by Mark Smiley | Oct 21, 2016 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Enjoy Warmth, Good Cheer By Shopping In Spots That Make Everything Nice About The Holidays
Neighborhoods in the Cherry Creek Valley are awesome shopping destinations featuring charming main streets, independent boutique and retail destinations. As we head into the holiday season, area neighborhoods are buzzing with excitement. To help you enjoy shopping, we’re excited to introduce you to some of the extraordinary retailers on streets and neighborhoods in the Valley. Without further ado, here are our gift guide picks to make shopping delightful.
Best Of Broadway
Like its eateries and entertainment spots, businesses on Broadway are pretty cool. Along this roadway that has long been a major transportation corridor, retailers are finding bright and witty ways to bring a unique flavor to shopping. Among buildings and shops being renovated you’ll discover great gifting ideas.
Paradise Baggage: Located on the south end of Broadway (4442 S. Broadway), this store has more than 35 years experience matching travel goods to the needs of shoppers. Join them on Nov. 5 for A Night Of Wishes to raise money for Make-A-Wish Colorado, 6-9 p.m. There’s a silent auction plus in-store specials with 100 percent of the money raised from a silent auction and 15 percent of sales donated. Information: 303-320-4646.
Brushstrokes Studio-Gallery: Located at 1487 S. Broadway it 
is the artistic home of painters John K. Harrell, Kit Hevron Mahoney, Anita Mosher and Kelly Berger. From representational to abstract, the artists’ work covers a gamut of styles and subject matter. Select from original fine art and giclee reproductions. Watching the process unfold is a treat for holiday shoppers at this warm, welcoming studio-gallery. Information: 303-871-0800.
Ebanista: Shop a superlative collection of furnishings and objects de’art at this store in the Denver Design District (595 S. Broadway, unit 101N). See Ebanista’s interpretation of European classic furniture and custom upholstery, textiles, rugs, pillows and mirrors, There are also oil paintings, rock crystal chandeliers, lamps, silver, bron
zes and ceramics, all characterized by a distinctive quality. Information: 303-282-1690.
The Wizard’s Chest: This family-owned Castle at 451 Broadway is filled with holiday magic for all ages. Wind-up toys rattle across tabletops, a young engineer buys her first solar robot kit, and a group of friends conquer an army of orcs in the corner. There are magic tricks, books, jigsaw puzzles, puppets, stuffed animals and science toys. The Gathering and Pokemon have become a ritual in the store’s open-play area. Information: 303-321-4304.
Paulino Gardens: Make this garden-greenhouse center at 6300 N. Broadway your holiday shopping and decorating hot spot. They sell live Christmas trees in several sizes and heights. You’ll also find poinsettias, evergreen boughs, wreaths and garlands. Also select from indoor-outdoor plants, pots, tools, fire pits and books. Gift certificates are available and never expire. Information: 303-429-8062.
Cool Colorado Blvd.
For shoppers and commuters this thoroughfare is simply “The Boulevard.” Officially it’s State Highway 2, but as it enters the metro area it becomes Colorado Blvd. From the 9th and Colorado project on the north through Glendale to Hampden Ave. this north-south strip is in the crosshairs of developers with an appetite for new
retail space.
Adams & Jane: Whether updating your home for the holidays or looking for home furnishing gifts this store is the place to stop. Offering home furnishing plus design services, the shop is in the Century 21 Plaza at 1350 S. Colorado Blvd. (soon relocating to Shops at 9th Avenue, 899 Broadway). Principal Amy Adams understands the relationship between interior design and the customer’s lifestyle. Information: 720-550-8230.
Colorado Gold Mart: Looking for holiday cash? Glendale’s only full service jeweler and watchmaker, located at 1124 S. Colorado Blvd., will loan you money on gold jewelry, diamonds, Rolexes and vintage watches. Information: 303-692-0553.
Dardano’s Shoes: For 70-plus years and four generations Dardano’s has specialized in comfort footwear, accessories and shoe repair. For yourself or as gifts you’ll find more than 60 brands of footwear and accessories to choose from in this expanded retail space at 1550 S. Colorado Blvd. Information: 303-692-9355.
Right Time Watch Center: You better watch out if you’re planning to give a timepiece for the holidays. Time is ticking away but we’re telling you where to find hundreds of brands of new and used timepieces. This watch shop at 1585 S. Colorado Blvd. has been in business since 1979 and is devoted to all phases of time products. Information: 303-691-2521.
Glinting South Gaylord
One of the oldest shopping districts in Denver, you’ll encounter shops converted from late 19th century houses. The district’s quaint shops offer unique gifts, fine art, fashion and more. The block is located between Mississippi and Tennessee Avenues.
