Denver

Denver

Samantha Lodge
A list of tried-and-approved Denver spots, mixed with recommendations to try out now that I’ve moved here! Message me at @bewellandwander to make a new suggestion, or to let me know you tried something here ✨
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Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
@bewellandwander
A fun and funky boutique hotel with design-minded accents and in-room record players, nestled in the heart of the upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood. Dog friendly!
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The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block
@bewellandwander
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The Source Hotel
@bewellandwander
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Restaurants + Nightlife

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Cart Driver Lo-Hi
@bewellandwander
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Comal Heritage Food Incubator
@bewellandwander
Made it onto The NY Times “Best Restaurants of 2021” list
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Frasca Food and Wine
@bewellandwander
Made it onto The NY Times Best Restaurants of 2021 list
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Williams & Graham
@bewellandwander
One of my favorite spots in the city. Went 3 times the first two weeks I was in Denver. Incredible mixology and exceedingly friendly staff. Tuck yourself away in the burgundy leather booths for an intimate date lit by low bankers lamps, or seat yourself at the bar for a more personalized experience with the wonderfully bantery bartenders.
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Central Market
@bewellandwander
A fun, bustling food hall in the center of Denver‘s art district , RiNo. A great place to stop in for a snack between moments spent marveling at the neighborhood’s murals and street art.
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Casa Don Juan Mexican Restaurant
@bewellandwander
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Perdida
@bewellandwander
TO DIE FOR, generous, vibrant, flavorful tacos and broader menu. The margaritas will also convince you to linger in the deliciously aesthetic decor reminiscent of a trendy beachside restaurant on Mykonos or Miami hotspot.
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Edgewater Public Market
@bewellandwander
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Highland Tap and Burger
@bewellandwander
The LoHi Burger was the best burger I’ve had in a LONG time — secret sauce, pickles just right, red onion to complement, and the classic lettuce and tomato made for a sloppy yet delicious affair. Bonus points for a GF bun option, but minus points for it being a $3 add. The fries with garlic aioli were meh, but I did get takeout. Guess this means I need another taste test 🙃
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Vert Kitchen
@bewellandwander
Good for healthy lunches #wellness
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Domo Japanese Country Food Restaurant
@bewellandwander
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Denver Milk Market
@bewellandwander
Cool spot in downtown Denver where a multitude of vendors sell everything from home goods to art to clothes
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Tacos El Metate
@bewellandwander
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Leevers Locavore
@bewellandwander
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The Preservery
@bewellandwander
RiNo resto where the menu is inspired by New Orleans
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Coffee & Coworking

Rivers and Roads Coffee
@bewellandwander
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2914 Coffee
@bewellandwander
Great spot for coworking (popular) and friendly staff! There was a cute puppy too when I went named Ginger ☺️
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Wash Perk
@bewellandwander
Great coffee, popular coworking spot. Plenty of outdoor seating in good weather.
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DC/AM Coffee Bar
@bewellandwander
Great remote work spot at a coffee shop (with limited and pricey food menu but good coffee) set in the luxe lobby of the Ramble hotel in RiNo.
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Method Coffee Roasters LoHi
@bewellandwander
*remote work alert!* Spacious with great coffee, limited pastries, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and plenty of work spots. Almost everyone here is on their laptop. It’s more of an “unofficial coworking space” vibe than “hang and catch up with your friend.” More than tolerated, Method almost seems to beckon remote-working millennials and Gen Z’ers in with decent Wi-Fi and a culture that tolerates work calls (though I think they’re best left for home hours).
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Steam Espresso Bar
@bewellandwander
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Mango Tree Coffee
@bewellandwander
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Queensberry Coffee
@bewellandwander
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Pinwheel Coffee
@bewellandwander
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Things to Do + See

Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station
@bewellandwander
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Denver Art Museum
@bewellandwander
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Market Street
@bewellandwander
Cool street art
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Spectra Art Space
@bewellandwander
A very strange and sensory interactive art space that features local designers. The owner and creator (who’s name is escaping me at the moment) highlighted her desire for a space that could be inclusive and welcoming to all, and which could help uplift local artists. Pretty cool with lots of great photo opportunities!
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Shops

Mile High Flea Market
@bewellandwander
Massive weekend flea market/farmer’s market/garage sale inside an amusement park.
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Garage Sale
@bewellandwander
Funky fun vintage store that also does beer
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Goldmine Vintage
@bewellandwander
Originally opened in 2007 at their Boulder location, Goldmine Vintage has since been the standard of excellence when it come to the Colorado vintage clothing scene. After 10 amazing years on Pearl Street the team packed up and made move down to the capital city, right in the heart of the Baker neighborhood on Broadway. Specializing in pieces originating from the 1920s-1980s the inventory ceases to impress even the most seasoned of vintage collector; with band tees from the legends, to handmade dresses from the depression era, there is guaranteed to be something that will grab your attention while gandering the massive meticulously curated showroom. Be sure make it down to 227 N. Broadway soon and meet the whole team who just so happen to be of some of the most knowledgeable vintage heads around. Via @denvervintagemap
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The Ten Penny Store
@bewellandwander
Have you ever thought, "I really wish my vintage store had all the best; band tees, vinyl, mid century dresses, and the most alluring aromas around" well look no further, The Ten Penny Store has everything you are looking for and more. Opened in 2017 at the Overland Park neighborhood in south Denver, Ten Penny made the their first move to the Heart of the Baker neighborhood during the fall of 2020 and haven't looked back since, adding more of the rare pieces of vintage and everything else that you loved from the original location, with the added benefit of awesome neighbors in Goldmine Vintage (spot #1) and the coolest local scene Denver has to offer. The store owners Kelley & Matt, or any of their many helpful shop expects will get you geared up with everything that you might need to conquer the vintage map down at 250 N. Broadway 7 days a week. Via @denvervintagemap
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La Lovely Vintage
@bewellandwander
At the convergence of super old and super cool, sits our friends down at La Lovely Vintage. Since opening in 2018 the team down at La Lovely have taken it upon themselves to serve not only the earliest and most original vintage garments, but also a host of other sustainability sourced and made modern essential items. Stepping into their Baker Neighborhood location elicits the best Americana vibes that one can crave, with Vintage Levi's from every era, chore jackets, rock'n'roll memorabilia, and a touch of green with their plant selection, there never seems to be a lack of thrills when it comes to this space. Head down and catch your own vibes at 42 N. Broadway where Tara, Dudley, or any of their brilliant crew members will be able get you threaded in some new cotton. Via @denvervintagemap
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Boss Vintage
@bewellandwander
In the annals of Denver vintage lore, sits a pair of Levi's that have set themselves above the rest, behind that single pair of jeans, sits the south Broadway location of BOSS Vintage (read the article next time your in the store). For over 25 years the boss team have been wheeling and dealing within the clothing scene, with an eye for those old original style pieces that make your closet stand out amongst the rest. Since the remodel of the space within the last year, Boss has continued to grow the selection of pre 80s dresses, robes, jeans, and all the unique accessories that have made them a must stop in the Baker neighborhood for years. With a little bit of something for any style personality, the showroom will become an exploration into your next must have piece or that long lost piece of nostalgia you've been looking for. 10 s. Broadway will always have what you may need or want to upgrade your closet, so make sure that Boss is on your list next time your journey down the strip. Via @denvervintagemap
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Sewn Denver
@bewellandwander
