Georgetown is the former silver mining camp that was established in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. Georgetown and neighboring Silver Plume are part of the federally designated Georgetown-Silver Plume National Landmark Historic District. Idaho Springs, is an historic mining town where gold was first discovered in Colorado in 1859. All three are well worth the visit.
Idaho Springs is approximately 32 miles west of Denver along I-70 while Georgetown, and Silver Plume are located 45 miles west of Denver, also off of I-70. All three are fun to visit on the way to or from Denver. They are also convenient to visit from when visiting Keystone, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge or Vail/Beaver Creek.
Georgetown, CO
Georgetown has a small, historic downtown. Here you will find a number of restaurants, shops and antique stores. I recommend taking a break from the 1-70 traffic and walking around town to explore.
Some of my favorite finds include:
After reading about it in an article, I had to try Scooter’s Smokehouse BBQ. Located just off of I-70 at 1416 Argentine St., this is a tiny restaurant with limited seating. It features a variety of smoked meats. I had a great pulled pork sandwich and slaw while sitting on the outside patio.
Georgetown Valley Candy Company: At 500 6th St., this charming store is a great spot for ice cream or for candy made on site. My favorite flavor is the cherry ice cream which I had again in September 2024 after lunch at Scooter’s Smokehouse BBQ.
Then I had a latte for some caffeine at Georgetown Coffee and Tea at 612 Sixth St. It is a casual cafe along with a gift shop.
Next door at 614 A Sixth St. the Georgetown Gallery of Fine Art. This is one of the oldest art cooperatives in Colorado. Nearby is the Grizzley Creek Gallery at 512 Sixth St. which has a focus on local photography.
Opehelia’s Antique Gallery is one of the few antique stores downtown. They focus on jewelry, paintings, china, crystal, clothing, collectibles, old and rare books and other decorative pieces. 600 Sixth St.
Other places to visit include Mountain Mama’s Needful Things that has a café and gift shop at 710 6th St. Guanella Pass Brewery is a local brewery with a taproom, kitchen and full bar. 501 Rose St.
Located at 412 6th St., the Happy Cooker Restaurant is known for its breakfasts since 1974. It looked like a fun spot to try.
There are a number of historic homes and buildings to explore downtown. You can visit The Georgetown Energy Museum, The Hamill House Museum and the Hotel De Paris in the summer season. One of the main attractions is the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which is a 3 ft narrow gauge railroad that runs between Georgetown and Silver Plume, two miles away. Its Fall Colors Train gets great reviews.
Not until recently, did I read about the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway until friends posted photos of the beautiful fall color. The road begins in Georgetown and ends 24 miles later in the town of Grant.
Silver Plume, CO
Just west of Georgetown is Silver Plume, a small town of under 200 people, that was a former silver mining camp. Today it has a small number of historic homes and buildings.
A former mining supply store and bakery building, from the 1800s, was the home of DRAM Apothecary which features handmade bitters, teas and syrups crafted using wild Colorado herbs. They also make sparkling waters and CBD sparkling waters. They are now based in Salida, CO and you can buy these items online.
Their former, Bread Bar, which offers craft cocktails, is now under new ownership and is still located at 1010 Main St. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday it features a number of craft cocktails, beer and wine. It has been remodeled since I was there last, and they also have a nice outdoor patio.
Idaho Springs, CO
Located in Clear Creek Canyon just off of I-70 west of Denver, I have always liked Idaho Springs and its historic downtown. Not having been in a few years. I recently stopped on my way to Beaver Creek and was very impressed with all of the new offerings on Miner Street downtown. There are many new cafes and restaurants, shops, microbreweries, distilleries and a recently opened cider mill and cafe.
I recommend the following:
Smokin’ Yards BBQ: This is a local BBQ joint where the owners smoke their own meats and make their own BBQ sauces. They feature a large menu of sandwiches, ribs, platters and sides. 2736 Colorado Blvd. It is located just off I-70 on the north side of town. They also have a location in downtown Denver.
Tommyknocker Brewery: Located at 1401 Miner St. downtown, this is a microbrewery where you can enjoy a pint of their local, freshly-brewed beer or their root beer or creme sodas. They make a number of ales, lagers and IPAs. They also have a menu of pub food including burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.
At 1617 Miner St. is the sleek, contemporary Westbound & Down Brewery. Here they make a large number of ales, IPAs, blondes, saisons and porters that you can sample. They also have a brewpub featuring sandwiches, salads and burgers.
The Frothy Cup Coffee Roaster: Make sure to stop in for a coffee drink while you explore downtown. They brew their coffee on site in their building from the 1880’s. I had a latte and a yummy piece of homemade cherry pie!!! 1510 Miner St.
Clear Creek Cidery & Eatery: Opened in late August, 2018, this is a new cidery and tap featuring a number of their locally brewed ciders plus food. 1446 Miner St.
Silver Lake Lodge: If you want to stay nearby then you might enjoy this lodge which gets great reviews. It has eight beautifully furnished guest rooms with great views of the mountains. The restaurant at the Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. 336 Crest Drive.
