Colorado's Hygiene: A Quaint Town with a Peculiar Name and Rocky Mountain Backdrop
In the heart of Colorado's eastern plains, a small town named Hygiene stands out for its peculiar name and stunning natural backdrop. But what makes Hygiene truly fascinating is the story behind its name and the unique experiences it offers to visitors. Personally, I think Hygiene is a hidden gem that deserves more attention, and I'm here to share why.
A Peculiar Name, A Fascinating History
Hygiene's name is a nod to its past as a tuberculosis sanatorium. In the late 1800s, a three-story house with 35 beds and a solarium, known as the Hygiene Home, operated in the town. Founded by Dr. Jacob S. Flory, the home provided natural treatments, nutritious food, and a clean, restful environment for patients recovering from tuberculosis. What makes this particularly fascinating is the impact of the sanatorium on the town's name and identity. Today, Hygiene may be missing its sanatorium, but its history continues to shape its character and charm.
Quaint Cafes and Shops
Despite its small size, Hygiene boasts an impressive collection of cafes and shops that have earned glowing reviews on Google. One of the most popular stops is The Mountain Fountain, a cozy cafe that serves gluten-free baked goods, soups, salads, and made-to-order sandwiches made with locally and sustainably sourced vegetables and meats. European-style Cafe Fritz, with a Google rating of 4.8 across more than 100 reviews, serves coffees and baked goods with gluten-free options and creative twists, as well as savory dishes like omelets and sandwiches. Along with the popular cafes are highly rated shops, like Red Door Arts and More, which offers paintings and pottery, and Low Rider, which houses a delightful assortment of antiques and other vintage items.
Exploring Hygiene's Open Space
The best way to experience Hygiene's beautiful natural scenery is to head to Pella Crossing, a free park just south of the main intersection. Here, you can take in scenic views of the mountains, wetlands, and several small lakes. This could be a great spot for photography enthusiasts, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the colors around the mountains are amplified. Pella Crossing is also a haven for wildlife such as beavers, muskrats, bats, deer, red foxes, and many kinds of birds.
If you feel like strolling, the Marlatt Trail is an easy 1-mile loop that encircles Heron Lake and Sunset Pond, while the Braly Trail is a 1.8-mile loop that weaves between Dragonfly Pond, Poplar Pond, and Clearwater Pond. You can also connect the two loops for a longer adventure. These flat dirt and gravel trails are suitable for hiking, jogging, and walking with your leashed dog. Other things to do in the park include picnicking and fishing for bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Local Accommodations
If you're looking for local accommodations, plenty of options are nearby in Longmont, just down the road. If you're continuing west toward the mountains from Hygiene, accommodations are also available in Lyons, a Colorado community that combines small-town charm with red sandstone and big adventure. For example, the A-Lodge Lyons offers rustic rooms right in downtown Lyons across from the Oskar Blues Brewery, 6 miles west of Hygiene.
Conclusion
Hygiene is a quaint town with a peculiar name and a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Its history as a tuberculosis sanatorium has shaped its identity and charm, and its collection of cafes and shops offers a delightful experience for visitors. Exploring Hygiene's open space and natural scenery is a must, and local accommodations are readily available for those looking to extend their stay. Personally, I think Hygiene is a hidden gem that deserves more attention, and I encourage you to visit and experience its unique character and charm for yourself.
