Omayra Acevedo,  Georgetown.  Forty miles west of Denver, Colorado, at about 8,530 feet above sea level rests a town in Clear Creek county Colorado. It has got more heart and adventure than most cities I’ve visited. Less than 1,100 Coloradoans reside in the town of Georgetown, Colorado, and it is these few residents that help add to the charm and beauty of this tiny town. I call it a tiny town mostly because it isn’t quite two miles long, but with the array of things to do there, you’d easily think it was ten times bigger than it actually is.

Throughout the entire year you can always find something to do in Georgetown. From festivals to museums, outdoor activities and scenic drives. All activities are within the town or not too far from it. The Alpine Hose #2 Firefighter Museum, Georgetown Energy Museum, Hamill House Museum and the Hotel de Paris Museum are all in town.

Rather be outside during the summer? No worries. Georgetown has got you covered. Plenty of hiking trails can be found around town or nearby.

Whitewater rafting, ATV tours or just a stroll through the charming shops in town are all an option. Don’t forget about the Georgetown Loop Railroad where you can ride in an old-time steam locomotive through the Rocky Mountains to the town of Silver Plume. Along the way you will pass remains of several silver and gold mines. If you catch the right train, you can even opt in to going on a tour of one…

One of my favorite things to do, especially during Autumn is go for a scenic drive through Guanella Pass. Though, you’re going to have to ask a local for directions on how to get there from town. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is about 22 miles of majestic views and a plethora of photo opportunities. The byway begins at the South end of Georgetown and ends in Grant, Colorado off of Highway 85. Definitely a drive I highly recommend if you’re already in town.

If you’re a fan of Colorado mountain towns, movies and even perhaps John Denver, you might know that Georgetown was the location where the movie A Christmas Gift was filmed. The first two weekends in December the town of Georgetown transforms into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmases of long ago. A ton of people come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday where Christmas hasn’t changed in 100 years. You can enjoy good ole roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown, or just come for the wonderful sights and smells.

Tiny? Yes, but with so much to do and explore, you’re sure to want to visit over and over again.

(Originally published in the August 23, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)