Shopping

In addition to all of its other positive attributes, Denver provides both locals and visitors with many positive shopping experiences. Everyone has days when they are a little down or depressed; or they have a loved one who needs a boost. Nothing quite picks up the spirit like a considerate gift, wrapped nicely with a thoughtful card. Sometimes even when you don't buy anything, the act of getting out and letting your imagination soar can have a positive influence. Because of these positive emotions, shopping increasingly is being known by its synonym – acquisition therapy. Following is a quick guide to Denver's establishments.

CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER   Located not far from downtown, this mall anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Foley's, draws more than 16 million visitors each year. It always ranks as one of the area's top 10 attractions, often drawing more visitors even than the U.S. Mint. The mall is home to Gart's, the world's largest sporting goods store. This classy mall has also been home to a branch of the Tattered Cover Bookstore, also reputed to be the largest establishment of its kind in the world. The mall is a social as well as a shopping center. 3000 East First Avenue. For more information, go to www.cherrycreek.mall.com. 

PARK MEADOWS   This mall was built and opened in 1997 in Douglas County, the fastest growing part of Colorado. It was constructed to have the look and feel of a rustic ski lodge. It is anchored by Denver's first Nordstrom's, a Dillard's and Colorado's largest Foley's. Because of its architecture, the mall is something to see. It is bigger in size and in the number of shops it offers drawing even more visitors each year than Cherry Creek. 8401 Park Meadows Center Drive, Littleton. For more information, go to www.parkmeadows.com.

COLORADO MILLS  This is the newest of the area malls. It features both high-end stores and outlets for major stores, such as Last Call, affiliated with Neiman Marcus, and Off Fifth, the discount outlet for Saks Fifth Avenue. Located off Interstate I-70 on the west side of the Denver metropolitan area, it is convenient for those who drive to and from Colorado's major ski areas. 14500 W. Colfax Avenue, Lakewood. For more information, go to www.coloradomills.com. 

FLATIRON CROSSING   This indoor-outdoor center, which was developed by Westcor Partners, boasts 1.5 million square feet of shopping space. Nordstrom's, Foley's and Dillard's are represented along with 170 specialty stores. The mall is located within 30 acres of park-like setting, which offers shoppers access to hiking trails. Located off U.S. Highway 36 in Broomfield, the center is located midway between Denver and Boulder and serves both cities. For more information, go to www.flatironcrossing.com. 

These malls in addition to 16th Street Mall (the mile long complex of shops and restaurants located downtown), Denver Pavilions (16th Street Mall between Welton and Tremont streets), the Tabor Center (16th Street Mall between Arapahoe and Larimer streets) and Larimer Square (Larimer Street between 14th and 15th streets), on Larimer Square, provide Denver residents and tourists with a wealth of shopping options.