Colorado Explorer

Evergreen
Photo: Richard DuVal

Destination: Evergreen

By Linda DuVal

Evergreen is a cool place to hang out on a hot summer's day—in more ways than one. On a beastly day last summer, when Front Range temperatures soared to three digits, it was pleasantly temperate in this foothills community, 12 miles west of C-470 on the edge of Denver. (It's on the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway.)

And when the sun goes down, you might even need a sweater.

But cool temperatures aren't the only reason to visit this verdant village. Stop in at Creekside Cellars to sample the award-winning wines, and accompany it with a sandwich from the deli. You can eat on the creek-side balcony, and the sound of the water alone will cool you off.

Nothing like a cold beer on a hot day? Check out the microbrews at Little Bear Saloon, across the street from the winery. Order a sampler and decide which brew suits your palate. Then order some pub food, sit back and listen to some live music, provided by top Colorado and national bands. Or grab a pan of Colorado-style pizza at Beau Jo's. For more upscale food, but not at upscale prices, try Tuscany Tavern.

Visit the Hiwan Homestead Museum, where you can sit under a shady tree and admire the grounds or tour the buildings, which include a 17-room log home, a housekeeper's cabin, a stone playhouse, a sample guest tent and a pioneer workshop.

And don't forget the lake! You can rent paddleboats or canoes, bring your own sailboat, or just sit by the lake and listen to the waves lap the shore. Like to fish? Bring your fly-fishing gear and try your luck in Upper Bear Creek.

You also can play golf with a view at the Evergreen Golf Course (but unless you're also up for a good hike, get a cart). And speaking of hiking, there are trails that range from easy to challenging—and it's a popular place for bicyclists, too. Looking for a bit of culture? There's a terrific little local theater company, and there are art gallery walks scheduled the fourth Friday of each month. Summer brings a variety of celebrations to Evergreen, including Summerfest (July 14-15), a three-day jazz festival (July 27-29), and two arts festivals—the Fine Arts Festival (August 25-26) and the plein-air Paint Shoot Sculpt event (from August 22). For details, visit www.evergreenchamber.org or call 303-674-3412.

Linda DuVal is former travel editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs and a freelance writer.