Brewing since 1873, Coors has become a Colorado institution worth visiting. "Cold as the Rockies" is a phrase we hear uttered during its commercials, and Golden, Colorado – the home of the beer company located about 15 miles west of downtown Denver – is a great spot for you to test this advertised truth. The brewery invites you to take a free self-guided tour (which should take about 30 minutes) through its facility, offering you the chance to learn more about Coors' malting and brewing processes. You'll also get a quick education on how beer is produced and packaged and find out more about the history of the brew. Once you reach the end of your tour, you can sample some beer in the tasting room.

One aspect of the Coors Brewery tour that visitors especially liked was its kid-friendliness. Youngsters will find the exhibits interesting, and while you're downing a cold brewski, your kids can quench their thirst with some free soft drinks. Just note that you are not allowed to bring any type of backpack, bag or purse with you as you explore the facility.

Reviews were mixed for the tour. Though some loved being able to go at their own pace without having to follow a group, others were disappointed in the absence of in-person guides. Past visitors also warn that you'll likely have to endure a wait to get in.

The brewery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday; tours are not offered on major holidays. During the summer months (June to mid-August), tours are offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. To get to the brewery from downtown Denver, hop aboard the 16L bus, which runs along Colfax Avenue and stops just a few blocks from the brewery's entrance (at the corner of 13th and Ford streets). Visit the brewery's website to learn more about the tours.