Things to do / Travel Guide
The entire eastern Colorado and Wyoming Rockies region is a treasure trove of antiques and various crafts. It might have something to do with the relatively dry weather that's good for preserving wood, or it might date back to the gold miners always searching for treasure. Much of the art you'll find in stores and boutiques are decidedly nature-related, reflecting the general temperament of the region. Regardless, you can find some of the best antique stores and flea markets in the western U.S. in this region.
Shopping around Denver, Colorado
In Denver, there are two excellent shopping districts: It's located right near Coors Field, between Speer Boulevard and Broadway, and aside from being the center of Denver's nightlife center, you'll find many boutiques and art galleries, clothing stores and book stores. LoDo was historically the center of Denver's shopping, during the city's maiden years. It reached rock-bottom in the 1960s, but since then it's been the locals to give the district a new lease on life.
The other shopping district is on Cherry Creek North, where there are more than 20 blocks of antiques, chocolates and other foods, jewelry, and crafts of many stripes and types for sale.
Shopping North of Denver, Colorado
- In Boulder, an excellent place to shop is the farmer's market, located on 13th and Canyon Streets. It's open from April-October.
- One excellent city to find unique and special artwork is Loveland, north of Denver on I-25. The city specializes in three-dimensional art, sculptures, mostly as a result of Loveland having created an excellent Art in Public Places program in the 1980s. This attracted a steady stream of artists, providing the city of 50,000 with a fair share of art galleries and boutiques in the downtown area.
- There are over 300 shops and galleries in Estes Park, selling everything from glassware to chocolate, dolls to quilts. Quilt-making in particular has found a home in Estes Park, so for an excellent selection of several high-quality stores, travel to this mountain town.
- Fort Collins has two districts for fun shopping. Old Town, north of Colorado State University, specializes in fine shopping, and just south of the city, on U.S. Highway 287, there are several antique stores and flea markets.
Shopping South of Denver, Colorado
- In Colorado Springs a good shopping district is Old Colorado City, north of Old Cimmaron Street. West Colorado Avenue, on which all the excitement lies, is the heart of old Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Territory's first capital. There are a number of boutiques and specialty shops. If you're interested in needlework, for example, or folk art, year-long Christmas gifts, and porcelain collectibles, visit Holly Berry House, on 2411 West Colorado Avenue.
- Victor, near Cripple Creek, is known for authentic antiques and western-style art. You can buy antique furniture and bedroom sets, and many wares that look like antiques are actually crafted by local artists who emulate the old styles.
- Florence, near Canon City, is considered the best town in the region for antique shopping. There are 12 antique shops, all fueled by the steady stream of history dealt to the place. Some of the shops emphasize antique furniture more, while others are more interested in old household items, including books.
Shopping Malls in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Cheyenne Wyoming and the Eastern Rockies
Shopping
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