Elect to see these 10 great places in Denver

— -- Looking for a place to join the party in Denver? With the Mile High City hosting the Democratic National Convention next week, Tamra Monahan, manager of the Tattered Cover Book Store and contributing writer for Colorado's Best: The Essential Guide to Favorite Places, can offer plenty of advice on where to go. She shares her picks with USA TODAY.

Denver Art Museum

"This museum is a work of art itself," Monahan says. "Architect Daniel Libeskind designed the DAM's new addition, the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, with the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains in mind, and what he created is architectural art, inside and out. The building, which resembles geometric rock crystals, features artistically designed staircases and spaces that accentuate the museum's wonderful art collection. Outside, a mixture of striking angles and complex geometry create a visual masterpiece." 720-865-5000; denverartmuseum.org

Trios Enoteca

"Slip into this intimate wine bar for great live music, no cover charge and over 40 wines by the glass," Monahan says. There's a local following for the wood-oven pizzas and happy hour at this destination in the city's Lower Downtown. 303-293-2887; triosenoteca.com

Comedy Works

"Spend the night laughing at Denver's oldest and most notable spot for stand-up comedy," Monahan says. Many rising stars, including Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Tim Allen and Roseanne Barr, honed their craft here in the '80s. The intimate basement atmosphere is a contagious place for laughter. Big stars, from Dave Chappelle to George Lopez to Carlos Mencia, perform on one of the nation's most notable stages for stand-up. 303-595-3637; comedyworks.com

Cherry Creek North

"An afternoon of shop-till-you-drop must include Cherry Creek, Denver's Rodeo Drive," Monahan says. This 16-square-block area has dozens of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, spas and an adjacent mall with upscale Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Round out the day with a drive to Larimer Square. "Denver's most historic block was transformed into a shoppers' paradise with local favorites that include Cry Baby Ranch, a clothing, boot and gift shop; John Atencio Designer Jewelry; and Z Gallerie," Monahan says. 303-394-2904; cherrycreeknorth.com