When a location is as close to a city as Evergreen is to Denver, it’s easy to overlook as a weekend destination. But to skip over this open-space smorgasbord in favor of farther-away mountain locales would be a mistake. Kyle Wagner
Health nuts
Whether you’re vegan or avoiding gluten or just like good food, the small, casual Dandelions Cafe & Bakery (32156 Castle Court, 303-674-5000, ) serves up fresh, hearty fare, with a bent toward organic and good-for-you ingredients. Individual-sized pizzas are topping-loaded (love the sweet balsamic chicken), and fresh veggie juices and a homemade ginger limeade hit the spot. The gluten-free brownies are way too good to be true. Note: Closed Sunday-Monday and serves only until 6 p.m. weekdays and 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Cabin fever
Tucked back off the road along the ever-burbling creek they’re named for, the Bear Creek Cabins (27400 Colorado 74, 303-674-3442, ) are solidly built duplexes with kitchens and fireplaces, big, comfy beds and porches that look out onto the water, which teems with trout year-round. You can bring the dog ($20 fee), too. Rates start at $95 a night in winter.
Early risers
It’s said that Tin Star (28025 Colorado 74, 303-679-1155, ) has barbecue, but we’re too busy stuffing ourselves with their delectable doughnuts to find out. Seriously. Thicker-than-usual glazed, and thickly iced cake and nut-studded chocolate versions, and don’t even get us started on the enormous apple fritters. Get a dozen for less than $10, and just try to share.
Evergreen Players Theater
If you think of local theater as amateurish or dull, you need a night out with the Evergreen Players (), who perform six plays a year at Center/Stage (27608 Fireweed Drive, 303-674-4934). Their recent reading of “A Christmas Story” was nothing short of hilarious, and they have tackled more serious material with aplomb. Upcoming offerings include “Black Comedy,” “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” and “The Laramie Project.” Tickets start at $20.
Get there: Evergreen is 29 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70 and Colorado 74.
Kyle Wagner: 303-954-1599 or outwest@denverpost.com
Ice, ice, baby
Ice skating at the Evergreen Lake House is still a cheap outing for dates and families alike — $5 adults, $4.75 ages 4-18 — with mountain views and a boat house for skate rentals and warm-ups. Call the ice skating hotline at 720-880-1391 for daily updates; open skate 3 to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 to 8 pm. Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 pm. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
