Historic Georgetown, Colorado. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

I can’t tell you how many times my husband Ryan and I have driven by Georgetown, Colorado. We had no idea we were missing such a gem.  Located along I70, just 45 minutes west of Denver, we first discovered Georgetown while driving back from a hiking trip this past August.

Don't miss Ophelia's Antique Gallery and Idylls & Odysseys Booksellers. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

We stopped in to find some lunch and instead, found a vibrant, historic community. We lunched at The Happy Cooker, spent some time chatting with the friendly woman at the downtown Visitor’s Center, browsed several shops, and bought a couple books in the basement of the town’s delightful little library.

Built in the 1920s, this library looks like an old train depot, but it's was actually built to be a library. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

As we drove out of town, we swore we’d be back. This past weekend, October 10-11, 2009, we kept our promise and returned for a one-night stay. Founded in 1858, during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, the town actually became a booming silver mining community.

Currently, the town and surrounding area hold the record for most buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places, with over 200. This is mostly because the town managed to avoid a large fire, a common occurrence during mining days.

Rose Street Inn. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

We stayed at the Rose Street Inn, located on Rose Street. Ryan had booked the Walnut Room, a huge suite, featuring a walnut bedroom set, writing desk, sitting area, television and big bathroom with six-foot tub. At $150/night, including breakfast, this inn is one of the best we’ve ever experienced. A stay also includes free wi-fi, and the house is within walking distance of downtown.

After settling in, we drove about ten minutes to the Georgetown Loop Historic Railroad. We’d booked our train tickets through our bed and breakfast, saving $2 off each of the $22/person ticket price. By October most of the color had fled the trees, but the scenery from the train was still beautiful.

Georgetown Loop Historicl Railroad. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

The day was brisk, so we bought some hot chocolate in the train station gift stop before boarding. The ride includes a little railroad history, given by the same man who comes through the train to punch your ticket. It’s all very authentic, especially for those six and eight year olds who were among the riders in our car.

The ride is 4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. It runs from Georgetown to Silver Plume, where it makes a twenty-minute stop. I recommend getting off the train and checking out their railroad museum.

Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

The Georgetown Loop started operating in 1975, but it has only run during the summer. This past year the railroad acquired several heated railway cars from Alaska. Starting this year the train will run through the winter. Check their Web site for special events, including Santa’s Polar Adventure Trains operating in December.

After our train ride, we spent time relaxing in our spacious room. We went through various restaurant menus the innkeepers keep on hand for guests. We decided on the Euro Grill. This Czech restaurant had been recommended to us by several Georgetown residents, and in our travels, we find it is usually wise to follow the advice of locals.

Euro Grill is located in a non-pretentious yellow building with a patio overlooking Clear Creek. We were guided into the warm, inviting dining room, complete with a real wood burning stove.

Overjoyed with the beer list, my husband quizzed our waiter before settling on a Czech beer he hadn’t heard of before. I ordered the same and it was tasty. I wish I could tell you what it was, however I would never get the spelling right.

Euro Grill serves hearty European fair, and most dishes are served with dumplings and red cabbage. They have everything from schnitzel to goulash. I had the special, sausage, eggs and pickles wrapped in beef, served with red cabbage and dumplings. Ryan had the goulash, highly recommended by our waiter who claims he has a bowl every day. Ryan simply loves anything served with red cabbage and a good euro beer, so he was in heaven.

Hotel De Paris was built by Louis Dupuy in the late 1800s. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

The next morning we indulged in baked apples with cream, pecan French toast, and intriguing conversation with the only other couple staying at the Rose Street Inn. They were from Chicago, but she originally hailed from Romania. We never ceased to be impressed by the interesting people we meet at bed and breakfasts.

Before heading out of town, we decided to tour the Hotel de Paris. The guided tour is only $4. I’ve been to many museums, here and abroad, and the Hotel de Paris is impressive.

Each room had running water. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

What really sets the property apart is its authenticity. Every item in the hotel is original to the hotel, with the exception of only three pieces, which your guide will point out. Built in the late 1800s, by a well-educated Frenchman named Louis Dupuy, the hotel and restaurant represented one the few five-star establishments in the Rocky Mountains. While most hotels at the time cost $1 a night, Dupuy’s hotel cost $4.

Dupuy's private quarters. Under the Darwin picture is a Bible. Perhaps Dupuy's response to his years in seminary. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer

The property has changed hands only twice since Dupuy died in 1900. In 1954, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Colorado purchased the property and it has remained in their possession every since. Major restorations took place in the 1970s, but today, the hotel looks nearly identical to how it appeared in the 1800s, even down to the pictures on the walls and the books in the multiple libraries.

Georgetown is an easy day trip destination for those along the Front Range, but it also makes a wonderful weekend get away.

HeidiTown Tip: The 49^th Annual Georgetown Christmas Market is December 5, 6, 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 6^th Street.  Check out www.historicgeorgetown.org/spevents/xmarket.htm for more information.

LINKS:

Rose Street Inn – www.rosestreetbedbreakfast.com

Georgetown Loop Railroad – www.georgetownlooprr.com

Hotel de Paris – www.hoteldeparismuseum.org