Not that I have anything against free beer tours with complimentary sips along the way, but Golden is so much more than its famous brewery. And, since I haven’t actually taken the Coors Tour yet, that post will have to wait. Stay tuned.
Golden is one of those postcard-perfect small towns—a historic main street, a sparkling creek running right through downtown, and a backyard full of mountains. And if you ever need a break from the small-town charm, Denver is just a quick 20-minute drive away. I’m thrilled to be moving to this little slice of geographic perfection in August, so consider this your preview of many Golden posts to come.
For now, though, I’m still in tourist mode. And any day in Golden is incomplete without a hike. The go-to choice? North Table Mountain.

Exploring North Table Mountain
North Table Mountain is the kind of trail where you’ll pass everyone—families with toddlers, power-walking grandparents, trail runners, and on this particular day, my five-months-pregnant self who eventually started jogging out of pure boredom. It’s a classic “easy” hike: steep and gravelly on the way up, but once you reach the top, everything levels out into a wide plateau. Miles of flat loop trails stretch across the summit, making it perfect for walking, running, or mountain biking.
Sure, there aren’t many trees and it’s not the most dramatic hike in Colorado, but follow the North Mesa Trail and you’ll catch stunning views of Golden’s rooftops below. And on a breezy day? You might even catch the faint scent of beer drifting up from town.

Cool Down at Clear Creek
After your hike, a cool-down is essentially mandatory. Luckily, Golden gives you options.
Clear Creek runs through the heart of downtown, with the busiest access points just north of Washington Avenue. A paved trail follows the water for miles, dotted with historical markers, shady resting spots, and plenty of little nooks where you can step directly down to the creek. On warmer days, you’ll find kids splashing, couples picnicking, and—if you’re lucky—kayakers navigating the shallow rapids west of town.

Or Cool Down With a Drink
If wading into glacier-fed creek water isn’t your idea of “refreshing,” Golden's beverage scene has you covered.

• Buffalo Rose: Perfect for the beer-and-bikers crowd. The outdoor patio is lively during the day, and at night you’ll find live music, karaoke, and plenty of local energy.
• Grappa: For something a little more refined, grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine while watching the world go by.

Strolling Through Downtown
Downtown Golden isn’t exactly Chicago’s Miracle Mile, but that’s the beauty of it. Washington Ave and its side streets are lined with quirky, charming shops.
A few favorites:

• Silver Horse – Home to gorgeous cowboy boots and strands of turquoise jewelry you’ll daydream about long after you leave.
• Rewind – A vintage-lovers paradise, filled with antiques, retro clothing, and themed rooms overflowing with treasures.

Where to Stay in Golden
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or scouting the area:

• The Golden Hotel: Centrally located right along Clear Creek and close to everything.
• Table Mountain Inn: A few blocks north with a Santa Fe–style façade and cozy southwestern vibe.
• Clear Creek RV Park: Quiet, shaded, and tucked along the water. They only have three tent sites, but if you snag one, it’s a gem.