Nestled west of Denver, just off Interstate 70 is Georgetown, Colorado. I stumbled onto this jewel of a city simply because I needed a place to pull off the road and use my phone. When I caught sight of the sleepy train town from the highway, I knew it was the perfect spot to make my stop. And it did not disappoint. Not at all.

An Authentic Charm

It’s called Georgetown, and it’s a quaint little town. I’m not talking about an experience overseen by a strictly-regulated city council kinda place. No, Georgetown breathes authenticity. It’s precisely as it appears— a sleepy little train town. It’s what others try to mimic, but here, there’s no trying required.

Exploring the Sights

I walked the streets, nestled in a canyon, and imagined what life must feel like from down here. The rest of the world passed by, high above, the cars only tiny specks.

I stopped by the visitor center and learned the town is famous for its Fire Hose and Paris Hotel Museums. Both were closed for indoor tours because it was the off-season, but it was still cool to swing by and take a look.

It was especially fascinating to see the fire hose station and the tower where they hung the hoses to dry.

A Sweet Detour

There were many shops, and you could easily spend an afternoon going through the little boutiques.

I even stopped in for a treat. For inquiring minds, it was a scoop of delicious and pleasantly chewy turtle fudge ice cream from Georgetown Valley Candy Company.

My simple break to use my phone turned into nearly two hours of wandering around, taking pictures, browsing shops, and enjoying the beautiful day and scenery. And it was worth every minute. If you’re looking for a cool, off-the-beaten-path place to explore, stop by Georgetown.