Be transported. Drive about 43 miles southeast from downtown Denver to Elizabeth in Elbert County and glimpse how Western life once was. Visit The Powder River Hat Co., where hatter Brook Briddle creates styles like the San Juan, Rancher and Mule Shoe on machinery dating back more than 100 years. Stay awhile at The Wildflower Saddles & Tack, where custom-leather goods also are tooled on century-plus machines. At either shop, be on the lookout for cowboys who might stop by. And don’t forget to do some antique hunting on Main Street and at Antiquities on 2851 Windmill Circle near Elbert County 13. If you’re in an especially Western mood, go east on U.S. 86 past Kiowa and check out Buffalo Groves, where you really can watch the buffalo roam.
Getting around: Elizabeth is in Elbert County. From Denver, go south on Parker Road and take U.S. 86 east.
