Ok, it’s not what you’re thinking. I’m in love with Golden, Colorado…….Where the West Lives. Golden is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains just fifteen miles west of Denver. At an elevation of 5,675 feet, over 246 days of sunshine, and 400 acres of owned open space and another 8,000 surrounding acres, what’s not to love.
Historic area along Clear Creeksculptures adorn the parks and downtown
With its small town flare, Golden has a population of less than 19,000 and boasts an abundance of amenities. The downtown is home to art galleries, museums, restaurants, and stores for just about anything. West of downtown is the Clear Creek History Park – an 1800’s experience with old-time buildings and re-enactments
Al and I enjoy exploring the town of Golden and he seems to love this unique town every bit as much as I do. We have a leisurely lunch while sitting at one of the outdoor patios followed by a visit to the local yogurt shop. Hubby and I have yet to explore the 29 miles of pedestrian trails, numerous parks, including 2 dog parks, and public golf courses.
There is so much to do and see in Golden, I doubt we would get bored spending more time here. And let’s not forget the big city of Denver is a hop skip n jump away. Also Golden has super easy access to I-70 and mountain towns. The Continental Divide is less than an hours drive away.
With that in mind, it is time to move on…….we point the rig west…..westward bound !
Wow, it was great sleeping weather last night here in Golden, Colorado. This morning we even popped the heat on in the RV to take the chill out of the air. This cooler weather has given Bear a burst of energy and at 6 a.m. he’s ready for his walk around the “mountain”. With sweatshirt on, coffee in hand, we’re off to tend the morning business.
Turns out this weekend (Aug 18-19) is the annual Golden Fine Arts Festival, as well as Saturday (today) is the weekly Farmers Market. Well, it’s pretty obvious what Al and I will be doing. We couldn’t have planned this any better. AND the weather….oh, my absolutely perfect.
Although Golden is a super friendly dog town, we leave Bear behind for his much-needed morning nap and head into town. First stop, the Farmer’s Market. This Farmers Market is three times the size of the Farmers Market we frequent in Canon City. Al, Mr. Socialite, engages in conversation with several vendors prior to making any purchases.
Al visits with vendorstubing in Golden, CO
We enjoy some fresh squeezed lemonade and head on over to the Fine Arts Festival.The Farmers Market is held near Golden’s Library on the north side of Clear Creek and the Fine Arts Festival is on the south side of Clear Creek. We take the pedestrian bridge across the creek, but not before stopping to watch all the folks enjoying the water.
Tubing….I love tubing, whether in the water or on snow. I soooo wanted to do this but was not prepared. Later in the day, daughter joins us and she and I promise to set a date to tube Clear Creek….fun!
Fine Arts Festival Golden Colorado
Golden is full of outdoor adventure from tubing or kayaking Clear Creek, to paragliding off Lookout Mountain, to being a bicycler’s paradise. Golden is also home to the Colorado School of Mines. Thus the large ‘M’ on the mountain in the background.
Coors Brewery in background
However……..Golden, for many of us, is known as the home to Coors Beer and still remains home even though our friends to the north (Canada) now own a stake in the company. In 2005 Coors officially became Molson-Coors Brewery and in 2007 they partnered with Miller now marketing under the label Miller-Coors. But, Coors is still brewed in Golden with the same cold, crisp, mountain waters. I remember back in the 70’s when Coors Beer was “smuggled” across State lines. All of us, under age Illinois kids fought over this famous mountain beer. This smuggling of Coors Beer was even featured in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit“. Distribution back then was very limited and the possession of this infamous beer was a status symbol. It was such a big deal that when Air Force One was stocked with Coors Beer, it even made the news.
Golden, I doubt we would get bored spending more time here. And let’s not forget the big city of Denver is a hop skip n jump away. Also Golden has super easy access to I-70 and mountain towns. The Continental Divide is less than an hours drive away.
Live Laugh RV 