I’ve spent the better part of the last four years drowning in darkness, feeling as if no matter how hard I try, things only fall to pieces. When I thought things couldn’t get any worse, 2022 came around. Luckily, there were a few good things that kept me going. Discovering Colorado is one of them. It’s always one of them.

Shortly after writing about the Table Mountain Inn Station at the Colorado Railroad Museum, I received an invitation to experience everything Table Mountain Inn (TMI) has to offer. The thing I noticed about TMI is that the structure is unique to the area. It doesn’t look like a traditional city building. At first glance, you question if it’s a hotel, a restaurant, or an attraction. The answer is all of the above.

The hotel’s history dates back to 1925. Back then, it was known as The Berrimoor. Shortly after, The Cody Hotel, and by 1991 it became The Table Mountain Inn. Their 74 rooms, including wheelchair-accessible ones, are sure to offer something for everyone. Take your pick from views of downtown, the mountains, or the courtyard.

You can even bring your four-legged best friend. Just be sure to add them to your reservation. You don’t want to miss out on the special treat you’ll receive. Speaking of treats, let’s move on to the dining experience at the grill and cantina. I will lead by saying two words, “Cadillac Margarita.” Thank you, Jose, for that lovely suggestion!

If you enjoy seafood, I recommend the Rocky Mountain Ruby Trout, perfectly cooked with just the right amount of seasoning. It shared a plate with corn, onions, asparagus, and a hint of bacon. I’m drooling just thinking about it. Should you prefer a vegetarian dish, no worries. They have a Chipotle Roasted Cauliflower meal that I’ll be trying next time. Oh, and don’t forget to give the street tacos a try as well.

Let’s chat about the southwestern decor that ties it all together. While walking down the hallways and through the restaurant, I thought I would suffer from whiplash. There’s so much to look at, I wasn’t sure where to focus my attention. The good thing is that it isn’t overwhelming. The varying pieces of art were all fascinating. These included the work of local artists and that quintessential Colorado decor that I adore so much.

One more fact about the inn I’d like to share is that it’s a super cool place to host an event. With a couple of options to choose from, you can hold a meeting, a reception, a birthday party, or a romantic dinner for two. Table Mountain Inn is the place to stay and dine in Golden. Perhaps, TMI isn’t the only reason Golden is so golden, but after everything I’ve been through the last few months, it sure has lit a light on my life.

To find out more about Table Mountain Inn check out: https://www.tablemountaininn.com/ or call 303-277- 9898. The Table Mountain Inn is located at 1310 Washington Avenue, Golden, Colorado, 80401.