DOWNTOWN. This expansive outdoor mall, accented with lush planters and graceful trees, features a wealth of retail and dining facilities and has helped to revitalize downtown Denver. The pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is also convenient if you want to browse, since stores, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues lie in a concentrated stretch. Even so, the scope of the mall is quite large, spanning multiple city blocks. A complimentary shuttle service transports visitors from one end to the other.

CHERRY CREEK. The directory of stores at Cherry Creek Shopping Center reads like a "who's who" of sophisticated and popular retailers. At the large facility, you'll find upscale department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus alongside favored venues like Restoration Hardware, Tiffany & Co., Abercrombie & Fitch, Williams-Sonoma, and Diesel. Plenty of dining options are available ­ both quick-service and sit-down. Valet parking available.

DOWNTOWN. Shop 'til you're about to drop at stores like Ann Taylor, Talbot's, Bath and Body Works, Banana Republic, Niketown and Virgin Megastore. Then drop into Hard Rock Café, Coyote Ugly, or Lucky Strike Lanes for a refreshment or three. Or check out the schedule at the 15-screen multiplex. General shopping hours vary slightly by season; restaurants and bars have individual business hours. Parking daytime $4/hour; evening and weekend $7.

LITTLETON. Lodge-like decor that pays tribute to the area's past distinguishes Park Meadows, and even the food court takes on added prominence with Western design. The facility offers a wealth of brand-name shops, and patrons are accommodated with a variety of price points. Department stores like Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's, and Nordstrom act as anchors; specialty stores include Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Eddie Bauer, Papyrus, Talbots, and Restoration Hardware. Valet parking available.

DOWNTOWN. Located on 16th Street and running a couple of city blocks, the Tabor provides three stories of shopping fun. With over 26,000 feet of retail space, the mall is a great downtown shopping destination. In addition to independent specialty shops offering apparel, accessories for the home and garden, shoes, and gifts, you'll also find popular chains such as Christopher & Banks. The food court's impressive variety of cuisines proves popular with hungry area workers as well as shoppers in need of a boost.