Evergreen Colorado – Magical!
Evergreen, Colorado is a mountain town that is easily accessible for a get away from the big city life, and a magical place to call home.
by Caren Austin
When I was asked to write a feature story on Evergreen, CO for Mountain Town Magazine, I considered it an honor to write about the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen, and a bonus is that I live here in this little slice of heaven.
Just 19 miles from Denver, and sitting at 7220 ft, with higher altitudes in different areas, Evergreen, CO is a mountain town that is easily accessible for a get away from the big city life, and a magical place to call home.
A bit of history on Evergreen. Settled in 1859 and named for the beautiful Evergreen trees that surround the town, Evergreen’s buildings have stories to tell. For instance, The Little Bear Saloon’s original core building was once an Episcopal church, and moved to its Main Street location in the 1890’s. For the last 40 years The Little Bear has become the place to go enjoy a libation and awesome live music. Before it was named The Little Bear in the 1960’s, it was called the Red Ram, and hosted greats like Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The Red Ram sign still sits on Little Bear’s roof today.
During the late 19th century, people from Denver loved coming to Evergreen to get away from it all, and some of them even built summer homes in Evergreen. The dam was built in 1928, creating Evergreen Lake which gave tourists and residents a place to enjoy summer and winter activities. Even today, Evergreen Lake is a hugely popular place for activities year-round. There is so much history in Evergreen, you can visit www.evergreenchamber.org to learn more.
The open space in Evergreen is abundant. Some of my favorite hiking spots are Elk Meadow, Alderfer Three Sisters, and Maxwell Falls. A perfect day can consist of a hike at one of these places followed by a fabulous lunch at one of many great restaurants around town.
The wildlife in Evergreen is ever-present, and why many professional photographers are constantly waiting for that perfect shot of elk, deer, birds, fox, or maybe even a bear! An “Elk Jam” might be your excuse for being late to work, but that’s how we roll here in Evergreen. It’s a place to always have your camera or phone ready for an incredible shot, just don’t get too close to our wildlife, remember, they were here first, and need their space.
Evergreen Lake is the perfect place to go ice skating, ice fishing, or pick up a game of hockey in the Winter. Fun fact, the lake is the largest Zamboni maintained frozen lake in the USA! It is a fantastic Winter activity in Evergreen, and so fun for paddleboarding in the summer. The 1-mile walking trail around the lake is beautiful in any season, and a definite camera worthy activity.
Big news here in Evergreen… We are so lucky to have a movie being made right here. Think Romcom meets the holidays and get ready for Mocha and Mistletoe! Filming this December in Evergreen, the movie will feature all things holiday in our town. Who knows you might even be asked to be an extra!
Since the holidays are about food and family, let’s dig into some of my favorite places to dine in Evergreen. For breakfast, hit Java Groove in downtown for great coffee and brunch eats. If it is wine you are craving, there is no better than Creekside Cellars. You must try their charcuterie board. It is something that you will definitely want to take a picture of because it is that beautiful. The wine here is made on the premises and has won many awards. Willow Creek is a quaint, upscale restaurant situated right on Lake Evergreen. The views are spectacular, and so is the food. My favorite thing to order is the Sausage Rigatoni. Local ingredients are used whenever possible, and some are even grown on premise.
Another great hang out for lunch, dinner, and listening to fabulous live bands, is Cactus Jacks. Cactus Jacks is an institution in Evergreen, and the owners are the nicest people you will ever meet. Their patio in the summer is next level, and it is a cozy place to hang out in the Winter. The Woodcellar Bar & Grill is the place I go where “everybody knows you name”. It’s a local’s hangout but they always welcome new faces. Their nachos are some of the best I have ever had. Evergreen Cooking School and Market is my go-to for steaks, seafood and chef prepared take home goodies for dinner.
If you are visiting Evergreen, you must stay at Highland Haven Creekside Inn. It’s a magical place that sits right on the creek. You can enjoy a glass of wine while sitting on the Adirondack chairs overlooking the creek in the warmer months, and in Winter, you can just relax by the outdoor firepit or cozy up to the fireplace in your room. The rooms are gorgeous, and their breakfasts are legendary. The inn is walking distance to all the shops and restaurants downtown. Plan ahead as they fill up fast.
Shopping for the holidays is easy in Evergreen. I love Marmalade Jewelry, Sisters & Company, and Black Fox Provisions for all my holiday needs. Nothing says the holidays more than the Christmas tree at Mountain Home. The store is exquisite, and the tree inside is jaw dropping. You can purchase the ornaments off the tree to take home. It is truly a one stop shop for gift buying.
There are so many events year-round in Evergreen, but holiday season is extra special. The annual Evergreen Holiday Walk takes place December 6th and is a huge Winter wonderland event. Meet Santa, shop the local shops, sip some hot chocolate or cider, and take in all the beautiful Evergreen holiday spirit. On January 1st, you can take the Polar Plunge at the Evergreen Lake. Smile for the camera for ultimate bragging rights while helping nonprofit Active4All. Your entry helps scholarships and the capital needs of the Evergreen Park and Recreation District.
Whether it is skating on the lake in the Winter, leaf peeping in the Fall, paddleboarding in the Summer, or watching all the wildflowers bloom in the Spring, Evergreen is an outdoor fantasyland 365 days of the year. Evergreen is a town full of the nicest people always helping their neighbors, and a beautiful town to call home. If you live here, you know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t been here, come have a look, or maybe venture back again to see what’s new. The landscape in Evergreen is ever-changing. I find myself pulling out my phone to constantly take photos. Sometimes I feel like a tourist here, but Evergreen is just that beautiful. This holiday season, I am grateful, lucky, and most of all, happy that I get to live in such a beautiful place. One thing that you can always count on in Evergreen, we will always leave the light on for you.
Happiest of holidays to you and your family ~ Caren
As Seen in Mountain Town Magazine Holiday Issue 2024
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