Denver Airport Conspiracies: A Long Layover at the Most Interesting Airport in America | Condé Nast Traveler

"More than a layover, this place feels like a destination: set a full 24 miles from downtown on 53 square miles of prairie, it’s the largest airport by area in the Western Hemisphere, with six runways and room for 12, and it leans into its singular personality—embracing decades of conspiracy lore with tongue‑in‑cheek signage while showcasing an unusually daring public art program born of a 1%‑for‑art mandate. I spent a day sampling its local‑first food scene (40% of concessions are Denver brands), sipping to‑go drinks on fire‑pit patios as the sun set over the Rockies, and bouncing between curiosities like the Golf DEN simulator, the CATS therapy dogs in neon “Pet Me!” vests, and hyper‑helpful Ambassadors in plaid vests and cowboy hats. Between the whimsical installations, the iconic tented terminal, and an easy RTD train right outside the doors, the vibe is pure “surprise and delight” at a hub where 46% of passengers are connecting yet you might actually wish your layover were longer." - Charlie Sosnick