Consider the 2 Hour Holiday Vacation for Girlfriends

Perfect for time-starved women of metro Denver during this hectic holiday season, the 2 Hour Holiday Vacation for Girlfriends combines shopping with spending time with friends. A trip to historic downtown Golden, located 20 minutes from central Denver, provides all the amenities needed for an essential shopping excursion - and some fun with girlfriends - all in two hours.

First, the shopping. Choose independently owned boutiques and stores stocked with women's clothing, lingerie, jewelry, fishing gear, mountaineering and backpacking goods, skiing and snowshoeing deals, bikes, candles, frames, household gifts, quilts, original art, gift baskets, and books. Park the car once and stroll Washington Avenue with its glittering holiday lights. You'll cross festively decorated bridges over the scenic Clear Creek along the way.

Now for the friendship part. Pamper yourselves with a visit to the new day spa. Rest your tootsies over lunch or dinner at one of fifteen downtown Golden restaurants featuring numerous cuisines. Treat yourselves to quiet moments at one of the interesting museums or art galleries. Finish holiday shopping feeling rested and restored.

After this, you'll consider returning to Golden with boyfriends, husbands and family in tow for one of the many fun events planned throughout the season.

• Olde Golden Candlelight Walk - Gather at 6 p.m. Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday November 30.

• Olde Golden Christmas on Parade - 11 a.m. each Saturday in December.

• Olde Golden Carriage Rides -- 12 Noon until 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday in December.

For more information, visit www.2HourVacation.com. 2HourVacation.com is a partnership between the Golden Economic Development Commission and Golden-area merchants and attractions.