Hygiene, Colorado is a small, unincorporated town located about one mile west of McIntosh Lake, northwest of Longmont. The town got its name from the Hygiene House sanitarium built here in the late 1800s by Reverend Jacob S Flory, who sought to help his patients overcome tuberculosis (TB). When they got better, many of these recovered patients stayed right where they were, enamored with the beauty of the area, year-round sunshine, and sparkling mountain air.
Though the sanitarium is long gone, the area seems to still hold onto its healing powers. Today, Hygiene is a picturesque, fun little town, surrounded by farmland, fresh air and stunning mountain vistas. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Hygiene offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. It is not uncommon to find 20 to 30 bicycle riders hanging around, enjoying a cold beverage, eating or just catching their breath under one of the town shops’ huge 100-year-old shade trees.
In Hygiene, you can catch breakfast or lunch at Crane Hollow Café, then visit next door at Rabbit Brush Gallery, an art gallery and gift shop that features local and regional artists’ work … and no one misses a stop at the Mountain Fountain, the town’s general store, antiques dealer, and gluten-free bakery.
This beautiful little spot also has a US Post Office (80533), a church (Hygiene United Methodist Church), a cemetery, and a school (Hygiene Elementary). Hygiene Elementary School is an outstanding public school, recognized as a John Irwin School of Excellence, and honored with a Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award.
With its more laid-back lifestyle, but not far at all from the amenities of a larger city, Hygiene really is the perfect spot for commuters, young families, and professionals who want a country atmosphere and easy access to the mountains.