Denver legend "Papa Jack" Weil (1901-2008) was to Western shirts what Henry Ford was to cars. He became famous for originating the Western shirt, an American fashion he popularized across the world. His sawtooth pocket and diamond snap design is the longest running shirt style in America. He founded Rockmount Ranch Wear in Denver in 1946 and remained active in the business for 62 years, becoming at 107 years old the oldest working CEO in America. His shirts have been worn by everyone from Elvis to Bob Dylan. Ronald Reagan wore them in the 1950s and today fans of the snap button Rockmount shirt include Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Redford, Tom Hanks and Nicolas Cage. Over the years, tens of thousands of people stopped in Rockmount Ranch Wear to meet “Papa Jack,” who greeted everyone -- from rock stars to residents -- with sparkling eyes and the same friendly question, “Where you from?” It was “Papa Jack” who coined the phrase, the “The West is not a place, it’s a state of mind.” Just one block away from Rockmount, browse the latest urban chic at trendy Larimer Square, and stroll the 16th street mall lined with outdoor cafés and shops. Or head just a few minutes from downtown to Cherry Creek, and browse more than 300 boutiques, galleries, spas and outdoor cafés along tree-shaded streets.
SHOP like a local
Locals are nothing if not independent, and beyond the malls lay hundreds of privately owned shops with local designers. Where do the locals buy their must-have fashion accessories? Where can you always find the perfect gift?
TENver: Ten Unique Places Only in Denver
The Mile High City has it all for the shopping enthusiast. Denver is bursting with exciting entrepreneurial vim and vigor—sometimes, even we native Denverites are dumbfounded at how our city is evolving while still retaining its distinctive character.
Locals will tell you while we are well known for our elk, trout, Colorado lamb, beef, bison and even rattlesnake, our unexpected international fare is top notch.
Head to the hip, historic district locals call LoDo where 26 blocks of Victorian red brick warehouses have been converted to brewpubs, rooftop cafés, jazz clubs and bistros.
We don't have to convince you that Colorado has world-class biking and skiing. Denver also has the largest bike trail system in the nation.
DAM is what the locals call the Denver Art Museum, with an amazing new wing designed by world-renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind.
Red Rocks offers spectacular concerts throughout the summer plus movies once a week, all against a breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and Denver's city skyline.
From our dinosaur footprints to our downtown aquarium, the Mile High City is full of hidden gems that will bring the family closer together.