Denver’s Surprising Staycation Destination: 9&CO

Hale’s 9&CO development has helped transform its namesake intersection into a prime spot for a staycation during which everyone—even Fido—can sip, learn, and play.

1. Dogdrop

985 Albion St., Suite 110

Don’t leave your best friend behind. Dogdrop, which opened in July, is a membership-based daycare that allows you to deposit your pooch between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., no reservation required (from $60 per month). Plus, it offers curbside pickups and drop-offs and separates its wards into three rooms based on each canine’s energy level and size, so you needn’t worry about a golden retriever trampling your Shih Tzu.

2. Kochi Cafe

4100 E. Eighth Ave.

Across East Eighth Avenue from 9&CO, five-year-old Kochi Cafe specializes in loose-leaf teas, around a dozen of which it sources from a single organic farm in the mountains of northern Thailand. If you need a pick-me-up, the Boulder Blues is a bright mix of strawberry, rhubarb, and Japanese and Chinese green tea leaves, or de-stress with a cup of earthy Red Rocks—red-hued and antioxidant-rich South African rooibos blended with almonds and vanilla flavoring.

3. Little Kitchen Academy

4064 E. Eighth Place

Since June, this Montessori-inspired cooking academy has been teaching budding chefs ages three to 18 autonomy and healthy eating habits during its three-hour-long cooking classes (from $150). Instructors also slip some math into the curriculum, with elementary schoolers learning fractions while slicing peppers and teens practicing how to assess meal costs, a skill that will help them avoid living off instant ramen when they leave home.

4. Bar Car

819 Colorado Blvd.

With mystery shots, plenty of PBR, and an extensive selection of classic pub fare, 13-year-old Bar Car is as unpretentious as its dark mahogany booths. But that doesn’t mean you can’t snag a handcrafted cocktail at this 9&CO neighbor. (We’re partial to the Cutie Pie, an easy-sipping, fruit-forward blend of peach vodka, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice.) Whatever your libation of choice, don’t leave without trying this old-school tavern’s specialty: barbecued chicken, pork, or tri-tip paired with a sweet Carolina slaw.

5. Immersive Gamebox

825 Albion St.

If you’ve ever wanted to re-create Squid Game, head to one-year-old Immersive Gamebox. Its motion-tracking headwear—basically a miniature Sputnik satellite strapped on top of a sun visor—and giant touch-screen walls will let you compete in the high-stakes games from the smash Netflix show with up to six of your friends. (Don’t worry, win or lose, you’ll walk out alive.) If you have youngsters in tow, there are plenty of family-friendly experiences, including teaming up with Chase, Marshall, Skye, and other pups from Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol to clear a rockslide or clean up a mess at city hall. (From $20 for ages 10 and under and $25 per adult.)