Looking for a western weekend getaway? I recently made my way to Cheyenne, Wyoming and can’t recommend it enough for a change of scenery. It’s a place where you can feel the spirit of the Old West coupled with local, modern charm. Situated just 90 minutes north of Denver, you can find art, history, and of course, a taste of cowboy culture here. Let’s dig into my top recommendations for a weekend in Cheyenne!

Where to Stay

Our weekend kicked off with check-in at the Nagle Warren Mansion, a stunning restored historic mansion turned bed and breakfast. From the moment we stepped through its doors, it’s like we were transported back in time to 1900. If you’re looking for a unique experience for a Cheyenne stay, the Nagle Warren Mansion is the way to go! Plus, you are treated to a hot and hearty breakfast each morning to fuel up for a day of Cheyenne adventures.

Where to Eat

Starting off on our first day, lunch at The Railspur might have been the best meal we had all weekend. Their truffle pierogies were a delicious twist on a nostalgic dish from my hometown, Pittsburgh! Their menu had some creative and hearty Western-inspired sandwiches with bison and elk meat. When in Rome, right? Another food highlight for us was 2 Doors Down. This family-owned restaurant had a retro diner atmosphere serving up burgers, bottomless steak fries, and shakes. (Keyword, bottomless fries.)

Where to Drink

Whether you’re craving coffee, craft cocktails, or a rowdy good time, Cheyenne has something for everyone. For coffee, check out Paramount Cafe or The Boardroom (grab a cheese board to snack on while you’re there). The Paramount Ballroom has a posh atmosphere for craft cocktails before or after dinner. Beer lovers – your best bet is Westby Edge (you can drink on a swinging seat!) or Blue Raven, located in a historic cottage home. For live music, line dancing and channeling your inner cowboy, grab your boots and head to The Outlaw Saloon. It’s the perfect place to dance, play pool, and drink the night away.

Where to Shop

Cheyenne’s shopping scene pleasantly surprised me. My first stop was Alexis Drake, a woman-owned store specializing in custom handmade leather bags. We got a peek behind the scenes of the process where seamstresses hand-make each and every bag sold in the store. I’m saving up to buy one of my own someday!

Other shopping highlights were Outcast Vintage full of nostalgic gems, and of course, Wrangler. The iconic Wrangler store in the heart of downtown Cheyenne began selling Western wear to local cowboys in the 1940s and still stands today. Stop in to try on a Stetson hat!

If you’re into jewelry, Indigo Buffalo is the perfect stop for Western-inspired turquoise, silver and gold jewelry and permanent bracelets. I walked in without an appointment and got my very first permanent bracelet here that took just 5 minutes.

Things to Do

For other things to do during your Cheyenne trip, I highly recommend a free self-guided tour of the Wyoming State Capitol that was renovated in 2019.

The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are a perfect activity during the winter with 3 stories of plant life and greenery, all indoors.

And when in Wyoming, you have to attend a rodeo! I was lucky enough to catch the brand new Frozen Fury on the Plains rodeo on my visit featuring young bucking horses and young cowboys. Rodeos are such a fun atmosphere with food, drinks, and action-packed energy and entertainment!

If you can pack all of that in, I promise you’ll leave Cheyenne ready to return. Don’t forget to bring your cowboy boots and your best Western wear, and come curious. Cheyenne, Wyoming is a great small-town, Old West weekend getaway just a short drive from Denver. Yeehaw!