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eat! drink! shop!: Golden

By Michele Conklin, Special to the Rocky

Published November 30, 2008 at 3 p.m.

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Golden's ad campaign touts a two-hour vacation, but be prepared to extend that little vacation.

Golden's ad campaign touts a two-hour vacation, but be prepared to extend that little vacation.

On a bridge over Clear Creek, a sign posts an 1883 weight and speed- limit ordinance for the herding of livestock.

On a bridge over Clear Creek, a sign posts an 1883 weight and speed- limit ordinance for the herding of livestock.

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Golden's advertising campaign touts a two-hour vacation. Nice thought, but once you slip into an anti-gravity chair for an "ice-cream" pedicure at the Urban Escape Day Spa or curl up on Windy Saddles' overstuffed leather couch with a latte and free wi-fi, we're guessing you won't be home in time for dinner.

Golden's cozy downtown is centered on Washington Avenue between 11th and 14th streets. Entering from the north, you'll cross a bridge over Clear Creek where an 1883 ordinance still in effect today warns you to herd your cattle at walking speed through town. It's nice to know you're required by law to slow down here.

The slower pace suits this town, where many shops and eateries are staffed by their owners. Shopping at a store with the owner-buyer in residence is a bit like strolling through a gallery with the artist in tow; your finds are made even more special because you learn the stories behind each piece.

Nancy Mason at Baby Doe's Clothing won't just sell you a hand-woven scarf by Patricia Zilinski - she'll tell you about the dyeing technique of her fellow weaver. And next door, master gardener Sharill Briggs at Pickets can share stories behind the eclectic gifts in her shop.

So forget the clever advertising line about two hours and give yourself at least twice that to truly enjoy yourself.

Golden Quilt Co.

If this year's Gee's Bend quilt exhibition at the Denver Art Museum has you hankering to get out your needle and thread, this is your store. Quilters can find everything they need to get a project done in time for the holidays - OK, next year's holidays, maybe. Rows of fabric bolts arranged by color palette make fabric selection a breeze. Precut squares and full kits also are available.

* Don't miss: the "modern art" fabrics that give a whole new meaning to quilts

* 1108 Washington Ave.; 303-277-0717, golden quiltcompany.com

Windy Saddle Cafe

Skip the Starbucks down the street and head for Windy Saddle, where you'll find great coffee, great surroundings and great locals. But there's more than coffee going on here. The cafe bakes up goodies from scones and quiche to cookies and brownies every day.

* Don't miss: the cafe's homemade granola

* 1110 Washington Ave., 303-279-1905, windysaddle.com

Nature's Gift Candleworks

The hand-dipped candles here may be a tad expensive (starting at $22), but they're really two gifts in one package. Local candle-makers embed dried flowers, twigs, berries and fruit into the outer layer of the candles. As the candle burns, it hollows out a center and the original candle becomes a botanical "vase." You can then burn tea-light candles inside that illuminate the botanicals - an even prettier display in many ways than the original.

* Don't miss: the store's new lavender spa line, including subtle lavender candles and a healing hand lotion made from lavender and shea butter

* 1209 Washington Ave.; 303-278-1690, naturesgift candles.com

Pickets

If you skip over this shop because you're not a gardener, you'd miss out on one of the cutest, most eclectic gift shops in the Denver area. Sure, there's a garden out back, but it's not much to see this time of the year, so spend your time instead on the beaded jewelry, metal wine "purses" and wooden angels inside the shop.

* Don't miss: the assortment of 1920s-era fleece hats that will have you jitterbugging in no time

* 1118 Washington Ave.; 303-278-1601, picketsgiftand garden.com

D'Deli

After noshing at D'Deli, we're not sure how nearby sandwich chains stay in business. Owner Al Neighbors creates taste combinations that will have you begging to brown-bag it. And he gives you a new one to choose from every day. A recent example: the Aspen Buddha, with turkey, Swiss, curry spread, sunflower seeds, greens and banana peppers. You can order your sandwich as a wrap, but then you'd miss out on the luscious baguettes baked fresh by Vincenza's Bakery, in Wheat Ridge. Homemade soups also are available.

