For many, Cherry Creek in Denver reminds them of Georgetown in Washington, DC, with a tremendous variety of eateries and entertainment venues. These neighborhoods are hailed as the premier shopping destination in their respective cities.
Shopping and Dining
The upscale neighborhood of Cherry Creek is an oasis for residents who choose to live here. Know nationally for its retail, dining, and mixed‐use areas located just 5 minutes from downtown Denver. Cherry Creek’s shopping areas are comprised of a mall and nearby shopping district. Over 350 businesses make of the neighborhood and range from fashion, jewelry and home furnishing stores to coffee houses, bars, spas/salons, art galleries and restaurants. Including one of my favorite restaurants in Denver, HAPA, located at 2780 E. 2nd Ave. Hapa Sushi
Georgetown is also known nationally as a premier retail, dining and mixed-use area located just a few minutes from downtown DC. Georgetown offers a one-stop urban playground for superior shopping, dining, culture and more. Beyond Georgetown’s trendy shops, celebrated restaurants, and lively nightlife, lies a historic port city with deep roots and old-fashioned charm. I recently attended a Georgetown Food Tour hosted by Nosh Tours. It offered great food and a walking tour of the neighborhood hosted by a native Washingtonian (a rarity indeed).
History
Cherry Creek is rich in history, dating back to the late 1800s. Originally Cherry Creek was known as the town of Harman, named after the original land owners Edwin & Lou Harman. In March 1894 the town was annexed into Denver and it blossomed into a unique mixed-use neighborhood. The old Town Hall can still be found on the corner of 4th Ave and St Paul St.
Georgetown, founded in 1751, predates Washington, DC. Lined with quaint cobblestone streets and 18th and 19th century architecture, the neighborhood is a perfect blend of old and new. Because of its access to the Potomac, Georgetown soon had a commercial and industrial hub around the waterfront where flour mills and wharves were constructed. As a result of its prosperity, Georgetown gained a reputation as the fashionable quarter of the capital and was visited by important people from all over the world. Probably as a result of its popularity, Georgetown was annexed into Washington City in 1871 by Congress.
The Cherry Creek neighborhood is bounded by the Cherry Creek on the south; the Georgetown neighborhood is bounded by the Potomac River on the south.
Festivals
In the summertime, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, held over the Fourth of July weekend, is very popular and brings crowds into the fashionable area to celebrate artistic and musical work. Performers and artists attend from all over the world.
In the fall, Georgetown hosts an annual Taste of Georgetown Festival. At a Taste of Georgetown, approximately 30 of Washington, DC’s most distinguished restaurants serve sample portions of their signature dishes. Attendees get a chance to pair up the tasteful cuisine with wine, Oktoberfest beer, and cider tastings at the Wine Pavilion. The fall food festival in Georgetown also includes live jazz provided by Blues Alley and children’s activities such as caricature artists, balloon makers and jugglers.
Architecture
One of the most diverse residential neighborhoods, Cherry Creek North has newer homes and townhomes sitting beside the typical styles of “Denver Squares” and Bungalows. New infill construction began in the early 1950s and continues today. The selection of housing includes; cluster type and mid-rise condominiums, single family homes, larger condominium/townhomes and ultra-luxury attached and detached houses.
Georgetown is renowned for cobblestone streets, multimillion dollar mansions, federalist architecture, historic brick and frame row houses dating back to the mid-1700s. Many of these historic places offer tours of their beautiful gardens and estates.
Universities
Cherry Creek is just 2 miles away from Denver University, the oldest and largest private university in the Rocky Mountain region. With the backing of local businessmen and the Methodist Church, the University of Denver was founded in 1864 as Colorado Seminary by John Evans, a close friend of Abraham Lincoln’s.
Georgetown is home to world-renowned Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the U.S. It is also within a 15-minute walk to The George Washington University, bringing a combined student population of more than 28,000 to the area.
