Skip to content

A Local’s Guide to Denver

2013 April 11
by WWGD

Local'sGuidetoDenver-WhatWouldGwynethDoNext up in our local’s guide series, a pit stop in Denver. My one and only visit to Denver was when skater hubs and I were in our early 20s, trying to drive his beat up old SAAB 900 from Montreal to San Diego to visit my parents. We (or rather, the SAAB) died in Denver. And the only Swedish car mechanic in the city was not located in the best part of town. And the Super 8 we stayed in while we pooled together all our money and realized we’d be taking a Greyhound the rest of the way left quite a bit to be desired. So clearly, it’s time to give Denver another try! I asked one of my favorite stylish cyber friends Liz of Grey and Scout to share her favorite local spots:

Where to get a facial: Located in the trendy Cherry Creek North neighborhood (Miss Kate Spade + Mr. Jonathan Adler just joined this retail hot spot), Edit is in a super cute (and inviting, no snootiness here) bungalow style house. Best place to decongest your skin and rejuvenate your mind!

Where to get a massage: SpaVital is definitely the place you picture being pampered. You immediately feel less stressed as soon as you walk in with the calming scents and sounds that fill the spa. The healing muscle message in my personal favorite. The bonus: with each spa visit you receive a complimentary yoga class pass at their state-of-the-art health club. You could literally spend the entire day there. If you’re looking for a spa experience, this is it.

Where to shop for the snow: The annual ‘Ski Rex’ sale (not really sure why they call it that?) at Colorado Ski & Golf is great for skiers of all levels. New and gently used skis, all the ski wear you could want, ski savvy employees, rentals for visiting friends and fam and you can buy your ski pass right there in the store. Literally a one-stop-shop for skiers.

Where to shop for your home: I could/have/and will continue to spend forever looking around Wild Flowers. It’s nestled in a little residential area of the city (I happened upon it one day while lost looking for a client’s home). Wild Flowers is surrounded by a coffee shop, bakery, salon and cute restaurants. It’s filled with everything from beautiful French champagne coupes, house plants and dishes to yummy smelling candles, soaps and one-of-a-kind gifts. I’ve walked away with everything from a super awesome distressed wood bar tray to little ceramic soap dishes for the kitchen and bath. I love discovering places that offer items no one else has (it also doesn’t hurt that there’s a wine bar across the street).

Where to shop for your (or others’) kids: I don’t have kids, but I have been to/thrown roughly three thousand baby showers over the past two years. So I have a pretty good idea where to get the gifts! Nest is awesome for super cute clothes and unique gifts. I love that they carry unique brands like Oilily. The Artisan Center in Cherry Creek is also fab for unique stuffed animals, blankets, and onesies (they have great cards, too). I think I’ve purchased at least 10 “High Chair Today, Chair Lift Tomorrow” onesies.

Where to get a sweet treat: The desserts at D Bar are to die for. Sit on their patio to experience the hip vibe of Uptown, or take a seat at the bar (if you can handle it) and watch them make their signature desserts. My recommendations: homemade French macarons & champagne or their chocolate milkshake that comes with a side of chocolate cake. You read that right.

Where to get a cheap eat: Proto’s is a little place in downtown Denver with delicious Neapolitan style pizza. It’s within walking distance of Denver Beer Company, so we usually start out there, then walk down to grab pizza. Be warned, this pizza is addicting.

Where to wine and dine: This was a hard one. There are about a million places to choose from, but my most recent fave is Central Bistro. A quick walk on the bridge takes you from downtown to the neighborhood of LoHi, where CB is located. To say their food is delicious would be an understatement. It’s one of those meals that when you’re finished, you wish you could re-experience it over and over again. Dinner time fills quickly, but you can make a reservation. I would highly recommend making one. Love brunch? Try their sourdough French toast.

Where to get happy (hour, that is): A must-do. Also in the neighborhood of LoHi, just around the corner from Central Bistro. Head to Linger’s rooftop for beautiful views of the city, order drinks from the rooftop food truck and feast on their signature sliders. Definitely a warm weather must.

*image above via here*

One Response
  1. April 11, 2013

    Love this series! I’m in Denver for work a lot, so this is great. The only thing I’m really surprised not to see mentioned is Tattered Cover! They have three locations and are one of my favorite bookstores in the whole US. They’re definitely an institution in Denver.

Comments are closed.