When my husband and I were contracted for work on a wind farm in Burlington, Colorado, we were excited for the opportunity to explore a new part of the country. However, we quickly realized that Burlington is a fairly small town with not much to do, so we started looking for nearby destinations to explore on our days off.
While Burlington, Colorado may not offer as many amenities and attractions as larger cities, it still has its own unique charm. Here are a few charming things about Burlington:
Historical Sites: Burlington has a rich history, and visitors can explore several historic sites such as the Old Town Museum and the Kit Carson County Carousel, which is one of the 74 remaining wooden carousels in the United States, made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.
Local Businesses: Burlington has a few small businesses that are worth checking out. The local restaurant, The Dish Room, unique boutique stores like The Shaman Shoppe, Health Essentials Naturopathic and Health Food Store, as well as antique stores, you can find some great hidden gems in this small town.
Outdoor Recreation: Burlington is surrounded by natural beauty, including the nearby Bonny Reservoir State Park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities in this picturesque setting.
Friendly Community: Burlington is known for its friendly and welcoming community. Whether you are visiting for a day or planning to stay longer, you are likely to encounter warm and hospitable locals.
Slow-Paced Atmosphere: If you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Burlington may be just the place for you. The town has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that definitely requires some imagination.
Small towns have a unique charm and Burlington, Colorado is no exception. Located in eastern Colorado, Burlington is a small town with a population of just over 4,000 people. While it may be an appealing destination for some, there are several reasons why you may want to consider staying in Denver instead.
Firstly, Denver is a bustling city with a diverse range of attractions and activities to offer. From museums to outdoor recreation, there is something for everyone in Denver. The city is also known for its vibrant food and drink scene, which features a variety of cuisines and craft breweries. In contrast, Burlington is a quiet town with limited options for dining and entertainment.
Secondly, Denver is more easily accessible than Burlington. Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the country and is a hub for major airlines, making it easy to travel to and from the city. Burlington, on the other hand, is located over two hours away from Denver and has limited transportation options.
Lastly, while Burlington may offer a peaceful and slow-paced atmosphere, it may not be the best choice for those seeking modern amenities and convenience. In terms of shopping and services, Burlington has limited options, while Denver has a multitude of options for everything from grocery stores to shopping malls.
While Denver may be the obvious choice for many visitors to Colorado, there are plenty of other destinations within the state that are worth exploring. Here are a few that we recommend:
You can also click on the highlighted locations to read about our experience there!
Rocky Mountain National Park: Located just a few hours' drive from Burlington, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers. With stunning mountain landscapes, scenic drives, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, it's a great place to spend a day or two exploring.
Colorado Springs: About two hours south of Denver, Colorado Springs is a city with a lot to offer. From the stunning rock formations of the Garden of the Gods to the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, there's plenty to see and do here.
Vail: If you're a fan of skiing and snowboarding, Vail is a must-visit destination. With world-class ski slopes, luxurious accommodations, and a charming village atmosphere, it's a great place to spend a winter weekend.
Telluride: This historic mountain town in southwestern Colorado is known for its stunning beauty, charming downtown, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you're skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, there's always something to do in Telluride.
Durango: This small city in southwestern Colorado is known for its historic downtown, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which takes visitors on a scenic ride through the mountains.
Steamboat Springs: This picturesque town in northwest Colorado is famous for its hot springs, skiing, and outdoor recreation opportunities. With a charming downtown area and plenty of natural beauty to explore, it's a great place to visit in any season. (This was one of my first places in Colorado that I visited years ago when my brother played for the Steamboat Wranglers Ice Hockey Team)
Breckenridge: This historic town in Summit County is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but there's plenty to do here in the summer as well. From hiking and biking to exploring the local shops and restaurants, Breckenridge is a great place to visit year-round.
Of course, there's plenty to see and do in Denver as well, but if you're looking to explore some of Colorado's other destinations, we highly recommend checking out these spots. And if you do find yourself in Burlington for work, don't worry – there are still plenty of charming things to see and do in this small town, from exploring the local history museum to grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local cafes.
In conclusion, while Burlington may be a charming small town, and Denver offering a wide range of activities, services, and amenities, Colorado has so many incredible places to see, so you shouldn't limit yourself to only seeing Denver, even if is one of Colorado's most popular places. Maybe stay centrally in Denver, but make sure to spread out across this beautiful state to take in as much of Colorado's mountain culture for yourself!
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