Denver's Sophisticated Suburb Is A Chic Colorado Village With Upscale Dining, Shopping, And Cultural Flair

The western frontier in Colorado is synonymous with the Rocky Mountains, loads of outdoor adventures, and beautiful national parks like the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which has a 'natural beach' which allows for seasonal swimming. The Centennial State is also famous for its capital city, the bustling metropolis of Denver; home to unique architecture, a diverse culture, and a long list of visit-worthy urban outskirts such as Ken Caryl, a fast-growing suburb located in Denver's foothills. Speaking of suburbs: If you're interested in learning about some of the more upmarket ones in the Denver area, consider making your way to Greenwood Village.

Greenwood Village has it all. From beautiful homes and endless shopping to fantastic food and an abundance of the arts. Once an agrarian community in the early 20th century, Greenwood Village is home to roughly 16,000 people today. There are 22 parks in the area and several miles of trails worth exploring, with property prices rising steadily in 2024. Greenwood Village is easy to get to from downtown Denver. The drive usually takes no more than 30 minutes. If you're taking the train, your best option is to board the E Tram heading towards RidgeGate all the way to Orchard Station. Alternatively, you could catch the number 20 bus from 17th Avenue and Broadway heading toward Colfax and Billings, transferring at 17th Avenue and Josephine Street, and then catching the number 24 bus all the way to your final destination: the suburban paradise of Greenwood Village.

If you're looking to grab a scrumptious bite in Greenwood Village, you've got options. Some of the absolute best names in the area in this regard include Ya Ya's European Bistro and Chianti Ristorante Italiano. Ya Ya's is a pioneer in gastronomic excellence in the area which fuses the delights of contemporary American fare with standout pillars of Greek, French, and Italian cuisine. Some of its ingredients are flown in daily, while many items are sourced from local farmers. Either way, the food is always fresh and each plate is intricate in detail without being overly complicated.

Often rated as one of the best Italian restaurants in Colorado, Chianti Ristorante Italiano opened in 2001 as a culinary endeavor by chef Alessandro Carollo in a bid to bring the best of Tuscany to the Rockies. Operating out of a space that is both traditional and tasteful, Chianti focuses on northern Italian classics which means its menu is really dialed in. The curated menu includes dishes like a cheese charcuterie with various meats, cheeses, bread, and walnuts; homemade raviolis with stuffing that includes mushrooms, sausage, cheese, and vegetables; and many different types of pasta. Chianti offers diners an experience unlike any other in the area. One reviewer on Google said, "Absolutely phenomenal food!! The ambiance is nice, the service was amazing and the whole staff are so attentive and helpful. We came to celebrate Valentine's Day and the menu had something for everyone on it!"

Greenwood Village has retail therapy in abundance. For those of you looking to shell out some of your hard-earned dollars in the hopes of coming back home with a rare find, your best bet would be to head on over to The Orchards on Holly Street. This 160,000 square foot shopping mecca is home to stores like Homefest, where you can buy everything imaginable to up the interior of your home. Products include everything from linen and covers to barware and cutlery. If you're planning a ski trip and in need of warm clothing, ML Furs and Luxury Skiwear has you covered. This high-end store focuses on designer cashmeres, sweaters, ski jackets, boots, and handbags to ensure you stay cozy and stylish on the slopes.

Once you're tired of shopping, supplement your day with a visit to the Curtis Center for the Arts. Open from Monday to Saturday, this historic institution houses art exhibits and hosts art education lectures that are a treat to attend. When you're done, make your way to Barr Lake State Park to get some time close to the water. Barr Lake is an under-the-radar lake escape near Denver that is brimming with peaceful paddling spots and birdlife.