A Hidden Colorado Mountain Town Offers A Bavarian-Style Escape Straight Out Of The Alps

Strolling through a village dotted with well-preserved Victorian and Gothic Carpenter homes and storefronts. Snacking on roasted chestnuts and shopping among the stalls at a bustling Christmas market. Taking a ride through snow-capped mountains on a steam locomotive. Though the descriptions sound European, these are all activities visitors can experience in the Rocky Mountain town of Georgetown, Colorado.

It's easy to miss Georgetown, which sits in a valley within the Front Range of the Rockies, at an elevation of 8,540 feet. Many travelers zoom right past as they barrel along Interstate 70, climbing toward better-known mountain hubs, such as the popular Western U.S. ski destination of Breckenridge or Vail, a winter hot spot. However, the small town, with a population of just over 1,000 residents, has a lot to offer — and it's simple to get to, being only 45 miles west of Denver.

Georgetown is a historic mining town in Clear Creek County that's known as the "Silver Queen of the Rockies" because of the silver ore discoveries made there. Visitors can get in touch with that history by visiting a fully operational gold mine at Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours or trying out panning for themselves at Lebanon Silver Mine. Every outdoor activity imaginable is available in the mountains and lakes surrounding Georgetown, and the town itself offers a historic walking area with quaint shops.

The activities in and around Georgetown, as well as its mountain setting, are likely to make visitors feel transported to another place and time. That feeling is present, in particular, when touring the Hotel de Paris Museum on Sixth Street — the town's main thoroughfare. Here, visitors can step inside a former French inn with English-style interiors constructed in 1875, back when the town was a silver mining camp. If a visit to the museum makes you eager for more history, you could walk the few blocks to the Hamill House Museum, which is set in a Gothic Revival home and showcases 19th-century furnishings. Interestingly, the house was built for the great-great grandfather of "Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill. To continue your step back in time, make a stop at the Georgetown Loop Railroad, where visitors can ride in a steam locomotive and score stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. "The antique train and station are so, unbelievably charming, and the workers are always SO friendly, and so knowledgeable!" one visitor wrote on Google Reviews. 

Georgetown saw an influx of European settlers during the a gold rush in the 1850s, and their influence is still present in the small town. The local grocery store, Kneisel & Anderson (the oldest continuously operated business in Georgetown), sells specialty Scandinavian, German, English, Swiss, and Swedish foods, and the Shoppe International stocks European glass, fabrics, and jewelry.

Despite the feeling of being in another country entirely, Georgetown is situated in a prime area of the Colorado Rockies. A visit to the town isn't complete without an outdoor adventure, whether that be summiting a nearby mountain, fishing or paddling on Georgetown Lake, or taking a drive to see the fall foliage along Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. 

For an overnight stay, Georgetown offers several lodging options, including at least one bed and breakfast that gives visitors a first-hand experience sleeping in an old Victorian home. That B&B, Rose Street Bed & Breakfast, is run out of a residence constructed in 1882 that lies within the town's National Historic Landmark District. From there, guests are able to walk to many of the town's attractions, including shops, restaurants, parks, and museums. Also positioned within the historic district is Clear Creek Inn. It's operated by a father-and-son team and boasts mountain views from every room, as well as from its rooftop deck and hot tub. 

Another option, Georgetown Mountain Inn, is located just a few blocks from Capital Price Gold Mine Tours and channels a rustic mountain aesthetic in the interior of its 30-odd rooms. "We enjoyed a comfortable stay at this conveniently located inn and appreciated the substantial breakfast that was included," one former guest wrote on TripAdvisor. "It's very close to the Georgetown Loop Railroad and the charming downtown of this old mining town. The innkeepers are helpful and friendly."

When it comes time to eat, there are plenty of restaurants in Georgetown to choose from, including breakfast at The Happy Cooker (a casual, local diner), Detroit-style pizza at Silverbrick, and Southern-style barbecue at Scooter's Smokehouse and Grill. If you'd like to enjoy a libation with your meal, try the saloon and restaurant 511 Rose, the bar and grill Cooper's on the Creek, or Mother's Saloon. There are also two breweries in town: Guanella Pass Brewing Company, located downtown, and the lakeside Cabin Creek Brewing.