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City Cast Denver

Keep It Local features spotlights on a local businesses we love and a timely set of personal, curated and neighborly recommendations that will help you live your best Mile High life. So, if you’re ready to ditch the national chains, e-commerce giants, and big box stores,

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Michelle Polizzi

You could always go to Starbucks and order a PSL, but here’s an even better idea: Hit these local shops to create the perfect (and delicious) pumpkin aesthetic at home.

 — and then some — are available at Cake Crafts Denver. Get a 

 for your spooky cake pops, and all the icing 

 onto cakes and cupcakes. Simply send in a digital image via email or through their site, and your customized treat is usually ready for pickup the next day.

 is a locally owned shop that has been providing Denver with unique home decor and designer housewares since 1971. The autumn accessories game is strong here, with vintage-inspired 

The Lark is a good place to find Halloween-y decor that’s tasteful and on-trend, but 

🍁 Little Bird (Park Hill and Cory-Merrill)

Few things are cuter and more on-brand for fall than a little one in a jack-o’-lantern shirt. Little Bird is a kids’ clothing store stocked with 

 and matching tutus. This boutique also sells toys (including the 

 at both locations, so kiddos can get groomed while you shop for their fall getup.

It's pumpkin season! Here are the best places in Denver to grab your next pumpkin-flavored and pumpkin-designed fall goods.

Where to Find Pumpkin Decor and Baking Items in Denver

Where to Find All the Pumpkin Home Goods

Keep It Local

The only thing better than buying all the pumpkin-themed things? Buying 

, you can find a family-owned pumpkin patch without leaving the city. Here’s a quick guide on what to get there to complete your falliest home vibe:

Spruce up your space with a new plant, but 

Few things say “it’s fall!” better than a front porch decorated in corn stalks, now on sale at the farm.

Warty goblin pumpkins are uniquely bred to have a bright orange color with 

. Get these spooky fun pumpkins, classic pumpkins, and more grumpy-looking gourds here.

The only thing better than buying all the pumpkin-themed things? Buying actual pumpkins. Here's a quick and easy guide to shopping for your next gourd.

Where to Buy Pumpkins in Denver

Where to Buy Actual Pumpkins

The rhythms and patterns of nature may have inspired the design of 

, but its public spaces are definitely optimized for 21st century work. Grab a latte and a pastry at 

 in the hotel’s lobby, then head up the winding stairs to the cozy seating area with couches, tables, and chairs to get you settled in and focused.

After your workday, head to the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar, 

Located inside the Zeppelin Station office spaces, 

 is a family-owned coffee shop with a productivity-first vibe that’s guaranteed to help you get work done. Think tons of natural lighting, plenty of seating options, and garage doors that bring in welcome fresh air on warm days. They’re known for their hand-roasted beans and tasty breakfast burritos that’ll keep you fueled.

Coffee aficionados give this spot two thumbs up, and it’s still approachable for the regular coffee drinker.

🍏 The Maven Hotel’s Lobby (Union Station)

Tucked inside Dairy Block just steps from 

 lobby has a collection of work-friendly seating for cranking through your to-do list. I personally love the 

 with decorative lamps that give a studious feel. I also love that you can grab a quick lunch in one of the many nearby restaurants, meaning you don’t have to leave once hunger strikes.

Parking can be challenging here. Arrive before 9 a.m. to find street parking; otherwise, take the train in.

Where to Work Remotely in Denver

Thump is a default remote hub for remote workers, but it can get full — and fast.

 has a location in Wheat Ridge with the same work-and-study energy, albeit with more seating options and a greater variety of food (burritos, sandwiches, salads) for longer stays. Note: You do have to ask for a Wi-Fi code.

2. If you love Improper City, try Cerebral Brewing

Improper City was made for remote work; however, the massive capacity means it can get loud during peak work hours.

 has multiple locations, but the Congress Park taproom is known for being quiet and conducive to work in the afternoon hours. They open at noon. Might we suggest ordering a pint of the 

3. If you love Hudson Hill, try Death & Co Denver

Hudson Hill has the perfect coffee-shop-in-a-bar concept. Parking can be tough, though, as can finding a seat. The Ramble Hotel in RiNo is known for its sleek, urban cocktails — but did you know they have coffee, too?

 is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is when the drinks (and ideas) really start flowing.

Remote Work Spots in Denver for Every Ocassion

Skip The Usual: Try These Local Remote Work Gems

Whether you want to learn an instrument, gift lessons to a loved one, or rent equipment for a gig, these Denver shops will nurture your musical spirit.

🎻 Pirisen Music Lessons (Central Park, Littleton, Centennial)

Learn to sing, play the drums, strum the guitar, or develop skills in a variety of instruments at 

. Pirisen is a family-owned store that emphasizes a supportive, approachable environment where students of all levels can develop their inner artist.

This music store has three locations, so check for the one closest to you.

 is your shop. In operation since 1991, this North Denver establishment offers everything you might need to play your next gig — including friendly, expert advice.

Sound Town also provides repair services, deliveries, and warranties on a wide variety of items.

