| Founded during the Pike’s Peak gold rush in 1859, Golden was originally a mining camp named for Thomas L. Golden. It served as the Territorial Capital of Colorado until 1867, when its mining camp rival, Denver, took the State seat.
With a history spanning 150 years, today Golden is a home-rule city with nearly 18,000 residents and boasts enchanting boutiques, mouthwatering dining, independent theater, distinctive galleries, antique shops, cultural museums, the picturesque Colorado School of Mines campus and a gorgeous creekside trail with public art, all in walking distance from free parking downtown.
Best of all, historic downtown Golden sits nestled in a valley between the Rocky Mountain Foothills and notable geographic landmarks, North and South Table Mountains. Come take it all in. We’re so close to Denver you can sneak up to go mountain biking, kayaking or museum hopping, take in a Coors Brewery Tour, eat lunch and still be back before you miss that important appointment. We’ve got something for families, thrill-seekers, nature-lovers and everyone in between.
Golden’s beautiful mountain scenery might make it seem like some far-off land, but it’s really right outside your back door. With some of the best adventures in Colorado at your fingertips, Golden is the perfect place to take a 2-Hour Vacation. Explore historical wonders at a local museum. Take on paragliding. Hike or bike an exclusive mountain trail. Grab a bite to eat or find that gift you’ve been searching for. Or, get some ideas by virtually experiencing how others are spending their 2 Hours in Golden by visiting www.2HourVacation.com and clicking on the YouTube video player. We’ve got a number of ideas listed for you here, but you can always check for the most up-to-date listings on our events calendar, or get information for your out-of-town guests on dining and lodging as well at www.2HourVacation.com.
Don’t miss these must-see attractions!
Not surprisingly, about 2.5 million visitors are attracted to the Golden area annually. Perhaps it’s the mix of Old West charm and modern amenities, maybe it’s the 255-plus days of sunshine or the incredible 360-degree views. Whatever your reason for visiting Colorado’s original territorial capital, you might want to add some of the following favorites to your “to-do” list.
> Coors Brewery Tours -- The free tour includes a 40-minute walk through the malting, brewing and packaging processes, plus a sampling of MillerCoors products in the hospitality lounge and shopping in the MillerCoors & Co. gift shop. 13th & Ford Streets, 303-277-BEER (2337) or www.millercoors.com
> Historic downtown and the Clear Creek Corridor -- Golden’s historic downtown offers incredible ambiance, riveting history, unique gift and apparel shops, a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, nearby historic neighborhoods and an art walk along Clear Creek. For the more adventurous, explore the trails along the creek or sign up for a kayaking, riverboarding or fly fishing course. Golden River Sports, 303-215-9386, www.goldenriversports.net or Ripboard Inc., 303-904-8367 or www.ripboard.com. Or just stroll along the banks and watch!
> Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve Experience -- indoor exhibits that depict migrating birds and reveal secrets of the ponderosa pine forest, or visit the Discovery Corner and Observation Room. Outside, stroll trails winding through forest and meadow, picnic beneath towering pine trees or join a naturalist-guided program in this 110-acre park. 910 Colorow Rd., 720-497-7600 or http://jeffco.us/open space/openspace_t56_r14.htm
> Heritage Square -- Enjoy an array of shops, Colorado’s best Alpine Slide, old-time photos, miniature golf, go-karts and amusement rides. The Heritage Square Music Hall features a wonderful family dinner theater, melodrama style, and a children’s theatre. 18301 W. Colfax Ave. (Hwy. 40), 303-279-2789 or www.heritagesquare.info
> Twelfth Street Historic District -- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these homes are representative of the type built by Colorado’s pioneer entrepreneur. Walking tour markers identify homes. Washington Ave. to Maple St., 303-279-3113
> Mother Cabrini Shrine -- Established by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the shrine is a place of prayer and pilgrimage. The stone house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 20189 Cabrini Blvd., 303-526-0758 or www.mothercabrinishrine.org
Year-round events
June - Wild West Auto Roundup; Summer Solstice Celebration
July - Fourth of July Festival with fireworks display; Bandimere Speedway annual Mopar Mile-Hi NHRA Nationals; Buffalo Bill Days
August - Movies and Music in the Park; Fine Arts Festival
October - Pumpkin Fest; Downtown Trickor-Treating; Golden Cemetery Tour
November - Colorado Environmental Film Festival; Holiday Art Market
December - Candlelight Walk; Holiday Parades; Holiday Homes Tour
To learn more about these events or others, visit www.2HourVacation.com or the Golden Visitor Center at 1010 Washington Ave. 303-279-3113.
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