In 2016, Jimmy Funkhouser ditched his corporate gig to embark on an adventure. Two years later, gear-haven Feral has garnered a reputation among outdoor enthusiasts for having a knowledgeable staff and some of the best prices in town. Feral sells used gear online — a bargain-hunter's dream — and rents everything from backpacking and camping kits to cooking gear and GPS systems. Don't miss the Adventure Planning Room, which reportedly offers Denver's largest collection of Colorado trail maps.

Readers' Choice: REI

Consummate party host Paul Laurie made a name for himself in Denver by throwing offbeat and engaging events in unusual spaces. Last year he landed the lease for a decommissioned synagogue that artists had converted into a house, giving Invisible City a permanent home. The private events venue — which, with its handful of bedrooms, does double duty as an Airbnb — has all the perks of a great party hall: art-deco charm, a catering kitchen and bar with no requirements about preferred vendors, and flexibility in event end time. What takes this place above and beyond, though, is that Laurie and his team are eager to create truly transportive experiences — and they know the performance artists and lighting and sound professionals to pull it off. That makes Invisible City equally popular with wedding planners and organizations like Atlas Obscura and Meow Wolf.

It's easy to stroll the aisles of Molly's Spirits and lose track of the time. After all, the store has more than 12,000 products displayed in 30,000 square feet of space. It has an impressive selection of craft beers from around the world, and between the build-your-own-six-pack program and more than 65 coolers dedicated to craft beer, it should be easy to find something you like — and at prices that are easy on your wallet. If it's wine you're after, Molly's offers more than 8,000 different bottles with prices that are tough to beat. If you need suggestions, Molly's employees are always available and willing to help.

Readers' Choice: Molly's Spirits

Perhaps you already know Mondo Vino for its wine program — the Highland anchor boasts an expertly assembled collection that's deftly maneuvered by the staff, and the shop has a knack for finding rare wines. That makes it a must-visit for amateurs and geeks alike, who leave each interaction a little more knowledgeable, and with the utmost confidence that they've secured an excellent bottle. But perhaps this shop's best-kept secret is that it puts just as much effort into its beer and spirits offerings. Its shelves and cold cases are full of rare gems and solid standbys, and it offers knowledge on everything it sells. Looking for an elusive Japanese whiskey? A limited-release beer? A funky liqueur? Or want to make a delicious discovery? Make Mondo Vino your next stop.

Readers' Choice: Argonaut Wine & Liquor

Good wine shops offer variety, but the best wine shops get to know you and encourage you to expand your horizons — and chances to expand those horizons is what makes Proof special. The wee shop, notched into a corner on Larimer Street, specializes in off-beat wine, beer and spirits, and its concise selection packs a punch. You'll find familiar touchpoints, but if you're open to experimentation, it's best to let owner Liz Batkin guide you through her wares; she has a knack for ferreting out a discovery that matches your specific tastes. Further education: Proof holds regular wine tastings to help you define and redefine what you like.

Readers' Choice: Molly's Spirits

Ask any beer nerd in this town where they go for rare bottles, and you're likely to be pointed toward Mr. B's, a Ballpark corner shop opened by brothers Jared and Scott Blauweiss almost a decade ago. The shelves and cold cases here are packed with finds, including special limited runs from local brewers, hard-to-find out-of-state gems, and rare imports from beer meccas like Belgium. The stock is intimidating, but the staff is not: Novices are treated as respectfully as pros, and they'll eagerly walk you through their collection if you so much as venture a question. The success of the downtown location spawned a second shop at Stanley Marketplace; following both locations on Facebook is a good way to stay up-to-date on the coveted goods coming through the doors. Oh, and the cider and liquor sections are worth a spin, too.

Sometimes size doesn't matter. There are plenty of liquor stores in the metro area larger than the Proper Pour, which is located inside the Source, but none better when it comes to finding locally produced brews that will please your palate. The selection is modest but mighty, and there are tons of specialty bombers that will hit the spot. And because the offerings are carefully overseen by staffers who really know their suds, tipplers are practically guaranteed a quality quaff whether they've heard of it before or not.

Readers' Choice: Molly's Spirits

It seems strange that the BookBar has only been open since the fall of 2012, since it already feels like a local institution. Of course, books are one of the main attractions here, and the tomes on hand are consistently smart and intriguing. But the atmosphere is just as important. In addition to comfy sofas that inspire patrons to linger, the shop boasts a full-service wine bar, complete with a delicious menu of items, plus a daily happy hour and even a "happier hour" storytime for youngsters that offers discounted prices on kids' meals. It's the kind of place that residents take visitors to illustrate why Denver is such a great place.

Readers' Choice: Tattered Cover

Each spring and fall at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, at 15200 West 6th Avenue in Golden, the Jefferson County Library Foundation stages a "Whale" sale at which books, magazines, records and more that are being taken out of circulation are put on sale to the general public. The four-day event begins with a preview night on a Thursday, a $10 early-entry opportunity for an hour on Friday morning, and no-fee entries through the rest of the weekend. But the real bargains can be had on Sundays, when patrons are charged just $6 to fill a grocery-sized bag with as many items as possible. Fees are bumped up slightly for larger bags, but it's still possible to pick up dozens of books for a quarter or less apiece. A whale of a sale, indeed.

Three decades ago this year, Paul and Jill Epstein started Twist & Shout, which has changed locations a few times and grown with each move. The sprawling 11,000-square-foot East Colfax location it's called home since 2006 carries a ton of CDs but also sports the best vinyl selection in the city. It's easy to spend an afternoon digging through LPs here, whether you're looking for an original 1950s Blue Note pressing, rare records or newer reissues. These days, you can easily stream music from your phone or computer, but there's still much joy to be had sifting through actual CDs and records, and you'll find that at Twist & Shout. May it continue for another thirty years.

Readers' Choice: Twist & Shout