Are you looking for a day trip to indulge in scenery, a hunt for the perfect antique treasure, delightful dining and a bit of fascinating history? On a weekday in July, I traveled to Florence, the small town with a big heart.

First a bit of history. In the second half of the 1800s, Florence became a railroad hub, and the first major oil discovery west of the Mississippi. The town, incorporated in 1887, was named after Minnie Florence McCandless, the daughter of founder Senator James McCandless. Florence became a hub for oil production, railroads, coal, agriculture and mining. The remnants of the commercial boom are preserved in the historic downtown that is full of antique and retail shops, as well as a growing culinary district.

My first stop upon arriving in town was Pathfinder Regional Park for a delightful stroll along the Arkansas River. The gravel path winds among the cottonwood trees, and was mostly shaded on this hot, summer morning. Amenities include a playground, picnic tables, and river and pond fishing.

The town became a National Historic District in 2017. Main Street is lined with a pleasing variety of antique galleries, multivendor malls, specialty shops, restaurants and coffee bars. All are located within lovingly restored buildings, mostly dating from the late 1800s. A lively small-town vibe harkens back to a simpler American way of life, when residents flocked to downtown for shopping, dining, and socializing.

Florence has earned the moniker “Antique Capital of Colorado”, and for good reason. It’s impossible to not find a treasure to purchase. You will most likely be flooded with memories or stories of days gone by as you leisurely browse through the shops. This is the best of the best for antique buffs and art lovers, as well as anyone who loves a treasure hunt. The prices are reasonable, and the shopkeepers are welcoming and willing to take time to chat.

I made a great find at Blue Spruce Art and Antiques. My sister is an avid collector of paper dolls, and I came away with 4 sets from the 1940s for her at a terrific price. I love thinking about where merchandise came from, who owned it, and how it was used and lovingly cared for in order to endure for decades.

I worked up a healthy appetite, and headed to Aspen Leaf Bakery and Cafe for a lunch of potato bacon soup, and a cream horn pastry topped with blueberry compote. Delicious!! Sandwiches, quiche, pie, cookies and all sorts of amazing pastries are on the menu. The atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming.

I made a point to go to the Florence Pioneer Museum, located one block off Main Street in the old Eagles Lodge Building. I highly recommend a visit to glean an appreciation for the role of Florence in Colorado history. Docent Marty Lamb, gave me an excellent tour of the three rooms of the museum, explaining the history of the economics of the region. Railroads, coal, oil, refineries, farming and ranching, and the Portland Cement Company all played an integral role in the early history and development of not only Florence, but nearby communities as well. Towns such as Williamsburg, Coal Creek, Rockvale and Wetmore were once thriving communities that live on through the eye-opening museum exhibits.

A few items caught my eye. A very heavy black bear fur coat complete with matching gloves kept someone warm and toasty during frigid Colorado winters. Several fashionable dresses from yesteryear highlight the popularity of tiny waistlines achieved by what must have been extremely uncomfortable corsets. A 100-year-old permanent wave machine looked like some kind of alien torture device.

After a long day of exploring and shopping I was ready for some downtime. Options include a beverage and sweet treat at one of several coffee shops, an adult beverage at a local dining spot, or a cold one at the Florence Brewing Company. There is so much to see and do in and around Florence, I couldn’t possibly do it all in one day.