I'll be visiting Denver on business in 2 weeks and will have the weekend free.
I have been thinking about heading to Glenwood Springs for Saturday night.
Anyone have any better ideas?
What I am looking for:
-Beautiful scenery
-Quaint, fun town/village with great little shops open Saturday and Sunday
-Minor hiking opportunities, just little jaunts off the road
Any ideas?

Go to Boulder! Glenwood is 3 1/2 hours drive. Boulder's got the awesome scenery, quaint, historic atmosphere, shops (Pearl Street pedestrian mall, 5 blocks with no traffic, beautifully landscaped, tons of restaurants), a gazillion hiking trails, from easy strolls to moderate (to technical, even!); one really nice one is NCAR on the mesa, an I.M. Pei Mesa Verde- inspired building that's got a lot to offer inside, and gorgeous trails to the foothills out back; there is a wide range of accommodations, and even side trips (Eldorado canyon, Lyons, Boulder canyon waterfall, etc.) nearby.

Check out Reeder's trip report and head up to Summit County.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34671341

The hike you want is the easy 1 mile loop just off Swan Mountain Road (watch for the parking lot just off the top of the road). You might even want to stay at the Condo H. stayed at. You can shop in Breckenridge and enjoy some of our wonderful dining opportunities. It's less than an hour and a half drive from Denver.

This is Reeder and if you read my report you will see how much we LOVED Dillon and Summitt County. Breckenridge is just what you are looking for I am sure and the views were to die for in Dillon--the beautfiul lake with mountain backdrop. All the pictures I took while there could not do it justice! Any questions-fire awsy.h

I'd go to Breckenridge. Easy drive and it's full of fun shops and restaurants plus the scenery is beautiful.

I think the scenery on the drive to Glenwood Springs is really great. One of my favorite hikes in Colorado is right near Glenwood Springs - Hidden Lake. (It's steep, but the view is worth it!) And on the way, you can stop at Breckenridge and walk around a bit.

We're really partial to Glenwood Springs hot springs. I've heard it described as just a large, hot swimming pool, and in essence, that's all it is. But it's such a wonderful temp when the nights get colder, and it's a great people-watching place.

Go to town of Georgetown, off of I-70 going west from Denver. http://www.georgetowncolorado.com/ There's a road to Guanella Pass road, taking you westbound to the top of Mt. McClellan. From the top, look directly at Grays and Torrey's peaks, two more of Colorado's fourteeners. Good drive but check for condition with the park ranger. Don't forget to try the ice cream and caramel popcorn at Georgetown, they're delicious!!

Yikes, I did not realize that Glenwood Springs was SO far away...
I've been to Boulder many times and I plan to visit during the week since it is so close.
I am not familiar with Summit County. I'll look into that, it sounds perfect!
I just may have a few questions for you Reeder!
Thanks for the info... and any additional info is welcomed.

topping breckenridge. its sounds like the Perfect match for you. the chairlift should be open and you might enjoy hiking from the top. or just check out the stunning view. great restaurants and pubs and really fun shopping. downtown breck is very picturesque. gee i almost hope you get a dusting of snow...
and you could stop for ice cream in georgetown on your way back to denver

There is also Winter Park. I've taken the ski train there (through the Moffet Tunnel) during the season. It's a neat little town with shops and eateries. I would assume that it would be occupied during the fall.

There is also Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park. That's another nice drive.