Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tattered Cover Bookstore, in LoDo, Denver Colorado

"LoDo" is the lower downtown area of Denver, Colorado, the oldest and original settlement of the city of Denver. It is a mixed-use historic district, known for its businesses, restaurants, attractions, and nightlife. It serves as a great example of the success of urban reinvestment and revitalization.

These are some of the older landmarked buildings on Larimer Street in LoDo. The businesses on Larimer Street served as the main suppliers of goods for the 1858 Gold Rush fortune seekers who came to the early Colorado Territory. From that point until the 1880s, this section of town was the center of business activity in Denver.

One of my favorite places to visit in Denver is The Tattered Cover Bookstore located at 1628 16th Street at Wynkoop in Lower Downtown Denver, in the restored Morey Mercantile Building. It is one of the nation's most impressive indie booksellers, and it contains one of the most extensive and unique assortments of books.

It is a reader's paradise which offers two stories of books, with the added comfort of curling up to read in comfortable antique furnishings. Friendly knowledgeable employees are always near and ready to help when you need them.

It is also the scene of many author readings, autograph sessions, and literary events throughout the year, and boasts a cozy coffee shop and extensive newsstand.

My daughter-in-law and Leo picking out some books. Leo already has an extensive library of books at home. This day he chose one that had a lot of photographs of baby faces to look at, and I bought a few books for my daughter-in-law as part of her Mother's Day gift.

Some of the current new books for sale. No matter where I go I seem to find images of the Brooklyn Bridge to remind me of home.

I liked how the staircase was rimmed with books along it's steps.

Looking down at the first floor from the staircase landing. All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Can you see the wicker baskets under this table? They are to help you carry your books around the store while you are perusing the shelves.

I loved how this young boy was so engrossed in a book. To the right, in the back of this area , there is a room with a working fireplace and a big couch in front of it. I didn't want to disturb the people reading in the room, so I didn't take a photo, but it looked like such a cozy little nook in which to spend some time.

One of many couches in the store, this one by the staircase landing.

A church pew located in the "self help" and religion book section.

A comfy leather chair by a window.

How about stretching out on a chaise lounge to read in the history section?

Maybe you'd like to sit in this little antique booth to drink you coffee, or tea, and read?

Or perhaps you'd like to sit at a school desk that was perhaps used by a student in the 1800's?

See a virtual tour of the LoDo Tattered cover Bookstore:

I hope if you ever visit Denver, Colorado you'll find time to visit one of the three branches of The Tattered Cover Bookstore! The other locations can see be seen at this link.

Please support your local independent bookstore -- it's a good thing to do!

38 comments:

Jojo said...

What a terrific bookstore and it is wonderful that there are still some around. I love all the unique seating and the open space within the store.

aliceinparis said...

I am envious!!!!!!!!!!! Love, love, love bookstores and this one looks WONDERFUL!! So clever to have all the different chairs.

Carol Murdock said...

If I could spend my life traveling from book store to book store, this one would be on my list!!
Lucky Leo to have a Mommy who reads to him!!!
~ Carol ~

Ciao Chow Linda said...

That bookstore is ideal - it reminds me a little of the Elliott Bay Bookstore in Seattle. Your daughter-in-law is beautiful.

Cynthia Pittmann said...

If I ever see this bookstore, I will certainly stop by for a visit. What a cosy environment to rest and read...much like a spacious well planned home. Thanks for sharing a special book corner in a beautiful city. <3

Vee said...

What a delightful place! It exudes quiet and relaxation...wish that video had. LOL!

Vee said...

Oh this is my favorite bookstore...

http://www.northshire.com/

Joyce said...

I love the lounge the best. I can see myself taking a nap after reading a few chapters. I spend a whole lot of time at our bookstore with my little GS for story hour.
Jocye

Unknown said...

Hi Pat,
That is such a great picture of your daughter in law and Leo. She looks so happy...I think motherhood agrees with her.

Looks like a wonderful bookstore...I love the furniture, especially the old church pew.

Gotta love that Brooklyn Bridge...I'm so glad I got to see it!
:) Diane

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

I love the Tattered Cover! So weird tho...I wonder when they closed their Cherry Creek store? That was the only location when I lived there. Gosh I spent so many hours in that store. It really was like you could just move in:D Thanks for the memories Pat.

Tara said...

Pat

Way to get Leo reading asap! Thanks for taking me along, too!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Really, really neat, Pat! I'm also glad to see that Leo is a reader! Love the pic of him on the sidebar... cute as can be!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Anonymous said...

Another little trip while sitting in my home and the wind is blusterous outside. I am so grateful I found your blog. Thanks for sharing. I love bookstores too and libraries.

Beth Leintz said...

