Littleton, Evergreen and Larkspur are wine hunters day trip destinations near Denver and Colorado Springs
For a relaxing getaway, there are romantic bed and breakfast inns, exceptional wineries and shops to explore, and great restaurants to enjoy.
Avanti Winery in Littleton is a good place to try wines from more than twenty Colorado wineries. You can also enjoy a good smoke in the adjoining tasting room “Gars and Grapes” that features a walk-in humidor. Owner Jim Griffin presides over both. Griffin’s own wines include Merlot, Chardonnay and a limited-edition Port. It’s open Thursday and Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6 and Sunday 11 to 5.
Boulevard Grill (American), 303-789-5350
Geppeto’s Ristorante (Italian), 303-797-2518
Little Holly’s (Asian), 303-683-5558
Z Teca Grill (Mexican), 303-948-2000
Wild Ginger Thai Restaurant (Thai), 303-794-1115
Creekside Cellars is located downtown in the beautiful mountain community of Evergreen, about 40 minutes southwest of Denver. The winery features an Italian delicatessen with an outdoor deck overlooking Bear Creek. This prolific little winery offers Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, a late-bottled vintage Port plus red, white and rose table wines. The winery and delicatessen are open every day in the summer, and Wednesdays and Sundays in the winter.
Evergreen is famous for its romantic getaways, antique shopping and bed and breakfast inns.
Highland Haven Creekside Inn adjoins 400 feet of Bear Creek, yet is just a short walk to Main Street. It has fireplaces, jacuzzis, down comforters and a super breakfast buffet. The 17 guest accommodations include cottages, cabins and suites done in classic Colorado décor.
Bears Inn Bed and Breakfast also combines rustic elegance with classic charm. Built in the 1920’s, it has 11 rooms plus a cabin, and boasts of its creative gourmet breakfasts.
Abundant Way Chalet and Lodge has six units with private entrances, baths, porches and kitchens, and serves a light breakfast in your room. A delightful getaway close to everything in Evergreen.
Mountain View Bed and Breakfast has four uniquely appointed rooms and a two-room cabin – all with private baths. Innkeepers Graham and Ortrud Richardson speak German and English and enjoy pampering their guests at breakfast. It’s made for weekend getaways.
Bistro at Marshdale (Continental), 303-674-7670
Coal Miners Dragon (Chinese), 303-670-1341
Creekside Cellars Restaurant (Italian), 303-674-5460
Floyd Hill Grill (American), 303-674-7555
Lakeshore Café (American), 303-674-1463
Evergreen Inn (American), 303-674-5495
Larkspur is another place to check out about 30 miles south of Denver on the way to Colorado Springs.
Spruce Mountain Meaderyin Larkspur (exit 172 on I-25) south of Denver) makes traditional, semi-sweet honey wine called mead, and claims that its gratifying pleasures are superior to any grape wine or beer. The owners site Beowulf and Odysseus, Viking and Celtic lore, Chaucer’s tales and Shakespeare’s sonnets as evidence of mead’s noble lineage. The winery also produces spice and berry-flavored honey wines.
If you find yourself looking for a good place to eat in Larkspur, try
Spur of the Moment 303-681-2990. The cuisine is largely Mexican and so is the hospitality.