Photo: Two Dog Market

2) Read a good book

The shelves are stocked with great reads at Two Dog Market, all handpicked by the shop’s book-loving owners. For stories of local history, check out their locals’ table and the gift shop at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. Then head to Before and After, City on a Hill, or Zero Day to curl up with your book and a great cuppa joe.

3) Relax with a spa treatment

Did you know that Leadville-Twin Lakes has excellent places to get a massage and other relaxing spa treatments? Check out Active Kneads, Blue Earth, and Nourish, and get ready to find peace.

4) Build your rock collection

The Rock Hut sparkles with all kinds of crystals, fossils, and jewelry, as does the Miner’s Pick gift shop at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. These are hidden gems!

5) Savor Mexican snacks

For a tasty treat, stop by La Victoria and enjoy goodies such as elote and helados.

Photo: @fire_on_the_mountain_leadville

6) Make your own art

Go to Fire on the Mountain and paint your own bowl, plate, or art piece. Prefer softer art? Choose from their skeins of colorful yarn, including from Leadville’s own The Dye Smith, and make yourself a scarf!

7) Hunt for bygones

While some antique stores are packed with furniture, Western Hardware Antiques offers lots of tiny treasures—knickknacks, Western memorabilia, and much more. Check out the purple bottles that years ago were clear and now are tinted lavender by the sun. 

Photo: @harperrosestudios

8) Indulge in local art

Colorado’s wide open spaces inspire great art, and you can find creative handcrafted goods throughout our towns—some with a side of lunch, coffee, and sweets. Twin Lakes artists made every piece in the Shooting Star Gallery, which offers mixed media, jewelry, soft blankets, and more (open for summer and occasional winter weekends). In Leadville, check out Harperrose Studios, Elevation Goods, Gigi’s General, Zero Day, and the Silver Llama Market and Eatery.

9) See a ghost and an original diamond-dust mirror

Have lunch or a drink at the Silver Dollar Saloon and ask to see the ghost’s picture. Ask for the history pamphlet behind the bar. For more Old West vibes, check out your reflection in a genuine diamond dust mirror in an original hand-carved bar at the Silver Dollar Saloon and the nearby Pastime Saloon. Be sure to enjoy delicious food and drinks at both places!

Photo: @sangredecristo_bakingco

10) Indulge in Toys and Sweet Joys

Visit Rocky Top Toys & Gifts for cool toys for kids of all ages! Be sure to pick up a tasty treat–beautiful cakes, breads, and even cookie decorating kits from Sangre De Cristo Baking Company, plus fudge and caramels from Marbitz Eatz and Treatz. You’ll treat yourself and support new local businesses!