Rustic and romantic, the family owned and operated Highland Haven Creekside Inn is located in Evergreen, just 30 minutes west of Denver. For those looking for an escape from the city, this Colorado Mountain B&B will charm you upon the moment of entering the wooded grounds.
Short Drive from West Denver
My hubby and I live in the foothills of Denver, so the drive was even shorter, just 20 minutes. Pass by EverGPS took us on a loop above and around town, but the simplest way to get here is to take Exit 252 off Interstate 70 past Evergreen Lake. A right turn off Main Street and the quaint downtown of Evergreen, on an old stretch of Highway 74, and you’ll arrive at the bridge entrance to Highland Haven Creekside Inn.
Charming is a word often overused, but seriously, this Colorado B&B is exactly like that. Their website describes it as an opportunity to create your own “Colorado Woodland Fairytale.” And it is that adorable. Rustic. Quiet. Charming.
Did I mention family-owned and operated? Over 35 years ago, Gail and Tom, a couple originally from Indiana, had a dream and turned this old pioneer lodge into a beautiful B&B. It had a couple of names, but Highland Haven Creekside Inn is the one that stuck.
We arrived late evening, but even in the darkness, there was no denying the romance of this wooded destination. Cross the bridge over Bear Creek with towering rock outcroppings creating a haven of sorts for the inn. You have arrived at your mountain escape. Several buildings snuggle up next to 400 feet of creek front. But it’s their neon sign that lights the way to the main building, where check-in is located.
Our visit was during the holidays, with the office area all decked out in Christmas lights. We arrived later in the evening, but the receptionist was there within seconds of our arrival. Check-in was smooth, and she asked if we would like the complimentary breakfast (and we would!).
Dailey Cabin
She gave us a quick tour of the “Dailey Cabin” which is an extension of the office. Built as a summer cabin, this is the “hub” of the inn’s property provides a historic setting for our guests to enjoy breakfast each morning (served daily 8-10 am).
The cozy cabin has pitched roof, timber beams, stone fireplace, and hand-hewn logs. The dining area includes one large room and the adjoining Champagne Room (feels like a sun room) with multiple tables scattered through the two rooms. The kitchen is located on the backside of the larger room, as well as a boutique store.
Accommodations
Homemade Breakfast Buffet
We followed the walk through the building to the Dailey Cabin. Approximately 10-12 other guests were already enjoying the homemade hot breakfast (although unfortunately our egg frittata was lukewarm). There was quite a selection of breakfast items, including delicious homemade pastries. You can take these recipes home, by purchasing the innkeeper Gail Riley’s cookbook Colorado Cravings.
Location near Downtown Evergreen, Colorado
Highland Haven Creekside Inn is just a short walk from downtown Evergreen, with its casual dining pub-style options with live music (Little Bear, Cactus Jacks). There is also a new brew pub, Revival Brews, the closest walking option. You can also browse the town’s galleries, winery, live music, boutiques, and coffee shops. A longer walk (15-2 minutes) is Evergreen Lake.
A number of other restaurants are a short drive away. We choose to drive to Kittredge (less than 10 minutes) to Black Hat Cattle Company, a delicious steakhouse.
Rates start at $180 per night (standard guest room). The Blue Spruce Cottage (where I stayed) $345 per night. The TreeHouse ranges from $499/$575 per night. Book directly with the hotel or through Expedia.
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Highland Haven provided accommodations for purposes of a review; opinions expressed are my own. Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe & Highland Haven Creekside Inn.