points - The abundance of gas stations and fast food options along I-70 makes this drive a lot less stressful. You won’t have to worry about going hungry or without gas.
Route Simplicity: 2/2 points - I-70 provided a straightforward route with minimal traffic and few highway switches (except on our stop to Nicodemus, KS).
Roadside Attractions: 2/2 points - We discovered some incredible stops that we spoke about above. Another attraction we saw was the OZ museum in Wamego, KS! Marlie loves the movie Wizard of Oz, so this was a must do!
Quality Parking Options: 1/2 points - While parking was ample in Kansas City, it was more challenging in Denver aka the cost of parking was steep!
Overall, we rated our drive from Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO a 7 out of 10.
Level of Fun Rating: Denver, CO
The sign at the entrance of the Historic Lincoln Hills
Denver offers a wide variety of activities for all demographics. During our time in Denver, we took a walking tour of the Five Points Neighborhood, had the chance to tour the historic Lincoln Hills Resort (Learn more about Lincoln Hills and Lincoln Hills cares here), and check out two Black owned establishments - LeFrench restaurant and Novel Strand Brewing and Taproom. LeFrench was one of the best restaurants we’ve eaten at in awhile! We even tried escargot for the first time, and to be honest… we liked it! Novel Strand Brewing had a great atmosphere. The beer was great and the people were super friendly. We recommend going to Novel Strand if you’re looking for some quality beer!
Here’s how we evaluated Denver's fun factor:
Quality of Activities: 2/2 points - From exploring the historic Five Points district to enjoying the craft beer scene, Denver has something for everyone. You won’t be bored here!
Demographic Applicability: 2/2 points - The city caters to a diverse audience, offering activities suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Affordability: 1/2 points - Denver is on the more pricier side, especially in comparison to midwestern cities. However, it is more affordable than our home city of Seattle.
Quality of Restaurants: 2/2 points - We had fantastic dining experiences, especially at the Black-owned establishments, Novel Strand Brewing Company and Le French.
Special Events: 2/2 points - Denver hosts numerous events, including a Juneteenth Music Festival and the Five Points Jazz Festival. Plus Denver has 5 major sports team. There’s always a special event happening in this city!
Overall, we rate Denver a 9 out of 10 for Level of Fun.
Comfortability for Black Travelers: Denver, CO
Us in front of the Denver capital building
Comfortability for Black travelers is crucial. Denver’s Black population is only 8%, however we did see and meet a lot of other Black visitors in the city. One of those interactions was with KweenWerk a Black outdoor creator and co-owner of the Inclusive Guide. The Inclusive Guide that helps you find inclusive destinations around the world!
Here’s how we rated Denver for our Comfortability for Black People Rating:
Amount of Other Black People Seen: 1/2 points - Although we saw a good amount of Black people, it was significantly less compared to Kansas City.
Most Recent Black Population Numbers: 1/2 points - As we mentioned before, Black or African American non-Hispanics make up only 8% of Denver's population. A pretty low population amount for a major US city.
Prevalence of Black History: 2/2 points - The rich history of Five Points and landmarks like the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library highlight Denver's contributions to Black history. Plus being known as the Harlem of the West, shows the significance of Black History in the city.
Visibility of Inclusion Signs: 1/2 points - There were fewer explicit signs promoting inclusion compared to other cities we’ve visited. We expected to see more in Denver.
Our Personal Feelings of Comfort: 2/2 points - We felt comfortable and welcomed throughout our visit to Denver, CO. The friendly interactions and diverse establishments made it a great and comfortable experience for us. We would definitely go back!
Overall, we rated Denver an 8 out of 10 for Comfortability for Black People.
Our Final Thoughts on Denver
Denver scored well across all categories, making it a destination worth exploring for anyone. We can’t wait to return and dive deeper into the city’s history and culture. Next up in our TWB Across America Roadtrip Series is Cheyenne, Wyoming – stay tuned to see how it compares to Kansas City and Denver!
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Watch our full YouTube episode on our experience in Denver!
From Seattle to Quito: A Travel Adventure
On our latest adventure of "Traveling While Black," we went from Seattle to the vibrant city of Quito, Ecuador. Of course the episode was not just about the destination but also the journey, which was an experience in itself.
"The Journey from Seattle to Quito: An Adventure in Ecuador"
On our latest adventure of "Traveling While Black," we went from Seattle to the vibrant city of Quito, Ecuador. Of course the episode was not just about the destination but also the journey, which was an experience in itself.
Traveling from Seattle to Quito was no easy feat. Our journey began with an early morning flight, followed by a layover in Atlanta, and finally, a six-hour flight to Quito. Upon arriving, we were greeted with an hour-long taxi ride to our hotel in Old Town Quito. The return trip, especially from the Galápagos, was even more challenging, highlighting the need for strategic planning when traveling to this part of the world.
