As the former home of Elitch Gardens, Berkeley has long been a hub for entertainment in Denver. Before RTD came to town, city residents made their way over to Tennyson Street via streetcar to spend their weekends riding roller coasters and shopping. Though commerce has been rocky since Elitch Gardens relocated in 1994, a streetscape improvement project completed a few years back sparked a revival earning Berkeley bragging rights to one of the most unique shopping experiences in the city.
Our top five shopping spots in Berkeley all fall within less than a half mile of each other, making this a highly walkable itinerary. So, grab your wallet, and let’s go shopping!
Starting off at eXtraOrdinary Gift Company (on Tennyson between 38^th and 39^th Ave.), you’ll find original, made-in-Colorado trinkets such as state flag belt buckles, bracelets and wine stoppers made from regional map clippings, and guitar string earrings. If your fancy isn’t tickled, continue up Tennyson to Jolly Goods between 39^th and 41^st Ave. (yep, 40^th Ave. skips this part of town!) where you’ll find another eclectic mix of novelty gifts including trucker hats, state flag onesies and koozies, and glassware made by local artists.
After scouring XO and Jolly for that perfect gift, it’s time to treat yourself at The Yogi Exchange. Just around the corner from Jolly Goods on 41^st Street, you’ll find a comfy-clothing connoisseur’s paradise — a space full of lightly used women’s and men’s fitness clothing and accessories. Lululemon or prAna leggings for a fraction of the retail price? Yes, please! Once you’ve picked your pair, leave them on, throw your original outfit in a shopping bag, and head back up Tennyson to BookBar for some lounge time. While traditional brick and mortar bookshops struggle, BookBar thrives as a gathering space where wine and words flow freely. Time your shopping trip right and stop in for Silent Reading Happy Hour (second Sundays from 6-7 p.m.); grabbing a book off the shelves and reading to yourself for the hour gets you half off any drink!
If you make it out of BookBar in time, walk up Tennyson another 200 feet to Feral Mountain Co. before they close at 8 p.m. Use their Adventure Planning Room to map out your next outdoor excursion and get itinerary advice from the staff; they’ll also help you choose your gear accordingly. Beware — depending on how many glasses of wine you had at BookBar, you may find yourself splurging on an Airlounj or that Hyperlite backpack you’ve been eyeing!
If great shopping, proximity to downtown, and easy access to I-70 for weekend mountain excursions sound like your ideal stomping grounds, we’d love to help you call Berkeley home. Give us a ring at 720-935-0412 or fill out our contact form.