One of the days I was in Colorado last week, my daughter-in-law suggested that we take a ride on Interstate 70 towards the Rocky Mountains to escape the 90 degree weather in Denver. I-70 is the main interstate east/west highway that connects most of the ski towns in the mountains, so it is a very busy highway in the winter. Luckily, the time of day we traveled it traffic was light and I enjoyed looking at the views of the green and pretty foothills along the way.
We passed many a mine shaft along the way. Colorado has a rich mining heritage, beginning with the discovery of gold in 1859, and the industry in this mineral rich state continues to evolve. The following minerals are produced in significant amounts in Colorado: coal, gold, gypsum, limestone, silver, molybdenum, soda ash and sodium bicarbonate. Sand, gravel, and crushed stone are also mined.
We decided to stop at the small town of Idaho Springs, Colorado, an old gold rush town.
It was a fun place to walk around and explore for an afternoon.
Beautiful Victorian buildings line Miner Street, and date back 149 years to when the town was a bustling mining town.
Many of the buildings have historical markers on them that told their history.
Most are now delightful shops, galleries, antique stores and restaurants. Nearby attractions are the Indian Hot Springs and the Argo Gold Mill Mine and Museum where a visitor can learn how to pan for gold!
We stopped at Azteca Mexican restaurant for lunch and had delicious giant burritos!
The town of Idaho Springs was also full of many charming cottages.
This pretty pink one was one of the largest!
Visiting Idaho Springs was a fun day!
I'm linking to "Outdoor Wednesday" on Susan's blog A Southern Daydreamer, and "Pink Saturday" event on Beverly's blog How Sweet The Sound. Thanks, Susan and Beverly for hosting these nice events on your blogs every week!
