How to Spend 24 Hours in Cherry Hills Village
Ready to enjoy some country in the middle of the city? Head south to Cherry Hills Village where you’ll find a dense canopy of trees covering more than six square miles. According to a Metro Denver urban forest assessment, Cherry Hills Village has a whopping 55.5 trees per acre — that’s 37 trees per capita (per resident).
No Wonder People Dream of Living Here
Home to over 6,500 people, Cherry Hills is an encapsulated village south of Denver. It is known for its rural feel, large lots (most homes are situated on at least an acre) and beautiful homes. The entire village is zoned residential (aside from country/private clubs and churches); the only commercial venture is a minuscule slice of property at Hampden Ave. and Lafayette St. This tiny triangle strip mall is home to Caribou Coffee, Pino’s Place, One to One Salon, Cherry Hills Sushi Co. and South Philly Cheesesteak.
If you haven’t experienced a day in Cherry Hills Village, here is a perfect itinerary to experience this idyllic neighborhood just 20 minutes south of downtown.
Get a Cup of Coffee at Caribou Coffee, 1400 E. Hampden Ave.
The closest coffee shop to Cherry Hills, Caribou Coffee has a friendly staff and serves up great lattes and scones. This is a warm environment, complete with a cozy fireplace, and many people catch up on work or visit with friends. It’s the perfect place to start your day.
Photo courtesy of the High Line Canal Conservancy
Explore the High Line Canal
A treasured section of the High Line Canal winds through the eastern part of Cherry Hills and offers some of the best scenery of the 71- mile stretch of trail. From approximately Hampden Ave. and Monroe Street to Belleview Ave. and Birch St., the path winds through residential areas and parks before opening up to incredible vistas at Kent Denver and Blackmer Common.
In addition to the High Line Canal, there are also a network of “bridle paths” than run throughout Cherry Hills Village. Most often used by equestrians, these paths offer a less traveled way to view Cherry Hills and its beautiful surroundings.
Lunch at Cherry Hills Sushi Co., 1400 E. Hampden Ave.
Located at Hampden and Lafayette, this restaurant may be small in size but the freshness of the sushi is huge. The menu changes daily, depending upon what seafood has been recently obtained. As a result, you’ll experience high quality, hand rolled delight at the Cherry Hills Sushi Co.
The awning of trees and quiet streets make this neighborhood one of the most coveted in the Denver area. With no sidewalks, cars and cyclists share the narrow roads with the many dog walkers, baby strollers and runners. The boundaries of the peaceful area are Quincy Ave., Clarkson St., Belleview Ave. and Franklin St. Residents love the various community events here including the 4th of July parade, Oktoberfest and Halloween activities.
You’ll find a wide range of homes here, from older ranches to expansive two-story custom built houses. Likewise, there is a multi-generational mix of baby boomers, millennials and Generation Z. A walk down the bucolic Lafayette Street will treat you to majestic homes and towering trees. At the bottom of Cherryvale Road, check out the bubbling Little Dry Creek and the Woodie Hollow Park. This is a favorite spot for kids searching for crawdads (using hot dogs as bait) and taking your dog for a quick walk or swim.
Top Off Your Afternoon Shopping at the Cherry Hills Marketplace, 5910 S. University Blvd.
This busy shopping center features the popular TJ Maxx, Trader Joe’s, Sierra Trading Post and many other stores and boutiques. Sit outside at Sazza and enjoy a beer and pizza or try the new upscale Osteria Alberico restaurants that features incredible pasta and mouth-watering entrees featuring pork, pastas and veal. Your to-do list is sure to get shorter with a visit to the The Cherry Hills Marketplace, which has just about every type of store, restaurant and service imaginable.
Usaj Realty is a boutique real estate brokerage firm specializing in Denver’s most popular neighborhoods. We help our clients find everything from classic vintage homes to modern condos. For more information about buying or selling a home in the Cherry Hills Village neighborhood, please contact us.