🎸 Flesher-Hinton Music Company (Wheat Ridge)

 is one of the best places in the Denver Metro for an affordable rent-to-own instrument program. Rentals start at $18 per month, and the company offers flexible payment options and exchanges.

If you’re interested in taking lessons at Flesher-Hinton, find independent teachers 

The Best Denver Music Stores

The Best Denver Businesses for Music Lovers

 is one of the largest music schools for acoustic instruments in the U.S. — but it’s so much more than a place to take lessons.

, and early childhood education programs that 

 to little ones. Here are three ways to get involved with Swallow Hill.

Swallow Hill is on a mission to make music education accessible to all people in the Denver area. Attend their 

 featuring a performance by Colorado-based band Elephant Revival, known for creating a unique musical sound blending folk, bluegrass, celtic music, and indie rock.

Give someone the chance to pursue their love of music with a Swallow Hill Music gift certificate. Customizable for any amount, 

 can be used for group classes, private lessons, memberships, and more.

 on Nov. 14. A day full of banjo workshops and community jams will be rounded out by an evening concert featuring some of the best banjo musicians today, including 

Why Denverites Love Swallow Hill Music

Leevers Locavore in Northside isn’t a grocery store. Or rather, it’s not 

a grocery store, being that it’s also part food hall, complete with a coffee shop, sushi counter, sandwich maker, and pizza shop. There’s also every local food item you could ever want, so there’s something for all cravings.

Any leaf-peeping weekend road trip should start with a cup of Denver-made joe. Buy a drink from 

 at the café inside Leevers Locavore, plus a pastry to keep you alert on the drive up.

If you’re like me (a chip girlie, through and through) know that 

. is a major partner of Leevers Locavore, meaning you can find big bags and multiple flavors here made by this seriously delicious Colorado company.

The sun is still hot, which means it’s still ice cream season. Locavore is stocked with locally made flavors from shops like 

 — the perfect way to treat yourself when you get back to Denver after your leaf peeping adventure.

Why Denverites Love Leevers Locavore

Italian sandwiches. A family potato salad recipe. Fancy imported chips. From deli meats to grab-and-go cookies, these are the very best shops to stock up for a leaf-peeping road trip.

 is known for its deli sandwiches featuring local ingredients, like a creamy goat cheese spread from Haystack Mountain and a house-made olive tapenade. They also sell wine and beer 

 — perfect for grabbing a pinot noir to pop open once you settle in for the night.

Order a sandwich for pickup ahead of time so you can head up to the mountains sooner.

🍏 Congress Park Market (Congress Park)

Smoked gouda with turkey and pear? Dill havarti topped with giardiniera mayo? These are just a few sandwich options available at 

 which pair perfectly with crisp sparkling waters and juicy Palisade peaches, in season now.

If you’re in a rush, opt for a premade sandwich from the grab-and-go counter — these are made fresh daily.

🍖 Marczyk Fine Foods (North Capitol Hill & Hale)

What started as a specialty foods shop in 2002 has since become a comprehensive market with an in-house bakery, sustainably raised meats, and prepared foods like 

, you can grab a sandwich and some caprese pasta salad (plus a few lemon poppyseed cookies for later).

Add a drink and chips to your sandwich order to save $2.

The Best Road Trip Snacks in Denver

Where to Stock Up For a Fall Road Trip

 after she couldn’t find a herbal wellness store in Denver that combined her Korean roots with her love of natural healing. Now, this community staple sells various hand-selected teas, accessories, giftables, and bath products. Here are three that should be on your radar.

 for a coconutty bath mixture with lavender and rose that will put you instantly at ease.

Steep loose-leaf tea in your favorite mug with a 

3. Sip on a Korean Ceremonial Matcha Latte

 on a sunny fall morning for the perfect start to the day.

Why Denverites Love Hearth and Seoul

Whether it's sprucing up your bed or curating the perfect tea cabinet, these local shops have everything you need to create your coziest Colorado fall yet.

Fluffy bath towels, vibrant accent rugs, and trendy pillow covers are among the many cozy items available at 

. Women-owned and serving Denver for 48 years, Brass Bed carries fine home linens and decorative accents to make your home the restful, comfortable place you never want to leave.

Create a registry here for a wedding, baby shower, or other occasion to bring more of these luxe items to your home.

 is an artist-focused, woman-owned shop where you can buy independently made creations of all kinds, from soaps to socks. Among my favorite giftables and doodads at Show of Hands is the 

, a stress-relief tool to minimize anxiety and promote a mindful mood.

My cat, the connoisseur of cozy herself, is totally obsessed with their 

 in Edgewater Public Market, you can find a huge selection of yarns — but also so much more. From 

, you’ll find plenty of supplies for your next big project.

Whether you want alpaca or hemp yarn, it’s best to have an idea for a project (or a question) in mind before entering this shop.

🕯️ Miller Lane Mercantile (Berkeley)

If gathering with loved ones is your idea of cozy, stop by 

 for a handmade reed diffuser that sets a warm, welcoming tone. Feeling hungry? Consider one of their cookbooks to make yummy treats for guests. Love creating a vibe? Check out a 

To give the gift of a cozy home, opt for the 