By Warren Epstein, The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Mar. 21--EVERGREEN --The only thing I knew about this mountain town was that it was home to the wildest dive bar in Colorado, The Little Bear.
Then I got a postcard promoting Evergreen tourism, describing it as "Seven Miles of Luxury."
HIDDEN GETAWAY
The materials went on to describe how you can make a getaway to Evergreen a five-star spa resort experience. Really? In Evergreen? OK, I decided to check it out myself, and although Evergreen doesn't have a major spa resort, you can cobble together the resort experience if you're willing to do a bit of traveling. Here's how it could work:
Highland Haven Creekside Inn
Evergreen has plenty of B&Bs, but Highland Haven stands out for delivering the definitive luxurious Colorado experience.
Sunset magazine recently voted it among the Top 10 Hidden Getaways, and for good reason. Nestled along a creek adorned with sculptures, buried in a pine forest, Highland Haven really feels like an escape. Amazing that it's only a half-hour from Denver.
ALL YOU NEED
The suites, cottages, junior suites and guest rooms offer all the amenities: the fluffy robes, hot tubs, flat-screen TVs and rustic but not too-rustic decor. Breakfast, which is part of the deal, is fabulous, a spread of fruit, baked goods and the signature Egg Strata, loaded with veggies, cheese and a base of bread.
THE EATS
Aspen Grill
Overlooking Evergreen Lake (and taking advantage of that gorgeous view with huge picture windows), Aspen Grill continues that sense of pampering with elegant surroundings, a smart wine list and some excellent steak and seafood dishes.
You can't go wrong with the PEI Mussels ($12, appetizer portion) or the Bison Short Rib ($27).
IF YOU GO
Address: 29029 Upper Bear Creek Road
Contact: 1-303-674-9463, aspengrillevergreen.com.
THE TOWN
Beside the infamous Little Bear, which has live bands six nights a week, you'll find great galleries, a winery that offers free tastings and many opportunities for world-class hiking, whether it's at Evergreen Lake, which has a walkway that takes you across one section of it, or nearby Elk Meadow, which usually lives up to its name.
IF YOU GO:
Take I-25 north to West C-470, take U.S. 285 S., turn right on South Parmalee Gulch Road and follow signs. It takes about 1 hour, 30 minutes.
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