Cherry Creek South - Denver, CO

The city of Denver itself owes its founding to the discovery of gold at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte in 1858. This area played a central role in the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, and the neighborhood took the form of everything from a truck-farming suburb to a waste disposal site to the heart of Denver's high society over the subsequent decades.

One of the country's largest arts celebrations takes place here every 4th of July weekend. For three days, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival transforms the entire neighborhood into an outdoor gallery, full of live music and street performers. Give yourself enough time to truly take in Colorado's signature cultural event, a world-class exhibit for families, couples and art enthusiasts alike.

Although you can find many popular chain restaurants in Cherry Creek and Country Club, the heart of the area's dining experience belongs to more exclusive fare.

Legendary quarterback John Elway opened a high-end steakhouse in Cherry Creek after his playing days ended. Elway's owes its success, however, to more than just an athlete's reputation. Enjoy succulent USDA hand cut prime steaks and fin fish at reasonable prices, along with a wide collection of fine wines. Elegant and high-class, Elway's is a great spot for business meals, special events or impressing that date of yours.

An understated local secret, The Cherry Cricket embraces its reputation as the Black Sheep of Cherry Creek. Great for lunch, dinner or that much-needed 1 a.m. meal after a night on the town, you can escape the white table-cloths and expensive wine glasses and just dive straight into the legendary 1/2 lb Cricket Burger, prepared any way you want it. Where else can you get raspberry jam or peanut butter on your hamburger?

Fruition, located on the northwestern edge of Country Club just off of 6th Avenue, can be one of the most difficult meals in Colorado to book -- tables need to be reserved multiple weeks in advance during the busy season. The wait is well worth it; with a menu unlike any in Denver and a comfortable, cozy atmosphere, many make Fruition their chosen spot for anniversaries, birthdays or other celebrations. If you call ahead of time, the restaurant can even make a personalized menu for that special someone.

Excellent craft beers and Rocky Mountain micro-brews can be had all across the Cherry Creek Country Club area, but the real nightlife takes place near LoDo in downtown Denver. You can hop on RTD bus 83L or simply take a short bike ride on the Cherry Creek Bike Path to reach the city center.

Cherry Creek and Country Club's streets don't require a car, unlike most neighborhoods in Colorado. Bike paths and jogging lanes permeate the area, and downtown lies only a short cab or bus ride away if you aren't looking for a little exercise.

6th Avenue, a major thoroughfare with occasional heavy traffic, rests on the northern border. The city's regional bus transportation service, RTD, stops near the shopping districts and along several key landmarks in the area as well. Take the 1, 3, 24, 3 Ltd., 79 Ltd. and 83 Ltd to get to and from.

You can reach Denver International Airport, or DIA, by taking Colorado Blvd north to I-70 East towards Pena Blvd.

Though there are plenty of small open spaces and trails in the area, two parks dominate the scene around Country Club and Cherry Creek.

Governor's Park blends recreation, happy hour and a relaxed social atmosphere. Head over if you feel like grabbing some awesome beer at any one of several great locations, or check out the Colorado Governor's Mansion just to the northwest. It's perfect for gameday, dog-walking or taking in the city.

Washington Park, known to locals simply as "Wash Park," embodies the younger, athletic and diverse nature of Denver. The park itself, larger than the entire Cherry Creek Country Club neighborhood, serves as a cultural center for social activities and recreational sports. You can play every sport under the sun, jog one of several trails, stop by the largest flower garden in Denver, or just throw out a picnic blanket and use one of Wash Park's many grilling stations.

Cherry Creek and Country Club represent some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in America, and the cost of living reflects that. Median incomes for working professionals exceed three times the city average, and average home prices aren't far behind. Limited single-family dwellings often sell for more than several million dollars.

You can find rental prices on a fairly sizable spectrum; Cherry Creek North can see one-bedroom units for $1,800 per month. One-bedroom apartments further south in Country Club, near Alameda, are closer to $1,300 per month.

Gasoline at the pumps in Cherry Creek and Country Club hovers around national average prices. Drinking here is pricier than downtown, particularly cocktails, but a pint can still be had for about $7.

The Cherry Creek Country Club area contains one of the largest and most varied shopping destinations between San Francisco and Chicago. The Cherry Creek North shopping district spans 16 city-blocks across East 1st, 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Home to more than 320 upscale galleries, salons, spas and boutiques, "North" continues to earn its lofty reputation. Cherry Creek Shopping Center has a more brand-named and upscale vibe, including names such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Hugo Boss and Cole Haan.

Denver's best toy store and costume shop sits on 230 Filmore Street. Walk across an actual drawbridge to enter the castle-shaped Wizard's Chest, a one-of-a-kind, family-owned fantasy store. As you enter, you're greeted by the one and only Winchester Slatebeard, a velvet-robed, talking wizard statue. The Chest's 8,000 square feet and two stories house more magical items and wigs than you probably knew existed.

Coquette Boutique brings European fashion and flair to Cherry Creek, aimed at Denver's high-end trendy ladies. Browse through several styles of chic cocktail dresses, urban outfits and red hat society jewelry. Check back from time to time to see what's on the sales rack if you don't want to over-indulge on full-priced items.

Head to Oliver's Meat & Seafood Market for country club-style grocery shopping. Small enough for a neighborhood butcher's feel yet large enough to offer a great selection, you don't need to go anywhere else for prime meat cuts.