When you think of a vintage store you may think about the normal; t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters, but the team down at SEWN has turned that on its head and pushed the envelope of unique style with a store full of handmade and vintage pieces that will create a whole new meaning to vintage. With their south Broadway location being home to 4 different makers, there never seems to be a shortness of creativity within their walls. Specializing in vintage styles and patterns is what can expect from the shop, but what adds to the authenticity is the use and sale of vintage fabrics from all eras, journey to the back of the showroom and find a collection of vintage from years past, from things casual and formal there will be something to catch your attention. Whenever you are wanting to push your creative style or are wanting something uniquely made just for you, head down to 18 s Broadway, meet the gang and pick up that perfect piece. Via @denvervintagemap
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SLCT Stock Colorado
@bewellandwander
When you think, “where can I get the craziest t-shirt, and the best vibes around” well our solo Boulder location SLCT Stock might just be the answer to your questions, and might even exceed them by a touch. From the coolest and rarest of t-shirts, to the most amazing University of Colorado BUFFS apparel, the curation at SLCT never fails to excited any who step into their shop, on “the hill” directly across from Fox theater. With a fleet of shops continuing to grow across the US (@slctstocknyc coming soon) Nick the gang at SLCT are pushing the bounds for the mile high region as a whole. Next time you find yourself in the shadow of the Flatirons make sure to stumble into the 13th street location, say hi to Clay or any of the shop crew and pick up that awesome new keepsakes. Via @denvervintagemap
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Fourth Place Vintage
@bewellandwander
Found via @denvervintagemap
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Meek Vintage
@bewellandwander
Found via @denvervintagemap
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MEEK Vintage
@bewellandwander
Found via @denvervintagemap
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Strawberry Mountain
@bewellandwander
Buy-sell-trade vintage clothing store
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Whole Lotta Love
@bewellandwander
Pop-culture inspired vintage and vinyl Found via @denvervintagemap
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Big Sky Supply
@bewellandwander
Vintage pop culture clothing from 80s - 2001 “and other good shit” Found via @denvervintagemap
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Thrift Cult
@bewellandwander
Clothing, goods, and accessories. Found via @denvervintagemap
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Darklands Vintage
@bewellandwander
Found via @denvervintagemap
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Meraki Moon Boutique
@bewellandwander
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IT'S A Bodega
@bewellandwander
Featuring snacks from all over the world (access code #0107)
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Marijuana Mansion Denver
@bewellandwander
A weed-themed museum meets interactive exhibit
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Modern Nomad
@bewellandwander
My new favorite shop, located jn RiNo’s artsy neighborhood on a pedestrian street bursting with restaurants and bars. What at first seems like one very large store filled with home goods, cute sweaters, vintage jeans, sustainable living staples (such as refillable soap, oil, bamboo q tips, etc), and plants — is, in fact, a collective co-op of 8 female-run small businesses. I want to buy up the whole store and the owners couldn’t be nicer or more interesting. I’m certain I’ll be making frequent trips here.
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Little Eden Plantscaping
@bewellandwander
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Pickletown Flower Co
@bewellandwander
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SecondLove Tennyson - A Resale Boutique
@bewellandwander
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Wellness, Workouts + Self Care

Alchemy 365 LoHi
@bewellandwander
Fun strength-focused workout classes using torpedo weights, bands, boxes, and body weight. Additional location in Tennyson
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Nurture • A Wellcare Marketplace
@bewellandwander
Awesome one-stop-shop spot for wellness and workout classes, practitioners, and products. I love Sydney Zwicker’s style of massage therapy — so deeply informed and skilled with pelvic issues and TMJ in particular. And an awesome person!
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Lake Steam Baths
@bewellandwander
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Piper Inn
@bewellandwander
This place is supposed to have WILDLY delicious carne asada cheese fries
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The Plimoth
@bewellandwander
Cozy, farm-to-table New American
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Three Saints Revival
@bewellandwander
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Samantha Lodge
Denver-based travel planner • photographer • experiential traveler Pre-pandemic, I split my time between Europe, Australia, and NYC. Now, I’m traveling the US in my converted Jeep Wrangler camper, in search of breathtaking moments and off-the-beaten path destinations 🗺 Feel free to send me a DM to say hi or to ask for recs! I love sharing the insider track to the places I've been 😊
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