By Jordan H. Whitlock, PhD
This November, the ASHG 2024 Annual Meeting will be hosted in Denver, Colorado, otherwise known as the Mile High City. In preparation for members’ arrival at the Colorado Convention Center, we interviewed ASHG member Martin Breuss, PhD, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, to obtain a local guide on the best brews, bites, and hikes to check out while visiting Colorful Colorado.
Interview With Martin Breuss, PhD
JW: As a proclaimed food lover, do you have any recommendations on places for attendees to eat?
MB: The conference area is conveniently close to Larimer Street and Square which boasts a plethora of restaurants and bars that are good. If individuals are willing to venture a little further, RiNO (River North Art District) is another great area for walking, drinking, and grabbing a bite. Larimer conveniently stretches from the conference center all the way to RiNO and has multiple food markets, such as the Denver Central Market with tons of options. Additionally, Union Station is another hub for great eats!
JW: With science-packed days during the conference caffeine is almost always a must; do you have a coffee or tea spot you enjoy?
MB: I am honestly not a coffee drinker although I would love to be. However, there is a nice tea house located near Union Station (reachable by car) called Babe’s Tea Room.
JW: Do you have a favorite brewery or brewpub in the area?
MB: Denver has an awesome craft brewery scene and taprooms with restaurants attached to them. I recommend Bao Brewhouse, Rock Bottom, or Stout Street Social closer to the Convention Center. In addition, Wynkoop Brewery is great near Union Station, or taking a craft beer tour if that is of interest.
JW: What are some of your favorite activities outside the lab for inspiration or to take a break from science?
MB: As a pro tip November in Denver can be very unpredictable; we could have quite a bit of snow or it could be beautiful and sunny. Confluence Park, located next to Union Station has a beautiful riverfront and urban whitewater courses. If people are willing to venture a little farther or stay a bit longer in Denver the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The outdoor venue will host concerts, even in November, depending on the weather. Aside from the music it is a great spot to visit and take in Colorado’s beauty. Slightly farther outside town about an hour away in Colorado Springs the Garden of the Gods is easily accessible for a stroll or a hike to check out the red rocks. If you do have access to a car a trip up to Boulder or Golden Gate Park is worthwhile for a good hike!
JW: With ASHG 2024 being hosted in Denver this year, what are you most excited about?
MB: I am excited for a lot of people to come and see Denver and experience it as well as have a good reason to pester people to come to ASHG to visit. I have definitely talked to a lot of friends and colleagues that they should attend so that we can chat about science and also hang out.
Below, you can also find additional places to eat, explore, and recharge while in Denver. All distances provided are based off of the Colorado Convention Center as a starting point:
Check Out Local Recommendations
Jordan H. Whitlock, PhD is a Medical & Scientific Advisory Board member at SETBP1 Society.