Denver's trendy LoHi

EAT

Sushi Sasa Kick back at the blond-wood sushi bar. INFO: $$$$; 2401 15th St., Ste. 80; 303/433-7272.

Vita Settle into black curved booths for savory Mediterranean offerings like mushroom gnocchi with manchego cheese, clever cocktails like the basil gimlet, and live jazz Thursdays through Saturdays. INFO: $$; 1575 Boulder St.; 303/477-4600.

DRINK

Paris Wine Bar Pair a great selection of wines by the glass with one of the "boards" (cheese, antipasto, etc.). INFO: $; 1549 Platte St.; 303/217-5805.

Forest Room 5 Chic restaurant and lounge features cushy couches, film screenings, eclectic music from resident DJs, and a tapas menu. INFO: $$; closed Sun; 2532 15th St.; 303/433-7001.

SHOP

Red Door Swingin' Modern boutique offers funky furnishings, fashionable handbags, groovy jewelry, and bold art designed by locals. INFO: 2556 15th St.; 303/433-6900.

Phoebe's Past & Presents Everything from retro wall clocks to world music CDs and artistic greeting cards. INFO: 1535 Platte St.; 303/458-5544.

PLAY

Commons Park Hugging the South Platte River, the 25-acre park is nice for sledding and making snow angels, but the best reason to linger is the view of Denver's cityscape and the Rocky Mountains beyond. INFO: Little Raven St. between 15th and 19th Streets; denvergov.org or 720/913-0642.

NEARBY

Check out the modern galleries of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (closed Mon; $10; 1485 Delgany St.; 303/298-7554), stroll its rooftop garden planted with native foliage, or drive by at dusk, when the light-saturated, box-shaped building literally glows in the dark.