First a little history. No, no, no - stop yawning and don't toss this section aside. We'll keep it brief. To appreciate Lafayette, you have to know a bit about its past.

For starters, it was founded in 1888 by a woman. That's right, a woman - back in the days when women were burdened with long, heavy skirts and bonnets. Years before they even had the right to vote.

To top it off, gutsy Mary Miller was a widow with six small children. In her lifetime, she was a successful farmer, founded a bank and named the city after her late husband, Lafayette, around the time coal was discovered in the area.

In the heart of Old Town Lafayette, along Public Road, you'll be transported to that old mining town.

Thousands are drawn to Lafayette during the annual Peach Festival (on Aug. 18 this year), or the Oatmeal Festival in January.

But visit anytime to appreciate the rich Hispanic culture represented in shops and restaurants along the half-mile stretch from Baseline Road to Spaulding Street. Visit to study the tiny structures built in the early 1900s - then home to miners and their families, now thriving businesses. Visit to listen to live music at Cannon Mine Coffee, to indulge in Salmon all' Antonio at Pulcinella Ristorante and Ciao Bar, to browse through antiques at Noble Treasure.

Sense the spirit of the hard-working miners who first lived and labored in this now-thriving community. And never forget - it all started with a woman.

Mole, mariachi and margaritas

Craving the hottest green chile or a filling burrito? We give you details on four outstanding Mexican restaurants in Lafayette: LaFamilia, Santiago's, Efrain's and Casa Alvarez.

Anspach's Jewelry

This family-owned shop has been around since 1955, making it the second-oldest business in town (Lafayette Florist holds the top-place honor). You'll get an eyeful of colorful gemstones, pearls, diamonds and watches. Whether you plan to spend $10 or $10,000, the staff will make sure you're treated well.

Don't miss: vibrant, quirky earrings from California-based Holly Yashi. Designs are made of niobium, which is ultra-hypoallergenic for those with sensitive ears. Prices range from $20 to $50.

101-A S. Public Road, 303-665-5313

Tortilleria La Esmeralda

First thing to note: If it's 90 degrees outside, don't come in here to cool off. From the tiny storefront, you can peek into a vast room where huge factory machines pump out delicious flour, whole-wheat and corn tortillas. They also pump out plenty of heat. While the sweltering owners make most of their money selling to local restaurants, they're happy to have you come in and pick up a dozen tortillas or tamales.

Don't miss: the whole-wheat tortillas; a dozen for $2.26

206 S. Public Road, 720-890-3851

Bark Avenue

Poodles quiver. Mixed breeds drool. Labs tug on leashes. Pups can't resist dragging their owners into this historic building. What's not to love? It's rich in fine smells: all-natural chicken and beef-flavored treats and yummy bones. And, oh, the dog toys. While your Siamese or tabby wouldn't deign to enter this establishment (that would involve being stuffed into a carrier, which is not going to happen), he wouldn't mind if you picked up a kitty treat or perhaps a catnip mouse, thank you very much.

Don't miss: If your dog can gnaw the stuffing out of most any toy, look for Tuffies. Squeakers are hidden in pouches under many layers of material and plenty of stitching.

101 W. Chester St., facing Public Road, 303-664-9663

Scarlett Rose

At one point, this itty-bitty building, built in 1918, likely was home to a coal miner. A big, macho coal miner, no doubt. So a big, macho guy might want to step inside to see whether he can catch the masculine essence of the miner's soul. Don't do it. Trust us. Even owner June Kuzas says her tall, burly husband cowers in the corner when he visits, so as not to risk breaking anything. This store screams "feminine." Need a gift for a bridal shower? Take your pick from lacy doilies, heirloom pillows, English china, sweet-smelling soaps and lotions, delicate linens . . . you get the idea.

Don't miss: An array of porcelain tea kettles, priced from $15

402 S. Public Road, 303-665-5660

Goldie's

Beaded tops, blue jeans, elegant satin gloves. This is a fashionista's dream. New, used and vintage clothing share space in this charming shop. The used clothing looks nearly new, and all clothing is grouped by style and color. Good luck walking out empty-handed, women.

Don't miss: The flowing, brilliant belly-dancing skirts. Owner Jan Stoneman bought them figuring they'd be snatched up around Halloween for costumes. "I wasn't counting on all the people in Boulder who really are belly dancers," she says. "I sold right out and had to quickly restock."

409B S. Public Road, 303-665-4547

El Mercado de Lafayette

This tiny store clearly caters to the Hispanic community. If you're not a fluent Spanish-speaker, you may need to bring along an interpreter to read the labels on everything from cleaning supplies to candy. It's worth checking out for the store's broad selection of Mexican baked goods, from sweet breads to tortillas.

Don't miss: If you're fussy about the cut of your meat, the butcher will take care of you.

503 S. Public Road, 303-665-4868

Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop and Garden Center

It's a solid garden center. If you're looking for a unique, classy gift, step right in. But the specialty of the oldest business in town is truly floral arrangements. Every one is a work of art, composed of only the freshest flowers. The remodeled building has been in the same location for 58 years. For three generations, it's been owned by the same family. May the next generation do the place as proud.

Don't miss: Unique arrangements in gorgeous vases. Floral designers are up on the latest color and design trends.

600 S. Public Road, 303-665-5552

Lafayette Collectibles & Flea Market

It's huge. How huge? It used to be a bowling alley. 'Nuff said. You may get lost wandering through this cavernous, dusty space, with dozens of booths offering everything from antique tools to modern-day collectibles. You have to be a sleuth to find the treasure among the trash, but for those with plenty of patience, it's worth the trip.

Don't miss: Those with a good eye are likely to spot some reasonably priced used furniture, from upholstered chairs to oak dining-room tables.

Intersection of Spaulding Street and Public Road, 303-665-0433

DON'T MISS!

Lafayette Peach Festival

What: Free event featuring cobbler, pies, smoothies, organic peaches, music, kids activities, art, antique booths, store sales

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 18

Where: Public Road, from Cannon to Kimbark

Information: 303-926-4352; discoverlafayette.com

About parking

Other than during festivals, it's easy to find free on-street parking. During the Peach Festival, you might have to park off Public Road down side streets (admire the historic buildings while you're searching).

Sources: Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Silvia Pettem, author of "Positively Pearl Street" ($29.95 at area book stores)

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