Denver’s Trendy LoHi
Get your big-city fix in the up-and-coming Colorado neighborhoods of Lower Highland and Central Platte Valley
Jenifer Harrington
The Highland Bridge's triple-rib arch rises dramatically 70 feet above the ground. Completed in December 2006 the bridge has made LoHi more accessible from downtown a boon to the neighborhood's growth.
We can’t think of a cooler part of Denver than Lower Highland and the Central Platte Valley for beating the midwinter doldrums with a shot of cosmopolitan buzz.
Think happening restaurants, a new contemporary art museum, and an architecturally forward-thinking bridge. The neighborhoods are easier than ever to visit in tandem, thanks to the bicycle-and-pedestrian Highland Bridge connecting them across Interstate 25.
Getting There
The Lower Highland and Central Platte Valley neighborhoods flank I-25 northwest of the central business district and Lower Downtown (LoDo). To reach the area, take I-25 north to the 23rd Ave. exit and head right, toward Water St., or take I-25 south to the 20th St. exit.
Eat
Sushi Sasa Kick back at the blond-wood sushi bar. INFO: $$$$; 2401 15th St., Ste. 80; 303/433-7272.
Jenifer Harrington
Try the ahi crudo at Vita served with orzo salad on crispy flatbread.
Vita Settle into black curved booths for savory Mediterranean offerings like mushroom gnocchi with manchego cheese, clever cocktails like the basil gimlet, and live jazz Thursdays through Saturdays. INFO: $$; 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.
