30th April 2015
Adventure Guide Pt III: Larimer’s (Over a) Mile Long Stretch in the Mile High
Downtown Denver is relatively small compared to other Metropolitan’s. You can easily walk the entirety of downtown (of course the definition of “downtown” varies from local to local). But, that doesn’t make for an easy itinerary when you’re trying to pin down a day of perfect entertainment, food, drink, and more.
Larimer Street is our favorite street in downtown Denver for an adventure over a mile long, starting from 14th Street and heading north all the way to 33rd Street. Accessible by the Cherry Creek bike path and a number of bus lines, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced a number of different countries, cultures, and more in just 13 blocks.
Grab a B-Cycle or a pair of walking shoes and get your start in Larimer Square. This guide takes you from the heart of lower downtown to the edge of the hip, artsy RiNo district.
Stop #1: The Market (1445 Larimer St.) – The quaint stretch of 14th and 15th Street feel very European; the block is adorned with boutique shops and restaurants with more pedestrians and bikes than cars. With ample outdoor seating and a bright blue awning that cannot be missed, The Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to be transported from Denver to Europe (with a New York City flare). A Denver institution for almost 30 years, not much has changed (and that’s why we love it) – the people watching is prime, but the pastries are a must. We recommend the famous Spring Fling. But really, any pastry will do.
Stop #2: Chalk Art Festival (Larimer Square) – On June 6th-7th the streets and sidewalks of Larimer Square are transformed into a huge canvas. The medium of choice? Chalk. And it’s not your typical hopscotch outline, either. Artists from around the globe create unbelievably elaborate pieces of art with just chalk, despite the beating hot sun and the harsh reality that the art is only temporary. But we guarantee, one glance at the sidewalk art and it’ll be burned in your memory forever.
Stop #3: Bistro Vendome (1420 Larimer St.) – Before heading north the ‘Square, a quick jaunt across through the “Kettle Arcade” to continue the Euro theme (unfortunately, there’s no arcade, but it is a beautiful building with a great mural and historic significance). If you want a real Parisian experience, look no further. As the founders themselves say, “Bistro Vendome reflects our desired image in the community. A local favorite in a downtown rich with history that offers an exceptional dining experience in a charming neighborhood setting.”
Stop #4: Roof Top Garden (1800 Larimer St.) – Skip the hustle and bustle of 16th St. Mall and head for one of downtown’s best kept secrets right off 18th and Larimer. On the south side of the street there is a staircase next to a parking garage. Sounds innocuous, right? Walk up the stairs and you’ll be greeted with an unbelievable secret garden that covers 17,000 square feet. Grab your golf clubs (yes, there’s even a putting green) and bring picnic supplies. You won’t be disturbed.
Stop #5: Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs (2148 Larimer St.) – There are plenty of swanky restaurants along Larimer St. we could send you to…but none of them have Rattlesnake, Jack-A-Lope, or Reindeer on the menu. Biker Jim’s is a great spot for an affordable, exotic treat. Pair it with a side of fried pickles and you won’t be disappointed.
Stop #6: Topo Designs Flagship Store (2500 Larimer St.) – Situated in a shipping container next to Huckleberry Roasters and Work & Class (two of our favorites), the chic, outdoor designer Topo has their headquarters open to the public. Whether you’re looking for a messenger bag to sport around the city or a backpack to lug your climbing gear, Topo will have you looking chic with all the functionality you could need.
Stop #7: Crema Coffee House (2862 Larimer St.) – Denver has way too much good coffee now and crema knows this (and embraces it) offering a plethora of roasters from our lovely city and beyond. The pastries are to die for (chocolate chip brioche – need we say more?). The space houses funky art and is just industrial enough, lest you forget the shop is situated right in the heart of industrial Denver. Bring a friend and plan on staying for hours, as the in-house coffee is bottomless and the shop doesn’t have any outlets so you won’t be tempted to stare at your electronics.
Stop #8: The Populist (3163 Larimer St.) – Their own description says it all, “charming, high-end American restaurant preparing a nightly tasting menu and upscale cocktails.” You’ll miss the Populist if you blink your eyes. It’s quaint on the outside, but on the inside is one of Denver’s best happy hours (5pm-7pm). Don’t let the simplicity of bacon and eggs or salt & vinegar popcorn fool you, it’s delicious. And all of their snacks pair perfectly with a $2 Genesee Lager or house-made tonic with gin or vodka.
Stop #9: Infinite Monkey Theorem (3200 Larimer St.) – Have you ever had back alley wine? In a can? If not, you’re missing out. Visiting Infinite Monkey Theorem will be, without a doubt, one of the most unique and memorable wine tastings you will ever attend. There’s no vineyard in site, but rather a carefully constructed urban winery that yields delicious, unique wine. We recommend the canned wine (red, white, and moscato). It’s chilled, slightly effervescent, and a little buzz is unavoidable.
Stop #10: ArtHaus (3343 Larimer St.) – The last stop on Larimer St. is a perfect place to decompress after some decadent eats, stiff drinks, and lots of walking. ArtHaus is a collaborative, communal art space that encompasses every aspect of design. There are a number of contemporary installations, as well as rental space for photo shoots and groups. It bridges the gap between art and community, which celebrates the intimacy that art creates.
by Addie Levinsky
