Sunday, January 6, 2013

Denver Do: Better with Age on Broadway

Overview: This edition of the Denver Do is all about the lesser-known sections of Broadway's wacky-and-weird. You can use any means of transportation to get there and can continue to explore the area to your desire and time limitations.
Expected Cost: $10 for food @ the bakery; optional vintage shopping
Solo Savvy?: Absolutely! But, the antique shop begs discussion.
Expected Time: 1.5 hours (unless you try clothes on)
Requirements: Some form of mechanical transportation because this section of Broadway is south past "SoBro." It's actually parallel to the South Pearl District, so it's a bit of a jaunt. I would recommend a bike, car, or "0" bus RTD bus.
The Do: This edition of the Do starts at Packrat Antiques, an antique store located on Broadway and Iowa. If you bike, take Logan Street. A lot of the those quieter neighborhood roads end at i25 (or just get funky) but Logan goes all the way through. Turn right (west) onto Iowa and it's a few more blocks to Broadway.
I have no idea how I first found Packrat Antiques, but I am ever-so-glad that I did! This place is one of the most eccentric antique shops in a section of Broadway full of eccentric antique shops. It's basically a museum of creepy old stuff run by an equally creepy old couple who I don't believe actually sell anything. The gnome/ owner in the back-right corner is well-camouflaged by his paper, beware. I have no idea what kind of antiques he's guarding because I refrain from going near, but you should grow a pair and go back there. It's probably good.
Treat this place like an art collection and be prepared to spend a solid amount of time there. You will encounter antiques from every type of American population including (and not limited to) medical devices, skeletons, weapons, pictures, metal-works, and more. Take your time to examine all sections. But use only your mind to explore; you may have your head chopped by a Civil War-era sword if you do so much as take a out your iPhone. The old couple acts as if you don't exist until you take a picture, at which point you will be summarily removed from the premise.
After you've developed a winter's-worth of goose bumps, use your feet or mechanical transport to travel four blocks further south to Regal Vintage. This is my absolute favorite vintage shop in Denver. While it can be a bit overpriced it's got a fantastic collection. The guys who run it are either lovers or brothers (TaTU, anyone?!). They may seem a bit stand-offish at first but start purring over their hand-chosen collection and they'll be your best friend. Make friends because they are often willing to negotiate on prices, especially if you buy more than one item.
Keep in mind as you explore this store: before it was Regal it was another, much weirder vintage place owned by a man obsessed with aliens. The front was actually "a front" because the back was filled with his wacky alien paraphernalia. If you shopped for longer than 15 minutes he and his homeless friend would tell you conspiracy theories. So, imagine that you have an aluminum hat from the movie Signs and you should be alright.
Feel free to keep exploring this unique area, but the final portion of this Do takes you back north for a stop by the Buffalo Doughboy Bakery. On your way there, take note of the Black Crown Lounge between Arkansas and Florida. I've heard rave reviews of this gay-friendly antique store/ bar/ music venue. Grab a schedule of the live music and invite me to join when you go!
The Buffalo Doughboy Bakery is owned by a very nice couple with a taste for all things pastry. They offer smoothies, paninis, salads and more, but their pastries are the crux of the place. Located on the corner of Louisiana, the building is instantly recognizable with it's yellow-and-purple exterior. Seating is limited but the place isn't usually full. It's a relaxing joint, so bring a book if you're solo. I'd recommend ordering one of the savory pastries (I ordered a divine spinach-something once) and a coffee. Be sure to check the hours, though, because this place is a typical bakery with awkward open/closing times.
Congrats: you've done another Do! Thanks for joining. As always, feel free to provide your feedback and suggestions! Next up: Abusing Your (Core)Power.

2 comments:

  1. At a loss for lunch...How about stopping in the chippy for a pint? GB Fish and Chips on Broadway and Louisiana for a refill before returning to the trenches of antique shopping.

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  2. But...lunch in this "Do" is Buffalo Doughboy..??

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