Larimer Square remains the heart of Denver
Larimer Square began as Denver's very first block in 1858, and this stretch of upscale shops and restaurants between 14th and 15th streets still thumps as Denver's heart.
Larimer Square also serves as a jumping off point to other must-sees in downtown Denver: the 16th Street Mall; LoDo; Writer's Square; the Denver Performing Arts Complex and much else.
Begin with a stroll down Larimer from 14th Street, in the west. If you're hungry, you could grab a bite at Tamayo, serving modern Mexican cuisine; if you're really hungry, go across the street to Ted's Montana Grill, where the bison steaks will match your appetite. Maybe you're in the mood for just a snack: then one of Gelazzi's 32 flavors of ice cream made fresh each morning might do the trick.
Perhaps you want to savor the Larimer Square's historic elements. You can relive the days of the Gold Rush when General William Larimer Jr. jumped a claim to establish Denver with a guide to a historic walking tour.
Or maybe you just want to do a little shopping. You could spend a couple of hours exploring the boutiques. At Cry Baby Ranch, you can check out the cowboy and cowgirl clothing and accessories.
If $450 exquisitely crafted Italian shoes are what you're looking for, make sure you have your credit cards handy and head for Scarpaletto. Or to spend a little less, try Violet, where everything item costs less than $100. You can appreciate the exquisite designer jewelry at John Attencio or wander through a charming courtyard to Gusterman's, where you can order a custom silver belt buckle made to match your taste.
Shop long enough and you might be ready for some spicy island food at the Samba Room or a meal with Denver's movers and shakers at the Capital Grille. And if you really stay late, you can go for some laughs at Comedy Works, lounge at Mynt, or grab no end of Cosmopolitans at the Martini Ranch.
Sooner or later, day or evening, you'll probably wind up at The Market, a longtime gathering and kick-back place. Join businessmen, travelers, students and skateboarders eating an affordable and wide array of salads, deli items, made-to-order sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
Or just grab a cappuccino and sit outside appreciating some of the city's finest old buildings and soaking up the ambience.
It's a very Denver thing to do.
Posted on Apr 19, 2011 by David Zindell
