6 Standout Main Streets In Colorado
Colorado, aka the "Centennial State," is more than just mountainous landscapes; it features vibrant communities that bring the state to life, whether they're Denver suburbs, Boulder, mountain towns, or communities in the Western Slope and Eastern Plains. Each area has charming main streets that attract visitors from larger cities and out of state, offering local businesses, shops, and restaurants. Whether mile high or valley low, here are six standout main streets in Colorado.
Central City
Known as a historic gold rush town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Central City is a beautiful small town with most of its 19th-century buildings still intact, making its historic commercial street, Eureka Street, come to life for everyone who visits. The Century Casino and Hotel Central City is a convenient place to stay in the heart of downtown. The casino is open 24 hours, and the hotel offers guests suites for a memorable weekend. Just up the street is the Teller House, built from 1871 to 1872 and regarded as one of the most important buildings in the city. The building started as a hotel and hosted President Ulysses S. Grant in 1873, and is now used as a multi-purpose venue that hosts offices and events for Central City Opera.
The rest of Eureka Street is home to small stores, including Eureka Street Popcorn, which has served locally made flavored popcorn since 2021. The St. James Thrift Store offers second-hand products, and Festival Hall is located further up the street. The Central City Opera also owns the Williams Stables, another landmark on Eureka Street, another landmark on Eureka Street, which serves as a recital and lecture space during the summer opera festival.
Breckenridge
About 60 miles south of Central City is the mountain town of Breckenridge. Main Street has a mix of Victorian architecture and local restaurants and shops that keep visitors coming back. The Old Masonic Hall is right on Main Street and functions as a multi-purpose arts facility with exhibits and classes for the next generation of artists. Just next door is the Breckenridge Gallery, which displays Western-inspired art and sculptures.
Just across from the museums is the Horseshoe Breckenridge, which hosts events, serves locally prepared meals, and offers drinks to keep the night going. Further up Main Street is Tom's Baby Park, where people can spend a calm morning or afternoon enjoying the scenery and the Tom's Baby Statue, made in honor of one of the largest nuggets of gold found in the region. Visitors can spend the night or weekend at the Carlin Tavern Restaurant Inn, which showcases the town’s upscale side and offers drinks and meals during their stay.
Georgetown
Further in the Rockies and right on Interstate 70 is the mountain town of Georgetown. The community has a history of mining, and it is a place to see notable Victorian architecture. The main street is Argentine Street, where visitors can explore and spend the night or weekend at the Georgetown Lodge, which is minutes away from ski slopes, alpine passes, and heritage sites.
Right across from the lodge are the Colorado T-shirt and Espresso Store and Cooper's on the Creek, giving visitors two local options to try. Cooper's serves meals and craft beer, while the Colorado T-shirt and Espresso Store serves locally brewed coffee and novelty shirts for out-of-state visitors to represent the "Centennial State." On the other side of Argentine Street, visitors can stop by the Georgetown Gallery to view and purchase paintings, ceramics, and jewelry made by local artists.
Crested Butte
Another Rocky Mountain town to explore is Crested Butte, a former mining community renowned for skiing and other outdoor activities. The main street in town is Elk Avenue, where visitors can stop at the Crested Butte Museum to learn more about the town’s and the Gunnison Valley’s history and what the coal mining era was like.
Just across the street is A Daily Dose CB, where patrons can order a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the scenery, or walk farther down the street for Mexican cuisine at Teocalli Tamale. The rest of Elk Avenue has a selection of local restaurants, shops, and art galleries, and gives residents and visitors views of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, making it an appealing community to visit for the day or weekend.
Golden
On the western end of the Denver Metro Area is the city of Golden. The main street in town is Washington Avenue, where people can explore a downtown with places like The Rose Event Center, which serves fine dining and hosts private events such as weddings and corporate dinners. Just across the street is The Brick Room, where patrons gather to watch live sporting events and enjoy a round of pool in a relaxed setting, along with local bites and drinks.
Further up the avenue is The Golden Hotel, a historic hotel sitting on the banks of Clear Creek. The hotel offers a mountain-style ambiance, suites for guests traveling from near or far, a bar, and space for weddings and other events. Next to the hotel, guests and residents can explore the Clear Creek Trail and Parfet Park for fresh air and nature in the morning or afternoon.
Manitou Springs
Just outside of Colorado Springs is the resort city of Manitou Springs. The main street in town is Manitou Avenue, which also has U.S. Route 24 running through it. The Manitou Springs Heritage Museum showcases the city's past for visitors and residents, and admission is free. Across the street is Manitou Springs Memorial Park, where people can enjoy a stroll along Fountain Creek, and which also hosts various public events.
Further into downtown is the Shoshone Spring, a landmark that is one of eight naturally carbonated mineral springs in the city. Physicians in the 1800s recommended it for its therapeutic use before the advent of modern medicine. The rest of Manitou Avenue is lined with local restaurants, shops, and businesses such as Pikes Peak Chocolate and Ice Cream, Townhouse Sports Grill, and Armadillo Ranch for locally prepared meals, drinks, ice cream, and sweets.
Final Thoughts
They say Main Street is where towns come to life. These six Colorado towns have bustling main streets that attract visitors from far and wide to experience local businesses, shops, and restaurants in the region. There is nothing quite like Colorado’s rugged outdoor charm mixed with the main street community atmosphere that offers something for most adventurers. Whether you're après-ski or looking to experience the vibrant art and foodie scene, these communities carry a lot of heart and leave visitors with memories to cherish and the desire to return again.
