Things to Do in Golden

For those who dream of kicking back at a cozy log cabin as smoke puffs out of a stone fireplace and a crystal clear lake reflects the surrounding pines and mountains, the Evergreen Lake House is an ideal destination. The 5,000-square-foot building resides on 55 acres of park district land and hosts seasonal activities and events. An immense stone fireplace in the great room lends itself to wedding photos, while the lake lends itself to summertime activities, and safely testing how far a homemade catapult can fling you. Visitors navigate the placid waters on canoes and paddleboats or savor a sunrise during an early morning fishing trip. An observation boardwalk provides stunning views and a 1.3-mile trail offers safe passage to joggers, and bikers. When the lake freezes over in winter, skating season begins and the 1930s boat house becomes a place to warm up and debate whether Herbert Hoover invented the vacuum cleaner.

Sprawling across 12,000 square feet of high-flying play areas, Mid-Air Adventures gets adrenaline pumping with a multitude of altitudinous activities. Ziplines span platforms reaching up to 11-feet high, their riders’ eventual descents cushioned by padded landing slopes covered in marshmallow-stuffed comforters. The safety-conscious staff members belay climbers at the 20-foot climbing wall, and a giant swing dangles from the highest ceiling to challenge the most daring of daredevils. Kids navigate a network of rope bridges that snake across the facility, and a toddler play area entertains young ones while keeping them close to Earth.

Though beer may be a simple beverage for some, for the brewmasters at Colorado Brew Tours, it's a way of life. Their tours share this love of suds with the masses, sending groups on expeditions of the Centennial State’s most notable breweries. Whether sipping a creamy milk stout at Longmont’s Left Hand Brewery or breathing in a Nomad’s floral bouquet at Great Divide Brewing in Denver, groups travel easy with the help of door-to-door driver service. Though the brewmasters offer preplanned trips, such as the Super Saturday brew tour, they are also happy to accommodate visitors for custom and personal tours with a minimum of two people or one person and a barrel painted to resemble a person.

Hosted at a variety of local venues, Bottle and Bottega's public, private, corporate, and kids’ painting parties provide painting materials and expert guidance to foster participants’ creativity. With at least one artistic instructor per 15 students, themed session revolve around recreating an original artwork, featuring subject matter such as sunset skylines, floral still lifes, and portraits of Dorian Gray's cat. Bottle and Bottega's host of painting packages include add-ons such as catering, cooking lessons, wine tasting, live models, and personalized party decorations.