A trip to Golden, Colorado, feels like stepping onto a movie set, one set in the Wild West. Encapsulating small-town charm, it acts as a perfect escape from Denver, as it is only about 15 miles west of the city.

The main street, Washington Avenue, is the heart of the town and home to more than 50 historic buildings. Many storefronts run independently and range from coffee shops and local boutiques to souvenir stores and eateries.

Downtown Golden is more than just an excuse for a shopping day down Washington Avenue. As a former gold rush town, it is also well-known for its deep roots in Western heritage, with schools and museums dedicated to mining. Visitors can enjoy free, self-guided tour admission to Mines Museum of Earth and Science and enhance the experience by downloading the audio guide available here. Guided tours are also available at a cost.

Looking to explore more? Coors Brewery is just minutes from the main street and considered the largest single-site brewery in the world. Here, you can learn more about the history of the brewery, as well as malting, brewing and packaging processes during a tour. Purchase tickets to the 90-minute brewery tour here. Schedule your tour ahead of time, as the brewery is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday.