Two words could describe the North Denver neighborhood of Highlands, but it wouldn’t be enough.
The words “trendy” and “nostalgic” are accurate, but they don’t do justice to the neighborhood’s history, architecture, diverse residents and trendsetting shops that dot the landscape of this community, which literally sits “high” above Denver’s other neighborhoods. Throw in “funky,” “hip,” and “eclectic” and you begin to get close.
Located approximately nine miles from Central Park, Highlands is delineated by the districts of Lower Highlands (Lo-Hi), West Highland, Highland Square and Tennyson Street. Once known as Denver’s “west side,” the area has evolved over the past decade into a neighborhood with popular restaurants, independently owned retail shops, historic churches, and bookstores, to name a few.
For foodies who like a little fun on the menu, there’s Vita, Jezebel’s Southern Bistro, Linger (short for – and housed in – the old Olinger mortuary), the Highland Tavern and Root Down. In fact, many of Highland’s eateries cover the neighborhood’s culinary landscape with sought-after rooftop patios, garden-to-table fare and unique, creative menus.
Shopping options include Highlands Square and Tennyson Street. Both offer some the area’s most unique hidden treasures such as Perfect Petal floral shops, coffee shops such as Black Eye Coffee, ice cream parlors, wine stores (check out BookBar, a combination bookstore and wine bar on Tennyson Street), boutiques, and yoga studios.
Annual, and eagerly anticipated events include the wildly popular Highlands Street Fair and the Totally Tennyson street crawl and allow residents and visitors alike to venture into Highlands for fun, food, and the charming mix of Victorian and modern architecture.
And don’t forget to stop by Simpawtico, a pet boutique brimming with healthy treats, toys, vitamins and apparel for your furry friends.
Best of all, visitors can dine, patron Highlands’ many art galleries, and relax in one of several family- and pet-friendly parks on any day of the week.
A full day enjoying all that Highlands has to offer will be time well spent, so take your time, stroll and enjoy!
