This week, I thought I’d do something a little different and highlight one of my personal favorite hangouts, the Stanley Marketplace in northern Aurora. It’s big and full of bustling shops and restaurants, and there’s a lot you can miss if you don’t know where to look. So here’s the scoop:
✈️ A Little History: Located just down the road from the old Stapleton Airport, Stanley Marketplace used to be an ejector seat factory. If you look around, you’ll see tributes to the building's former life in decór and architecture.
🛍️ Shop ’Til You Drop: You’ll find more than enough locally owned clothing boutiques and home-design stores to choose from. But my favorite shop is one of its more recent additions, the Tattered Cover Kids store.
🤤 ALL The Good Food: Perhaps my favorite part about the Stanley is the 30+ food and beverage vendors, including esteemed local favorites like Denver Biscuit Co., Maria Empanada, Rolling Smoke BBQ, Sweet Cow, and the James Beard Award-winning Annette.
🤸 🥊 💇 Stay Busy: Something I find unique to the Stanley Marketplace compared to other shopping destinations is the array of classes and servicesavailable. From kickboxing and pilates to a hair salon and fashion school, there’s always something to do there — enough to make a trip to the Stanley a full day’s excursion!
🗣️ What's a day in YOUR neighborhood look like? We’d love to share it in next week’s “Explore Like A Local” segment. Write in to denver@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 720-500-5418.
Explore Stanley Marketplace Like A Pro

Peyton Garcia

L: The original Stanley Aviation building; R: Today’s Stanley Marketplace (Photo courtesy of Feed Media)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Neighborhood Guides
A Denverite’s Guide to Sloan’s Lake
Home to the city’s largest lake, second largest park, and most hotly debated name — let’s get to know the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood.
A Denver Guide to Burnham Yard
Thanks to recent land purchases by the Broncos, Burnham Yard is getting its time in the spotlight.

Get To Know Congress Park
Formerly known as Capitol Heights, Denver’s Congress Park is teeming with places to go and things to do.

Massive New Stadium Complex Announced for SW Denver
It will be "transformational" for the Denver community, according to the mayor

A Denverite’s Guide to Small and Local Grocers
Looking for a more local way to spend your money?

Where to Celebrate Black History Month on Welton Street
It’s Black History Month, and we’re zooming in on the historic center of Denver’s Black community: The Welton Street corrid

Your Guide to Lunar New Year in Denver
How and where to ring in the Year of the Wood Snake

The Magnificent Natural Wonder in Colorado That’s Located Only 0.8 Miles From the Parking Lot
Pulpit Rock is an infamous rock feature that juts out of the landscape in Colorado Springs just north of Downtown.

The latest in Denver
Best Online Casinos for Real Money You Can Trust Today
Find the best online casinos for real money with fast payouts, big bonuses, and top games. Compare sites and start playing now.
Why Denver Moms Love City Floral
City Floral Greenhouse and Garden has been a Denver staple for flowers since 1911.
Local Shops to Make Mom’s Day
Local Denver shops to make Mom's day.
Your Guide to Denver in May 2026
Our recommendations for what to do in Denver this May.
How to Keep Mother’s Day Local
Here are our very Denver ideas for how to treat your mom.
Five Denver Patios that Feel Like a Vacation
This restaurant in a cozy red brick house has a laid-back atmosphere that feels like a good friend’s home, and there’s a reason its patio...
Why Denverites Love Right Cream’s Shared Patio
Why Denverites love Right Cream's burgers and shared patio.
Good Kid Collective Shares the Secret to Finding Enviable Vintage Merch
Why Denverites love to shop at Good Kid Collective.