Colorado Vacation, Keystone Ski, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Central City Casinos

GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD
Famous among railroad enthusiasts, the narrow-gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad offers a ride and tour that is fun for the whole family. Visitors thrill to the traverse over the High Bridge, a 300-foot trestle that is 90 feet above Clear Creek. The train winds through 450 acres of wooded mountain land, past the Lebanon Mine Complex, which can also be toured as part of the excursion, and up to the original Silver Plume depot.

HISTORIC TOURS
Georgetown and Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District:
Georgetown's many 19th Century buildings have great historic and architectural significance, while the town itself has a rich mining heritage. A strong and long-standing commitment to historic preservation has left much of the town

intact and allows visitors to experience life in the 19th Century Rocky Mountain West.

A stop at the Georgetown Gateway Visitors Center, just off the I-70 exit, is an excellent place to begin to learn about the area. There you will find many publications and knowledgeable volunteers to get you started. A self-guided walking tour book full of information, history, and maps is available for purchase.

Hamill House Museum

This beautiful Gothic Revival structure, once the home of wealthy mine owner, William Hamill, is now a carefully restored museum. Mr. Hamill's office building now houses the offices of Historic Georgetown, Inc. The grounds are open to visitors at any time, and guided tours of the inside of this elegant home are offered at certain times during the year.

Hotel de Paris
Louis Dupuy's hotel, the Hotel de Paris, completed in 1890, was the most distinctive and elegant commercial building in Georgetown. In 1954, it was purchased by the Colonial Dames and is open seasonally for tours.

THE GUANELLA PASS SCENIC & HISTORIC BYWAY
Experience this 22-mile scenic back country road that takes you from Georgetown over the Continental Divide to Grant. On the way, you can enjoy hiking trails, four-wheeling, wildlife (including bighorn sheep, deer, beaver, and even ptarmigan), wildflowers in mid-summer, and shimmering aspens in the fall. The panoramic scenery on the Guanella Pass is breathtaking. Ambitious hikers can take a trail that leads to Mt. Bierstadt, one of Colorado's "fourteeners".

WINTER SPORTS
There are many world-class ski resorts within an hour of Georgetown, including Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland , and Winter Park.

Numerous hiking trails offer adventures for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Georgetown Lake freezes each winter, and is often the site of Jeep racing, ice fishing, and winter driving classes.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Summer Concerts in the Park
Georgetown's City Park features concerts throughout the summer months. Bring a picnic and enjoy the evenings in this historic setting.

Central City Opera
Opera enthusiasts can enjoy professional shows from the 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries in the historic Central City Opera , less than 20 miles away. The opera season runs from late June to early August.

Denver Center
The Denver Center, in downtown Denver, has several venues and features a variety of performance and cultural events year-round.

EVENTS
There is always something happening in or near Georgetown .
Celebrate the beginning of the summer season with Railroad and Mining Days, starting on Memorial Day weekend.
Georgetown celebrates July 4th as only a small town can. The parade through town features bands, local children, antique car clubs, political groups, fire trucks, and usually some surprises. There is a big barbeque lunch in the City Park, accompanied by a band. The "Bucket Brigade" race in the afternoon provides fun and laughter for participants and spectators alike. The day is topped off with a "bang" - a spectacular fireworks display launched from high up on the mountains!

The last weekend in September and the first weekend in October celebrate our fall colors with the Aspen Fest. The main street is closed off to traffic and filled with the white tents of artisans and craftspeople from around the state. The Georgetown Loop RR offers rides through the golden shimmering aspens.

Join us in early November to celebrate the Bighorn Sheep Festival, sponsored in conjunction with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Watch and learn about one of Colorado's oldest bighorn sheep herds as speakers and short educational programs provide fun and information for the whole family. Local artisans and shopkeepers will showcase their wildlife-related art, gifts, and crafts.

The Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend marks the beginning of the holiday season in Georgetown. The Library Park is the gathering place to listen to Christmas carols and watch for the lighting of the huge live tree in Strousse Park and the decorations lining the main street of the town. At that moment, Georgetown is transformed into a quaint Christmas village.

Georgetown's annual Christmas Market , held on the first 2 weekends in December, is a must for many people every year. Visitors can do their Christmas shopping in a charming Victorian town away from the busy malls and find unique treasures here in Georgetown. There is entertainment throughout the day, including the Santa Lucia singers (from the Georgetown Community School), carolers, reindeer, visits from Santa Lucia herself, food and crafts in Strousse Park, High Tea in one of the historic buildings, tours of the Hamill House, special activities at the Community Center, and many more activities for the whole family.

Christmas at the Hamill House is held on the second and third weekends in December. The Hamill House is decorated as it was in the 19th Century with a butler greeting guests at the door. There is an elegant buffet served in the dining room and special entertainment throughout the evening. This magical event ends with carols sung in the library by a candlelit Christmas tree and leaves everyone filled with the joy of Christmas.

Walk down the main street of Historic Georgetown, 6th Street, lined with 19th Century brick buildings, and you will find unique and interesting shops, most owned and operated by local residents.

Sophie Gally and the Buckskin Trading Company are wonderful boutique shops for women's clothing. You will find Christmas all year as well as unusual European imports at the Shoppe Internationale. If you are searching for Native American sterling silver jewelry, stop by the Santa Fe Trail .

There are many fine artists displaying their creations. Ken Nelson, Goldsmith, offers his own fine jewelry designs and annual Christmas ornaments and creations from other artists. Hand-blown glass items sparkle at the Dragonfly Glassworks. You will be captivated by the nature photography of Gary Haines in the Grizzly Creek Gallery . Train enthusiasts will marvel at the detailed pen and ink drawings at Railroad Art by Scotty .

If you are in search of antiques, stop by Ophelia's, where you'll find fine antique furniture, vintage jewelry, collectibles, and rare books. More great finds await you at the Georgetown Antique Emporium and Nana's Gifts and Treasures.

DINING
There are several places to enjoy a delicious meal in and around the town. In this casual mountain town, there's no need to get dressed up for dinner. Just ask, and we'll tell you where our guests have gotten the best service and food.

You can also sample some Colorado wines at the Canyon Wind Cellars Tasting Room. In addition to their wines, they have an array of wine-related items for sale.

WEDDINGS
Plan your wedding at the beautiful Shadows Ranch facility, in a romantic mountain setting. Historic Georgetown also offers the Hamill House Museum or Pavilion, Anderson Park, or the Bowman-White House Museum for that special day. All venues offer a full range of event planning services to make your special day a memorable experience.

SPECIAL EVENTS
You can plan your reception, reunion, or other special event to be held at one of Historic Georgetown's facilities.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR GEORGETOWN AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Some specific events for Georgetown and the nearby towns of Silver Plume and Empire