Arts At Denver: This Old South Gaylord gallery exhibits oil paintings by more than 30 Colorado artists in a welcoming environment. Shop their annual November-December holiday shows. Information: 303-722-0422.
Hanna By Design: Choose from contemporary jewelry and art in this distinctive Old South Gaylord setting. Located at 1061 S. Gaylord St., this gallery of jewelry and art is two blocks west of University between Tennessee and Mississippi Avenues. Information: 720-502-5459.
The Tended Thicket: If you’re looking for beautiful gifts and gardening item
s this store at 1034 South Gaylord is a must. They have so many items that you really have to take your time strolling through this quaint gift shop. Information: 303-722-6815.
Mile High Holiday Mart: Choose from unique and exclusive items at this Nov. 11-13 shopping event at the Gates Field House located at the intersection of Asbury Ave. and South Gaylord St. Their award-winning cookbooks are also wonderful holiday gifts. Information: 303-692-0270.
Cheery Cherry Creek
To be sure Cherry Creek isn’t the walkable neighborhood it once was and treasured retailers have abandoned the district because of rising rents and construction. Nevertheless, there’s still an exceptional mix of classic and contemporary shopping spots worth the hassle.
Steve Rosdal Jewelers: Rosdal has been a Denver jeweler for more than 40 years, and has an intimate knowledge of diamonds, fine jewelry, and watches. Located at 231 Milwaukee St., his SHR Jewelry Associates cater to individuals looking to buy or sell jewelry. Select from the highest quality certified, conflict-free loose diamonds and estate jewelry. They also have the expertise and experience needed to locate stones that meet the most exact requirements. Information: 720-379-6505.
Show Of Hands: This unique gift shop at 210 Clayton St. showcases handmade crafts, jewelry, wall art and furniture. Choose from a fun selection of items beautifully handmade for gift giving, collecting and decorating. Information: 303-399-0201.
Paradise Pen & Montblanc Boutique: This new store in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is known for its high-end pens. Located on the upper level near the mall’s expanded wing, shoppers can also find a line of luxury watches and jewelry. Information: 303-329-3200.
Adornments: A boutique women’s shop offers an artistic style of clothing and accessories. Nowadays a district rarity, this shop has been in Cherry Creek for 24 years. Located on 2826 E. 3rd Ave. between Fillmore and Detroit, owner Helen Wicker and her staff can help shoppers tap into the holiday spirit with selections and gifts to adore. Information: 303-321-7992.
Dan Sharp Luxury Outerwear: Shop this salon at 218 Steele St. and be dazzled by fur, cashmere and other luxury winter wear in an atelier that also deals in vintage jewelry. Select from European coats and wraps made of shearling, cashmere, leather and fur. There are also pieces made from classic, as well as non-traditional fabrics and treatments. Information: 303-333-6666.
Mad Peaches Med Spa: Looking for perfect holiday gift(s)? Gift certificates to Mad Peaches (75 S. Madison) impress both women and men. Moreover they can be used toward services, products and boutique items. The receiver gets to decide! You can pick them up or call and they will send them to recipients. Information: 303-474-4436.
Glowing Glendale
A shopping and sporting Mecca, Glendale is a 384-acre enclave surrounded by Denver. Despite its seemingly small stature, this village has a big personality, and has built itself to reflect that while remaining grounded. Known as Rugby Town USA and home of Infinity Park, the ambitious G180 development is anticipated to make Glendale the Valley’s premier retail, entertainment and dining icon.
The Bookies: A bookstore like no other, this community focused, independent store at 4315 E. Mississippi Ave. is a holiday shopping bonanza. Home to over 100,000 titles, you’ll find something for everyone. Pick from children’s books, craft and science kits, board games and a carefully curated adult section. Information: 303-759-1117.
Device Pitstop: Just opened in Glendale’s Skyline Plaza, this store buys, sells, trades, repairs and upgrades computers and mobile electronic devices. The store at 760 S. Colorado Blvd. B1 allows you to buy gently used, refurbished or repaired devices as gifts. Select from computers, smartphones, iPods, laptops and tablets. Information: 720-398-9045.
Central City Opera: Give family and friends gifts to next summer’s Central City Opera (July 8-Aug. 6). Gift cards can be purchased for any amount. The Opera’s Box Office is located in Glendale’s Wells Fargo Bldg., 400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 525. The elite music festival is less than an hour away and the company offers opera favorites, American works, plus new and rarely performed pieces. Information: 303-292-6700.
