Golden

Golden was once the territorial capital of Colorado. City residents have smarted ever since losing that distinction to Denver by "dubious" vote in 1867, but in 1994, then-Governor Roy Romer restored "ceremonial" territorial-capital status to Golden. Today the city is one of Colorado's fastest growing, boosted by the high-tech industry as well as longtime employers Coors Brewery and Colorado School of Mines.

Golden is a 25-minute drive from downtown Denver via Colorado Highway 6. You can explore downtown and the Coors Brewery in three hours or so.