Do you remember the first time you bragged about hiking a 14er? Or displayed impressive knowledge on the history of green chile in Colorado? Whether you’ve been here for just a few months or you made the Mile High your hometown decades ago, you’ve definitely experienced a moment when you realized this was your home. We rounded up a fun list of ways to answer the question: “You’re not a real Denverite until…”
You Treat Rockies Opening Day Like a State Holiday
Yes, the Rockies suck. But a true Denverite doesn’t care, because you’ll call in sick to attend an all-day happy hour starting at 9 a.m. if it revolves around wearing purple in LoDo on Game Day.
You Have a Wild Colfax Story
To know Colfax is to love Colfax — but it definitely takes some getting used to. You know you’ve really immersed yourself in Denver life when you can say “I saw a guy on Colfax just sharpening an ax like it was no big deal” and everyone nods in agreement like that’s a normal thing to see.
- More: Here's what goes in your "Colfax starter pack." [City Cast Denver 🎧]
You Can Tell All the Restaurateurs Named “Pete” Apart
Pete Contos was the larger-than-life figure behind Pete’s Kitchen, Pete’s Central One, Pete’s University Park Cafe, and Pete’s Greek Town (RIP). But there’s also Pete Turner of the Illegal Pete’s empire and for the deep Denver heads, Peter Chan of Peter’s Chinese in Congress Park.
You’ve Tailgated at Red Rocks
You know you’re a pro when you have a fave parking spot in the upper lot, your cooler is packed with both pre- and post-show beverages, and you have a parking lot party playlist tailored to the mood of the artist you’re going to see.
You Take Out-of-Town Guests to (Wait Hours in Line for) Brunch at Snooze
Taking your small-town relatives to a fancy spot for killer pancakes is one thing. Showing off our big city vibes with a three hour wait? Now that’s an impressive Denverite move.
You have an opinion about Elitches
Even if you never got to visit “Old” Elitch Gardens (which closed in 1994), you’re still aware of the amusement park’s storied existence. Plus, you might even be a season pass-holder who is concerned that “New” Elitches will move to the suburbs and become Elitches 3.0.
You Have a Beloved Denver Bar or Restaurant That Closed But You Still Talk About It
One of the most surefire signs you’ve cemented yourself as a true Denverite is when you’ve been here long enough to mourn the loss of a favorite dining spot or watering hole. If you can point at a building and say “I remember what that was four businesses ago!” Well, congrats — you’re officially Mile High ‘Til You Die!
