Best Downtown Neighbors 2007 | Cali & Mo and Lilly Partain | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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Best Downtown Neighbors

Cali & Mo and Lilly Partain

Cali & Mo and Lilly Partain simply can't be mentioned separately. The sister stores, on the second level of the Pavilions, are the brainchildren of boutique entrepreneurs/friends Allison Leyn and Vicki Raichart, and both express a love of vintage -- but in different and equally charming ways. If Cali & Mo is a street girl, wrapped in her faintly upscale flea-market finds -- enameled tin sets, refurbished blazers, slinky new clothing, antiqued side tables, retro greeting cards and costume jewelry galore -- Lilly Partain is her Parisian cousin, flounced out in silky ruffles and flashing rhinestones and scented with hand-milled soaps. Old, new -- it's all mixed up between the two to create one wholly wonderful store.

Best Store in Cherry Creek

Macy's

When shoppers first began comparing Foley's apples to Macy's stars after Federated Department Stores rebranded its stores, there didn't seem to be much difference -- just new signs replacing old. But the slavering few who'd shopped a Macy's elsewhere knew to be patient. Their wait paid off: Macy's is better. It's trendier and less cluttered, blending in well with the existing stores and able to satisfy the middle-of-the-road Jones New York crowd as well as those looking for something a little more chic. Now, that's star power.

Best New Store on Broadway (Since March 2006)

Fancy Tiger

From the moment partners Matthew Brown and Jaime Jennings opened Fancy Tiger, its blend of DIY mentality and
hipster fashions meshed perfectly with the neighborhood and adjacent social centers hi-dive and Sputnik. And like a good bar, it has something for girls and guys alike: hip make-your-own kits, unisex saddle bags, jeans and street wear, knitting supplies, old buttons, open craft nights, sewing classes for men, deejaying classes for everyone and plenty of other busy-bee activities to keep the corner humming day and night. Plus, the blog at www.fancytiger.com keeps a record of it all. Fancy Tiger, how did we ever live without you?

Best Store on Old South Gaylord Street

Pome

Pome has a little bit of everything and anything, all arranged to keep you oohing and aahing from the door to the back counter. There are even goodies to keep the kiddos looking and wishing while their moms are shopping. In fact, some of Kate Feinsod's best customers can't even see over the counter when they slap down a quarter for their penny candy. You'll find a great variety here, from an Italian accordion in a leather suitcase to an Herm?s 3000 cursive typewriter, or appliqud vinyl messenger bags by Queen Bee, beautiful necklaces hung with unique vintage findings by local jeweler Phyllis Quinn, a rainbow of ribbon sold by the yard, sweet tin toys and, in the summertime, even fresh fruit. Sweet.

Best Store on West 32nd Avenue

Studio Bead

A delightful shop commanded by adorable owner Joy Barrett, Studio Bead is not like any other place on the block -- or anywhere else. One month, it's all vintage bags with freshly beaded and charm-hung handles, the next it's a Frida tribute show. But always there's a well-culled selection of beads, from inside-painted orbs from China to whimsical glass lampwork kitties. Drop by, sign up for a class and let Barrett's infectious verve inspire you.

Best Store on Littleton's Main Street

Savory Spice

Mike and Janet Johnson's new Savory Spice on Littleton's Main Street is as engaging as their first location at 15th and Platte streets downtown. And, as with the old store, you can smell it coming -- which is downright divine. Once you enter, choose from smoked paprika, granulated garlic, pungent meat rubs, barbecue blends, ground chiles, dozens of peppers (whole and cracked), variously colored sea salts and exotic curry mixtures. Don't miss the Madagascar vanilla-infused sugar or the Saigon cassia cinnamon. Bon apptit!

Best Store in Olde Town Arvada

Olde Town Pickin' Parlor

The Olde Town Pickin' Parlor might be the closest thing to nirvana for a serious acoustic-guitar fingerpicker. Just walking in the store, which opened in 1991 (long before the "new" Olde Town), is enough to get your salivary glands working overtime. There's the vast selection of Martin and Taylor guitars near the front door, plus plenty of exceptionally crafted guitars made by Breedlove, Goodall and Collings to fondle. We're talking the BMWs and Audis of the guitar world. And you could probably buy a used car for about the same price as some of the guitars in the shop, as most run anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. But the Pickin' Parlor is whole lot more than guitars; it's also a haven for banjos, resophonics, mandolins and fiddles. If you're into bluegrass, fingerstyle, folk, Delta blues or jazz, this place will definitely make you want to do some pickin' and grinnin' -- at least until you get your credit-card bill.

Best Store on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall

Powell's Sweet Shoppe

Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory wasn't bad, as remakes go, but it can't hold a lollipop to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the first cinematic adaptation of Roald Dahl's sweet-and-sour novel -- and Powell's Sweet Shoppe's decision to construct a shrine to the latter, complete with autographed photos of cast members and the flick itself screening on a continuous loop, says a lot about its sensibilities. In addition to tasty ice cream and lots of current treats, the jam-packed store showcases a jaw-dropping selection of old favorites, ranging from Big Hunks to candy cigarettes. There's nothing like the originals.

Best Store Almost on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall

Bliss

If shopping is your Bliss, you'll find it here. Just a short stroll down Pearl Street from the mall proper leads you to this rambling store filled with scented Illume candles, a huge selection of stationery and cards, adorable embroidered tea towels and aprons, elegant Cavallini stamping kits, sweet stickers, a collection of shabby-chic cast-iron hooks and rectangular vases printed with birds and flora. Jewelry, hair ornaments and whimsical knickknacks round out the overloaded displays. Shop slowly and carry a big bag.

Best Store at Denver International Airport

Radio Road

No time to pack? No problem. Radio Road has you covered -- literally. You can outfit yourself from head to toe at the store, which opened last year on Concourse A at DIA, and whose only other outlets are at a handful of airports scattered across the country. That's because Radio Road is designed specifically for women on the go -- those who have to shop "on the fly." All of the stock is organized by color and category, so that you can grab a great single piece or an entire ensemble and still catch your plane. Before Radio Road, if you needed to outfit yourself at the airport, you'd have to resort to novelty sweaters, pashmina knockoffs, cowgirl regalia or maybe a "Let's Talk Colorado" sweatshirt and matching socks. But thanks to Radio Road, you can now hit the road running -- and looking darn good.

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