* Don't miss: the Oxford, a tasty combo of thinly sliced buffalo, tomatoes and fresh basil with blue- cheese aioli. Try it with the freshly squeezed lemonade.

* 1207 Washington Ave.; 303-279-8020, ddelisubs.com

Baby Doe's Clothing

Tired of looking like everyone else when you leave the house? Then it's time to break out of the mall and find your own clothing boutique. Baby Doe's will fit the bill nicely if you're a true Coloradan who loves her jeans dressed up and dressed down. Owner and buyer Nancy Mason is a weaver who looks for items made of sumptuous materials and colors. She complements the clothing with unique jewelry lines (check out Meg Hanan's fabric jewelry) and luscious purses (look for the Babiche goatskin purses, many of which are prototypes for this local line).

* Don't miss: the XOB sock monkeys and fingerless gloves made from recycled sweaters

* 1116 Washington Ave.; babydoesclothing.com,

303-279-8100

Chelsea of London

From the Marie Jo daisy bras to the Cosabella resort wear, it's clear that this is no Victoria's Secret. The lingerie and sprinkling of designer clothing is romantic, sexy and modern all at the same time. But most important, these garments are designed for grown-ups rather than teenagers.

* Don't miss: the store's bridal lingerie by Claire Pettibone of California and Flora Nikrooz of New York

* 1203 Washington Ave.; 303-271-9565, ChelseaOf London.com

Urban Escape Day Spa

To begin, you're nestled into a fluffy, comforter-draped cocoon-like chair with a fleece lap robe tucked in on top. You place your feet in a copper bowl with what looks like a scoop of ice cream. Your therapist adds water and the "scoop" dissolves into a bubbling bath of oils as your nose is tickled by the scent of chocolate-covered strawberries or another familiar ice cream scent. After the foot soak, she gently tilts you backward in your chair to a position that seems to suspend gravity. After that, you probably won't remember much other than waking up with a great pedicure. Apparently, napping is part of the deal!

* Don't miss: the Wine-Country Escape massage package that includes a glass of wine at next-door neighbor Vintner's Cellar

* 700 12th St.; 303-278-1709, urbanescapespa.com

Holiday Art Market at the Foothills Art Center

December is the best time to visit Golden. Not only does the town roll out the red (and green) carpet with free carriage rides and candlelight caroling, but the annual Holiday Art Market is in town.

Don't let the name fool you into thinking this is some sort of Aunt Bee's arts-and-crafts fair. Now in its 34th year, the Holiday Art Market is a juried art show featuring the works of 135 artists, most from Colorado.

Unlike better-known shows, the Holiday Art Market allows artists to submit actual samples of work rather than expensive photography of their work. By doing this, the show is able to capture emerging artists, says Pam Fortner, an Arvada artist and manager of the show. One such artist is doll- maker Mary Jane Butler, who handcrafts the ceramic faces for her dolls and then sews on the bodies and attaches wood limbs.

Another emerging artist worth noting is Denver upholsterer Jeanne Connolly. Using vintage fabrics and cast-off furniture, Connolly creates functional art.

Foothills Art Center is housed in the former First Presbyterian Church, built in 1872, an adjoining parsonage and a mansion next door. Price points for the Holiday Art Market range from $3 to $3,000, Fortner said.

The artists will replenish their wares throughout the show, which runs through Dec. 30. A few artists not to be missed:

* Amy Chavez, who designs ceramic "dream houses" on pillows, both as sculptures and (new this year) tree ornaments

* Feather-light gourd vessels adorned with pine-needle weaving by Linda Gibbons

* Linda Starcevich's wall art made of vintage jewelry found at flea markets and garage sales

* Don't miss: a Champagne-and-chocolate reception with the artists from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11

* 809 15th St., 303-279-3922, foothillsartcenter.org

Parking

There's abundant two-hour parking along the streets downtown.

Holiday Happenings

For a full schedule of holiday events, go to 2hourvacation.com.

Comments

  • December 1, 2008

    3:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Darwin writes:

    Since Golden wants to "sanitize" Christmas, I'll do my Christmas shopping elsewhere where Christmas is still celebrated.