Skip to main content

Author: Hannah Button

Olde Golden Christmas Holiday Calendar

Written by Hannah Button on . Posted in Uncategorized.

 

 

2017 Holiday Calendar

 

Nov. 10th – Dec. 30th

Foothills Art Center Holiday Art Market. (HART). Friday, DECEMBER 1ST pictures with Santa 4:30-6:00 pm. 809 15th Street. 303-279-3922.

Nov. 24th – Dec. 23rd

Miners Alley Playhouse: Thursday – Sundays. at 7:30 pm. Miners Alley:1224 Washington Avenue. 303-935-3044. A Miners Alley Playhouse Tradition! A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. From Scrooge and Tiny Tim to Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig. Come Play in the Alley!

Nov. 24th – Dec 15th

North Pole Golden: US Postal Box for Santa’s letters is located at the Golden Visitors Center, 1010 Washington Avenue. Bring your letters to SANTA’S mailbox and Santa will answer them. 303-279-2282.

Saturday, Nov. 25th

Shop Local Small Business Saturday: Stop at Visit Golden’s Small Business Saturday Welcome Station (open 10:00 am-noon) at the Golden Visitors Center. Pick up a Shop Small tote bag and a Jingle Around Golden passport before heading out to shop and dine for the day.

The Golden Optimists Annual Christmas Tree Sale: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. US Bank parking lot at 19th & Jackson. 303-278-0541. All profits are used for the Bicycle donation program and youth programs.

 

 

Friday, Dec. 1st

The 30th Annual Candlelight Walk: Dress festively for the Walk! Gather at Foothills Art Center, 6:00 pm, at 15th and Arapahoe Street for caroling. Hot beverages will be served by the Golden Lions Club at the top of the hill (as well as after the Candlelight Walk in the Golden Visitors Center parking lot). The Golden Chamber will be selling candles and glow sticks for $1.00. The walk will begin at 6:30 pm.

After the walk, visit the Holiday Square (Visitors Center parking lot). Santa and his Reindeer will be flying in from the North Pole to help us celebrate our holiday tradition. Reindeer sponsored by El Dorado Mexican Restaurant. Ronald McDonald will be there to keep them company. Meet and greet with Ronald for photo ops, magic, and fun. Coloring books will be provided by Golden Natural Grocers.

Children 12 and under can enter to win the “Light the Lights” contest by filling out an entry card available inside the Credit Union of Colorado. Mayor Sloan will draw one winning name during the week of November 27 and she will call the lucky winner to join her on the stage to help flip the switch and light up our beautiful City. The Golden Chamber’s Holiday Stage will kick off at 6:45 pm on the corner of 10th and Washington with Emcee Joe Fowler. Golden High School’s 24th Street Singers will perform under the direction of music teacher Diane Nickel. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Chamber CEO Leslie Klane, City Manager Jason Slowinski, and Golden’s Mayor Marjorie Sloan, will “Light the Lights” with our sponsor, Credit Union of Colorado. After we “Light the Lights” there will be A Celebratory Moment with a small fireworks display presented by the City of Golden. Fireworks launch from the rooftop at the Golden Hotel.

Golden History Museum and Park: After the Candlelight Walk at Clear Creek History Park Jefferson Country Open Space will lead an interactive activity, the Kiwanis Club is roasting chestnuts, Christmas carolers and dancers will be in the Hay Barn, the Pearce cabin will be open for visitors, and a blacksmith demonstrating his trade.  At the History Museum, enjoy piano players performing cheery holiday music that visitors may enjoy while warming up.  Open from 7-9 pm.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum: 200 Violet Street, Suite 140. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. 303-215-9001. Free gift with admission.

Golden Sweets: 1299 Washington Avenue, Suite 100. 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 303-271-1191. Friends and Family evening. Come join us for samplings of Chocolates, Sweet Treats and Holiday Specials! All weekend long.

Blue Moose Trading Company: 1299 Washington Avenue, Suite 110. 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 303-271-1199. Friends and Family evening. Join us for appetizers, drinks, and store specials.

Golden Library: 1019 10th Street. 5:30 pm. to 8:00 pm. Enjoy cookies and hot cider, make a craft and stay for the entertainment. The Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra will be playing holiday favorites and Amazing Dave the Magician will delight with his tricks.

Baby Doe’s Clothing: 1116 Washington Avenue. 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. 303-279-8100. Warm up with some tea and tap your toes at Baby Doe’s. Enjoy holiday treats and live music at Baby Doe’s Clothing. We are pleased to have Fatfinger, aka Bruce Bouck and friends, here to kick-off the season.

