Are you ready to slow down and enjoy mountain scenery?
I know the feeling. Having lived three years between Breckenridge and Minturn, I long for crisp summer air in the mountains.
A dog-friendly vacation rental search took us to Bailey, Colorado, about a one-hour drive Southwest of Denver along Highway 285.
Our scenic drive to a mountain getaway was just what we needed to unplug from daily demands.
Bailey’s slower pace and plenty to do gave us exactly what we wanted from a Colorado vacation.
Bailey, Colorado: Best Things to Do, See & Experience
UNWIND AT LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
Secluded Cabin Sauna Hot Tub King Bed Creek
I can’t think of a better place to reserve for your overnight lodging than this secluded vacation rental just beyond town. The one-bedroom, one-bath cabin is a Guest Favorite on Airbnb for a reason.
We wanted a woodland getaway that would accommodate our golden retriever and offer us on-site amenities that we craved, like a hot tub, fire pit, and dry sauna.
What we discovered upon arrival exceeded our expectations.
The living area was ideal for us. We sprawled out, relaxing on the sectional couch with our pup resting at our feet when we weren’t dining outdoors on the patio.
Wine and conversation near the fire pit in the evening gave way to a relaxing hot tub session, followed by restful sleep in the king-size Sleep Number® mattress.
At sunrise, we prepared coffee using the Breville Espresso Machine and savored a home-cooked breakfast. A spa-like session in the dry sauna provided the early-morning reset we needed.
Our little corner of the woods, a tucked-away spot in the mountains, will always be a special memory for us.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
McGraw Memorial Park
As you enter town, McGraw Memorial Park is a must-stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery dotted with historic buildings.
The park, which consists of 20 acres divided between the North Fork of the South Platte River, includes the Morrow Mountain Trail.
It’s a narrow, single-track dirt 1.3-mile loop that has some medium-sized boulders in places. We wanted to walk our leashed dog along it, but it was a bit much for her given the rocky and steep terrain in places.
The well-developed park has a shaded picnic area and public restrooms. Historic buildings on the grounds give a glimpse of how early Colorado settlers lived.
Kayakers can launch near the pedestrian bridge, which also doubles as a prime fishing area during warmer weather months.
Mount Evans Wilderness
The Mount Evans Wilderness region, consisting of more than 74, 000 acres of federally protected land, sits over the ridge north of Bailey. It includes numerous trails, which range in hiking difficulty.
Because I was so enamored with our vacation rental, I chose to explore an easy, wide trail near it that offered elevated views and glimpses of summer wildflowers.
PRO TIP: Download the AllTrails app to access details about nearly a dozen nature trails in the area.
SIP & SAVOR AROUND TOWN
For a town the size of Bailey, there are quite a few restaurants in town and the surrounding area.
Note: Most Bailey sit-down or take-out restaurants are closed Sunday through Wednesday during off-peak season (summer), so check the hours of each of the following locations.
Off the Rails
Off the Rails is known for serving coffee brewed in a specialty system that batch-brews coffee in a pour-over style, which is to say that it’s damn good.
Order a coffee and walk to the bonus room, where you can sip caffeine while playing a fast-paced video game. A television aired Bob Ross painting “happy little trees” while I was there.
Cutthroat Cafe
We wanted to eat lunch at Cutthroat Cafe because we traveled with our Golden Retriever, and the casual eatery is known for its dog-friendly patio.
The roadside diner serves homestyle breakfast, burgers, and dinner entrees like Chopped Sirloin Steak and Fish and Chips.
Although the hamburger patty needed more seasoning, the chicken tender sandwich served on a toasted bun with chips checked all the boxes.
PRO TIP: Ask about the menu especially created for dogs.
Southpark Coney Island
Southpark Coney Island is a historical landmark.
The hot dog-shaped building was built in 1966, moved from its original location in Denver, operated in Aspen Park, and now resides in Bailey.
The restaurant appeared in Season 25, Episode 3 of the animated show South Park, making it ever more popular.