Despite the lengthy travel time, the allure of Quito made every moment worthwhile. We recommend breaking up the trip if possible, especially on the return journey, to ease the travel fatigue.
Once in Quito, we were mesmerized by the city's blend of colonial charm and modern vibrancy. Our exploration with Metropolitan Touring took us through the heart of the city's cultural and historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into Ecuador's diverse heritage.
Our accommodation at Casa Gangotena, a boutique hotel with a rich colonial history, added to the charm of our stay. The hotel's location in the Old Town provided easy access to local attractions and a stunning view of the city's historical landscape.
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the Old Town Quito walking tour. Guided by local residents, we immersed ourselves in the city's culture, meeting local artisans and experiencing traditional cuisines.
Our journey from Seattle to Quito, while challenging, was a testament to the wonders that await those who venture beyond their comfort zones. Our overall travel grade for this trip is a 2 out of 5, considering the complexities of the journey.
However, the experiences and memories we gained in Quito are invaluable, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and adventure.
Discovering the Rich Cultural Tapestry of Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to the latest entry in our "Traveling While Black" series, where we take you through the heart of Ecuador, exploring its vibrant capital, Quito. As seasoned Seattle travel guides, we were thrilled to embark on this journey, discovering the city's rich cultural tapestry and historic charm.
"Exploring Quito: A Seattle Travel Guide to Ecuador's Historic Capital"
Welcome to the latest entry in our "Traveling While Black" series, where we take you through the heart of Ecuador, exploring its vibrant capital, Quito. As seasoned Seattle travel guides, we were thrilled to embark on this journey, discovering the city's rich cultural tapestry and historic charm.
Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern living. This metropolis, nestled in the Andean highlands, boasts some of the best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. Its cobbled streets, lined with colonial mansions, churches, and plazas, are a testament to the city's Spanish and indigenous past.
During our visit, we partnered with Metropolitan Touring, a company with 70 years of experience in showcasing Ecuador's wonders. Our stay at the luxurious Casa Gangotena, a restored historic mansion, was nothing short of magical. The hotel's architecture, overlooking Plaza San Francisco, gave us a glimpse into the city's fascinating history.
Our exploration took us on an Old Town Quito walking tour, guided by local residents. This immersive experience, arranged by Metropolitan Touring, allowed us to connect with artisans, shopkeepers, and traditional healers. We savored local cuisines, participated in a chocolate workshop, and marveled at churches dating back to the 16th century.
Quito’s culinary scene, reflecting the country’s diverse ecosystems, was a delightful surprise. From traditional Ecuadorian lunches to sampling the world's largest exporter of chocolate, our taste buds were on a journey of their own.
While our travel from Seattle to Quito was a bit of a trek, involving connecting flights and layovers, the destination's allure made every minute worth it. Our experience in Quito gets a resounding 5 out of 5 for the level of fun and cultural enrichment.
Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue to explore Ecuador, a country rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. And for fellow travelers from Seattle or anywhere else, Quito is a must-visit destination on your travel list!
Navigating the Streets of Quito - A Black Traveler's Perspective
In this installment of "Traveling While Black," we delve into our recent travel vlog experience in Quito, Ecuador's enchanting capital. As Black travelers, our journey through this historically rich city was filled with eye-opening discoveries and valuable insights.
“Traveling While Black: Our Experience in Quito, Ecuador’s Enchanting Capital”
In this installment of "Traveling While Black," we delve into our recent travel vlog experience in Quito, Ecuador's enchanting capital. As Black travelers, our journey through this historically rich city was filled with eye-opening discoveries and valuable insights.
Our adventure began with a walking tour through Quito's Old Town, guided by locals. This initiative, designed to support grassroots organizations, allowed us to delve deep into the heart of Ecuadorian culture.
We navigated through vibrant markets, met local artisans, and even indulged in a chocolate-making experience that included tasting.
One striking aspect of Quito is its Roman Catholic influence, visible in its majestic churches that have stood since the 16th century. These architectural marvels are not just religious landmarks but also symbols of the city's deep-rooted history.
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco Square, Quito, Ecuador
As Black travelers, our interactions in Quito were overwhelmingly positive. The warmth and hospitality of the locals were evident in every smiling face and welcoming gesture. Whether it was shopkeepers, tour guides, or fellow diners, we felt an immediate sense of belonging.
However, our experience wasn't without its challenges. During our stay, we encountered a moment of unease with the local police at the Quito airport, highlighting the complexities of traveling while Black. Despite this, our overall experience in Quito was incredibly fulfilling.