Earth Treks Golden: 700 Golden Ridge Road. 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 303-222-9564. The Rendezvous – Join us for a community block party! Featuring fun, friends, climbing, local vendors and free beer and snacks. Free for members! Discounted day passes will be sold during the event.

Cameron’s Dragon: Parfet Park at 7:00 pm. Family Sing-Along. Gather around the Dragon for songs, instruments, and children’s musical fun. Led by Dr. Erika and Ms. Danette, local pro music teachers, and the School of Rock Denver.

Traditional Ornament Signing: Golden Visitors Center. 7:00 pm. The 2017 Leadership Golden ornament celebrates the 150th anniversary of Calvary Church, established at its current location in Golden in 1867. The full-color artwork for the ornament was donated by local artist Juli Leidel. This year’s ornament is the 34th in the collectible series. Cost $10.00. [email protected]. These ornaments are available at Avenue Gifts, Creekside Jewelers, and the Golden Visitor Center.

Jefferson County’s open space telescope presents The Mysterious Moon. Under the direction of naturalist Mike Dempsey. At 7:00 pm in front of the Golden Visitors Center visit Our Mysterious Moon. For as long as there have been people on earth, they have looked up at the Moon and wondered about its ways. Cultures, myths, even the very first telescope, have all attempted to uncover many secrets. Visit Jefferson County’s Open Spaces telescope for your own look at our awesome celestial neighbor.

Rotary Amphitheatre on Clear Creek Destination Dance: will perform their holiday entertainment after the Candlelight Walk at 7:00 pm, under the direction of Collette Wagner.

Winter Concert at Colorado School of Mines, Green Center: 16th and Arapahoe 7:30 pm. The 2017 Colorado School of Mines Music Program’s annual Christmas Concert will include seasonal favorites, performed by the CSM Guitar Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Choir, and will include an audience/choir sing-a-long accompanied by the famous (Black Beauty) Allen Organ located in Bunker Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Dec. 2nd

 

Olde Golden Holiday Open House: Historic Downtown Golden, South Golden Road, and North Golden. 10:00am to 6:00pm. (hours vary). The following merchants in Golden will be participating in the Holiday Open House by extending their hours and will be offering special sales, refreshments, and entertainment for your holiday shopping pleasure. For more info go to GoldenChamber.org or call 303-279-3113.

Aegis Professional Realty Aspen Grove Financial Strategies Avenue Gifts Baby Doe’s Clothing Blue Moose Trading Company Choice Insurance Group Creekside Jewelers Earth Sweet Botanicals Earth Treks Golden El Dorado Mexican Restaurant The Fox Group @ Fathom Realty & (Rocky Mountain Commercial Advisors) Foothills Art Center Gardner History & Preservation Gold Mine Cupcake’s & Golden Hayrides Golden Goods Golden Sweets Gene Bauer – Goldsmith Goozell Yogurt & Coffee LifeStyle Realty & Consulting Meyer Hardware Miners Saloon Natural Grocers Oh! Susanna Vintage Photo Parlor Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse Red Wagon Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum Silver Horse Spirits in the Wind Truly BoHotique

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum: 200 Violet Street, Suite 140. 10:00am to 4:00pm. 303-215-9001. Free gift with admission.

Choice Insurance Group and Aspen Financial Strategies: 1510 Washington Avenue, between the Foothills Art Center & Sherpa House. 10:00am to 4:00pm. 720-771-0993. Are proud to host PAMPER, PRESENTS & PANACHE at the historic Unger House. Kick off your holiday celebrations with over twenty vendors who will ease you into the holiday chaos with great gift ideas and the opportunity to treat yourself to a little TLC. Our PANACHE includes clothing, makeup, jewelry and ways to maintain health, vitality and feel fabulous this holiday season. Stop by for some holiday cheer (muffins & mimosas) or treat yourself to a massage, and enter to win fabulous prizes.

Baby Doe’s Clothing: 1116 Washington Avenue. 10:00am to 6:00pm. 303-279-8100. Homemade treats and warm tea served.

Gold Mine Cupcakes: 700 12 Street, Suite 130. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. 720-328-9531. Free mini spatula with Purchase.

Spirits in the Wind Gallery: 1211 Washington Avenue. 10:00am to 7:30pm. 303-279-1192. Fused Art Glass and Hand Blown Glass. Christmas Ornaments available.

Blue Moose Trading Company: 1299 Washington Avenue, Suite 110. 303-271-1199. 10:00am to 9:00pm. Super Sock Saturday! Socks are cool and we have lots. Come and stuff your stockings with socks!

