Places Political People Love: Colorado lawmakers, staffers and public policy leaders share their top tips for enjoying your time in the Mile High City. You're welcome.

• Author: Schley, Stewart
• Position: Denver

Colorado Senate President Pro Tern Kerry Donovan doesn't really want to divulge where Denver's best bar is--but in the spirit of NCSL camaraderie, she will. Ditto for U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, who knows where you can find the greatest Mexican food in town (subject to some respectful disagreement). If you're angling for a day hike, we've got just the ticket, courtesy of Colorado legislative research analyst Alexa Kelly. And House Minority Leader Hugh McKean is here to tell you where to rub shoulders with lawmakers and lobbyists over a beverage.

From sunny hiking trails to memorable meals to the trippy but irresistible attraction known as Meow Wolf (read on), there's no shortage of fun and festive places to visit during your stay in the Mile High City.

But don't take our word for it. We've asked a kaboodle of Colorado legislators, staffers and public policy leaders for tips, hints and ideas about how to get the most from your visit. If you've got a few hours to spare during your Summit experience, try out one of these can't-miss ideas for exploring and enjoying, all within reach of downtown Denver. Fire up your smartphone, hitch a ride and enjoy!

Pro tip: "Travel time" below reflects about how long it takes to get to each destination from the Colorado Convention Center by car in moderate traffic. Many locations also are walkable. All addresses are in Denver unless indicated otherwise.

EATS/DRINKS/MERRIMENT

* Anise

* 865 N. Lincoln St.

* anisedenver.com

* Travel time: 5 to 10 minutes

* Recommended by: Drew Naismith, legislative aide

This modern Vietnamese eatery, nestled just a few blocks from the Colorado Capitol, is a popular hangout for legislators, lobbyists and foodies. Summer hours run until 10 p.m. for you late-nighters. Don't leave Denver without trying the Anise Deluxe Banh Mi, billed as "the best sandwich in the world."

* Bread Bar

* 1010 Main St., Silver Plume

* Travel time: 60 to 75 minutes

* breadbarsp.com

* Recommended by: Senate President Stephen Fenberg

This one's a bit of a drive--but it's a lovely one, straight west on Interstate 70 to a small mountain town that was once a mining epicenter and still drips with local, rustic character. It happens to be Fenberg's favorite bar for a reason: He owns it. ("I'm kind of biased," he admits.) Converted from an 1800s bakery, it's guaranteed to make for interesting conversation, colorful local characters, and a memorable drive into Colorado's Rocky Mountain splendor.

* Buckhorn Exchange

* 1000 Osage St.

* buckhorn.com

* Travel time: 5 to 10 minutes

* Recommended by: Amanda Clapham, information specialist, Legislative Council Staff

This rustic, only-in-Colorado haunt is just steps from Denver's 10th and Osage light rail station and boasts two claims to fame. First, it was issued Colorado Liquor License No. 1, the city's first, after Prohibition. Second, you'll find an impressive collection of wall-mounted deer and elk heads admiring your meal and drinks from above. Clapham lauds the Buck for its "super-kookie Old West decor with lots of game on the walls and a steak-heavy menu." That plus a killer happy hour make it an easy recommend.

* The Capital Grille

* 1450 Larimer St.

* Travel time: 5 to 10 minutes

* thecapitalgrille.com

* Recommended by: Colorado Senate Minority Leader Hugh McKean

Wanna become an instant Colorado legislative insider? Go no farther than this iconic watering hole and steakhouse for politicos, lobbyists, staffers and...