DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- One of Denver's best-kept secrets is just a seven-minute drive from downtown. With the Democratic National Convention in town this week, the Highlands Square shopping district near 32nd and Lowell hopes to get the word out.
Customers enjoy the afternoon sunshine outside Mead St. Station Pub and Grill.
more photos »This hip, up-and-coming neighborhood struggled during the 1980s and '90s, but its close proximity to downtown and its quaint architecture helped turn its reputation around. Now it's home to dozens of trendy salons, coffee shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
"The gingerbread strip of bungalow homes were built for blue-collar workers back in the day," said Patty Moore, president of the Highlands Merchants Association and owner of Le Chocolatier, a candy shop in the neighborhood. She's lived in the Highlands for 15 years and has witnessed its turnaround.
"In the 1990s, it was a working-class neighborhood with lots of Italian immigrants. The cute bungalows are now shops," Moore said.
Established in the late 1800s, the Highlands neighborhood blends Victorian architecture with modern-day living.
"The area still has a lot of the charm it had when I was growing up here, just more traffic now," said Fred Greenblatt, a childhood local who brought family friends to the old neighborhood for a leisurely afternoon.
"There were no tourists before; now it's a destination spot for a funky afternoon," he said.
Here are a few neighborhood highlights:
Don't Miss
SHOPPING
The aroma of fresh flowers draws pedestrians into The Perfect Petal flower shop. The boutique in the front of the store is filled with great gift ideas including designer scarves, kitchen wares, wedding gift options and more. iReport.com: Share your Denver travel tips
Mondo Vino, meaning "World Wine" in Italian, is an impressive wine shop where you're apt to find a perfect bottle for that special date. Duey Kratzer opened Mondo Vino nine years ago when Highlands Square was just starting its renaissance. "It's a walking-friendly neighborhood with more cool stuff to do now" said Kratzer, who's also building a retail/condo project just down the block from his wine shop. Kratzer and his staff are all certified sommeliers, so don't be afraid to ask questions. In-store wine tastings happen every Friday and Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m.
"Rejuvenating at home" is the motto owner Brenda Meyers came up with for her bed, bath and body shop, Rejuvanest. The lovely smells of oils and soaps permeate the renovated 1920s bungalow-turned-boutique. From sexy lingerie to adorable baby clothes, you'll have no trouble finding gift-giving ideas here. The garden out front is Brenda's home away from home and includes sculptures and yard art from local artists. An expansion for the shop is planned for early next year and will include garden accessories and furnishings. (303) 455-1504
Real Baby is a kids store like no other. Owners Hilary and John Horan, who also live in the Highlands neighborhood, work hard to find cutting-edge toys at affordable prices, in addition to bedding, furniture, clothes and accessories for stylish babies. It's a unique boutique, so don't expect to find big department store items. A second Real Baby boutique opened this month in Boulder.
DINING
The Mead St. Station Pub and Grill is one of the oldest restaurants in the Highlands shopping district. Established in 1993, it offers an array of organic salads, sandwiches, chicken dishes and the pub's specialty, fish 'n' chips. Local artists display their works on the walls, available for sale to any interested patron. Mead Street hosts live music five nights a week, including both local and nationally touring acts. The outdoor patio seating is always full in the summertime, with water bowls set out for the local pooches.
Just a bit farther west down 32nd Avenue is Highland's Garden Café, voted Best Outdoor Urban Patio by Westword Magazine for 2008. The owner and head chef Patricia Perry attached two 1890s Victorian homes to build a six-dining room restaurant surrounded by gardens, secret patios and balconies. Known for its quaint atmosphere, the cafe offers fine dining featuring contemporary American cuisine. The menu changes daily, highlighting locally grown seasonal foods.
THINGS TO NOTE
This week, during the Democratic National Convention, Highlands merchants are offering UnCONVENTIONal Fare in Highlands Square, featuring discounts and special menus. A free shuttle service from downtown Denver to the square is available Tuesday, August 26, and Wednesday, August 27. For more information, check out the event's Web site.
On the third Thursday of the month, many of the Highlands district shops and boutiques stay open until 8 p.m. Merchants set up shop outside along the sidewalk, and offer discounts, snacks and drinks. Local artists display their works, and live music is performed.
If you're up for exploring the area by foot or bicycle, the Highland Pedestrian Bridge crosses over Interstate 25 and connects the Highlands neighborhood with Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo).
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