Santa Claus will be at Avenue Gifts, 1212 Washington Avenue, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. 303-279-0200. Bring your camera and make a great holiday photo.

Gardner History & Preservation, LLC: 805 13th Street. 11:00am to 3:00pm. “2018 Historic Golden Calendar” Give the gift of history this holiday season with the Historic Golden Calendar available for $22.00 at Gardner History & Preservation throughout the year. [email protected] 303-278-0900. Calendar also available @ Avenue Gifts thru the holiday season. 1212 Washington Avenue. 303-279-0200.

Golden Concert Choir Presents Icicles & Carols: Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 303-747-7464. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door: $10/regular, $7/senior or student, $3/child, children under 6 free. goldenconcertchoir.org.

2nd Annual Aegis Professional Realty & Goosetown Events Family Christmas Party: 514 9th St. Noon – 3:00 pm. Delicious treats, hot chocolate & cider, wine and beer, pony rides for the kids and "Brooks n' Friends" music on the patio.

Saturdays, Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th

Photo credit: Rich Myrup

Golden’s Holiday Parades: Hometown parades with floats, clowns, holiday characters, music and Santa. Join us and the spirit of the Holidays. Washington Avenue from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. GoldenChamber.org

Golden’s Victorian Carolers will stroll the Avenue from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Sponsored by the Golden Chamber.

Golden Hayride & Gold Mine Cupcake’s: 700 12th Street, Suite 130. 720-328-9531. Free Hayrides each Saturday for 1 hour after the parades with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pick up point is in front of Gold Mine Cupcakes.

LifeStyle Realty & Consulting: 1111 Washington Avenue, Suite 212. 720-460-0289. 11:30am to 12:30pm. Will provide all the fixings for the kiddos to make their own personal bagpipes and lend the haunting sounds of their pipes to traditional Christmas carols and songs.

Foothills Art Center: 809 15th Street. 1:00pm to 4:00pm. 303- 279-3922. Kids Crafts during (HART). Build Gingerbread Houses in Peterson Classroom – all welcome. Registration is required and space is limited. Gingerbread houses can be a bit tricky to build, and really fun to decorate. We have found a solution with cardboard structures and lots of decorating materials. Come and top last year’s creations.

Oh Susanna Vintage Photo Parlor: 1117 Washington Ave. 11:00am – 2:00pm. 303-216-0877. Santa will be in the studio for the next 3 Saturdays following the Christmas parade from 11-2 for a gorgeous Santa portrait with your little ones! Cost varies.

 

Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides through Historic Downtown Golden. Sponsored by the Golden Chamber of Commerce. Pick up your ride on 12th Street between Washington and Arapahoe. 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Weather permitting. 303-279-3113.

 

December, 8th-10th

Spirits in the Wind Gallery: 1211 Washington Avenue. Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 303-279-1192. Large Array of Mata Ortiz Hand-coiled Pottery and Oaxcaan Hand-Carved Animal show. Pottery Demonstrations.

Saturday, Dec. 9th

Breakfast with Santa and the Christmas Showcase at the Calvary Episcopal Church, 8:30 am to 10:00 am at the corner of 13th and Arapahoe Street. Sponsors for this showcase are Copa Café, Golden Safeway and Ronald McDonald will be there! Bringing toys from McDonald’s restaurant. Additional sponsors are Mahnke Auto Body, Lifestyle Realty & Consulting, LLC., Golden Pizza Hut and Colorado Railroad Museum. Cellist Dr. Adam Riggs, recently back from a tour in the Czech Republic with Stratus Chamber Orchestra, will perform family-friendly holiday music from 8:00 am to 8:30 am. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s Elves will be there to provide Holiday fun. Reservations required. Cost is $10.00 for Adults, Children 3 to 12 $5.00 and Children 2 and under are free. No tickets sold at door. Purchase by: November 29th. Cash, Check or On-line for more information go to GoldenChamber.org.

Santa Claus will be at Avenue Gifts, 1212 Washington Avenue, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. 303-279-0200. Bring your camera and make a great holiday photo.

Earth Sweet Botanicals: 1224 Arapahoe Street. 2:00pm to 4:30pm. 303-278-1260. Will have an Aromatic Gift Making Workshop. $60.00. Pre-registration required. [email protected]

Foothills Art Center: 809 15th St. 2:00pm to 4:30pm. 303-279- 3922, ext. 106. Holiday Art Market artist demos. Featuring Sunny Monoco – Ceramics.

