Englewood, CO

Englewood's rich history links closely to the gold rush of the mid-1800s. A prospector named William Green Russell found a vein of gold near South Platte River and set up a camp in what would later become Englewood. However, a man named Thomas Skerritt claims credit as the father of Englewood. Skerritt laid claim to 640 acres of land that encompassed most of present day Englewood.

A rural community until 1880 when urban expansion introduced an unsavory element of citizens to the area, Englewood was not incorporated until 1903. A history of violence necessitated the formation of committees to clean up the neighborhood.

Old Fiske Garden, a centrally located watering hole for early residents, was transformed into the Tuileries Amusement Park as part of the clean-up process. The Gothic Theatre brought Hollywood glamour to Englewood with the introduction of slapstick comedies, musicals and westerns. The 1st National Film Company jumped on the bandwagon of the popularity of film and became a central location for the shipping of movie goods. Later called Alexander Industries, this Englewood based company built the Eagle Rock biplane to ease delivery of film.

Always a thriving town, even in the face of the Great Depression, Englewood underwent some structural changes after World War II, with the construction of more industrial plants and a new high school.

Art has always been a focus of Englewood once the neighborhood survived the early years of infamy. The Museum of Outdoor Arts stands as a testament to that fact, as does the award-winning Englewood Recreation Center and the nearby Malley Recreation Center for seniors. Both facilities offer a wide range of art classes, such as painting, dance, pottery, woodcarving and textile arts.

To be a spectator to the arts, visit the Holiday bazaar at the Malley Center, or take in a live show during the Sounds of Summer Concert Series at the City Center Amphitheatre.

Ranging from laid-back pizza joints to the old style charm of a roadside diner, the restaurant selections lining South Broadway can satisfy any craving.

The Breakfast Queen 2, an old-style diner serving typical breakfast fare alongside regional favorites such as huevos rancheros and green chili smothered hash browns, serves as one such establishment. Don't pass by this unassuming seemingly hole in the wall location. Leave your pretensions at home and park in the back, where there's ample space for you to enjoy The Breakfast Queen 2's charms.

Another taste of home can be had at The Copper Pot. This family-owned restaurant puts its own spin on a variety of American staples, such as macaroni and cheese, meatloaf and chicken fried steak. Comfort food served in a fun atmosphere aptly characterizes The Copper Pot.

For an entirely different experience, try Cafe 180 located on South Broadway. Modeled after another Denver restaurant, SAME Cafe, Cafe 180 truly gives back to the community. This socially conscious business asks customers to devote an hour of service so that those in need will be fed, letting the customer decide how much to pay for the food, with the hope that those with more to give will pay it forward. You can support a worthy cause when you order a signature wrap or flatbread pizza at Cafe 180.

A mixture of casual lounges and bars mingle with high energy music venues for your choice of a nightlife experience in Englewood. Dating back to 1929, the Gothic Theatre, a converted art deco movie house now features many live alternative bands.

The CityCenter Amphitheatre, easily accessed via light rail, serves as another live music venue for the community. Or for a more intimate, interactive night out with friends visit The Spotted Dog, located on the lower level of The Inverness, and engage in the friendly competition of darts and foosball.

Based on its central location, Englewood serves as a natural transportation hub. Ever an innovator in transportation, Englewood offers a free circulator shuttle called art that connects the community to the city center and through downtown.

Light rail provided by the Regional Transit Department provides another option with two stops in Englewood, one at the Civic Center and another at Oxford Station. Ample public parking in the city center makes travel by personal vehicle a relatively hassle-free option as well.

Three major thoroughfares, US Highway 285, US Highway 85 and Broadway provide simple access to Englewood's residential, commercial and industrial areas. Interstate 70 and Interstate 25 lie less than 10 minutes away for more travel choices.

A few businesses operate within walking distance of some Englewood addresses, but most errands will require the use of a car, shuttle or light rail. Bike travel is relatively easy along the numerous bike paths meandering through this community, so grab your helmet and a friend and take in the beauty of the valley. Call ahead for a taxi, as they are not typically hailed from the street.

Public parks abound in Englewood's borders. Two standouts include Belleview Park on the southern border of Englewood and Centennial Park on the community's western edge.

Belleview Park has a host of family-friendly activities to fill your weekend days. For over 30 years, the miniature train at Belleview has delighted children and parents alike with its whimsical appeal. After a chug down the tracks, take your children to experience the variety of animals housed at Belleview's petting zoo. Each attraction requires a nominal fee of $1.75, money well spent for the joy on your children's faces.

Nestled in the center of 37 pristine green acres, the lake at Centennial Park serves as the perfect spot for fishing or just relaxing on the shore. Miles of nature trails, formal sports fields, a playground and an off-leash dog park for your furry friend complete the list of amenities at Centennial Park. Jogging enthusiasts love Centennial Park's wooded trails.

Summertime fun can be had at Pirate's Cove Family Aquatic Center, an outdoor water park located on the north side of Belleview Avenue. Suit up and head over to beat the Denver heat.

The cost of living in Englewood hovers near the national average of $100,000 annually, but when compared to the Denver city average, the numbers come in slightly lower.

Though Englewood is primarily populated by single-family homes, some apartments are available. Rent in this community averages less than $800 monthly for a one-bedroom unit.

Bargain shoppers and boutique afficianados alike can find what their hearts desire while shopping in Englewood.

Fresh Fare King Sooper's serves as the most prominent local grocery store. A scaled-down version of the popular supermarket, this location is convenient and affordable for residents. Not too far away on Arapahoe Road sits Natural Grocers, which offers organic produce, grass fed milk and a large selection of nutritional supplements.

For a truly fresh experience, visit the Sprouts Farmers' Market on South Broadway. Organic honeycrisp apples, free range eggs and extensive deli selections make this market a standout.

A short drive over to historic South Pearl Street can add a bit of sophistication to your shopping day at Gracie's Boutique. High fashion from many exclusive designers grace the racks at Gracie's. Helpful staff members love to dress ladies for special occasion, so drop by before your next event and get outfitted in the latest trends.

With items ranging from hand-knitted scarves to funky pieces of furniture, you can be sure to find something to satisfy your inner or outer hippie at another South Pearl Street gem, 5 Green Boxes. Eclectic and quirky, this boutique deserves a spot on your must visit list in Denver.

Be sure to catch the Pearl Street Farmers' Market while you’re there as well. Offering an enormous selection of vendors each Sunday from May to November, this farmers' market also hosts exciting seasonal events, such as a chili cook-off and HalloweenFest.