Denver's Highlands Square to Roll Out Red, White, and Blue Carpet for Democratic National Convention (DNC) Visitors

Denver, CO, June 27, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Denver’s hip and historic shopping district, Highlands Square, will welcome August’s DNC visitors from August 25 – 28, 2008, with special offerings, discounts, meals – and a free shuttle to ease the 10-minute commute.

The free shuttle will feature the green “Hop, Skip, and a Jump” logo above and make hourly pick-ups downtown from local hotels. Riders will enjoy the journey with a Highlands Host or Hostess who will answer questions and point out historic highlights along the way.

“All of the Highlands Square businesses are thrilled to welcome DNC visitors,” says Patty Moore, President of the Merchants Association and owner of Le Chocolatier. “Plus, it gives the delegates and other guests the opportunity to experience an urban and historic Denver neighborhood full of independently owned, creative shops and restaurants – by just taking a 10-minute shuttle or taxi ride.”

Highlands Square merchants will offer specials to customers the week of the conference, including:

· The renowned Highland’s Garden Café has prepared a special four-course DNC lunch menu, featuring Colorado products that meet the DNC Host Committee’s Lean 'n Green standards.
· Studio Bead will give all DNC visitors a Free “Believe it!” charm to wear or share Plus a tiny ColoradoStyle turquoise bead.
· LeChocolatier will give all DNC visitors one free chocolate democratic button they will not soon forget.
· DNC visitors can schedule a relaxing two-hour getaway at A New Spirit Wellness Center & Spa for their “No Messing Around” Stressbuster special: A one-hour massage And a one-hour floatation session for just $95.
· Mondo Vino, Denver’s premier wine & spirits shop, will be giving visitors 15% off any wine purchase.
· Visitors can flash their badge at dinnertime (4 p.m. – midnight) at Swimclub 32 Restaurant for an $8 thin crust, handmade pizza. Swimclub 32 is one of Denver’s greenest restaurants –the business is 100% wind powered and recycles everything from corks, wine boxes and menu papers to bottles and more.
· Generous Servings Cooking Classes and Café will hold hands-on cooking classes during lunchtime hours on August 26 and 27. Learn to confidently cook one of three delicious menus (including vegan/gluten-free menus). Pre-registration required.
· RejuvaNest, a 1920s cottage, now a delightful bed, bath and body boutique will offer guests 20% off their entire purchase (local artisans excluded).
· Unique: Items for Unique People will be holding a Fish Bowl Sale. Reach into the Fish Bowl and pick a discount of 5 to 50% off your purchase.
· Smooth Skin Care Loft will offer 10% off of a mini-facial.
· Invoke Magic will offer chair massages and mini-seminars on aromatherapy, breath, staying centered, and more.
· Elixir Infusion will offer 50% off pilates reformer classes.
· And more,

In addition, Highlands Square will feature a special Art2Boot exhibit – designed to show DNC visitors a “Spirit of the West.” Students, celebrities and artists will be embellishing and decorating 52 recycled cowboy boots to be auctioned off later in the year to benefit a local charity. The boots will be on display in Highlands Square businesses.

Highlands Square is a hip and historic neighborhood, featuring some of Denver’s most well-known and highly rated restaurants, as well as dozens of independent and creative boutiques, salons, coffee shops, spas, galleries, and more. More than 32 women-owned businesses thrive there. Visitors can walk easily from one to another while enjoying the surrounding celebrated Victorian homes.

The Highlands Merchants Association is a vibrant and active organization of business owners along 32nd Avenue and its vicinity. The group stages a number of events during the year and operates as a non-profit trade association. Proceeds from events go toward advertising and promotion of the neighborhood, as well as gifting of over $5000 every year to local charities.

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