Dec. 12th

Earth Sweet Botanicals: 1224 Arapahoe Street. 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm. 303-278-1260. Holiday Cooking Class. Holiday Sides and Sauces. $40.00. Pre-registration required. [email protected]

Dec. 13th

Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse: 1122 Washington Avenue. 4:00pm to 7:00pm. 303-279-6390. Santa Claus will be available to hear your Christmas wishes.

Dec. 16th

Santa Claus will be at Avenue Gifts, 1212 Washington Avenue, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. 303-279-0200. Bring your camera and make a great holiday photo.

Earth Sweet Botanicals: 1224 Arapahoe Street 2:00 to 4:30 pm. 303-278-1260. Gifts from the Kitchen-Cooking Workshop. $60.00. Pre-registration required. [email protected]

Spirits in the Wind Gallery: 1211 Washington Avenue. 10:00am to 6:00pm. 303-279-1192. Pottery specials throughout the Gallery.

Foothills Art Center: 809 15th St.2:00pm to 4:00pm. 303-279- 3922, ext. 106. Holiday Art Market artist demos. Featuring Dave Hawley-Wood.

Sunday, Dec. 17th

Gold Mine Cupcake’s: 700 12th Street, Suite 130. 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Call 720-328-9531. To reserve your spot. The Golden Hayride is partnering with Gold Mine Cupcakes for this Elf academy opportunity.

Dec. 20th

Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse: 1122 Washington Ave. 4:00pm to 7:00pm 303-279-6390. Santa Claus will be available to hear your Christmas wishes.

Saturday, Dec. 23rd

Meyer Hardware: 1103 Arapahoe Street. 12:00pm to 2:00pm. 303-279-3393. Hosting Celtic Guitarist Jerry Barlow. Dec. 23rd and 24th

Spirits in the Wind Gallery: 1211 Washington Avenue. 11:00am to 5:00pm. 303-279-1192. Meet the Artist Randy Christensen, Silversmith. A Huge array of Villa Grove Colorado Turquoise Jewelry.

 

Golden Glass Orb Hunt 2017

Written by Hannah Button on . Posted in Special Events.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

The Golden Glass Orb Hunt is a new event in Golden this year. During the month of September, Visit Golden will place a glass orb somewhere in the city each day for thirty days (one for each day of the month). Three local artisans handcrafted these one-of-a-kind glass orbs for Golden visitors to find and keep.

Each orb is marked with a special tag and instructions for treasure finders to register their orb at the Foothills Art Center where they will receive a certificate of authenticity. Foothills Art Center is open Mondays – Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sundays: 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Once you register your orb, you will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $200 gift card to a Golden business of your choosing (odds are 1/30).

The winner of the $200 gift card drawing will be drawn and announced on October 2, 2017.

HUNT RULES

  • Glass orbs can be found anywhere within golden city limits that is a public area, you can view the map here: http://maps.cityofgolden.net/ (city is highlighted in purple). You won’t find them on private property, a driving range, in the creek, the middle of an established trail, and other places that would be unsafe for hunters.
  • Glass Orb placement will happen around 9:00 am each day. If the orb has not yet been found by 1:00 pm each day, the Foothills Art Center will post a clue just inside their front entrance.
  • Finders keepers.
  • Treasure finders should register their orb at the Foothills Art Center where they will receive a certificate of authenticity. Foothills Art Center is open Mondays – Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sundays: 12:00 – 5:00 PM.
  • Once you register your orb, you can enter a drawing to win a $200 gift card to a Golden business of your choosing.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HUNT

  • We want these orbs to be found so remember to look in obvious spots.
  • Orbs are placed outdoors rain or shine.

Nine Reasons to Take Your Out-of-Town Visitors to Golden, Colorado

Written by Hannah Button on . Posted in Featured, Golden's Top Picks.

 

Ahh! Summer in Colorado! Concerts at Red Rocks, craft beer on sunny patios, hikes in the glorious mountains and….out-of-state friends and family clamoring to visit! Do you have friends and family visiting this summer? Here are nine reasons to bring them to Golden to easily experience the best of Colorado.

1. A Mountain Experience Without the Altitude – or the Attitude. Golden offers everything a mountain town should: gorgeous mountain views in all directions; a river with kayaking and rafting flowing through the center of town; miles and miles of hiking and biking trails; historic buildings from Colorado’s gold rush days; a half dozen breweries with outdoor beer gardens and food trucks and a flower-lined main street filled with outdoor recreation stores, galleries and one-of-a-kind shops. The BIG difference is, Golden is only 5,675 feet high! So instead of watching your flatlander friends huff and puff and complain about the altitude, head to Golden where they can enjoy the feel of a mountain town without the extreme altitude gain.

