Take the family on a short drive to the foothills west of Denver and escape to Golden's Heritage Square where everyone in the family can enjoy celebrating the 4 th of July. This unique amusement park and shopping village with Victorian architecture is situated in the gorgeous foothills of Golden allowing panoramic views of Denver below. Consider the 'amusements' available within 20 minutes of downtown Denver:

* Denver's only Alpine Slide takes visitors on a scenic chairlift ride rising 490 feet up the mountain before they cruise down one of the two half-mile tracks at their own speed;

* Fish 'n Farm at Heritage Square features family activities where parent and child can enjoy a variety of amusement rides, pony rides, Go-Karts, paddle boats, 36 holes of adventure miniature golf, rollercoaster, arcade and magic shows;

* The Heritage Rio Golden Train provides visitors a tour around the park on its historic narrow gauge model;

* The Zip Line challenge course will excite kids of all ages;

* With a stroll through the Victorian shopping village, visitors can browse shops offering gifts, jewelry, candy, crafts and artwork. They can have a temporary tattoo, or have their face painted and caricature drawn, while enjoying a juggler or unicyclist, or slip into a period costume and have an old-time photo taken;

* Spend time enjoying dinner theater - a delight for children of all ages;

* Enjoy entertainment in the new concert area featuring local and national acts on the weekends;

* Picnics are encouraged with plenty of tables scattered throughout the park.

* There are restaurants onsite along with ice cream, funnel cakes and other fun summer foods.

* Parking and admission are free at Heritage Square. Located at 18301 West Colfax in Golden, it is easily accessible from metro Denver and Boulder. The park is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more details, visit www.2HourVacation.com.

Nearby historic downtown Golden features more than 100 retail shops and restaurants (most of them independently owned), 11 museums, and many recreational opportunities including biking and walking paths, fishing and kayaking -- easily turning a two hour visit to Golden into a mini-vacation. 2HourVacation.com is a partnership between the Golden Economic Development Commission and Golden-area merchants and attractions.