We highly recommend this property for any couple or single person searching for a peaceful base from which to explore the surrounding area. The location is beautiful, with stunning views to greet you each morning as you sit at the dining table or outside on the deck. The weather was warm and comfortable during our stay in late August/early September, with a rain shower most afternoons around 2pm. Bring layers for the cooler mountain air, particularly for those elevations!
Kitty was an ideal host; kind, generous and helpful. We made good use of the kitchen appliances provided, including the microwave, toaster, countertop stove (two rings) and crock pot. If there was anything extra we needed, Kitty was only a knock away. Her offer of mountain bikes/kayaks/inner tubes and the associated accessories to borrow was much appreciated; this made our exploration of Evergreen and the nearby towns even more memorable. We were also grateful to be able to lock our car in the garage overnight.
The lodging is cosy and comfortable - exactly what you need after a long day of hiking in the mountains! The steam shower was a real luxury and electric heating is available for the chillier nights. Kitty maintains a vegetable garden directly out the back of the lodging, from which we were able to pick delicious, fresh salad to accompany our meals.
Evergreen itself is a quaint, characterful town with enough bars and restaurants to satisfy your stay if you aren't wanting to travel further afield in the evenings. Particular highlights for us were The Den, which serves scrumptious pizzas and hosts live music on certain nights of the week; Da Kind Soups, open 11-7 all week for your hearty soup-and-sandwich cravings (both of these restaurants will cater for vegan and gluten-free customers); Cactus Jack's, a relaxed, friendly bar where many locals hang out, play pool and partake in some karaoke; they serve the best fried mushrooms and margaritas around!
Other nearby activities we enjoyed include: reaching the Summit Lake of Mount Evans - a must-do activity, but beware the altitude and twisty ascent! White water rafting out in Canyon City; visiting Elitch Gardens amusement/water park in downtown Denver; spending the afternoon at the hot springs resort in Idaho Springs; taking in some live music at a magical Red Rocks concert. These are on top of all the wonderful hiking trails available!
Thank you to Kitty for hosting us. Hopefully we will return to Evergreen one day!