Needless to say, these plans all depend on the COVID situation come December. But... last year I booked 4 condos in Steamboat Springs so that we could have all the adult kids with some of their young adult kids for a Christmas reunion. Something we have planned for years. Since we will be able to stay reasonably separate with the condos and can self-cater, I'm hoping we can still do this, albeit in a more restrained fashion.

The others have booked their flights directly into Hayden. However, DH and I had booked flights in/out of Denver before Southwest added those Steamboat flights just recently. We'd still like to keep them, as we have 2 days "flex," both at the beginning and end of the Steamboat stay, and would like to take some of Denver. Previously, I've only been there for business with no real leisure time.

So - looking for thoughts about staying in Golden. I've booked Table Mountain Inn, and I'm thinking we could see the Buffalo Bill Museum and some other similar sites. Would Golden be a decent choice? Thoughts about both my lodging choice and things to do. This would be at the beginning of the trip. At the end, any suggestions about other Denver places to see in the winter would be appreciated. Thanks.

You could stay in Denver and just run out to Golden if you wanted or do stuff in Denver.

We lived in Golden for 6 months when we first moved to Colorado in 1978, have been back to visit occasionally but not for at least 6 years.

Buffalo Bill Museum is excellent, as is the Colorado Railroad Museum if that interests you. Ordinarily I'd suggest a tour at Coors Brewery or NCAR Mesa Lab, but both are Covid closed at the moment. NCAR, 30 minutes away, is still worth a visit to the grounds to see the IM Pei building and the Boulder Flatirons, especially if you get a December blue sky day with snow on the hills.

Ditto for Red Rocks Amphitheater, only about 20 minutes from Golden.

Good luck.

I lived in Golden for 5 years in the mid-90s and found it a great (quiet) place to live but I think Boulder would be livelier & a more entertaining place to stay. Or to visit if you decide to stay in Denver.

Thanks. Golden's appeal is that is gets us out of Denver proper (I know it's still Denver metro) on the west side, and looks to have a Western-kitchy vibe. Nelson - both of your museum suggests are something we'd like to see, thanks. Anything more, perhaps in Idaho Springs? We have 2 evenings plus a day and a half (unless the weather demands more), since we can't check in at Steamboat until later Monday afternoon (arriving Denver mid-day Saturday). I was able to visit Red Rocks on several occasions on my business trips.

Boulder isn't on the agenda, although I appreciate the suggestion. But on the return, we will have another day and a half, and this time would like to devote to Denver proper. Given the season, I'm not sure what sort of area to target to stay in or what might be worth a visit.

The butterfly pavilion is open for reservations. https://butterflies.org/?gclid=CjwKC...BoCODoQAvD_BwE

The Denver Art Museum is a wonderful collection of Native American art of all descriptions and I guess may need reservations or time of entrance? Botanic Gardens are quite interesting.
I wnder if Celestial Seasonings in Boulder is open for reservations--probably not--close quarters, but it is interesting and fun

I don't know Idaho Springs that well, just used to stop for apres-climb munchies at Beau Jo's or Tommyknocker coming down from the mountains.

Georgetown is nice touristy old mining town. My wife and I used to go there over the holidays, either for a day trip or to spend a night, but once again years ago. Perhaps this interests you, the Loop Railroad Holiday Trains, They are currently open and running and planning to have the holiday trains. We all live in hope.
https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains/

Denver Art Museum is excellent and has great exhibitions all the time. They are going thru a major renovation now, and not all of the permanent collection is on view. The Light Show Exhibition will still be going in December and it's very interesting. Mexican Moderism opens in October and should be another winner.
https://denverartmuseum.org/exhibitions

Georgetown sounds perfect as well, thanks. I have my fingers crossed that their holiday train plans are able to run. I have always wanted to visit Denver's Botanic Gardens, too - perhaps not in winter, but I have put it on my "newly-retired" list now.

Thanks.

For a special meal on one end or the other consider The Fort in Morrison for wild meat entrees and a great view over Red Rocks.