September is a Great Time to Visit Colorado!
The kids are back in school, so the crowds are smaller, and the weather is still nice. It’s a perfect time to visit Colorado. There is so much to see here, but we’ll focus on a few historic areas within easy driving distance from the Denver Airport. Maybe you’ll be able to find some last-minute deals on travel to Denver.
Be sure you come prepared for the weather, you’ll want to dress in layers and bring a waterproof windbreaker, warm vest, and several pairs of comfortable shoes. The weather in the mountains can change very fast, so prepare for warm weather as well as cold, rainy weather.
After picking up your rental car at the airport, you’ll drive west on Interstate 70. It’s a fabulous drive through excellent mountain scenery, and Idaho Springs is only about an hour from the airport. But do allow some extra time to visit the grave of Buffalo Bill along the way. There’s a museum with a short video and some interesting artifacts.
When you arrive in Idaho Springs, be sure to stop in the visitor’s center and take in the musuem and gift shop there. There are some fascinating displays on the start of the gold rush in Colorado, this began in Idaho Springs in 1859. There are many events and activities going on this year, as the town celebrates the 150
th anniversary of the gold rush. Proceeding on into the town, you’ll see many quaint Victorian-style houses and shops. You’ll have many choices for lodging here, ranging from bed and breakfasts to motels in a wide range of prices and amenities -
http://www.centralrockies-co.worldweb.com/IdahoSpringsCO/WheretoStay/ Do look for something close in town, as you’ll want to do a fair amount of strolling around.
The next day, you’ll want to take a tour of the Phoenix Mine, a working mine located a mile or two outside the town. Spend the day and hang out for awhile after your tour of the Phoenix Gold Mine and pan for gold, silver and other precious stones, metals and minerals, on the mine’s portion of Trail Creek.
http://www.phoenixgoldmine.com/ . Panning just as the pioneers did, down stream from many mountain crevices and historical mines. You will be loaned a pan, instructed in the art and sent on your way to try it for yourself! You will of course be allowed to keep anything you find! Be sure to bring some extra “river shoes” that you don’t mind getting wet.
For more information on preparing for a tour, visit http://www.phoenixgoldmine.com/planningfortrip.html
The next day, plan to visit Georgetown, just 10 miles west of Idaho Springs. Again, you’ll see many Victorian houses and a quaint little shopping district. 
It’s a good place to look for art, antiques, and unique clothing and accessories. Be sure to take the tour of the Hotel de Paris, then board the Georgetown Loop train. The beauty of the rugged Rocky Mountains surrounds you as an old-time steam locomotive chugs its way up the canyon, hauling your train past the remains of several gold and silver mines. Open cars allow an unobstructed view of everything along the line. 
Departures are available from the Silver Plume Depot or Devil’s Gate Station in Georgetown. http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/ Silver Plume is a semi-ghost town a short distance from Georgetown.
In addition to the museums and sightseeing, the entire area offers many outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and rafting. You’ll head back home completely refreshed, and ready to plan your next trip here.
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