2. No Buzz-killing Traffic Jams.  Nothing ruins a day in the mountains more than being stuck in a traffic jam. The beauty of Golden is that is served by three highways and is only 12 miles from downtown Denver – no more than a 20-30 minute drive from most places in Metro Denver, yet a world away in atmosphere and ambiance.

3. Thrill Your Flatlander Relatives with a Quintessential Mountain Road. The drive up the Lariat Loop Trail from downtown Golden to the top of Lookout Mountain is pure Colorado – hairpin turns, deadly-looking drop-offs, cliffs, and a disturbing absence of guardrails. Ah, but the views! It’s no wonder this road, that gains 1,300-feet in just 4.3 miles, is one of the classic bike rides in the state, featured twice in the US Pro Challenge with the world’s best bikers. It’s also one of the state’s best scenic drives, climaxed at the 7,379-foot summit of Lookout Mountain with 360 degree views.   It’s just a short walk from the free parking on top to Buffalo Bill’s grave. Don’t miss the giant gift shop – rated one of the best places for souvenirs in Colorado. 

4. After that Drive, Enjoy Lunch, Beer or Distilled Beverages at an Outdoor Café. After that white-knuckled drive up Lookout Mountain, many out-of-towners feel the need for a “restorative.” And what could be better than three free beers! That’s right, free. The fascinating tour of Coors Brewery (the largest single brewing site in the world) takes you past endless copper kettles and into the dizzying chaos of the packaging plant and ends with a chance to taste three free glasses of their various beers. More of a craft beer person? No worries. There are six craft breweries in Golden, three in downtown within walking distance of Coors. There’s also two dozen restaurants. Join the locals at Woody’s Pizza or stroll down to D’Deli Sandwiches (rated by many as the best sandwiches on the Front Range). You can taste the Southwest in the gorgeous flower-covered patio of Table Mountain Inn; or watch kayakers from the riverside patio of the Golden Hotel. 

5. Work Off the Calories With a Bike Ride. Don’t have enough bikes for your visiting friends? No worries! The Golden Bike Library (located conveniently in the Golden Visitor Center) has 40 bikes available for free two hour rentals, Thurs.-Sun. Pedal down the Clear Creek Bike Path, a flat, paved, off street trail that follows the beautiful river for miles up into the mountains or downstream to Denver.

6. Give Them a Galloping Goose. Colorado is famous for its narrow gauge steam railroads, but you don’t have to drive across state to see them. The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden has a half mile of circular track and all summer they fire up their steam locomotives and chug around in circles, giving everyone the thrill of riding a genuine steam train. When the steam locomotives aren’t running, they have a Galloping Goose – a crazy contraption that is an antique Pierce Arrow limousine mounted on train wheels with a bus welded on the back. This train actually ran over Lizard Head Pass in Western Colorado, and it’s a hoot. The museum also has Colorado’s largest collection of locomotives and cars, a gigantic outdoor garden railroad, and an amazing indoor HO model train, complete with a circus, city and mining camp locations.

7. Show them the Old West. Golden was Colorado’s first state capitol and a one-time rip-roaring mining camp. General Grant and General Sherman once stayed in what is now the Buffalo Rose Tavern (known for its live music on the outdoor patio or on their giant indoor stage), and the state’s first capitol building is now a restaurant and bar – The Old Capitol Grille. Just two blocks away is the Clear Creek Historic Park, a re-creation of an authentic frontier homestead with a barn, chickens, farmhouse and outbuildings, all in a spectacular setting. Or spend time with the greatest Western hero of them all, Buffalo Bill Cody. Located on top of Lookout Mountain, this fun museum is devoted to Bill’s exciting life as a buffalo hunter, showman, and army scout. You can see everything from Sitting Bull’s feathered headdress to sharpshooter Annie Oakley’s rifles.

8. Walk by the Creek!   A paved bike and hiking trail follows the creek, so you can walk as far as you like along tree-lined creek. It’s a relaxing way to spend a hot summer day while armadas of white puffy clouds sail overhead.Summer Music on the Patio

9. Feast on Colorado Cuisine. Enjoy dinner on a patio as the perfect end to your perfect day in Golden! If you’re looking for a special meal, make reservations at the Briarwood Inn, which features fine dining such as Colorado lamb and Filet Mignon. Abejas prides itself on locally sourced ingredients and organic meats. Or, you might enjoy Southwestern fare, like margaritas and street nachos at the Table Mountain Grill & Cantina. Another local favorite is Miners Saloon, which pays tribute to Golden’s mining history with its beautiful décor, wide selection of Colorado spirits and beer and modern take on 1800s entrees.

