This Denver Neighborhood Is the Stuff Summer Dreams Are Made Of

If shopping, exploring, relaxing, and being outdoors is your vibe, then you'll feel right at home in this Denver neighborhood. Cherry Creek has established itself as one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in the Rocky Mountain city – from live music and art festivals to delicious eateries and shopping extravaganzas. Check out our guide to one of Denver's hottest neighborhoods for a summer getaway everyone will love.

Kick off your summer spree in Cherry Creek with a stay at the Halcyon, a luxurious hotel with all the finest amenities you're looking for. Not only is there a rooftop pool deck and bar boasting panoramic mountain views, but this slice of heaven spot features Kitchen Counter – a 24-hour coffee and snack bar – and Gear Garage, which offers the latest seasonal outdoor equipment for all your outdoor adventures. Pro tip: Talk to the concierge about Wellness Passport to receive exclusive access to one of Cherry Creek's premiere fitness studios. Or up the ante with a stay at Hotel Clio, where style meets comfort. The amenities at this beloved neighborhood hotel are top-notch, including luxury courtesy car transportation, bike and helmet rentals, discounts at local spots, complimentary shoeshine service, and two complimentary passes to your choice of the Denver Zoo, Botanical Gardens, or Museum of Nature and Science.

After you've settled in your luxe hotel, the Cherry Creek neighborhood awaits with one of the finest shopping experiences in the city. Begin your shopping excursion with a day spent at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. You'll discover many of your favorite stylish brands – such as Neiman Marcus, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton – before stopping off at the shopping center's food court, offering a mix of local eateries and your favorite restaurants.

If the local touch is what you're looking for in your shopping experience, then make your way to Cherry Creek North for some of the most fashion-forward boutiques and locally-owned stores. This shopping destination also features a collection of beauty treatment spots that are sure to put you in a reverie of bliss and relaxation. From nail and hair shops to wellness centers and style salons, you'll find what you want to soak up a rejuvenating experience. And when you're finished getting pampered, take a stroll through Cherry Creek North's many art galleries and enjoy a unique mix of local artists offering their handcrafted wares.

Your exuberant shopping experience will surely work up an appetite, in which case you're in for a treat with a variety of tasty dining destinations. For modern American dishes and an extensive wine list, Narrative tells the story of a dining experience you don't want to miss. This neighborhood spot comes from award-winning Executive Chef Paul Nagan and will liven your taste buds with fresh flavors, a warm ambiance, and fine wine. Or, for an experience that is a recipe for friends coming together, check out Culinary Dropout and gather around the fire-pit lounge for good times and delicious bites. The restaurant also features a lively music scene for you and your pals to post up on the patio, enjoy a fine meal, and listen to a local Denver artist play their latest tunes.

When cocktail hour calls, you and your friends certainly won't forget the experience at Forget Me Not, a chic bar with the kind of handcrafted cocktails that can only be found at the best spots. Don't believe me? Forget Me Not was named "one of the 75 Places Nationwide that Will Change the Way You Drink," a nod to the bar's commitment to offering the finest cocktail menu in the city. But if a more relaxed vibe is your calling, don't pass up on the friendly neighborhood Cherry Creek Beer Garden. This rustic spot – where dogs are as welcome as people – offers the best of Denver's beer selection and lets you hang out into the late night hours.

Between shopping and dining, there's plenty of time to get you out in the bright Denver sunshine. Snag a pass and stroll through the nearby Denver Botanic Gardens, a calming and serene spot in the middle of the city. The sprawling 24-acre garden facility will captivate you with its vibrant foliage, including "an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world."

If festivals are your vibe, Cherry Creek is home to some of the most beloved annual events in Denver. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival brings together hundreds of local artists with a collective voice to share artistic creations with the world. Hosted by CherryArts, a Denver-based nonprofit, the organization is committed to supporting artists and art education for everyone in local communities. This year's event, taking place July 5-7, fills the streets with locals and visitors alike, and live music, food, and drink stands make this a wonderful community event for everyone. There's more art and fun at the Smash Fine Art Festival coming to Cherry Creek North this August 10-11 at the Fillmore Plaza. Dubbed "Smash in the Square," the art festival "is a highly curated, outdoor fine art exhibit showcasing top-tier national artists with live acoustic music all weekend."

Plan Your Visit

Cherry Creek – in the beating heart of Denver – is the kind of eclectic neighborhood that brings people together. From exquisite dining and cocktail bars to the finest boutique shopping and exciting outdoor activities, Cherry Creek delivers an unforgettable experience for you and your friends. Visit the Denver website and discover why this Denver neighborhood is the stuff summer dreams are made of.