South Broadway Splurging

For my tour of South Broadway, I made like a flaneur from Antique Row up to the more familiar hipster haunts. Along the way, I was struck by the incredible ingenuity and variety in one of the most thriving small business districts in the city. Here are my top picks for Out Front readers, South to North:

Derbyville | 1454 S Broadway
For years, Denver has attracted women from around the world for its Roller Derby culture. We still have two professional teams, but the sport isn’t as popular as it used to be. That’s why Derbyville will be closing its doors at the end of November, so go out and show them some love before then or hit up their goodbye party on November 21. Socks ($12), leggings ($10), wheels ($50–100), and booty shorts ($26) are still plentiful if you want to upgrade your partner’s gear — or even your own.

Victor Guitar | 1457 S Broadway
Walking into Victor Guitar, you may encounter the smell of freshly shaved mahogany or be mesmerized by the lovely shades of rosewood, acacia, maple, and bubinga. This store and workshop is committed to craft, selling consignment guitars ($500–8500) and small stringed instruments ($1500), as well as offering guitar-building classes that start at $3000.

FashioNation + Babysitter’s Nightmare | 1594 S Broadway
With a towering eight-foot wall of high-laced boots facing a string of rock-n-roll inspired clothing, FashioNation feels like all the best parts of the early 90s with a fresh face. Co-owner Paul Italiano is proud to be an image store for English-made Doc Martens ($100–200), as well as dealing in T.U.K. ($60–170) and Gripfast boots ($175–275). In the back of the store, co-owner Pam Italiano also designs a line of hilariously offensive infant and children’s clothing (i.e. the neon-green tutu jumper that reads “Mommy Drinks Because I Cry”) that would be perfect for your friends’ and family’s children.

Corvus Coffee Roasters | 1740 S Broadway
A small-batch roaster committed to excellence, Corvus has some of the best-tasting coffees in town. They also offer many fine brewing tools, each of them labeled “And It’s Worth It” next to the price. Brewers range from the V60 Dripper ($26) and Aeropress ($29) to the higher-end Cafe Solo ($79) and Madame Solo ($95). Corvus’ Coffee Membership Program runs $240 for six months and gets you two bags of coffee (~14 oz.) every two weeks. For a stocking stuffer, consider their dry-hopped cold brew coffee — a four-pack is just under $16.

Ironwood | 14 S Broadway
Part Victorian cabinet of curiosities, part gallery, part greenhouse, Ironwood feels like the characters of Clue began dabbling in metaphysics. Almost anything here will add beauty and mystery to a home. Start with Travis Hetman’s cosmic art ($60) or pieces from his current show Sink or Swim that explores themes of fear and failure ($50–150). Pick up several small crystals ($1–20) or go for a giant Amethyst ($170). You also have a wide range to choose from in terrarium glasses ($24-68), butterflies ($24–200), and succulents ($3–30).

Caboose Hobbies — 500 S Broadway $
The world’s — yes WORLD’s — largest model train store, featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, miniatures, and more.

Hazel & Dewey — 70 S Broadway $$
Unique kitchenware, cookbooks, and local delicacies like Jojo’s Sriracha.

Mutiny Cafe — 2 S. Broadway $
Used books, Records, Comics, Local Authors, an LGBT section, and Pop-Art.

Artemisia & Rue — 70 Broadway $$
Herbalism courses, tinctures, teas, aromatherapy, essential oils, and cocktail mixers.