After your visitors head home, we bet you’ll want to come back to Golden on your own! Check out visitgolden.com or sign up for our e-newsletter to be in the know on events and info all year long .

 

Ten Ways to Enjoy the Mountains in Denver’s Closest Mountain Town – Golden

Written by Hannah Button on . Posted in Featured, Golden Highlights, Golden's Top Picks.

Who doesn’t enjoy a free day in the mountains?  But I-70 can be brutal.  So get out of the car and instead spend your time hiking, biking, shopping, and sipping in Denver’s closest mountain town – Golden.

Located only 12 miles from downtown Denver, Golden is where the plains meet the mountains.  Sitting in spectacular Clear Creek valley, Golden is surrounded by foothills and buttes that offer year-round recreation.  And at their base, pretty and historic downtown Golden is at heart a mountain town, filled with breweries, fine dining, coffee shops, art galleries, museums and locally owned shops.

Here’s 10 ways to forget the long drive and enjoy the best of Colorado in Denver’s backyard.

Pedal Up Lookout Mountain. Arguably the No. 1 hill climb in Colorado, the 4.3 mile, 1,300-foot climb from downtown Golden to the 7,379-foot summit was featured twice in the U.S. Pro Challenge.  With 5-6 percent grades, it’s a tough hill, but bikers are rewarded with constant views of the mountains and plains.  Stop in the snack bar at Buffalo Bill Grave & Museum on top before zooming down.

Hike, Bike or Gold Pan on Clear Creek. The paved, off-street Clear Creek Trail stretches from the foothills just west of Golden for 19 miles to the South Platte River and Denver.  It’s one of the prettiest rivers in Colorado.  Right in Golden, you can bike, hike or stroll along the tree-shaded path, or even pan for gold in a stream that has yielded millions of dollars of it.

Enjoy Craft Beer & Friendly Conversation. Charlie and Janine Sturdavant opened  Golden City Brewery in their house in 1993, and the outdoor beer garden is still their backyard.  Order a beer through the Dutch door in their garage, and relax by the outdoor fire as you listen to live music and chat with friendly locals.  There are five other craft breweries in Golden…and just down the block is the world’s largest brewery – Coors.

Rope up and Tackle 300 Different Climbs. Earth Treks Golden is the premier indoor rock climbing and bouldering gym in Colorado offering 300 roped routes and 100 bouldering challenges with many designed by rock climbing legend Jason Kehl.  There are classes, training areas and hydraulic system boards.

Ride a Steam Locomotive. It was the railroads that developed Colorado, and Golden has one of the state’s four operating steam railroads.  Passengers travel on a half mile circle around the Colorado Railroad Museum – the state’s largest collection of real and model trains. Wait until you hear the steam whistle echo off the surrounding buttes.

Climb a Beauty of a Butte. Golden is surrounded by two volcanic buttes that were formed 65 million years ago – North and South Table Mountains. Dinosaurs once roamed here.  The first T-Rex was discovered on South Table Mountain and you can still see dinosaur tracks.  Both buttes have easy hiking trails and spectacular views of Golden and the snowcapped Rocky Mountains.

Eat Your Heart Out. No getaway is complete without a delicious meal. And from top rated pizzas at Woody’s, to a farm to table feast at Abejas, Golden offers a wide selection of choices. On sunny days, sit outside and watch the kayakers go by from the patio of Bridgewater Grill.

See Mount Everest, then Eat Like a Sherpa. The Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum is the only museum in the nation dedicated to the heroism, technology and spirt of mountaineering. See the clothes worn by the first Americans to summit Mount Everest and learn practical tips on how to climb a Colorado 14er.  Hungry?  The Sherpa House Restaurant and Cultural Center down the street has authentic Himalayan cuisine such as Yak Stew and Chicken Daal Bhax, as well as exhibits about the Sherpas – the born mountaineers of Nepal.

Meet Buffalo Bill. The Wild West’s most famous scout and showman was buried on top of Lookout Mountain 100 years ago today, and a museum honoring his exciting life has been attracting visitors ever since.  The view from the deck has been called the greatest in Colorado, featuring the plains in one direction, and the snowcapped Rockies in the other.

Learn about the Treasure Beneath Your Feet. The free Geology Museum in the Colorado School of Mines has 60,000 rocks, gems and precious minerals – everything from moon rocks to Colorado gold.  Murals and interactive exhibits help explain the fascinating geologic history of the area, while an outdoor trail leads to dinosaur prints.  Want to try your own luck?  The museum gift shop can outfit you with a gold pan and instructions.

