Shopping by the District

You’re going to start looking at stores and boutiques in different ways come the next few weeks, and a lot of you (ok, us) are new to Denver. In case you don’t feel like riding around the entire city in search of the right spot to park and shop, we’ve created a little somethin’ to streamline the shopping experience. (Of course, there are a few more “here and there” spots to fill your gift bags, so feel free to sight-see as you roll around the glorious landscape in search of the perfect fit — this is just a fine start for newbies.) Check in with Out Front Magazine in two weeks, where we explore hot new gadgets and trends. Chances are, you might find them tucked in a cider-scented corner in one of the following districts.

Larimer Square

The Tone: A good mix of local and national brands that are a bit higher end, but with character. The demographic is a bit more mature, let’s say, but that’s mostly because quality goods don’t come cheap.

The Stores: Timbuk2, Blush, The Bent Lens, Lash, Fluevog, Moda Man, Scarpaletto, John Atencio, The Market, among others.

The Parking: Look for garages and valet. Other than that, it’s metered street parking all the way.

Highlands

The Tone: Shopping for someone kinda quirky? This district has the best used bookstore in town, secondhand goods on the real, and caters more to the young family demographic. (It’s also a great place to plan a wedding, now that we look at it.)

The Stores: Mondo Vino, Happy Cakes Bakeshop, Wordshop Paperie, Little White Dress Bridal Shop, West Side Books, among others.

The Parking: Street parking, and it’s actually not too bad.

Cherry Creek North

The Tone: The Rodeo Drive of Denver, and where to go if you’re down to drop some coin on you or the one you’re out to impress.

The Stores: Hermes, Pura Vida, Fifth Avenue Designs, Hamilton Furs, Lululemon Athletica, Bose, Kate Spade New York, among others.

The Parking: Metered street parking. There are garages, but they’re scant. Pro-tip: Hapa Sushi has a few spots in a garage beneath the restaurant. (Enter via the back alley.)

16^th Street Mall

The Tone: The question is: What can’t you get at the 16^th Street Mall? From attorney appointments to dim sum, you’re good to go.

The Stores: I Heart Denver, Banana Republic, Express, GAP, Patagonia, Molly’s of Denver, Goorin Bros., among others.

The Parking: The metered street parking can be a nightmare in this pedestrian promenade, but with once you’re in, you’re fine. So … many … stores.

Bel Mar

The Tone: “Chain Central,” but meant to provide an urban feel in the burbs. (It’s really an outdoor mall; a one-stop-shop that makes it easy to grab something for someone who’s pretty easy to gift.

The Stores: Aeropostale, GameStop, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, DSW, among others.

The Parking: Street parking plus ample spaces in free lots. Score!

South Pearl/Platte Park

The Tone: South Pearl has that quaint feel, and though it’s becoming more of a restaurant destination, it definitely has that cute boutique goodness.

The Stores: Murder by the Bookstore, Greentree Cylcery, Denver Folklore Center, The Whole Cat & Dogs Too, among others.

The Parking: Metered street parking.

RiNo

The Tone: RiNo (the River North Art District) is tucked-away, oddball, eccentric, artsy, gritty. This is kind of district you’d go if you’re not in a real hurry and just wanna take in an afternoon of “oh, that looks cool” and “ooh, what’s in here?”

The Stores: The Source, Oh, Wheelie, Giuliana Direct Olive Oil, Chocolate Crisis Center, Yours Truly Cupcake, Wine & Whey, among others.

The Parking: There are actually some street-side spots that don’t have meters! (Yaay!) Other than that, meters. (Boo!)

Northfield Stapleton

The Tone: Pretty much the always-convenient polygamous marriage of commercial chains, but in a weird area that’s actually pretty industrial, if you zoom out and have a look. Nevertheless, if your objects of holiday affection are the picky sort, you’ll be fine just pulling in here and loading up.

The Stores: Target, Bass Pro Shops,Sephora, Claire’s, Hot Topic, Journeys, Yankee Candle, Famous Footwear, among others.

The Parking: Parking lots. (You know the drill on these kinds of places.)

Berkeley

The Tone: The more sunny side of Highlands, the Berkeley district is mellow, “small-town,” hidden, and off-the-beaten path with that consignment and lifestyle feel.

The Stores: Flesher-Hinton Music, Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market, Small Batch Liquors, Shakti Whole Health Studios, among others.

The Parking: Metered street parking, but it’s not too bad.

Sakura Square

The Tone: Though unquestionably Japanese in inspiration, Sakura is still very “mom and pop shops” with a meditative garden. It’s Denver’s taste of the Orient, and just really mellow. The Asian grocers carry killer items for those culinary wizards you want to challenge.

The Parking: Ample metered street parking, unless there’s a game going on.