2016-12-22 02:12:27
Denver is an excellent hub for exploring the state beyond the city limits. 1 LAKEWOOD Light-rail-connected Lakewood makes a good home base between Denver and the mountains. The Lakewood Cultural Center hosts performances and events in pedestrian-friendly Belmar, which is home to shops and restaurants. Take advantage of a few close-to-civilization campgrounds and 40 West Arts, a Certified Colorado Creative District. Drive: 15 minutes 2 GOLDEN Historic downtown is packed with Wild West attractions and shops nudged up against dozens of mountain parks and hiking/biking trails. Grab a ride at the new Golden Bike Library to wheel about town. Don’t miss the huge collection of vintage locomotives at the Colorado Railroad Museum; MillerCoors Brewery, the largest single-site brewery in the world, or the new Holidaily Brewing Company; the Clear Creek White Water Park and surrounding trails; the Golden History Museums; and the Foothills Art Center. Stop into the Golden Visitors Center for details on traveling the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway. Look for festivities around the 100th anniversary of legendary frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody’s death. His grave and museum are just outside town. Drive: 25 minutes 3 CASTLE ROCK The Outlets at Castle Rock and upscale Promenade at Castle Rock are big draws, along with The Barn’s antique and specialty shops, 44 miles of trails, the new year-round Castle Rock Zipline Tours at PS Miller Park, pedestrian-friendly downtown, galleries, golf courses, bistros and coffee houses. Drive: 35 minutes EVERGREEN LAKE, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA 4 EVERGREEN Acres of forest and open space surround this vibrant downtown. The foothills community boasts miles of hiking and biking trails and an in-town lake packed with ice skaters each winter. Drive: 45 minutes 5 AURORA Seek out seven beautiful golf courses, unique museums, U-picks, breweries, shopping at Southlands, Aurora Fox Arts Center and the Cultural Arts District and much more. Drive: 25 minutes PEARL STREET MALL, DOWNTOWN BOULDER 6 BOULDER With 200 miles of trails, a laid-back vibe and the Pearl Street Mall, a charming outdoor shopping and dining locale, it’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with Boulder. Drive: 30 minutes 7 CENTRAL CITY & BLACK HAWK Home to 24-hour casinos, top-notch opera and gorgeous scenery, these two old mining towns have burst to life recently. Drive: 45 minutes 8 PIKES PEAK COUNTRY Iconic Pikes Peak is Colorado Springs’ showpiece, which features dozens of attractions, including the famed Garden of the Gods. Drive: 1 hour, 30 minutes SUMMIT COUNTY, CELIN SERBO 9 SUMMIT COUNTY A popular snow-sports destination in winter, this region attracts visitors year-round with quintessential mountain towns and scenic vistas. Drive: 1 hour, 30 minutes 10 ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK One of the nation’s top outdoor destinations, this natural wonder boasts 350 miles of trails, unparalleled wildlife sightings and Trail Ridge Road. Drive: 1 hour, 40 minutes
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