Golden’s Favorite Pairing

Written by Hannah Button on . Posted in Latest Press Releases.

 

 

 

Golden’s Favorite Pairing

Exercise Followed by a Tasty Brew

 

Few towns in the world offer better opportunities for a brisk walk or bike ride, followed by a refreshing glass of beer than Golden, Colorado.

For one thing, this little town, located 12 miles west of Denver, brews more beer than any other city on the planet, largely due to the fact that hometown favorite Coors Brewery is the world’s largest single-site brewery. But Golden also has an assortment of small craft breweries producing wonderful ales, wheat beers, pilsners and stouts.

And for hikes? Golden is located in an area of spectacular natural beauty. To the east, are two mesas — high flat-topped plateaus surrounded by cliffs- and to the west Golden is the spot where the Great Plains hit the Rocky Mountains. Most notable of the Front Range peaks which tower over Golden is Lookout Mountain that boasts a road filled with hairpin turns and climbs an unbelievable 1,200 feet in just four miles. Down below, Clear Creek cuts through rock to create a beautiful canyon before spilling out into and rushing through downtown Golden.

All this nature has made Golden an outdoor recreational mecca. There are paved bike and jogging trails along Clear Creek, while the center of the river has one of the nation’s best man-made, kayak and canoeing white water river courses. Hang gliders float down from Lookout Mountain, while cyclists power up the hill in low gear. Three canyons near the town offer classic rock climbs, while the prestigious American Mountaineering Museum is located on Golden’s main street and is filled with artifacts from America’s first assent up Everest and other historic moments in the history of mountaineering.

There are bike, kayak, hiking and climbing shops on nearly every corner of Golden, where you can buy or rent equipment. Local favorites, just to name a few, include Bent Gate, Vidal Outdoors, Powder7 Sports, and Golden Bike Shop.

And then there are the bike and hiking trails. Here are five classic Golden hiking or bike trails paired with a perfect pub stop for a beer afterwards.

 

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER & PRESERVE

The best place to get an introduction to hiking in Golden is the gorgeous 1917 Boettcher Mansion on top of Lookout Mountain. Once a summer home for the Boettcher family, this beautiful log building has been turned in a museum along-side a nature center in the middle of a preserve. The preserve has 1.4 miles of gentle trails that wind through ponderosa pine forests mixed with meadows of wildflowers. Exhibits in the center will tell you about the black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, elk, and mule deer that are often captured on the center’s cameras.

Beer Stop: Now that you’ve learned about the flora and fauna of the foothills above Golden, learn about the beer made down in the valley by taking the free, 30-minute, self-paced tour of the malting, brewing and packing of Coors Beer. Coors is the world’s largest single-site brewery and a perfect place to learn how beer is made. Explore a room of giant copper kettles and then stop in the fascinating packaging room, where millions of cans and bottles whirl by, on their way to being filled with beer and slotted into six packs. After the tour, those 21 and over can sample three free glasses of beer (with soft drinks for those under 21). Try a Colorado Native. This tasty beer is only available in Colorado and is the only “all Colorado” beer made with just Rocky Mountain water, Colorado-grown hops, Colorado-grown barley from the San Luis Valley and the oldest strain of brewer’s yeast in Colorado.

 

MATTHEWS/WINTERS PARK TRAILS

Located just south of Golden on State Highway 93, this Jefferson County open space park has nine miles of trails. A particularly beautiful stretch is the 2.8 mile Red Rocks Trail, which climbs up some mild switchbacks, offering spectacular views of towering red rock formations as you approach Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Another, more strenuous hike is the Dakota Ridge Trail, which climbs up and down along the twisting Dakota Hogback, an unusual geologic formation. The first dinosaur bones ever discovered were found along this hogback. Nearby on Dinosaur Ridge, you can see million-year-old dinosaur bones and dinosaur tracks, still visible in the rocks.

Beer Stop: Located across the street from Coors, the Barrels & Bottles Brewery is the newest in Golden, and one of the most unique. There are 24 craft beers on tap (a half dozen of their own and great guest beers from across the country) and 24 tap wines. If you’re not familiar with tap wines, it’s a growing trend and the freshest way to enjoy wine right from the barrel, including wines produced right here in Colorado. Barrels & Bottles has one of only four beer infusion machines in the nation (one of only two in Colorado). These science fiction looking machines add tasty flavors like coffee or chocolate to beer, after it’s been brewed. A local’s tip: Stop by and say hi to the owner’s two dogs, Pixie and Oba.

