Georgetown, Sunset, February 2007
Bundle up and browse boutiques in a classic Rocky Mountain mining town
The ore may be long gone, but you can still mine for treasures in this Rocky Mountain village, founded more than 140 years ago by an international crowd of silver-seekers. Here, just one hour west of Denver, you´ll uncover everything from handmade jewelry to locally woven mohair jackets to pickled herring. Shop till you drop, then refuel with a frosty pint and hearty fare from one of Georgetown´s cozy pubs. Linger inside, but be sure to wander the snowy streets, lined with 19th-century buildings so perfectly preserved you´ll feel like you´ve stepped into a toy train set.
SHOP Ken Nelson Goldsmith Jewelry in swooping shapes of gold shares space with a hodgepodge of treasures, from hand-worked bangles to agate marbles for $2 apiece. INFO: Closed Mon-Tue; 504 Sixth St.; 303/569-2791.
Sophie Gally With a lustrous wooden bar hinting at its past life as a saloon, the ladies´ clothing boutique sells sassy stuff, such as sleepwear fit for any madam. INFO: 606 Sixth St.; 303/569-2434.
Georgetown Rock Shop Hit the Russian Room inside for Siberian birch-bark boxes and antique icons from the mother country. INFO: 501 Sixth St.; 303/569-2750.
Kneisel & Anderson Store Wander the squeaky floorboards of the old general store that still sells Herrgårds cheese side by side with the Chef Boyardee. INFO: 511 Sixth St.; 303/569-2650.
GO Historic Walking Tour Take a self-guided tour of Georgetown´s historic district, with its 200 19th-century buildings. INFO: Free maps at both visitor centers, 613 Sixth St. (303/569-2888) and 1491 Argentine St. (303/569-2405).
EAT New Prague Restaurant Steins of pilsner, Sinatra tunes sung in Czech, and goulash that will warm you from the inside out. INFO: $$$; dinner Wed-Sun; 511 Rose St.; 303/569-2861.
Georgetown Valley Candy Company A fairyland of homemade candies. INFO: 500 Sixth St.; 303/569-2778.
Stay overnight
The Rose Street Bed and Breakfast (from $100; 200 Rose St.; www.rosestreetbedbreakfast.com or 303/569-2222) offers three plush Victorian-style suites. Hosts Paul and Sally Nisler are every bit as friendly as their restored inn is refined.
Getting there
From Denver, drive 45 miles west on I-70 to exit 228; for more information, visit www.georgetowncolorado.com or call 888/569-0846.
