BRUNCH AT DUO

2413 W. 32nd Ave.

Start the day right with a filling brunch. There are plenty of options, including the local favorite Duo (serving breakfast/brunch Saturday and Sunday). The ambiance is relaxed and unassuming, and incredible food is prepared by acclaimed chef John Broening. Buon appetito!

SHOPPING IN HIGHLANDS SQUARE

32nd and Lowell

Highlands Square is a charming neighborhood of quaint boutiques and restaurants, situated among bungalow-style houses. It's got an undeniably small town feel to it, even though it's just minutes from downtown. Here, you'll find shops offering anything from books and gifts to fine lingerie and contemporary fashions. Grab a cup of coffee and start browsing, or get lunch and a drink at The Matador (3496 W. 32nd Ave.), offering gourmet Tex-Mex cuisine, specialty cocktails and more than 100 tequilas to choose from.

GALLERIES IN TENNYSON STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

Tennyson St. from 38th Ave. to just north of 44th Ave.

Next, discover the burgeoning creative scene of the Tennyson Street Cultural District. This jewel of a neighborhood is packed with a variety of art galleries, creative retail shops, and boutiques that offer a wide selection of artwork and gifts. Tennyson prides itself on its "buy local" attitude. In other words, you won't find chain stores selling mass manufactured merchandise. Instead, you'll be treated to small, privately owned businesses that proudly offer their unique products.

SLOAN'S LAKE PARK

1700 S. Sheridan Blvd.

Next, soak up the sun over at Sloan's Lake Park, located at 25th Ave. and Sheridan St. This 177-acre park is an urban oasis, with the enormous Sloan's Lake taking center stage. Framed by a stunning view of the Denver skyline, water skiers can be seen in the summer zooming across the lake. Bring some food to grill and spread out a picnic blanket or two - there's plenty of room at this sprawling city park.

CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE

Take a little time in the afternoon to stroll the Highlands' relaxed residential streets. You'll find splendid examples of restored 1930s bungalows, ornate Queen Anne-style homes and quaint Victorian cottages. Don't be surprised if you end up wanting to move here!

COCKTAILS/DINNER IN THE LOWER HIGHLANDS

As the sun begins to set, head to the Lower Highlands - LoHi to locals - where you'll find a number of hip bars and bistros. Men's Journal raved: "Colorado's capital finally has its own Brooklyn." Your drinks and dining options are extensive. Lola (1575 Boulder St.) features delectable coastal Mexican cuisine and a wide array of tequilas; the aforementioned Duo (2413 32nd Ave.) offers an inspired eclectic American menu with farm-to-table ingredients; Vita (1575 Boulder St.) boasts a lovely rooftop and Mediterranean-inspired fare; Linger (2030 W. 30th Ave.) is housed in a truly uniqe setting - a former mortuary! But there's nothing ghoulish about the amazing food and handcrafted cocktails served here. The neighborhood is also home to some great breweries, including Prost Brewing (2540 19th St.) and Denver Beer Co. (1695 Platte St.).

SPEND A NIGHT IN THE HIGHLANDS

2555 W. 37th Ave.

Haven't had enough of this great Denver neighborhood? Book a room at the charming Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens, a luxury bed & breakfast in the Highlands. With lush gardens and popular Murder Mystery Dinner packages, the Lumber Baron is the kind of place which you'll want to keep coming back to.