Check out Country Club Village

Eat your heart out, strip malls. Retail pads don’t have to be bland. Look to this Westminster enclave for proof that well-thought designs lure cool biz.

1. Caribou Coffee Company
We love that they promote sustainable coffee farming. And we could easily become addicted to anything off its Wild Side menu, including the Turtle Mocha, which is an espresso drink on drugs covered in Snickers chunks and caramel. 2721 W. 120th Ave. 303.410.1305

2. Pier 49 Pizza
If you haven’t heard of this chain, watch out, it’s about to take Colorado by storm. This location is the first of 50 planned franchises in the state, and it features San Francisco-style pizza baked on sour dough crust. 2821 W. 120th Ave. 303.487.4949

3. Edible Arrangements
Flowers are so passé. Mix it up next time you attend a wedding, birthday or party by bringing a delicious bouquet of fruit (think strawberries the size or your head and perfectly ripe melons).
2821 W. 120th Ave. 303.410.0111

4. Hearts of Stone
Check out Jennifer Lovato’s jewelry store for rare items such as a sea foam tourmaline ring or custom build just about any piece of bling you can dream up. 2841 W. 120th Ave. 303.420.6695

5. Village Bistro
You’ll almost forget you’re in the ’burbs when you enter the Bistro, and that’s the point. Try the Guinness lamb and a robust red wine for one of the best dining experiences in the North Metro area. Live jazz each Sunday is a nice bonus, too. 2821 W. 120th Ave. 303.410.2887

6. Holy Canoli
Owner Fran Worth has brought her family and four generations of North Denver Italians into the canoli (and cannoli) business. For dinner, try one stuffed with fresh sausage. For dessert, taste her take on the pastry, filled with mascarpone cheese. 2851 W. 120th Ave. 303.465.4659

Also: Burn off calories at Mountain Side Fitness, which opens Dec. 1 (303.643.5699), sip grapefruit Mojitos at Nine 75 (303.975.2975, learn about local business at the Metro North Chamber of Commerce (303.288.1000), get your pooch healthy at Gillett Veterinary Clinic (303.469.5540).