Between Denver And Fort Collins Is A Quaint Town With Local Eats And Easy Access To Outdoor Adventures

If you find yourself in the Denver, Colorado, area, you owe it to yourself to head off the beaten track and pay a visit to the charming and serene town of Milliken. Situated right where the South Platte and Big Thompson rivers meet, this town of under 9,000 inhabitants offers a dynamic range of tasty cuisine and outdoor fun that belies its small size. Milliken offers small-town vibes with a lot of charm, punching well above its weight when it comes to access to adventures in nature thanks to an amenity-rich park — as well as access to good eats.

To get here, it's just an hour in the car from Denver and 40 minutes from Fort Collins, making Milliken an easy and appealing stopover if you're road-tripping between these two metropolises. So take note of the 14 best ways to make sure your dollar goes the furthest on a road trip, pack up the car, and hit the open road. And once you're in this quaint hamlet, book accommodation via Airbnb or VRBO in Milliken proper, or you can opt for one of a plethora of hotel and motel choices in the broader nearby vicinity.

Start the day at popular Mill Haüs Coffee, which boasts a menu of yummy drinks, paninis, pastries, and more. With a cozy vibe and a prime location attached to the town's public library, this unique café is the perfect spot for bookworms to enjoy a warm beverage and yummy treat while curling up with a good book amidst a welcoming atmosphere. Or head to The Cracked Egg, which — as the name might suggest — serves up hearty breakfast (and lunch) dishes every day, including everything from omelets to burritos to breakfast sandwiches, in a quaint setting with fun knick-knacks and trinkets lining the walls. Customers speak highly about the friendly service, not to mention the perfectly-cooked eggs and crispy bacon. Pro tip: don't miss the house-made green chili, especially on huevos rancheros.

Later in the day, grab a slice at family-owned East Coast-style Pelican Jo's Pizzeria. This local hangout takes its role as a part of the local community here seriously, with owners Mike and Jodi Brady striving not only to dish up delicious pies but also to foster engagement with, and give back to, the area. From signature pizzas – ranging from classic margherita to memorable offerings like mango habanero chicken — to calzones, appetizers, and more, there's no shortage of options here. Don't skip out on the garlic knots, which one Tripadvisor reviewer says "may have been the best" ones they've ever had. And if you're eager for more delectable eats after your time in Milliken, head a bit further north to Colorado's remote municipality near the Nebraska border.

For a laid-back outdoor excursion, find your way to Centennial Park, an urban oasis that offers picnic areas, paths for walking or jogging, a playground, a lake (with a beach area and a dock), and abundant green space. Fishing is permitted on the lake, but know before you go that you will need a permit. For a short but sweet trail to explore in the park, embark on the Milliken Centennial Lake Loop, a quick and easy-rated loop that will take you around this scenic reservoir. Dogs are allowed on this trail, provided they stay on-leash. Or, if your idea of an adventure in the great outdoors skews more towards listening to stellar music under the stars than adrenaline-chasing, you'll definitely want to take note of Centennial Park's calendar of seasonal concerts, performances, and festivals. 

Looking for an athletic adventure that will get you into the great outdoors? Book a tee time at the Mad Russian Golf Club. This eccentrically named public 18-hole golf course is equally one-of-a-kind in terms of its unusual landscape architecture, which golf blog Layman's Hall describes as a "fascinating roller coaster" and a "paragon of quirk." There's never a dull moment on these links, and playing through this course is a wild ride from start to finish. And if, after playing this singular course, you want to continue honing your handicap with another round of golf, add on a trip to this high-elevation golf course in Colorado.