Golden offers all-season outdoor options, craft breweries, and dining.
Instead of schlepping up and down I-70 in a snowstorm, why not take the easy drive to Golden for a mountain getaway? Tucked into the foothills just west of Denver, Golden offers its own little slice of mountain-town paradise.
While the peaks surrounding the historic town aren’t suited to downhill skiing, they do offer other kinds of winter recreation. That could mean snowshoeing, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, or, if it happens to be a 65-degree day in January (not out of the question), hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking.
Founded in 1859 and the original capital of the Colorado territory until Denver swiped the title when Colorado officially became a state in 1876, Golden maintains much of its Old West architecture and charm.
In addition to offering a wide range of outdoor activities, Golden offers an impressively eclectic assortment of breweries, restaurants, and an ever-growing arts and culture scene.
Where to stay
There are only a handful of lodging options in downtown Golden: the 62-room Golden Hotel on Clear Creek, Table Mountain Inn (dating back to 1925), and the small boutique Dove Inn (situated in a home from circa 1866).
Two blocks from downtown, lying on the other side of Clear Creek, teeming with kayakers and tubers in summer, The Eddy Hotel & Taproom offers everything in an easy mountain getaway.
Built five years ago where the historic Rocky Mountain Fire Brick Works once stood, The Eddy’s four-story red brick building features 49 spacious units — king rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, two rooftop patios with sweeping views of the surrounding foothills, and one of the tastiest restaurants in town.
The Taproom (and open seasonally, food truck) serves elevated pub fare and barbecue, including scratch-made salads, sandwiches, a lengthy beer list, and creative cocktails with house-infused elixirs. There is free live music every Friday and Saturday evening, and when it’s warm enough, one of the most poppin’ patios (think cornhole and lawn games) around.