Cost Plus World Market: Looking for gifts that are diverse and distinctive? This retail store at 770 S. Colorado Blvd. has an eclectic array of imports. Choose from unique gifts, furniture, home decor, imported rugs and curtains. There’s also specialty foods and wine. Information: 303-758-0530.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 21, 2016 | Glendale City News
by John Arthur
Writer for and on behalf of the City of Glendale
Over the final weekend of August, while central Colorado basked in late summer sun, the Serevi RugbyTown 7s Tournament roared in Glendale. In its fifth year of competition, the three-day tournament featured 20 teams (including teams from all five U.S. Military Branches) playing for a $10,000 winner-take-all purse. Rugby 7s, a quicker variation of traditional 15-a-side Rugby Union play, features two seven-minute halves and puts the importance of a team’s speed, strength, and stamina at the fore. From August 26-28, the RugbyTown 7s Tournament saw 62 matches, with the underdog Glendale Raptors clawing their way to an impressive second place finish overall.
The excitement for rugby was palpable in Glendale, with thousands of fans in attendance, but the success and growth that the Serevi RugbyTown 7s Tournament enjoyed was no accident. The organization, planning, and execution of the event are the product of the acumen of a highly skilled and dedicated staff, with Director of Facilities and Stadium Operations Kieran Nelson at the helm. Working alongside her colleague, Stadium Operations Manager Michael Hoff, Nelson has produced hundreds of local community and private events, as well as national and international rugby games and tournaments at Infinity Park.
A Colorado native, Nelson spent her college years in the Pacific Northwest, working in politics, human resources, and fundraising before transitioning into event planning at Infinity Park. Asked about what goes into planning an event like the RugbyTown 7s Tournament, Nelson shrugged, “What doesn’t? We begin planning a year in advance, and everyone in the City of Glendale is involved with the production of an event like this. It’s amazing the amount of effort and teamwork required. It takes a village.” Responsible for virtually every logistical aspect of the tournament, Nelson’s role is paramount. “This is probably the premier 7s tournament in the country. Every year we outdo ourselves and take it to a new level — we’re creating new rugby fans.”
This year, the RugbyTown 7s Tournament was accompanied by Glendale’s Bruises and Brews Beerfest, which featured 20 breweries and attracted nearly 1,500 attendees. Beer and rugby: two Colorado staples that certainly go better together.
For an event at Infinity Park, Nelson coordinates the staffing of guest services, security, and in-stadium food and beverage vendors, determines layouts, tent locations, and all necessary event rentals, while also working closely with the marketing team for promotion. Infinity Park Event Center staff coordinate the logistics for the VIP reception and post-tournament banquet, working closely with the stadium staff to ensure everything runs smoothly from beginning to end. Glendale Public Works maintains the fields, including the award-winning stadium pitch, practice fields, city parks and the Festival Plaza.
Deputy City Manager Linda Cassaday oversees the entire tournament, from initial invitations to tackling the arduous task of coordinating travel and lodging for teams, referees and staff who fly in for the tournament. City employees all dig in to assist with everything from managing incoming deliveries to set-up and filtering through all the invoices and payments that need to be made pre- and post-tournament.
As Nelson says, “This is truly a team effort.” With just herself and Hoff as full-time stadium employees, an event like the Serevi RugbyTown 7s Tournament sees the number of contracted staff balloon to as many as 250. While a typical Raptors game might require 40 guest relations and security staff, with an additional 20 personnel working on webcast and audio/video production, daily staffing for the RugbyTown 7s tournament saw double those numbers — the scale and scope of Nelson’s involvement is truly impressive. “It’s exhausting to plan an event like this,” she said, “but I thrive on it. The minute the first teams start to arrive, the first tents go up — that energy creates a buzz felt throughout the city.”
Though she admits to enjoying every aspect of her work, the Director of Facilities does have a life away from Infinity Park. Much of Nelson’s time outside the office is currently spent coordinating another im-portant event — her daughter’s transition to college.
She and her husband also enjoy Colorado’s ever-growing craft beer scene and 
spending time with their pets. Asked about her career at Infinity Park, Nelson is reflective. She left a position she enjoyed with National Jewish Health to explore a contract event planning role at Infinity Park in 2009: “It was a huge risk for my family, but it fascinated me and we decided to take the leap. It was amazing from day one.” Never intending to become involved in this type of work, she loves her job and is, clearly, quite good at it. Nelson also recognizes the importance of Infinity Park, “It’s the keystone of all of the things that are happening in Glendale, and I’m proud to have been on the ground since the beginning. The growth has been incredible and it will only continue.”
With the continuing expansion of 7s tournament play, and rugby’s popularity in the U.S. climbing quickly, Nelson’s gamble on Infinity Park has clearly paid off. That pay-off extends to fans and guests as well, as any attendee of the thoughtfully and expertly planned events at Glendale’s crown jewel can attest.
