While the quarter is wrapping up and before long everyone will be off enjoying the summer, school is still in session and it’s certainly worth it to enjoy Denver and the amazing weather while still with all of your DU buds. Many students don’t get the chance to get off of campus very often, but Denver is an amazing city filled with culture and opportunities that many people simply don’t know are available. Below are five Denver staples that you should check out before the quarter ends.

1. The Bardo Coffee House– 238 S. Broadway

Located at 238 South Broadway, The Bardo Coffee House is everything that a coffee house should be. The atmosphere is perfectly cozy and artsy in a genuine way, not like a Starbucks that tries too hard to be. Work from local artists hangs on the walls and is available for purchase, supporting the Denver art scene. The coffee is rich and flavorful, and the warm caramel-drizzled cider is also definitely worth a try. But most of all, Bardo is a place that is filled with all the kinds of people you would want in a coffee house. One can happily and easily meet French backpackers, opera singers that work in IT, tarot card readers, disgruntled business people who decided to drop everything and travel the country, real hippies, native Denverites that know everything cool that’s going on in the city, or a number of other interesting characters. One can quietly sit and do homework, of course, but the real magic of Bardo lies in it’s ability to create beautiful conversations between complete strangers.

2. Confluence Park–
15th Street

Offering some of the most amazing views in Denver, Confluence Park is an often overlooked location perfect for enjoying the (hopefully) nice summer weather. Located where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River converge, you can sunbathe on the banks of the river (the closest you can get to a beach in Denver) and watch kayakers make runs down the rivers. The park also overlooks downtown and has a stunning view of the skyline. It’s a great place to have an end of the year picnic while getting to soak in the sun and the beauty of Denver.

3. RiNo Art District–
The area between I-70, I-25, Park Avenue West and Arapahoe

Just north of Downtown, the River North Art District (RiNo) is an interesting and unique place filled with the culture and curiosities. It is located in an area rich with creative businesses, including art studios, designers, architects, restaurants, illustrators, dancers, painters and much more. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon walking around and immersing yourself in Denver’s amazing art scene. For students who spend most of their time on campus, this is a perfect place to get out into ‘real’ Denver and experience the city’s unique culture.

4. Buffalo Exchange–
51 Broadway

Located on Broadway, a beautiful street full of curiosities, this thrift shop is a far cry from anything in a Macklemore music video. All of the clothing looks like something one could find in Urban Outfitters or Free People, but with far lower prices. Since the cutting edge of fashion is to look vintage and thrifty, Buffalo Exchange is a great place to actually be both of those things and not spend half of your paycheck looking like you are. Not only is the shop a great place to find inexpensive and stylish clothes, it’s also environmentally friendly. According to the EPA, 13.1 million tons of textiles were generated in 2010, 5.3 percent of total US solid waste. By buying gently used clothes, students can also feel good about making a positive impact on the environment.

5. Voodoo Donuts–
1520 East Colfax

Whether you’ve been here or not, you’re due for a trip to Denver’s most unique donut shop, Voodoo Donuts. Plus, if you’re leaving for the summer, it’s best to get your fix now before you can’t for three entire months. This Portland-born donut shop opened in Denver only a few months ago, but it already feels like a staple. Creative flavors like Bacon Maple Bar (sprinkled with real bacon), Captain, My Captain (covered with Captain Crunch cereal), or Voodoo Doll (human-shaped that patrons can stab with a pretzel stick) make eating at Voodoo a unique experience every time. With finals quickly approaching, studying over donuts may make everything a bit more bearable.

While the intense grind of the final weeks of school leaves little time for recreation, it would be of great benefit to students to let loose a bit and take some time to enjoy life. Just kidding, but really take time off from day-drinking and enjoy some of these spots while you’re still in Denver with your DU friends. It could be the most memorable thing you do all quarter.