Spring Getaway, Stop #2

Ever been on a vacation, getaway, weekend-spree, or even a quickie layover in a city, town, village, or neighborhood (that oughtta' 'bout cover it) and discovered one of its hidden treasures? Maybe it's the perfect little bookstore serving the perfectly prepared pumpkin latte. Or a second-hand resale shop that has bargains galore in your favorite style and size? How about a restaurant that serves the best (insert your favorite restaurant food here) done just the way you like it, served with a smile? Uh-huh. Those are hidden treasure moments.

Consider this: every nook and cranny on the planet has a hidden treasure (except for Ogalalla, NE...that's a sad and sorry joint). You know...the ones the locals know about but won't share with you. The place they'll go eat even as they point you somewhere three miles down the dusty highway. Think hole-in-the-wall, beat-up storefronts, maybe a wee lackluster. Now you've found it....well, so did we.

I thank grad school, in particular, for my stellar research skills - if it exists, I can find it. So don't ask me to explain the mysticism of it because I could only reply that I disappear into the dark hole of the quest and come out with some good, good stuff! One such boolean return was The Shoppe. Located off Colfax in 16th Ave district of Denver, it's a little stop-or-drop that boasts two specialties as its niche - cupcakes and cereal.

I KNOW, right?! It's a fave of the neighboring locals who apparently do it all here - from coffee-claches and mama-meetings to dessert dates and slumber parties. They all show up! While the obvious choices are the cupcakes, they've got more off-the-wall choices, too, including your pick of cereal you then customize with your favorite toppings and milk choice. Each day offers a new "cupcake of the day" - which is also the flavor of the day's featured latte - and rather eclectic but charming round tables where you can cop a squat and enjoy your confection. What's the result of our adventure?

Yummo!

Here's our selections in their cute little folded box.

(Yeah, this one needed to be a BIG photo. From left, Elijah picked the Lemon Creme. Grace, the Strawberries n' Creme. Craig the Samoan Girl Scout Cookie. Me, the Peanut Butter Chocolate.)

Now, these cupcakes were $3 each. That's a pricey cupcake. But the frosting's piled high, the cake is made from scratch, and they either have filling inside, an array of toppings above, or both! They were moist and tasty...and we smiled every bite through them!

I love that Grace's fingernails and shirt matched here cupcake. Purely circumstance...but worth a snicker and grin nevertheless.

Elijah's had lemon creme bursting from beneath the frosting...and above the lemony cake. It was tart...yes, I tried it. We all shared bites (except for Craig's because I'm allergic to coconut. Bummer).

Look at that monster smile...totally Elijah's reaction when good food's piled up in front of him.

Next time you're there, pull in for a homemade (literally) treasure that, while hidden, is too buried to be found. Your taste buds are gonna' thank you, and you get a little taste of secret Denver to boot. 

Now it's your turn...got any hidden spots of your own?  

Do tell!