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The neighborhood: Congress Park
Once one of the city’s cemeteries (don’t worry, the remains have been removed), Congress Park and its surrounding neighborhood is steeped in history, and a reprieve from its surrounding busy thoroughfares.
Boundaries: Colorado Boulevard to the east, Colfax Avenue to the north, York Street to the west, and Sixth Avenue to the south.
Who’s There: Families in the many brick bungalows and homes that line the leafy streets.
The Hub: This hood’s namesake is where much of the action is centered. In the summer, the swimming pool is filled with splashing kids or serious swimmers doing laps, and it hosts year-round community events in its open green spaces.
Date Night: A Valentine’s Day staple, Barolo Grill’s roaring fireplace and white linen tablecloths provide a romantic backdrop for canoodling over pasta and delectable desserts. The more casual Sienna Wine Bar & Small Plate’s happy hour works as a meeting spot for first dates and to satisfy a vino craving. We have yet to order a bite from the newly-opened Glaze By Sasa that we didn’t like—plus, the eatery just got its liquor license.
Playtime: Grab the little ones, head to the park, and enjoy the Frisbee-friendly grass or jump a swing at the playground. Before the kiddos crash, wander into Nest. A Top of the Town children’s boutique favorite, it offers whimsical clothing, unique gifts, and custom monogramming. The Mindful Bike is in the heart of the neighborhood, as is The Lamb Shoppe for the knitting-inclined.
Get Outside: Skip the gym and hit the park. Log your daily miles by looping the park, jump into the pool in the summertime, or bring your tennis racket for one of the eight courts.
Shop: Wander the consignment finds of Your Best Friend’s Closet or pop into Wild Flowers for luxury scented candles and botanical-based bath and body products.
Stop to Smell the Roses: One of the top-ranked gardens in the country, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre urban oasis. Full of flora, fauna, and its current exhibit of Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures, check the event calendar for happenings, including sunrise yoga and gardening tutorials.
