My impression was a surprise to me because I expected to find a different and relaxed charm about the southeast area of Denver. But what I saw lacked charm altogether. While it wasn’t aesthetically distasteful, it just lacked appeal. Shopping can be pleasurable to take in visually and with other senses, yet I found very little spice, attitude, and personality.

It reminded me of a PBS special I saw where turtles learned to take oxygen from the underwater depths rather than surface to get oxygen from the air. Even shoppers need more air than can be provided in some retail clusters.

With the price of gas and a desire to make the most of my visits around time, I expect that future visits won’t leave me any more anxious to explore the lack of attractions in any more depth than I just encountered. There are interesting and unique shops to while away time and drain money from the pocketbook, so it isn’t barren of shopping opportunities.

It would be nice to see a sprawling Mall centered around beautiful gardens. The buildings aren’t tall and the area is generally flat visually. I think this area would greatly benefit from more trees, even more container gardens to counteract the bland squareness. I felt a lot of emptiness that needed to be filled. I don’t mean the addition of another building or throngs of people – I mean it’s missing that quiet yet palpable part of life because it is so enclosed in brick and mortar retail. If you like the feel of concrete and pavement to be all pervasive, you might not notice that it’s almost lifeless.

If you want to recapture some sense of life, there is a park that runs east and west along the south side of Hampden, behind the office buildings. It’s almost formal with manicured lawns, but it has several evergreen trees and even berry trees for the birds to enjoy. (I tasted a berry and found it very bitter and it reminded me of chewing aspirin tablets.) I found a basketball court that didn’t appear out-of-place on the edge of this strip of nature. In the short area I explored I didn’t find flower beds or an abundance of wildlife, but nonetheless bikers, joggers, lunchers and a few butterflies all seemed to enjoy the little spot of peace not far from the concrete world of retail.

There are several dining choices and even a small place to enjoy Italian gelato along Hampden Avenue. If you are on foot or taking the bus, expect to be without protection from the elements. The sidewalks along Hampden are totally without shade from trees or buildings close enough to keep snow from drifting. Several bus routes criss-cross through the area, so summer visits are possible if you don’t mind the beating sun. A small cup of gelato when you detour from the hot path is a good way to end – a gentle way of putting it behind you and looking forward to exploring somewhere else.

Don’t forget the FREE admission day at the Denver Botanic Gardens on Monday, September 17 for Colorado residents.