Your Itinerary

Eat & Drink

The corner of 12th Avenue and Madison Street is a hot spot, with the endearing Sweet Cooie’s ice cream parlor, global small plates at 12 at Madison, and creative between-the-bun offerings at TAG Burger Bar. On the northern edge of the neighborhood, growling stomachs will find relief thanks to the myriad options peppered along East Colfax Avenue, such as diner-style Annie’s Cafe and Bar (order the French toast). Closer to Colorado Boulevard, Erawan Thai Cafe is an overlooked nook dedicated to authentic Thai cuisine.

Drinks are plentiful here, too. Contemporary-chic Bar Max serves European-style bistro fare paired with a robust bar list. Hidden Idol at Beetle Bar is a tiki lounge tucked above a restaurant. Lulu Rose General Store is a combo coffee shop and purveyor of things. And Cerebral Brewing takes an enjoyably scientific approach to ale.

Activities

There’s plenty of fun to be had at Congress Park, thanks to its multitude of tennis and pickleball courts, an outdoor pool, and baseball and softball fields. For more greenery, venture just beyond the neighborhood boundaries to the Denver Botanic Gardens or City Park.

You can also opt for a theatrical afternoon by catching a flick at Sie FilmCenter. The home of the nonprofit Denver Film Society—and hub for the notable Denver Film Festival (held every November)—Sie shows an ever-changing calendar of new releases and arthouse revivals.

Shop

It’s easy to lose a couple of hours perusing Twist & Shout’s riches—row after row of vinyl and CDs, plus kitschy toys and music-themed books. This doesn’t bode well for your Saturday, because the neighboring Tattered Cover Book Store is equally bewitching, spreading its wares across two floors and hosting stellar literary events. Inspired by the neighborhood’s green spaces? Pop into Wild Flowers. The 3,000-square-foot gardening store has everything you need to add some lushness to your everyday life.