 

CLEAR CREEK TRAIL

The most popular trail in Golden offers all forms of recreation, from strolling to skateboarding, from tubing to biking. The paved, mostly level recreational trail stretches from the beginnings of Clear Creek Canyon in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, all the way down to the South Platte River in Denver, 19 miles away, offering a tree-lined path with fishing, horseback riding, kayaking – and even gold panning along its banks. Clear Creek Canyon was the historic route the railroad and stagecoaches took to the gold strikes in Central City and Black Hawk, and on weekends, you can expect to see a couple of dozen people still panning for gold, which washes down the river today just as it did 150 years ago. The Clear Creek recreational path is a perfect trail for families and picnics, and there is ample parking in downtown Golden just minutes from the trail.

Beer Stop: The Golden City Brewery is just a block from the Clear Creek Trail and offers the one-of-a-kind experience of enjoying a beer in the brewer’s backyard. The brewery was founded in 1993 by two geologists, in an old machine shop behind their historic Golden home. The tasting room was originally located in the sunroom of their house. Since that time, the operation has expanded and now the carriage house is the tasting room and their backyard is the beer garden. It’s a friendly place with everyone sharing tables and making new friends. In winter there’s an outdoor fire; in summer, there are often musicians playing. Order a beer through the Dutch door of the carriage house, find a table, and relax in the backyard. After a walk on the river, try the appropriately named Clear Creek Gold Pale Ale, an award-winning, traditional German Kolschbier hopped with Czech Saaz for a pleasant floral finish.

 

NORTH TABLE MOUNTAIN

One of the chief landmarks of Golden is this broad, flat-topped mesa that rises hundreds of feet above the valley and is ringed by cliffs with a half dozen hiking and biking trails crisscrossing the area. The classic hike or bike trip is a moderate 5.9 mile loop trail that will take you around — and over — the mesa top, with 360 degree views of Golden, Denver and the Front Range. A new parking area on Colorado Hwy. 93 just north of town has maps; trails head off clockwise or counterclockwise around the mountain. It’s a mixed-use trail with some steep climbs and singletrack sections for bikers. Once on top, look for herds of deer.

Beer Stop: Cannonball Creek Brewing is just down the road from the North Table Mountain trailhead and a perfect Golden beer stop. Cannonball Creek was the original name of Clear Creek, which flows through the heart of downtown. In its first year, this young brewery took two prestigious silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival. They took Gold in 2014. They usually have between 6-12 craft beers on tap. After a tough hike or bike ride, you deserve the Almond Chocolate Stout, brewed with six pounds of fresh roasted almonds and a generous portion of Belgian dark chocolate to give it a nutty, bittersweet chocolate finish.

 

WHITE RANCH

Located just a few miles west of Golden, this gorgeous old ranch has 20 miles of multi-use trails arranged in ingenious patterns, offering a wide number of loop hikes or mountain bike rides for all abilities and lengths. There are mountain and canyon views, old ranch barns, and a collection of antique farm equipment that all make for wonderful photos. Hike in pine forests or across open meadows. It is especially wonderful after a fresh snowfall for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. In the fall, there are pretty stands of aspen that turn all shades of gold.

Beer Stop: The Mountain Toad is the quintessential Colorado brewery with big windows that open to the outdoors, an outdoor patio with food trucks, a beer garden, and 6-12 craft beers on tap. Check out the chalkboard to see what beers have been added to the menu. You can bring in your own food, or buy food at the adjoining food truck, or even order in a pizza. Dogs are welcome and mingle with guests inside and out. Try a tray of four ounce samples, or if you’ve just come from White Ranch, dig into the White Ranch Wit — a complex wheat ale brewed with orange blossom honey, grapefruit peel and coriander with notes of citrus and spice.

Cheers!

 

 

MEDIA CONTACTS: Joy Meadows, 303-522-9045 or [email protected] Katie Converse, 720-979-4530 or [email protected]

 

 

Small Business Saturday Nov. 26th

Written by Hannah Button on . Posted in Featured.

Small Business Saturday Nov. 26th

Small Business Saturday Welcome Station

New this year is Golden’s Shop Small Welcome Station, located ion front of the Golden Visitors Center.  Pick up a Shop Small tote bag filled with local merchant coupons, sip a hot drink, and head out to shop and dine in Golden.

Shop Small Welcome Station open Nov. 26th 10 – 4 pm.

Be sure to snap a photo and tag both @visitgoldenco and the business you’re supporting with #shopsmall for the chance to win a $100 shopping spree! Nov. 26th all day during local businesses’ hours.