Whenever I travel I seek out quiet, local bookstores or coffee shops to relax and let the trip sink in. Actually, I do it at home, too. The Tattered Cover is my favorite store in Denver. It's a local, independant store that has spread to two locations, but is a far cry from your local Barnes and Noble.
The dark wood panelled book shelves go from floor to ceiling and can completely swallow you in if you let them. If you somehow avoid getting lost in a good book amoung the three floors and numerous, overstuffed couches and chairs, the smell of coffee will rope you into the coffee shop. This is not a chain cafe, and the best part is that it truly feels like it's part of the book area. Local characters, such as students, ladies chatting over coffee, book lovers and the occasional author can be found here.
Which brings me to another point. The Tattered Cover attracts any author who plans a book tour through Denver. The downtown location has a seperate events room where book readings and discussions are held. I recently attended a panel discussion there, and the seperate room was great for the size of the audience and the question and answer period. The Cherry Creek location, which is the original, holds their readings in between the shelves in a small clearing. This causes a bit of squeezing amoungst the audience, but what's a little closeness between book lovers?
While going up the stairs at the Cherry Creek location, be sure to take time to study the black and white photos lining the walls. Each one is an author who has visited the store.
I was originally going to call this bit, "Perfect Place to Spend a Rainy Day in Denver". However, Denver's weather rarely permits the pleasure of a completely rainy day. Be sure to drag yourself out of the sun at least for an hour or so and see the Tattered Cover.