Colorado has all the right ingredients for romance; soaring, snow-capped peaks, cold, wintry nights, hot summer days and charming communities rich with history and picturesque architecture.
So without further ado, here are my picks for the top 5 romantic towns in Colorado, and where to steal a kiss at each destination.
Loveland, Colorado. At first glance, this work-a-day town might not seem a fitting candidate for romance. Despite having “love” in the name, Loveland appears like any other nondescript borough. However, you don’t have to look far to discover that the “Sweetheart City” really does live up to its name.
Loveland is home to one of the country’s premiere sculpture shows, and has long been a Mecca for artists. It is still home to many renowned sculptors, several foundries and is well known nationally and internationally for art.
Steal a Kiss: Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, take a stroll in Loveland’s Benson Sculpture Garden. Walking hand in hand among modern interpretations, classical renditions and larger-than-life sculptures can be quite romantic. Be sure to bring a camera because the park is photogenic at any time of year.
Estes Park, Colorado. Nestled among soaring peaks, this town has some of the most spectacular vistas of any on this list. Over the past year or so, I’ve changed my notions about Estes Park, also known as the “Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.” I used to think of Estes as a kitschy tourist community, and it is, but I’ve come to realize that this is part of the town’s charm. In a recent Facebook poll, HeidiTown citizens named it the number two most romantic town in Colorado, just behind Loveland.
Steal a Kiss: The Stanley Hotel is a Colorado landmark. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to experience some of what it has to offer, but, of course, a stay would be ideal. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the Cascade Restaurant, have cup of coffee in the café, or hold your sweetheart tightly during one of hotel’s many paranormal tours.
Georgetown, Colorado. Here’s an adorable Colorado town that is hidden in plain sight. Located along I70, just west of Denver, after years of driving right by, we stumbled into historic Georgetown one day looking for lunch and discovered much more. As home to one of the best museums in Colorado, Hotel de Paris, a nice collection of dining establishments and bed and breakfasts, as well as quintessential and well-preserved architecture, Georgetown is tops when it comes to romance.
Steal a Kiss: The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a romantic and historic train ride from Georgetown to Silver Plume and back. Periodically they offer themed events, some geared towards children, but others for adults. You can even pack your own lunch and bring it on board this one-hour scenic ride.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado. We’ve been visiting Glenwood Springs for over a decade, and my preferred way of getting there is Amtrak via Denver. The town’s famed hot springs are a huge draw for couples and families, but Glenwood Springs and the surrounding area offers a lot more, including every outdoor activity you can imagine and some you probably haven’t ever consider like the giant canyon swing at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Steal a Kiss: Bring along bicycles, or rent them in town, and check out the scenic River Trail along the Roaring Fork River. On one May excursion we saw a herd of mountain goats and enjoyed the roar of the river as we sped along this paved trail. If inspired, you can bike from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, and all but 11 miles of the 44-mile route is paved.
Manitou Springs, Colorado. This town is one of Colorado’s hidden gems, and it’s story starts with the effervescent water that flows up into the town. Through the years many have believed the springs to have curative powers, and presidents and celebrities have found their way to the town to experience the life giving waters.
Steal a Kiss: Quaint storefronts and art galleries line the streets of Manitou Springs with the Cliff House at Pike Peaks being the crowning jewel of downtown. However, my pick for the perfect place to steal a kiss is at the Penny Arcade in the 900 block of Manitou Springs. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time as you play classic pinball, video and other arcade games.
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This is a great list but I’m disappointed to see Manitou Springs at the bottom. After just spending an incredibly romantic weekend there – thanks to The Mayor’s recommendation – I think it should be at the top of everyone’s list. I’m practically a Colorado native, yet had never been to Manitou. Turns out it’s perfectly suited for me, with quirky shops, fantastic art galleries and wine tasting clubs on every corner! The best part of the stay though (besides my handsome and romantic date), was the Bed & Breakfast at Historic Onaledge.Three stunning buildings make up the Red Crags estate and it was like something out of a movie. (Visit onaledge.net for all three B&Bs.)
Thank you, Heidi, for all of your suggestions, but I’m so glad you included Manitou Springs. It was a heavenly weekend.