One great way to spend a lazy afternoon is wandering into some of the niche shops patterned along Downtown Littleton’s quaint, one-lane streets. The turn-of-the-century buildings house some of the most unique, independently-owned businesses in the area. The historic district includes specialty shops that carry everything from imports to handmade art, themed clothing boutiques and plenty of places to find unusual, original gifts and knick knacks. Here are a handful of shops and what separates them for each other.
Willow & An Artisan’s Market
Address: 2400 W. Main St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday
More info: 303-730-8521
The scoop: Unlike most gift shops, Willow specializes in locally, hand-made gifts, said owner Helen Rice. “We represent approximately 200 artists at any given time who create unique and affordable gifts for almost anyone on your list,” she said. “Because so many of our artists are from the Denver metro area, we can assist with our customers’ special order needs. Our location also sets us apart from others in that we are part of a historic district that has worked hard to maintain a small-town shopping experience.” Willow set up shop 13 years ago on a small side street building in Downtown Littleton, but now it occupies a more prominent space on the corner of Prince and Main streets.
Natural Surroundings
Address: 5738 S. Rapp St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday
More info: 303-347-1781
The scoop: The big, white country-style building is one of the first things you seen when you turn into the entrance of Downtown Littleton. Terri Pappert and her husband Karl have owned the gift store for 25 years, and they say it has evolved from many things. “Now we sell Brighton jewelry, accessories and handbags, and nobody else in the area does that,” Karl Pappert said. “We also sell all-occasion and seasonal gifts.” Natural Surroundings is also one of the few boutiques in Downtown Littleton that has dedicated parking.
Details Boutique
Address: 2359 W. Main St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday
More info: 303-703-3884
The scoop: Peggy Cooper opened the women’s store in Downtown Littleton in 2000, but moved into the retrofitted 1920s silent movie theater on Main Street in 2008. “We carry a huge variety of things. It’s almost like a small department store,” Cooper said. “We have cards and gifts and jewelry and candles and shoes and sections for men and babies. There’s something for everybody here.”
Rooted Boutique
Address: 2490 W. Main St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday
More info: 303-703-3884
The scoop: Owners Tayler Krietemeier and Sara Bearss used to work together in the bridal industry. “But we really wanted to do our own thing and create more of any every day clothing store,” Krietemeier said. “We used our styling backgrounds to create a fashion-forward, trendy store.” She said everything in the store is under $150, and styles range from formal dresses to athletic wear and flannels.
Kerreen O’Connor Irish Goods
Address: 2595 W. Alamo Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m.
More info: 303-794-6388
The scoop: Debbie Pyeatt has worked at Karreen O’Connor for more than a year and says it’s hands-down the most unique shop in town. “Kareen O’Connor started the store because her girls did Irish step-dancing when they were kids, and she sold goods at fairs and festivals were they danced,” Pyeatt said. “She opened the store in 2001 and carries everything from imported jewelry to clothes. We even do kilt rentals here.”
Buttercup Junction
Address: 2681 W. Alamo Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. everyday
More info: 720-283-6353
The scoop: Buttercup Junction is a new store specializing in unique gifts and home decor with rustic style. Whether you’re looking for a custom piece of furniture for your home or the perfect gift from off the beaten path, you’re sure to find something you haven’t seen anywhere else. The store carries things like handmade cloth dolls, self-contained cake kits and rough-hewn throw pillows printed with a variety of sayings.