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As a homegrown Coloradan, I’m always surprised by the charming little communities tucked away in my own backyard. It’s funny how once you’ve lived somewhere for a while, you get so comfortable with the familiar that you forget to be a tourist in your own state.
One summer weekend, my mother and I ventured to Olde Town Arvada, a quaint historic district in the heart of Arvada, approximately 10 miles from downtown Denver. With its old-school 19th-century buildings and cozy small-town feel, it’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and community.
Whether you live in Colorado or you’re planning a trip here, I recommend putting Olde Town Arvada on your travel list. Read on to find out why.
Top Reasons to Visit Olde Town Arvada, Colorado
A Blend of History and Modern Delights
Olde Town Arvada is a mix of old and new. Strolling through its streets feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture and tidy storefronts evoking a bygone era.
Yet, the district is far from stuck in the past; it buzzes with modern energy through its vibrant dining scene, trendy boutiques, and lively arts scene.
I was struck by the strong sense of community and the warm, welcoming atmosphere in Olde Town Arvada. This close-knit spirit is reflected in the diverse array of exciting events held throughout the year, showcasing the town’s vibrant and inclusive culture. This year, Arvada is celebrating 120 years, which makes for many exciting events and activities.
Walking Tour in Arvada
My mom and I gained a deeper appreciation for Olde Town through a self-guided walking tour that led us to its historic landmarks and shared fascinating stories about their past. Iconic landmarks include the Arvada Water Tower, Olde Town Station (still operating) and the Arvada Flour Mill.
The Arvada Flour Mill Museum
Before our visit to the Arvada Flour Mill Museum, I knew almost nothing about flour mills (which is a disgrace, considering my last name is Miller). This museum, housed in a former flour mill that operated from the 1920s to the 1970s, has been meticulously preserved to reflect its original state.
On our tour, we explored all four mill floors, from the basement to the attic, gaining insight into the milling process while surrounded by the original factory equipment and machinery.
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Where to Dine in Arvada
Cafes in Olde Town Arvada
After yoga in the park (more on that later), my mom and I popped into La Dolce Vita Coffee for a delightful treat. We shared a delicious quiche and coffee cake, both of which were fantastic.
This is just one of the many cafés and bakeries in Olde Town—you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Across the street is Rheinlander Bakery, known for its mouthwatering European-inspired desserts and pastries. Hunter Bay Coffee is another favorite; there was a line out the door.
Teocalli Cocina
For lunch, we dined at Teocalli Cocina, an authentic Mexican restaurant renowned for infusing every dish with rich flavors and vibrant cultural touches.
As a self-proclaimed queso connoisseur, I couldn’t resist ordering this when the waitress recommended it. Teocalli Cocina has a wide range of taco choices, each with a unique twist. We indulged in an avocado tempura, cotijo, and chicken tacos, all of which were outstanding. We paired our meal with a cocktail called Trasplante, a summery drink with rum, coconut milk, and lemon.
Stone Cellar Bistro
Stone Cellar Bistro might just be the best restaurant my mom and I have visited in a long time. It’s my top recommendation and a must-visit if you get the chance. With a rotating menu that changes nightly, you can always count on finding something fresh and delectable.
We indulged in warm house rolls as an appetizer with orange blossom honey butter, craft mocktails and fresh caught fish with homemade gnocchi. We had a chocolate souffle for dessert which is well worth the wait (takes 15-20 minutes).
But the real star of the show —and the one item on their menu that remains a constant—is their WildFire Hot Honey Fried Chicken. This was hands down the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. The recipe is a prized secret, a beautiful concoction of flavors, one that I don’t think anyone could ever successfully replicate. Double-fried to perfection, the chicken is incredibly crispy and packed with flavor.
On top of the fabulous food, the service was superb. They treat every guest very well, with the kind of attention and care that makes you feel like royalty. I’m still dreaming of Stone Cellar Bistro, and I can’t wait to return.
Bread Winner’s Cafe
The Bread Winner’s Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast, with an emphasis on exciting pancakes, including lemon blueberry, banana foster, and cinnamon roll varieties. I had the lemon blueberry, which tasted exactly like a lemon bar. My mom, being a benedict addict, had the California benedict doused in avocado, bacon, tomatoes, and their homemade hollandaise sauce.
Scrumptious
Before we headed home, we had to check out the famous Scrumptious, an old-timey ice cream shop with unusual ice cream flavors, candy, sweet treats and even gifts. Although pricey, the ice cream really does live up to the hype.
Great Wine, Beer and Craft Cocktails in Arvada
While many of the restaurants I’ve mentioned serve top-notch craft cocktails and beer, there’s also a vibrant selection of bars, wineries, breweries, and even speakeasies to explore.
