I grew up in Florence, Colorado, which is just two hours south of Denver in Southern Colorado. Florence sits at the base of the wet mountains and isn’t too far from the majestic Sangre de Cristos that dominate the Southern part of Colorado.
As a child, my mother was always making sure we were outside and actively doing things – meaning we ran through the town barefoot, played in ditches to fish out crawdads, and let our imaginations get the best of us at the local library and swimming pool.
We had quite the childhood when it came to exploring our small little town of Florence.
When I was a kid, I could never see what was so cool about Florence, Colorado, and always felt like there wasn’t much to do compared to Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or Denver. But after years of being away from home, Florence has grown to be quite the relaxing getaway you might need this weekend.
Today, Florence, Colorado is home to about 4,000 residents and has seen the working population and the number of residents choosing to settle here increases.
For more stats on Florence, Colorado, go here.
Now, I won’t delay any longer, so below is my list of 9 fun and relaxing things to do in Florence, Colorado.
Watch the Video!
1. Get Your Fill of Antique Shopping
Florence is considered the Antique capital of Colorado because it is filled with delightful antique shops with one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
As a child, I remember many of these shops feeling more junktique, but they have since then turned around to be the luxury antiquing getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
Some of the antique stores you can visit are:
- The Mezzanine
- Willi’s Antiques and Collectibles
- Loralie’s Antique Mall
- Heartland Antiques and Gifts
- 103 Vintage Market
- Oil City Merchants
- Blue Spruce Arts & Antiques
- Antique Warehouse
- Legends & Lace Antiques
- Salvage, Vintage, Antiques, Etc.
In all of these lovely stores, you’re bound to find something unique.
2. Make a Stop At Florence Brewing Company
Photo Credit: Florence Brewing Company
This small brewery snuck into the hearts of the locals just three years ago when it took up shop in the old home of the Florence Citizen Newspaper. Florence Brewing Company is known for using local ingredients and has mastered unique tastes people from all over the nation journey to get to.
They partner with local food trucks to bring delicious snacks to guests and even contribute a few of their own treats.
Stop in for some trivia or attend one of their events hosted throughout the year! They are now offering food as well!
Recommended Beers on Tap Year-Round:
- King Coal Stout
- Alpine Loop Hefeweizen
- Beer Whistle Blonde
- Ye’ Ole Irish
They add new beers regularly depending on what the brewmasters are craving, so be sure to follow them on their social media accounts to stay up to date!
To see their current list of beers, visit their page No Crap On Tap, Ever.
3. Take a Tour of the Historical Rialto Theater & See a Show
The Rialto Theater has been in the process of remodeling for decades, and progress has been slow up until a few years ago when they received a great deal of funding.
The Rialto has seen a huge facelift meaning they are able to do shows inside now even with much of the work that still needs to be done. But if there are no shows playing, it’s still worth a tour of the place.
4. Visit One of their Gourmet Restaurants
For as small as Florence, Colorado is, they have a variety of tastes for whatever you’re craving during your stay.
Most of the restaurants in Florence are new but show no signs of leaving very soon.
Many of the restaurants that are now bringing in their locals are becoming staples for residents and delightfully visited by tourists.
Some of their best restaurants include:
- Aspen Leaf Bakery & Cafe
- Papa’s Restaurant
- Ito’s Japanese
- Quincys Steak & Spirits
- Oak Creek Grill & Tavern
- El Alazan Mexican Restaurant II
- Kopper Kettle Restaurant
Any one of these restaurants is amazing, which I can personally attest to, having eaten at all of them.
5. Try Virtual Reality at Papa’s Restaurant
Papa’s Restaurant is a pizza place with some of the best pizza in Fremont County. But upstairs is where you’ll find a most unexpected activity.
That’s right!
Papa’s Restaurant is home to its very own Virtual Reality simulation and it’s quite spectacular too! So order up a pie, sit back and laugh at your friends trying to play Fruit Ninja.
6. Sip Locally Roasted Coffee From the Pour House Coffee Shop
The Pour House has been around since I was a child, and the place hasn’t lost a single bit of its charm.
Located in the heart of downtown, you’ll find a cozy coffee shop complete with its own roaster, All Good Things Coffee.
Try some of their favorite roasts, a drip coffee, a latte, and anything from their breakfast and lunch menu. Be sure to also try some of their signature recipes which have been passed down over the years!
Those tasty recipes are:
- Blueberry Scones
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chicken Salad
The Pour House has a liquor license and are now selling beer and wine during the evenings, which you can enjoy in their enclosed area outside.
7. Go Sky Diving with Colorado Mountain Skydive
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Make a thrilling tandem jump out of an airplane from 14,000 feet in the air!
Just a few miles outside of Florence, Colorado, you can take a drive to the local airport (yes, we have an airport too) and do some skydiving with Colorado Mountain Skydive.
To jump, you need the following:
- To be at least 18+ years old
- 260 pounds or less
- Good tennis shoes
- Good jeans
- Clothes for colder weather
Prices for tandem skydiving start at $109.
Reservations are recommended for this journey, but you can visit Colorado Mountain Skydive to set up your reservation.
Get impressive views of all waves of mountains on either side of you and get your adrenaline pumping with this adventure from above.
8. Get Nude at the Desert Reef Hot Spring
Photo Credit Desert Reef Hot Spring
The Desert Reef Hot Spring is a clothing-optional hot spring just outside of Florence, Colorado. This is a great place to extend your already relaxing trip to Florence.
Situated outside, these hot springs are open from Wednesday to Sunday and is even open during those pesky winter months.
The water temperature is adjusted accordingly so it is easily enjoyed by everyone.
Be forewarned, this is a clothing-optional hot spring, so don’t be surprised if you see people walking around in their birthday suits.
9. Stay at the Florence Rose Bed & Breakfast
Photo Credit: The Florence Rose Guest House
The Florence Rose is a charming bed and breakfast located in Florence, Colorado just as you’re about to leave town toward Canon City. This is the perfect romantic setting for a couples getaway, complete with a hot homemade breakfast each morning of your stay and unlimited access to the hot tub and gazebo.
Guests looking to get really romantic can choose to purchase a bottle of wine from the local Winery at the Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City or a bouquet of roses for their significant other.
Well, there you have it my friends, a list of the best things to do in my hometown of Florence Colorado. It’s the perfect getaway for couples, singles, and families. Come during any time of the year because everything is open year-round!
What Do You Love Doing in Florence, Colorado?
If you liked this post, see my other posts on things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado, or leave a comment about your recent experience in Florence, Colorado! If you would like to see more about what you can do in Florence, go here.
