A Bucket List: 10 Things to Do in Golden Before Summer Dies

With Memorial Day as a marker, it's official -- summer has arrived. During the long summer days and breezy nights, we can do so much right in our own city. Here is a no-pressure, non-exclusive list of suggestions for summer recreation, with further details available on the city website at CityofGolden.net or Golden.com.

1.    Golden is a prime location for water play. Along Clear Creek you can kayak, tube, wade, or splash. And speaking of Splash, the water park is open daily for swimming fun. 

2.    Many special events take place in Golden. Mark your calendars for the Golden Music Festival (June 14-16), Fourth of July Celebration, Buffalo Bill Days (July 24-28), National Night Out (August 6), and the Fine Arts Festival (August 17-18). 

3.    We also have repeating events: First Friday Street Fairs, Golden Cruises (bike--last Tuesday--or car--first Saturday), Farmer's Markets (Saturday mornings), Movies and Music in the Park (August 2, 9, 16, 23).    

4.  Golden's cultural venues are amazing. View artwork at Foothills Art Music, attend plays at Miners Alley Theater, appreciate the quilts at the Golden Quilt Museum, learn from displays at the American Mountaineering Center, and listen to live music throughout downtown. 

5.    Golden's history runs deep. Schedule a history immersion day and visit the Railroad Museum, Golden History Museum, Clear Creek History Park, and Historic Neighborhoods. Learn some local history from resources at the Golden Library.

6.    The 5K and 10K Golden Gallop, a fundraiser for the Golden Schools Foundation, will be held on October 6. Commit to training for it by walking, jogging, or running on Golden's streets, sidewalks, and trails.

7.    Golden is surrounded by nearly 8,000 acres of regional open space. Start at the Golden trailheads for hikes on Apex Trail, Clear Creek Trail, Chimney Gulch, Cressman Gulch, Golden Cliffs, Nightbird Gulch, Triceratops Trail, Tucker Gulch, and many more. 

8.   Public transit is now convenient in Golden. Ride the Call N Ride and get off anywhere that looks interesting to you, including the W Line Light Rail Station. You can even bring your bike.

9.   Golden residents are committed to sustainability efforts. Plan a tour of local solar and wind installations, NREL and the Golden Oldies Cyclery Museum.

10. For extra credit -- don't go anywhere. Enjoy your own backyard. Request a grant for a block party to reconnect with your neighbors. While you're at it, invite the mayor or councilors over for a MIMBY (Mayor in My Backyard) event.