Silver Vines Winery
Before dinner at the Stone Cellar Bistro, we tried a flight of local Colorado wines at Silver Vines Winery. Family-owned and operated, all wines are produced locally at a warehouse facility in Arvada.
Grapes are mainly sourced from Colorado wine country on Colorado’s western slope, with some premium wines with grapes from Washington. My favorite of the wines we tried was their Riesling, which was delicate, fruity and on the dryer side.
The Stockroom
After dinner, my mom and I made our way to The Stockroom, a hidden speakeasy known for its unique cocktails. Finding it was part of the adventure—head to Wine Spirits Provisions, and if it’s closed, simply ring the bell outside. Someone will greet you and lead you to the speakeasy behind the building.
The bar exudes a cozy, inviting atmosphere with its dim lighting and stylish decor. Their menu has a variety of creative craft cocktails, but if you’re unsure, you can always consult the bartender for a custom creation.
I did just that, and our bartender, Brooke, crafted a lavender gin cocktail with citrus bitters and a blend of intriguing elements that felt almost magical. The use of eye droppers and other sophisticated tools made it feel like a potion was being mixed right before our eyes.
Amazing Shopping and Unique Boutiques
Although Olde Town Arvada is fairly small, it is packed to the brim with exciting shops. You’ll encounter a delightful mix of specialty shops offering everything from handmade jewelry and artisanal crafts to vintage clothing and stylish home décor.
We visited Carly’s Boutique, nestled in the oldest house in Olde Town Arvada. The boutique is a treasure trove of unique clothing and jewelry, and shopping there is a special experience thanks to the impressive transformation of this historic home into a vibrant retail space.
Live Music and Entertainment: From Bluegrass to Rock
After dinner, my mom and I wandered through town, serenaded by live music from every direction. The live music scene in Olde Town Arvada is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every music lover.
The area features a range of venues, from cozy cafés to lively bars, where local bands and musicians perform regularly. You can catch a mix of genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and acoustic, often in an intimate setting that creates a personal experience.
Read More: Mile High Fun: Top 10 Things to Do in Denver
Seasonal Festivities
Yoga in McIlvoy Park
My mom and I began our visit with a 9 am yoga class in McIlvoy Park, a delightful summer tradition that happens every Saturday during the summer, ending in late September. Best of all, it’s completely free!
This event tends to draw a sizable crowd, so I recommend arriving early. The hour-long class was beginner-friendly but challenging, making it an excellent way to start our weekend. Don’t forget to bring your own yoga mat and water.
Sunday Farmers Market
In Olde Town Square, you’ll find a great farmers market showcasing local foods, art, and handcrafted goods. The final summer market is on September 29th, but don’t worry— it will return in December with a festive holiday theme. If you’re in Colorado during the winter, be sure to check out the market for some unique holiday shopping and seasonal treats.
Other Upcoming Events
- Olde Town Arvada’s Creative Crawl: embrace art, live music, craft beverages, and more all day on September 6th (10am-10pm)
- The Olde Town Shindig: a vibrant family friendly arts and music festival happening on September 6th (5pm-10pm) and 7th (12pm-9pm)
- Jackalope Arvada: an indie artisan fair with unique fashion and jewelry, home décor, art, delicious food, and much more
- More Events in Olde Town Arvada
- More Events in the City of Arvada
How to Get to Olde Town Arvada
There are several ways to reach Olde Town Arvada. For a convenient day trip from Denver, I recommend taking the light rail—specifically, the G Line, which connects Olde Town Arvada with downtown Denver. Driving is also an option, but there’s something special about arriving in Olde Town at the historic Olde Town Station.
If You Go:
- If you’re planning to stay right in Olde Town, I highly recommend the Hilton Garden Inn. Its prime location is just a two-minute walk from the heart of Olde Town, making it very convenient for exploring the area.
- Check out Olde Town Arvada’s official website for more information
- Here is the Visit Arvada if you want to learn more about tourism in the entire city
Read More:
- Colorado Travel Guide
- Mile High Fun: Top 10 Things to Do in Denver
- 8 Ways to Travel in Colorado While Minimizing Your Impact
- 10 Top Things to Do in Golden, Denver’s Closest Mountain Town
- Restaurant Guide: It’s a Golden Era for Dining in Golden, Colorado
- The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers: Unique, Sustainable, and Practical Products - December 2, 2024
- 10 Magical Holiday Destinations to Celebrate the Season - November 20, 2024
- Staying Overnight at the Haunted Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA - October 31, 2024