By Claire Walter, Sunset Magazine

1 - Denver Art Museum. Outside, it's a visual symphony of smooth planes and sharp curves, suggesting dynamic mountain peaks. Inside, rooms showcase African, Oceanic, and American Western art, as well as modern and contemporary works.

2 - Civic Center Park. For natural beauty and crisp fall air, stroll a few blocks north of the museum, to Denver's lovingly landscaped park. Bordered by W Colfax Ave, W 14th Ave Pkwy, Bancock St, and Lincoln St.

3 - Camera Obscura Gallery. One of America's oldest fine-art photography galleries. Closed Mon; 1309 Bannock St; 303-623-4059.

4 - Walker Fine Art. A spacious gallery specializing in contemporary multidimensional works. Closed Sun-Mon; 300 W 11th Ave; 303-355-8955.

5 - Palettes. The museum 's restaurant, with chef Kevin Taylor at the helm, is a destination in itself. $$$; 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy; 303-354-1455.

6 - Gateaux. Pop into the patisserie for pretty petits fours and double-fudge brownies. Closed Sun-Mon; 1160 N Speer Blvd; 303-376-0070.

7 - Nine75. The trendy restaurant-lounge is best for après-art happy hour. $$$; 975 Lincoln St; 303-975-0975.

8 - The Brown Palace Hotel. The destination hotel in metro Denver for more than a hundred years, the full-service Brown Palace wears its age well. You can't say you've been to Denver, until you've at least had a cocktail here.

9 - State Capitol. You can't miss its golden dome. Head up to the 15th step, where you'll be at exactly 5280 feet - one mile - above sea level.

10 - Denver Public Library. Designed in the 1990s by celebrated architect Michael Graves, it holds the largest collection of books between Los Angeles and Chicago.

Related Links:

• Sunset Magazine: Denver's Trendy LoHi
• Sunset Magazine: Metro Denver Day Trip
• Sunset Magazine: Soak Up Sun, Fun In Denver's Uptown
• Sunset Magazine: Denver's Feisty Art District