I've been to lots of bookstores but the two that really stand out to me are The Tattered Cover in Denver and The Strand in NYC. If I had to pick one to spend a lot of time, of course it would be The Tattered Cover- slip into one of those cozy chairs, read until you fall asleep, wake up and read some more.

Never to early to start the babies picking out their own books either!

Lorrie said...

Oh Pat, I just love this bookstore--starting right with the name--so whimsical and so true for book lovers too! What a refreshing change from the book store chains. All of the little independent booksellers in my city have been forced out of business and it's such a loss I think. Thanks for this wonderful tour. I can just picture myself curled up on one of those comfy couches...sigh.

Sue said...

Hi Pat, That bookstore looks so welcoming and cozy. You must have spent some good quality time there-I know I would have! Your little Leo and his mommy look so adorable. thanks for sharing this place. i haven't been to Denver for ages, except for the airport! that doesn't quite count... I'll be back home late tomorrow if all goes well. hugs, Sue

Kathy said...

Oh Pat what a delightful bookstore, I could get lost for days in there, Leo is going to be such an avid reader I can tell, I had so much fun buying H&S books there is such a wonderful selection for children now, happy Monday, Kathy.

Gracie said...

WOW that's my own idea of Heaven! I know I could spend days lost in there. Thanks for showing us such a beautiful place.

Rue said...

Good morning Pat :)

What is it about bookstores? I love them, especially the privately owned kind. The smell in them is always fantastic too :)

hugs,
rue

Anonymous said...

Hia Pat now that is my sort of place! I love how they themed the seating.

Junie Moon said...

I am crazy in love with bookstores, depositories of adventures and dreams. I'll have to tell my daughter about this bookstore you've written about as she lives in Vail and makes trips to Denver now and then.

RoeH said...

I wish I still lived in Denver. What a neat town. And that bookstore. I'd never get out of it. My son and DIL are going there this week I think. wish I was. I

Tracy said...

Oh, that's my kind of bookstore...and LOVE the name! Thanks for taking us there...ah, books...they are great friends :o) ((HUGS))

Beverly said...

I could definitely enjoy many house in this wonderful place. I adore bookstores, and my family hates to go in one with me.

Michele said...

I really enjoy visiting all these wonderful places through your blog! You take such great photos. I love books almost as much as I love food and cooking so this entry was right up my alley!

Bo said...

Hi Pat...It's great to be back from my bloggy break that almost broke us...$$$...and I've missed visiting your blog. What a neat post of a wonderful bookstore...& look how that precious little Leo has grown...wow, he's already got his own library...LOL...of course, we know all learning comes from reading... ;-) Bo

Kathy said...

Hi Pat I just sent you an email re the template etc, thank you for your sweet comments today, hugs, Kathy.

Judy said...

Now that looks like a wonderful place to spend some time...and maybe some $$. We have a delightful old used bookstore in our town...but it is seriously lacking in wide open spaces (like a see here). Neat place...great name too!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

So nice to "meet" you and of course the Tattered Cover is one of my favorite places in Denver, too! Wish I got there more often...two kids keep me pretty busy, as I am sure you can understand! I'm glad you had a great trip!
Carrie

supplies overflowing! said...

WOW! This looks so inviting- like a friend's home-
I'd probably lose track of time in here.

Nola said...

I love the name "Tattered Cover", how original. That looks like a place I could spend an entire afternoon in! Love the sofas!

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I love me an indie bookstore, and this one looks like a goodie! I think I'd be able to spend hours and hours there! Looks like the perfect building for it, too.
I'm sad that there are so few independent bookstores left in our neck of the woods…I would LOVE a place like this, and would shop there all the time.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

I just love bookstores like this! There is a similar one in Manchester Vermont called North Shire Books...equally enchanting. We are lucky enough to have a small independently owned book store in our little town and I still buy gift certificates for the kids and their friends. This was a lovely tour of the Tattered Cover.
♥, Susan

Claudia said...

You find the most wonderful places! And always glad to0 see an independent. I could spend the day there.

GMG said...

Hi Pat! Sorry for the absence, but I’ve been busy with my parents’ health; almost 180 years to care... ;)
Was amazing to see LoDo after 27 years... ;))
Great bookstore!!

Blogtrotter is showing the new Vilnius as well as the old University. Hope you enjoy and have a great week!

Rhonda Hartis Smith said...

Ooooooh I love books and book stores. I used to work in the university library when I was in school. If I ever go back to Denver, I'll have to check it out.

Gina said...

Wow what an impressive book store..they don't make them like that here! I could spend hours in there! Hope your DIL enjoyed her first mother's day..how special! and little Leo is such a treasue! Gx

Lavinia said...

My kind of bookstore! Your daughter in law is so pretty!