Just 40 miles from Denver, Elizabeth grows each year as more Coloradans seek the employment opportunities of a major city but long for the ambience of a small town. Living in Elizabeth allows for both. These days, subdivisions dot the countryside and Spring Valley Golf Course fairways lie between farm plots, but the culture of this hardworking ranch community remains unchanged.
In Elizabeth, visitors can wander among restored Victorian homes and then browse through antique, toy and vintage clothing stores on Main Street, which has the look and feel of a true Western town. In one of the Victorians, you can grab a craft beer and hobnob with the locals at Elizabeth Brewing Company, which also hosts plenty of community events like regular summer block parties.
Volunteer historians document area history at the museum in nearby Kiowa, a few miles west on Hwy. 86. For more eclectic artifacts, make an appointment to visit Rambler Ranch, where you'll find an impressive fleet of shiny Nash Ramblers, along with other vehicles, collectibles, toys and Kelvinator appliances.
Nearby Castlewood Canyon State Park is a popular recreation spot. Located in the famous Black Forest, the park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and bird watching. For more summertime fun, attend the annual Elizabeth Stampede, featuring a town parade, rodeo and antique car show.