Most of us with (or without) kids have stopped in Idaho Springs on our way to and from some other mountain destination. Is it taking a leap to guess that you stopped in to eat at Beau Jo's? I don't think so.
Last year we took a chance and made Idaho Springs our final destination. It was accompanied by a drive up Mount Evans, a soak in the hot springs, and yes, dinner at Beau Jo's. This year, we opted to check-out the town and spend most of our time letting the kids swim at the Indian Hot Springs.
Now the first thing you need to know is that you can get a pretty amazing deal if you spend the night at the Indian Hot Springs. The second thing you need to know is that their website makes them look like a way nicer place than they really are. With that said, if you stay in the "lodge" (not the "inn") and stick to the swimming pool only, I think your family will feel pretty comfortable. If you're up for having an interesting experience, you might consider branching out from there.
Part of what makes the Indian Hot Springs such a great deal is that you get pool passes with your lodging - so even if you only stay for one night, you get a pass for the day you arrive and a pass for the day you depart. This was the main attraction for our kids and we did plenty of swimming during our stay.
Walking in the mountain air around downtown Idaho Springs was quiet and relaxing. The small shopping strip takes up less than three blocks but has plenty of unique shops with something for everyone in the family. Our kids salivated over the sweet shops, I found myself meandering through the antique store, and we found a few treasures to take home to commemorate our trip and share a bit of Colorado high country with friends and loved ones.
Our favorites were the Georgetown Valley Candy Company (a bag of their homemade caramel corn quickly became our snack for the drive home), Margie's Place (which had a fun selection of goodies - the kids loved it all!), and the Soap Shop (organic, eco-friendly, and smells like a dream). For the first time, we branched out beyond Beau Jo's and stopped in at The Buffalo for lunch. We loved it! This isn't exactly health food, but the buffalo steak sandwich was awesome (think Philly Steak) and the onion rings were delicious. Everyone left happy.
Our little guy quickly spotted the beautiful water fall and water wheel just on the other side of I70.
On our next venture, I think we'll stop in at the Argo Gold Mine and Mill and hear more about the history of gold mining in the area. Rafting is another top pick for recreation in the area... hope to have a recommendation for you next year!
Do you have a favorite spot in Idaho Springs? Another little mountain town that is worth exploring? Please share it!
Last year we took a chance and made Idaho Springs our final destination. It was accompanied by a drive up Mount Evans, a soak in the hot springs, and yes, dinner at Beau Jo's. This year, we opted to check-out the town and spend most of our time letting the kids swim at the Indian Hot Springs.
Now the first thing you need to know is that you can get a pretty amazing deal if you spend the night at the Indian Hot Springs. The second thing you need to know is that their website makes them look like a way nicer place than they really are. With that said, if you stay in the "lodge" (not the "inn") and stick to the swimming pool only, I think your family will feel pretty comfortable. If you're up for having an interesting experience, you might consider branching out from there.
Part of what makes the Indian Hot Springs such a great deal is that you get pool passes with your lodging - so even if you only stay for one night, you get a pass for the day you arrive and a pass for the day you depart. This was the main attraction for our kids and we did plenty of swimming during our stay.
Walking in the mountain air around downtown Idaho Springs was quiet and relaxing. The small shopping strip takes up less than three blocks but has plenty of unique shops with something for everyone in the family. Our kids salivated over the sweet shops, I found myself meandering through the antique store, and we found a few treasures to take home to commemorate our trip and share a bit of Colorado high country with friends and loved ones.
Our favorites were the Georgetown Valley Candy Company (a bag of their homemade caramel corn quickly became our snack for the drive home), Margie's Place (which had a fun selection of goodies - the kids loved it all!), and the Soap Shop (organic, eco-friendly, and smells like a dream). For the first time, we branched out beyond Beau Jo's and stopped in at The Buffalo for lunch. We loved it! This isn't exactly health food, but the buffalo steak sandwich was awesome (think Philly Steak) and the onion rings were delicious. Everyone left happy.
Our little guy quickly spotted the beautiful water fall and water wheel just on the other side of I70.
On our next venture, I think we'll stop in at the Argo Gold Mine and Mill and hear more about the history of gold mining in the area. Rafting is another top pick for recreation in the area... hope to have a recommendation for you next year!
Do you have a favorite spot in Idaho Springs? Another little mountain town that is worth exploring? Please share it!
I remember stopping at that Hot Springs as a teenager....but I've never been back.
ReplyDeletesounds like a good weekend adventure with the kids!