They use Nathans® hot dogs, and when topped with classic ketchup and yellow mustard, they taste like the ballpark dog we all grew up eating.
Expect to eat your hot dog outdoors. The best picnic table location is near the river beyond the parking lot.
Craft Mountain Brewing
Within five minutes of arriving at Craft Mountain Brewing, we had a craft beer in our hands and were making fast friends with a couple traveling from New York.
Whether you choose to sip an ale inside the taproom or relax with friends on the covered patio, the brewery’s laid-back setting invites you to kick back and relax and listen to live music.
The kitchen serves barbecue sandwiches and burgers Thursday through Sunday from lunchtime until at least 7 p.m.
Fuego Wood Fired Oven Pizza
We made a spontaneous lunch stop at Fuego Wood Fired Oven Pizza. The permanent food truck serves whole pies, wings, burgers, and calzones.
Three of us split the large Carnivore pizza, which tasted just as delicious as something you’d order from a big city pizzeria.
Knotty Pine
The Knotty Pine is much more than a place to order soft-serve ice cream, although it’s very tasty.
Part lunch counter, part retail store, the Knotty Pine is worth stopping at if you want to eat a sandwich for lunch and then shop for a Bailey coffee mug or Colorado souvenir.
If you don’t have time to sit at the lunch counter, order your meal or ice cream from the pick-up window.
BONUS PLACES TO EAT: Aspen Peak Cellars (tapas, flatbreads), The Shaggy Sheep (burgers, pizza, wine), and 2 Dads Eatery & Taproom (pizza, wings, sandwiches).
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL FOR TREASURES
The Chill Squirrel Trading Company
Candles, incense, candy, wind chimes, and children’s toys. The Chill Squirrel Trading Company is an eclectic gift shop that caters to shoppers seeking a whimsical gift of travel mementos.
PRO TIP: If you need to shop for groceries, walk next door to Rosalie’s Market for fresh produce and pantry staples.
Blossoming Boutique
I purchased the most beautiful greeting cards with nature scenes at the Blossoming Boutique. Shelves are stocked with hand-crafted makers’ products.
The owner is such a sweet lady, and her friendly dog is the best dog greeter.
MUSEUM MUST-HAVE STOP
The Sasquatch Outpost
Locals claim to have seen Sasquatch in Bailey, so it makes sense that a museum honoring the towering, hairy creature sits in the center of town: The Sasquatch Outpost.
Visitors can pay for a self-guided tour of the museum, which details Bigfoot lore, and if you’re short on time, the retail store offers plenty to appreciate.
PRO TIP: Walk through the replica cave to find the baby Sasquatch.
If this is what the scenery looks like in Bailey at summertime, can you imagine what it looks like during the fall and winter seasons?
I can’t stop thinking about Bailey and our overwhelmingly positive experience there.
If you’re seeking solitude punctuated by a bit of outdoor adventure at your pace, drive to this pet-friendly Colorado mountain town.
Don’t forget to pack using my dog travel gear guide.
A blanket and velvety pillows gave the living room space a homey feel, which was delightful. Hotels are great, but sometimes you prefer a comfortable stay with amenities like home, and the Charlotte Retreat delivered.
Taking advantage of the flatscreen TV with access to streaming channels, we relaxed on the leather couch, watching the morning news with fresh coffee before departing for a day in the city. The bar included fresh ground coffee for the Keurig machine or French press.
The kitchen had all the utensils needed to prepare a basic meal, and the spice rack included essential seasonings. Although it lacked a dishwasher, it didn’t matter as we didn’t have many dishes to do because we ate our meals at area restaurants.
The bedroom included a pillowy-soft, queen-sized bed. Flanked by two reading lights and an end table, it was a great place to kick back and enjoy a book or admire nature from the sliding glass door view.
A full bathroom with a tub and shower included Tommy Bahama bath products. A nearby laundry room came equipped with basic laundry supplies for extended-stay travelers. The bedroom closet and dresser drawer provided enough storage for our belongings.
