A Perfect Day in Golden, Colorado

Colorado has a lot of wonderful mountain towns, but none are quite as close to Denver as Golden. The first town truly "in the mountains" as you travel west, you'll begin to enter the dramatic scenery of the Rocky Mountains. With a bevy of stores, restaurants, shops, and hiking trails, Golden is a great day trip from the city or weekend trip to escape into the mountains! This guide is a great start of what to see in this charming town.

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The Morning

Your day should start with breakfast!

Cafe 13

@markfedoronko

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And in Golden, Cafe 13 is probably the best place to go. With delicious sandwiches and other egg dishes, you can start your day right with a big breakfast. My personal favorite is the breakfast burrito - topped with the house made green chili it is a delicious plate of yumminess. Don't forget to savor one of their delicious pastries - the enormous cinnamon rolls are a particular favorite. Another good tip - take an extra pastry for a hike! It'll make a good treat on the trail

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North Table Mountain

@markfedoronko

Going for a hike is an integral part of any good day in Colorado. There is no better place to go in Golden than North Table Mountain. The trail is very steep from the parking lot to the top of the plateau. However from the top, there are miles of trails to explore. Some are very flat and are filled with runners. Others are more remote and let you take in beautiful views of Golden, Denver, and the Rocky Mountains to the West. Expect to spend about 2 to 4 hours hiking or mountain biking for a great morning! Professional note: wear and pack sunscreen as the plateau is very sunny with no trees.

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The Afternoon

After you finishing hiking, you'll likely want to stop for lunch. I haven't included any specific inclusions, but Downtown Golden has lots of great stops! I also particularly like the restaurant the Eddy Hotel - that's further down the page though.

Downtown Golden

@markfedoronko

Downtown Golden isn't particularly specific as a next stop. However, the area around Washington Ave is filled with fun restaurants and shops. It's a great stop after having finished your hike!

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Red Silo Coffee Roasters

@markfedoronko

You'll likely be pretty tired at this point in the day. What better way to get energized than coffee! Red Silo is one of the best coffee shops in town. Enjoy a nice coffee there before continuing your day

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Coors Brewery Tour

@markfedoronko

The main reason Golden is on the map is the Coors brewery. One of America's most famous beer brands, Coors has been using the same water in and around Golden for over a hundred years. Many people make the journey to Golden only for the beer. To be honest, I find the brewery tour to be a bit underwhelming. They provide three generous samples and the gift shop is super cool with Coors gear. However, the actual premises is just a 1980's manufacturing plant, so nothing particularly memorable. However, if you like beer it's a fun hour long tour. I don't think this is a real must see however, as there are lots of other places in town to enjoy a good beer

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Clear Creek Park

@markfedoronko

If you didn't walk enough during the day, Clear Creek Park is a great place for an in town stroll after consuming some beer. Centered around the Clear Creek, there are two trails that allow for great scenery of the surrounding mountains. If you like history, you can also wander through Golden History Park with historic buildings from the 1800's

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Dinnertime

I've included two dinner recommendations in town: one fancier and one more casual. However, there are plenty of other options to choose from if you so wish.

Abejas

@markfedoronko

The nicest restaurant in Golden, Abeja's is well known for being one of the best in the Denver area. Abeja means bee, and the restaurant is a play on words for the two owners whose names both begin with B. You'll find delicious seasonal food prepared to perfection. With elegant presentation, this is a wonderful meal to end the day in some luxury! Also they serve a very popular Sunday brunch

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Sherpa House Restaurant and Culture Center

@markfedoronko

Cozy, quirky, and unique: those are the words to describe the Sherpa House. Serving authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine in a colorful space covered in Nepalese antiques and artwork, it almost feels like visiting a museum while you eat. The meals here are very affordable and delicious. Their chai is particularly delicious

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Evening

After dinner, there are plentiful places to keep the night going! Here are two of my personal recommendations: one being a cocktail bar and the other being more of a choice for beer.

Golden Moon Speakeasy

@markfedoronko

A local distillery, Golden Moon has won a plethora of awards for its gins and whisky. While the distillery is located south of Golden, they operate a local speakeasy and distillery tasting room in the heart of downtown Golden. Serving craft cocktails, this is a great place for a nightcap after dinner!

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The Eddy Taproom & Hotel

@markfedoronko

Less than a mile away from downtown Golden, the Eddy is a lovely boutique hotel that allows you to stay right in the town. Constructed in the place of the Rocky Mountain Fire Brick Works, The Eddy Taproom & Hotel pays homage to its craftsman roots. With beautifully decorate rooms with warm carpets and bold colored walls, it really is a tranquil escape in the mountain. If you stay elsewhere, the Eddy's Taproom is a great place to hang out! They serve delicious food - the sweet potato tacos were particularly unique. They also have a long list of local beers to enjoy. From 5-8 on Friday and Saturday there is live music, and there is a lovely patio when the weather is warm enough

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That should be a full day in Golden! Of course, make sure to explore beyond this list - Golden is a lovely town with great attractions!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Fedoronko

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My name is Mark, and I've been travel planning since the age of 11. About Me I help redefine the way you experience the world. I don't just plan trips; we craft extraordinary adventures tailored to your unique desires. Mark's journey into the realm of travel planning began at an early age, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make each destination truly exceptional. Expertise Beyond Borders Boasting an extensive portfolio of expertise, Mark is a seasoned navigator through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, the captivating history of Jordan, the rich tapestry of Israel/Palestine, the cosmopolitan allure of Copenhagen, and beyond. Whether you're yearning for the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the ancient wonders of Petra, the historical significance of Jerusalem, or the contemporary charm of Copenhagen, I ensure that your journey is not just a trip but a transformative experience. Custom Itineraries, Crafted with Care I understand that no two travelers are the same. My commitment to personalization means that every itinerary is a bespoke masterpiece, meticulously crafted to reflect your preferences, interests, and dreams. From immersive cultural excursions to adrenaline-pumping adventures, we curate experiences that resonate with your individual travel style. Why Choose Mark's Travel Recs? Passion-Driven Expertise: Mark's lifelong passion ensures every itinerary has an authentic touch. Global Perspective: With knowledge spanning diverse destinations, I offer journeys beyond the ordinary. Attention to Detail: I leave no stone unturned, from accommodation to off-the-beaten-path excursions. Seamless Planning: Let me take the reins for a stress-free journey from conception to execution. Embark on a voyage of a lifetime with me—where the world is your oyster, and I help you discover its pearls

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