4208 S. Timbervale Drive, Evergreen, 720-497-7650
Why visit now: Colorado played a role in the outcome of the Civil War, and on the 150th anniversary of the first shots fired on April 12, 1861, Hiwan Homestead opened a major exhibit commemorating the state’s involvement. Titled “Fateful Lightning: Colorado in the Civil War, 1861-1865,” the displays feature original weapons, battlefield relics, documents, letters, personal items, photos and other memorabilia from the time Colorado troops served in several major battles, such as the Battle of Glorieta Pass in New Mexico and the battles around Westport, Mo., as well as their role in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864. The exhibit will run through Nov. 20 at Hiwan, a 25-room log mansion that’s pleasant to wander. Open Tues.- Sun. Sept.-May, noon-5 p.m.; June-Aug., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission.
Stay: The romantic and secluded Tree House at Highland Haven Creekside Inn is new, but all of the spaces at this bed and breakfast are cozy and inviting (see Room Report above).
Dine: With a filling morning repast covered at Highland Haven, dinner the night before at Rio del Sol (28215 Colorado 74, 303-670-3000, ) can be as big or small as you’d like. The comfortable Mexican restaurant — with its charming mix of eclectic art, exposed brick and casual furnishings, centered by a fireplace — serves familiar dishes done extremely well (check out the moist beef in the enchiladas, the seasoned carnitas in the rellenos or the tacos) and others gussied up or with a twist (jerk seasoning on grilled chicken with pumpkin mashers). Go easy on the house margaritas — the $7.50 price is terrific for the dog bowl-size glass you get, and it packs quite a punch. Kyle Wagner
