A unique, artsy community, Niwot, Colorado, is named for an Arapaho Chief whose name means "Left Hand". Niwot honors its Old West past while cultivating contemporary art, community events, restaurants and an eclectic array of shops and galleries.
The Old Prospector sculpture in Denver, Colorado, has quite a back story. Not only was it modeled after John Straughn, a larger-than-life character, it was sculpted by a German metalworker. It used to stand atop the now-gone Colorado Gold Mining Exchange building - itself a historical treasure.
Nightly Spirits Tour in Denver took us underground to haunted tunnels and historic structures, including Blake Street Vault, Double Daughters Salotto, Oxford Hotel and Cruise Bar and Union Station.
Tour the city of Golden, Colorado, famous for the Coors Brewery and it's Old West atmosphere. An easy 15-mile drive from Denver and well worth the trip for restaurants, bars, souvenirs and entertainment.
Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum (Pahaska Teepee) on Lookout Mountain in Golden, CO. Just outside of Denver, this is a family, kid-friendly tourist destination. The views are spectacular and the museum is well done.
Historic Hotel Denver in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, high in the Rocky Mountains boasts a prime location next to the public hot springs pool and hand-laid tile lobby. Step into the lobby from the adjoining Glenwood Canyon Brewpub and experience a bit of upscale Old West history.
Glenwood Springs Adventure Park amusement park high in the Rocky Mountains is a fun family vacation spot and great for kids. A gondola skylift takes you up to an Old West style park with rides, shows, games and even panning for gold!
The healing hot springs at Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains has been a draw for tourists and swimmers since before the first homesteader in the 1880s. In addition to the spa resorts, it offers history such as Doc Holliday, wonderful restaurants, historic hotels and even an altitudinous amusement park! Just a few hours west of Denver by car or Amtrak, it makes a great weekend destination.
Happy Father’s Day! For the occasion, I’ve included my favorite barbecue recipe you can pass along to Dad (or make for him) if he’s cooking out this weekend. It appears at the end of this post. Let me know how it turns out for you.
I’ve just returned from four glorious days in northern Colorado, affectionately known as NoCO. My husband and I were based out of Denver, but we managed to daytrip to some surrounding areas, including a smallish (pop. 67,000) town called Loveland. We met a woman who lives there and raved about it, so we decided to check it out.