Although we saw neighboring homes’ residents come and go, they did not disturb the peaceful tranquility of enjoying the patio. We sat for hours watching the entertaining squirrels traverse up and down the trees while a cottontail bunny curiously checked out the neighbor’s garden.
Although the house was sandwiched between two more significant properties, it feels secluded because of its deep front yard and leading walkway. The neighborhood is well-kept and safe. We never heard the sound of traffic or neighborhood activity.
We enjoyed watching the sun’s rays move on the front lawn as the sun set overhead. A feeling of serenity and restfulness comes over us. Grateful for the calmness, we retired to bed.
I can’t recommend staying at Cozy in KC’s The Charlotte Retreat enough. It’s the ideal lodging for an individual’s or couple’s weekend stay. View the
Opened in 2020, the cafe delivered island vibes with brightly painted walls and decorations. The owners consider the space a “tropical coffee shop” where everyone is welcome.
We ordered bagels and steaming cups of espresso for breakfast – reasonably priced for the quality. If you’re seeking breakfast options, the menu’s Chori Pap, French Toast, Acai Bowl, or Egg Breakfast wraps are wow-worthy.
The whimsical mural outside the building and outdoor patio seating drew us to the cafe. Inside, the place was bustling with morning patrons ordering specialty coffee drinks and traditional drip espresso.
PRO TIP: Consider ordering a homemade menu of biscuits or a breakfast sandwich prepared with local ingredients. Gluten-free Hotcake Breakfast Sandwich is an option for those who require it.
The standard breakfast classics are served elevated with inventive ingredients. We shared the Kimchi Spice Bloody Mary while our Garden Harvest Omelet and Habanero Pork Belly Benny were prepared. The food was delectable, and there wasn’t a bite left when we asked for the check.
Known for its espresso concoctions and baked goods, the coffee shop stays busy serving customers who sit indoors and often opt to watch passersby from the outdoor patio.
We ordered a two-meat combo platter with ribs, brisket, burnt ends, and two southern-style sides, The Holy Trinity. Just as you would expect, the smoked meats were tasty, true to the city’s reputation for barbecue.
The place is wild. It’s where you dine when you’re in the mood for delicious non-traditional pizza, burgers, and wings prepared with inventive, extreme ingredients.
We enjoyed sipping craft beer while watching the clouds roll in from our perch over the metro. Music played indie rock, and the vibe was relaxed. Couples and small groups kept to themselves, soaking up the scene.
PRO TIP: Check the 
The shop smelled of freshly-made waffle cones. As I went to pay for my double scoop of Cereal Milk and Cinnamon ice cream, a friendly couple offered to buy it for me. Grateful, I resisted but thanked them for their kindness. Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is as sweet as the customers there.
PRO TIP: While the flavor offerings often change, preview 
Note: This is a barcade, so only patrons ages 21+ are allowed.
Whether you’re hoping to buy artisan skin care supplies at Soap Bar, indie home goods from Mid Coast Modern, or colorful dinnerware at Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities, you are sure to fill your shopping bags.
The sounds of falling water and birds are the only sounds you hear. However, you may notice one or two visitors sitting in shaded areas amongst flowering shrubs and vines; the setting’s tranquility envelopes you.
We felt like we had the gardens to ourselves, stopping only to say hello and thank a master garden for their hard work. Free to explore, the public is welcome as long as they appreciate the rules posted at the entrance.
Pause as you view 48 streams of water falling into the basin around the statuary representing firefighters at work. A nearby memorial displays the etched names of the fallen firefighters.
At Union Station, you’ll appreciate its Science City, 3-D movie theater, restaurant, shops, Gottlieb Planetarium, and gift shops. The building’s architecture alone is worthy of your time.
The dynamic city, known as Nebraska’s capital and the home of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, completely surprised me. I mistakenly assumed I would find a cool hotel surrounded by a common college town with typical restaurants and bars. Nope! The city I experienced included hospitable people ready to lay out the red carpet. Whether someone is looking to dine on local cuisine or jam out to ’80s music while playing pinball in the Haymarket District, whatever you’re looking to do, Lincoln has it!
