(Colorado) Small towns have big charm, and three Colorado gems landed in the top ten on the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings for “Best Small Town to Visit in the United States.”
Breckenridge earns the #9 spot.
The Summit County mountain town has breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing, a robust selection of craft brews, and one of the largest historic districts in the state.
Breckenridge is home to the International Snow Sculpture Championship and Thomas Dambo’s wooden troll, Isak Heartstone. The 15-foot outdoor art piece on Trollstigen Trail is a free gem and worth the visit.
Breckenridge is also the closest town on this list to Denver, which often means more weekend traffic. The pedestrian-friendly town tries to decrease traffic congestion and parking headaches with free in-town shuttles.
Coming in at #7 is Steamboat Springs.
The Routt County mountain town has beautiful landscapes, excellent skiing, a rich cultural scene, and western roots.
Working ranches surround Steamboat Springs, and the town hosts a downtown rodeo every summer weekend. The area has a “wild west” feel with western museums, cattle drives, and cowboy round-up days.