Let’s be honest: Westminster has long struggled to establish a palpable identity due to its sprawling retail centers and copy-pasted neighborhoods. But thanks to its affordability and diverse population (relative to its neighbors), the city has become a haven for unique small businesses and art-focused attractions.

Pickleball Food Pub

7647 W. 88th Ave.
Last year, American Pickleball Association founder Sam Brown spent nearly a million dollars to convert a former Sears outlet into an eight-court paddlers’ paradise. Players of all skill levels can join one of nine leagues, and true rookies are welcome to attend free introductory courses Thursdays at 5 p.m. Although the pub boasts 24 beer taps, it doesn’t, despite its name, have a kitchen. But you can order grub from nearby CD’s Wings, 528Tea, and Thane’s Table with no delivery charge.

5280 August 2023
More From The Issue

Vicky Bunsen Sculpture Garden

7309 Orchard Court 
Renamed in 2022 to honor a local historic preservation advocate, this Historic Westminster art garden features a paved path that winds around two permanent installations from Denver-area artists (“Lady Catrina” by Victoria Patty and “Patient Warrior” by Christopher Romero) and 11 pieces that change annually. This year’s highlights include Monument-based sculptor Jodie Bliss’ “Firedancer,” an eight-and-a-half-foot-tall, hand-forged steel figure that honors strong women around the globe.

Westminster Station Park & Nature Playground

3501 Creekside Drive
This two-year-old, kid-centric fantasy land just south of Historic Westminster is made of natural materials—instead of metals and plastics—and encourages little ones to engage their senses and choose their own adventures, whether exploring wheelchair-accessible treehouses, digging up faux Tyrannosaurus fossils in the sand pit, or cooling off in the splash pad.

Momo House

A platter at MoMo House. Photo by Sarah Banks

7729 W. 92nd Ave.
After finding success selling their handmade momos at Boulder County Farmers Markets, Sabin Katila and his family opened a brick-and-mortar spot in March to serve up a wider variety of Nepal’s culinary fare, such as samay baji, a party platter of beaten rice flakes, spice-rubbed grilled meat, and tangy Nepali-style potato salad. Of course, the Katilas still offer their namesake dumplings—including chicken, tofu, and chocolate varieties—and you’d be remiss not to order a handful (or two).

Art à la Carte Mobile Art Studio

Locations vary
Unique hands-on classes bring students of all ages to Westminster’s two-year-old, city-run mobile arts school. Upcoming workshops, all taught by local creators, include painting cats at Westminster Center Park on August 1 and making monster masks inspired by Where the Wild Things Are at Faversham Park on August 8. Classes require pre-registration and run $12 per person; materials are provided, though, so all you need to bring is your imagination.

This article was originally published in 5280 August 2023.
Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin is a writer living in Westminster, and has been covering food and sustainability in the Centennial State for more than five years.