Cheesman Park - Denver, CO

The land on which Chessman Park stands was once part of Prospect Hill Cemetery, which fell into disrepair around 1875. In 1890, the U.S. Congress authorized the land to be converted into a park. By 1893, more than 5,000 bodies in the cemetery had not been claimed and relocated. At the time of the opening of the park in 1907, some of the graves still remained.

In the 1930s, the neighborhood consisted of large mansions belonging to some of the city’s wealthiest citizens. Since then, the area has grown in population, with many of the mansions being replaced by high-rise buildings. Cheesman Park houses the Denver Botanical Gardens.

Although considered a part of central Denver, the neighborhood contains few dining or entertainment options. Residents typically travel outside the area to grab a bite to eat or enjoy drinks with friends.

Fruition Restaurant, located on 6th Avenue between Marion and Lafayette Streets, takes as much care in its ambiance as it does its sophisticated yet simple gourmet menu. Succulent meats paired with delicate wines earned Chef Alex Seidel a place in Food & Wines’ 2010 list of best new chefs in the country. The restaurant epitomizes the concept of farm-to-table cooking; Fruition Farms, a 10-acre farm in Larkspur, provides meats, cheese and greens for the dishes. The menu changes with the seasons, bringing a new experience with each visit.

Local fans of Chicago teams depend on Wyman’s No. 5 to serve them authentic Chicago-style pizza in a causal sports bar atmosphere. When you want to catch a game and cheer on the Chicago team, you can count on Wyman’s to have the biggest crowd of fans around. Try the pepperoni rolls, a creative pizza rendition of a cinnamon roll. Pair them with a pint of beer, and you have the makings for a great game-time meal. Located on East 13th Avenue, doors open daily at 2 p.m. and close at 2 a.m.

Barracuda’s serves as the neighborhood’s go-to place for a great time. Located on Ogden Street, the restaurant starts serving brunch with bottomless mimosas at 10 a.m. and closes its doors at 1 a.m. except on Friday and Saturday, when you can order until 4 a.m. You won’t be disappointed with the menu; it features typical bar fare such as chicken nachos and chili cheese fries. What you will really remember is the karaoke. Locals claim the bar has the most confident karaoke singers in the district.

The large city park in the center of the neighborhood features numerous trails for walking, jogging and biking. Streets in the neighborhood have sidewalks, and most errands can be accomplished by foot. Residential homes in the neighborhood typically provide off-street parking, and on-street parking can accommodate any additional spaces needed. Commercial areas and business complexes in Cheesman provide ample free parking, as does the park. The Denver Botanical Gardens has limited free parking available, but street parking in the neighborhood covers overflow.

Cheesman Park commuters use their personal vehicles to commute throughout the Denver area, with quick access to Highway 287 into downtown Denver. Bus routes along 12th Avenue and Josephine Street provide commuters with readily available public transportation options. If you find yourself needing a ride, you might be able to hail a cab curbside, but it would be easier to phone a cab company, Uber or Lyft.

Most of the small neighborhood of Cheesman Park consists of the 80-acre park, which features meandering walkways, a neoclassical pavilion and a reflecting pool. The park has a playground, but no athletic facilities. Residents enjoy the park for its grassy lawns and groves of trees -- the perfect places to have a picnic or fly a kite. The park welcomes dogs, but they must remain on a leash. The closest dog park can be found just less than 1 mile away at Josephine Gardens.

The cost of living in Cheesman Park sits 29 percent higher than the national average and 21 percent higher than Denver as a whole. Housing costs account for the difference, and residents trade a high cost of living for a cosmopolitan neighborhood with quick access to the city. A one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood costs around $1,075.

If traveling to downtown Denver by public transportation, expect a commute time of approximately 30 minutes. One-way fares cost approximately $2.25, or you can purchase a monthly pass for $79. Gas prices in Denver normally land roughly 10 percent lower than the national average. Depending on the venue, you can expect to pay around $5 for a pint of beer.

Everyday shopping can be done close to the neighborhood. A nearby Safeway and Whole Foods Market should cover most of the basics. On Wednesdays, residents head to the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, a farmers market held at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. The City Park Esplanade Fresh Market takes place on Sundays near Sullivan Fountain. Both of these markets have been serving up fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally-grown items for more than 19 years.

If you enjoy the physicality of vinyl or CDs, head towards Twist and Shout on East Colfax Avenue. The massive store offers more than new and used records and CDs; it carries collector items, wall art, T-shirts and tchotchkes of every kind. Next door, the independently owned Tattered Cover bookstore offers readers a large selection of new and used books. This popular store frequently hosts events, author signings, and discussions.

When looking for a new pair of Louis Vuitton's or the latest handbag from Michael Kors, head to Cherry Creek Shopping Center. In addition to small designer shops, the mall contains department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Macy's.