38 APRIL 6-12, 2023 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SHOPPING & SERVICES | CONTENTS | pelle reopened the shop, which is fi lled with colorful bouquets and other giftable trinkets that will brighten any day. Best Store on the Pearl Street Mall Trident Booksellers & Cafe 940 Pearl Street, Boulder 303-443-3133 tridentcafe.com It may be a few blocks from the busiest section of the Pearl Street Mall, but the employee-owned Trident is defi nitely a go- to destination, combining the best elements of a bookstore and a cafe. Browse through an impressive and eclectic selection of new and used literature, then order from a menu of coffee, tea and pastries that’s just as di- verse. Whether you want to sip tea while you read about Zen Buddhism, hang out on a beautiful garden patio with a historic novel or simply spend an evening enjoying free live music, Trident is the pearl of the Pearl Street Mall. Best Store at Denver International Airport Aksels B Gates, Center Core 303-342-6626 aksels.com Denver International Airport is one of the busiest in the country, with over 69 million travelers passing through in 2022. That’s a big opportunity to show outsiders what Colorado is all about, and with any luck, those travelers end up at Aksels, which reps our state with unparalleled passion. The Denver-based clothing company has built a following by highlighting Colo- rado landmarks and history on hats and T-shirts that pay homage to old-school Denver Broncos jerseys, the city’s rainbow skyline and even beloved former hangouts like Celebrity Sports Center. In case you need a last-minute gift, forgot your socks or just like Colorado-centric gear, make a stop at Aksels before your fl ight takes off. Best Store in RiNo Modern Nomad 2936 Larimer Street 303-526-5353 modernnomaddenver.com A dazzling array of home, lifestyle and gar- dening wares greets you at Modern Nomad, where you can fi nd everything from rugs, furniture and home decor to vintage and new clothing, jewelry, plants and more. More than just a store, Modern Nomad is a collective with an emphasis on support- ing small businesses, hosting a variety of local vendors that fi ll the 5,500-square foot warehouse with stylish and unique fi nds. Be prepared: You’ll want to buy everything. Best Store in Cherry Creek Artisan Center 2757 East 3rd Avenue 303-333-1201 artisancenterdenver.com Amid the nail salons, edgy boutiques and baffl ing commercial development in Cherry Creek North is an endearing spot that sells art and crafts from local artists, as well as staffers and students at Denver schools. For decades, the Artisan Center has been a go-to spot for gifts that celebrate the talents of the Coloradans who make this state so special, and just browsing the window display does your heart good. In fact, a recent installation of puffy hearts for sale around Valentine’s Day benefi ted Mental Health Colorado. Looking good, doing good. Best Store on Broadway The Wizard’s Chest 451 Broadway 303-321-4304 wizardschest.com The Wizard’s Chest is celebrating its forti- eth birthday this year, but the family-owned store has more youthful exuberance than ever. Witches, wizards, squibs, Muggles and everything in between are welcome at this 16,000-square-foot wonderland of toys, costumes, games and collectibles, as long as the adults check their prudence at the door. If you’ve seen it on the big screen or want to come up with your own cre- ation, chances are the Wizard’s Chest’s costumes, masks, makeup and props will get you there. Need something to spice up game night? The bottom fl oor has a vast collection of puzzles and board games that go far beyond Monopoly, with themes cen- tered around Harry Potter, Star Wars, crea- ture features and other sci-fi and fantasy favorites. Magic is in full force year-round here, but it gets extra special and spooky around Halloween, when the Wizard’s Chest serves as a popular spot to watch the annual Broadway Halloween Parade. Best Liquor Store Bottle Shop 33 1080 South Gaylord Street 303-722-2129 bottleshop33.com Sure, you can now grab basic beer and wine at the grocery store, but can you pick up a set of vintage glassware while chatting with knowledgeable staff mem- bers about their favorite bitters for an Old Fashioned? You can at Bottle Shop 33, a swanky store named for the year Prohi- bition ended that specializes in mixology and entertaining. Here the employees know regulars by name and are always quick to offer up suggestions for a funky wine to take to the park, the perfect beer to take to a dinner party, or the best gin for your ideal martini. Best Bookstore — New Books The Bookies 4315 East Mississippi Avenue 303 759-1117 thebookies.com Indie bookstore lovers are still mourning the loss of BookBar — which is all the more reason to rally around its cozy sibling, a local institution that’s been serving up chil- dren’s books and other family-friendly fare for more than half a century. The Book- ies shows a lot of love for the community with storytimes, a Shopping and Services continued from page 36 continued on page 40
