Not every senior citizen suffers from maladies like fatigue and achy joints. And a few wrinkles add character.

So sure, Olde Town Arvada has been a spot on the map since gold was discovered there in 1850. And the town, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been incorporated for more than 100 years.

But the past two decades have brought the refurbished downtown a youthful spirit. Tucked into new and restored structures, you'll find stores selling everything from antiques to pet supplies, teapots to candy. And this old-timer still has plenty of energy at night. Visit La Dolce Vita for open-mic night. Enjoy a theatrical evening at the Festival Playhouse. Catch some impressive acts at the D-Note.

Head out to this historic town and you'll discover that the adage is true: With age comes beauty.

One-stop Valentine's shopping

We're going to be unabashedly sexist here and say that Valentine's Day is mostly a frilly, flowery, sugary day to honor the women in your life.

So here's a little help for romantically challenged guys: Olde Town Arvada is the perfect shopping district for finding a gift, whether it's a child shopping for Mom or a husband hoping to woo his wife.

We've mentioned only a few; along the way, you'll pass shops selling fresh flowers, candles, vintage and new clothing and jewelry. There's plenty along these streets for your sweetie.

Sisters Chocolat

If your spouse, parent, grandparent or significant other has a sweet tooth that would be right at home in an elephant's mouth, step right in. It's a Valentine's wonderland in here, with pretty gift boxes and baskets. You can see a sister or two in the kitchen at the back dipping a truffle in chocolate or stirring a heavenly smelling mixture. If the woman in your life is determined to stick to her diet, check out Sisters' recently opened lingerie shop next door.

* Don't miss: Truffles. We're only going to say it once: Try one. You'll melt.

* 5630 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303-420-6261

The Tea Rose

You'll find about 150 varieties of loose and bagged tea, from jasmine to oolong. But how to brew those leaves? Where to pour the finished product? Any tea accessory you could possibly need, from cups to infusers, is in stock here. We also loved the collection of teapots.

* Don't miss: Embroidered tea towels, priced from $6.50 to $8.50.

* 5618 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303-420-6306

Into the Fire

What mom wouldn't love a platter or a cup painted by her creative genius? It's easy: Pick the pottery, pick the colors and channel Picasso. A week later, it will be glazed and ready to be wrapped up.

* Don't miss: Kick the creativity up a notch with those Valentine's Day flowers - paint the vase that will hold the blooms.

* 7409 Grandview Ave.; 303-423-9864, intothefirearvada.com

Arvada Army Navy Surplus

We love the way this family-run business is organized. Whether you're a camper, an angler or a hunter, signs will guide you to the right aisles. Oh, and you hunters? Steve's Meat Market is right down the road. In addition to selling everything from jerky to elk burger, they'll process that carcass for you.

* Don't miss: An amazing selection of military clothing.

* 5701 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303-424-5434, arvadasurplus.com

The Eggshell

Remember that diet resolution you made Jan. 1? Well, if you haven't dropped it already, develop amnesia. Enjoy a Spanish omelet or seafood Benedict in this homey breakfast and lunch spot. We recommend sampling the special of the day; the corned beef hash the day we visited was delish. Diet? Wash your mouth out with something full of cholesterol. That's a four-letter word.

* Don't miss: Turkey Green Chili:

a blend of turkey, green chiles, tomatoes and jalapenos to take the chill off a cold winter day.

* 5777 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303-420-7656

Grandfather Books

Follow the worn carpeting from one tiny room to the next to check out shelves full of everything from classic literature to mysteries. This nonprofit co-op has survived where many other independent bookstores have failed. Volunteers are still needed to help out in the shop, so if you're willing to spend three to six hours a month in literary bliss, sign up.

* Don't miss: We really hate to choose from among the 30,000 tomes, but make sure to investigate the mysteries. Those are some intriguing shelves.

* 5612 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., 303-420-7765

Don't miss . . .

* Eighth annual Chocolate Affair: Celebrate all things chocolate, treasure hunt, cookie contest, children's activities

* When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

* Where: Olde Town Arvada

* Information: 303-420-6100

Parking

Free street parking is available along Olde Wads- worth and Grandview Avenue, as well as down side streets.

DiCicco's Italian Restaurant

Find a table or a booth and settle down with your sweetie in this cozy little bistro. Enjoy the background music - Italian opera, of course - while you dine on gnocchi, linguine, a meatball sandwich or a classic rigatoni dish.

* Don't miss: The word famous is tucked in front of individual pizzas on the menu for good reason. We recommend DiCicco's Special, which will satisfy the most die-hard carnivore. Meatballs, salami, pepperoni and a few veggies (so you can say it's good for you) rest on a crust just sturdy enough to hold up the savory feast.

* 5660 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303-940-9877, diciccoscolorado.net

Twin Peaks Leather

The pungent smell of leather and the hum of industrial sewing machines - along with an enthusiastic and adorable labradoodle - greet you at this biker's haven. The spacious store is filled with everything your Harley-lovin' self could need, from buffalo hide jackets to gloves and packs. If that hog's engine could use a little TLC, head to Roadies, right down the street. They'll fix up that carburetor or tune up the engine and get you on the road in a snap.

* Don't miss: The specialty of the place: anything custom-made, from seats to jackets.

* 5655 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303-432-1047

Charlie's Fly Box

So what's the lure? Plenty. The stubby stone peacock is pretty attractive. Pat's rubber leg is flashy, but in a good way. And the skinny nelson? What able-bodied trout could resist it? If heaven is a fly rod and a cold mountain lake or stream, this is a destination spot for you.

* Don't miss: An impressive array of fly-tying materials, from hackle to hooks.

* 7513 Grandview Ave.; 303-403-8880, charliesflybox.com

Rheinlander Bakery

Sure, you'd expect yummy strudels and other pastries from a German bakery, but you might not expect to be wowed by a huge selection of gluten- free and sugar-free goodies. Prepare to be dazzled by the beautiful cakes on display at this bakery, which has been doing a fine business for more than 45 years.

* Don't miss: Persians, heavenly sweet yeast dough filled with cream cheese and topped with nuts, $2.19.

* 5721 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303-467-1810, rheinlanderbakery.com

Arvada Bead Connection

If you think beads are nothing but child's play, think again. The beads nestled in tubes and hanging from strands here are brilliant gifts to artists and jewelers near and far. You'll find everything from tiny gold- gilded beads to various shapes of beads made of semiprecious stones. Oh, and kids like 'em, too. For creative types, check out the Quilt Shop across the street.

* Don't miss: colorful seed beads, from $1.75 to $20 per tube.

* 5771 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.; 303- 422-6410, arvadabeadconnection.com

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