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february 2015
denverlifemagazine.com
CULTURE | ADVENTURE | STYLE
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Plunge into the indulgent offerings at Dunton Hot Springs on page 75

2. february 2015 / DenverLifeMagazine.com
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adventure
february 2015 / DenverLifeMagazine.com
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Thecliffhouseatpike’speak
D
inner and a movie is not always enough. Quality time may
require more than a couple stolen hours outside the home.
Take date night to the next level with a staycation on the Front
Range. One night away at a not-so-far destination gives couples
a much-needed chance to hit the reset button and recharge together in
a serene, if not steamy, setting.
The Cliff House at Pike’s Peak
Manitou Springs is a curious yet captivating place, built on legends from
the 1800s as well as its current offerings, such as an old-school penny
arcade, incline hike and stunning views of Pike’s Peak. The Cliff House
at Pike’s Peak endures through the years; originally a stagecoach stop for
gold-miners, gamblers and outlaws, now a fully-restored, romantic B&B
ranked as one of the world’s top 100 hotels by Travel + Leisure.
This stately spot dates back 150 years, with an award-winning
culinary experience set in a Victorian environment. With AAA Four
Diamond status, The Cliff House exudes Old World sophistication
throughout its 54 guestrooms and suites. One wouldn’t expect this
level of service and quality accommodations in a tiny town outside
Colorado Springs, but here it is, a place often cited as one of the most
romantic experiences many Colorado couples have encountered.
If you enjoy breakfast or lunch at the on-site Dining Room, then
dinner needs to be savored at The Mona Lisa, a fondue restaurant
in downtown Manitou Springs within walking distance of the hotel.
Depending on the establishment, fondue can be awkward and odd,
or the most decadent, so-
phisticated meal one could
experience. This is the
latter. The atmosphere and
service is nearly flawless,
and the four-course menus
are deliciously crafted, a
highlight being the Wild
Game course of Colorado
Rainbow Trout, Buffalo,
Rocky Mountain Elk, Mal-
lard Duck and Wild Boar
Bratwurst, prepared at the
table and served with six
dipping sauces. However, your chance to experience living wildlife
in person may come if you visit Garden of the Gods, a short drive
from The Cliff House. The breathtaking red rock park can be hiked
or driven through, both with the chance of encountering bighorn
sheep, mule deer and more. thecliffhouse.com
Front Range Forays
Quality couple time is equal parts passion, privacy and new places.
By ali harrison
mountain escapes
Celebrity Suites, including the
Buffalo Bill Suite (pictured
left), are invidually decorated
to honor famous guests of
the past.

3. february 2015 / DenverLifeMagazine.com
85
goldenleafinn
Golden Leaf Inn
A stay in Estes Park may be just what’s needed
to celebrate Rocky Mountain National Park’s
(RMNP) centennial year. The newest addi-
tion to local accommodations is the Golden
Leaf Inn, an elegant B&B set in an original
founding family home of Estes Park. The
owner purchased this historic property and
completely restored it to its original style, but
with the essential amenities of a successful,
modern B&B. Each of its four guest rooms has
beautiful views of the Rockies, as well as high-
quality linens and bedding that tempt guests
to rest for days.
Tranquil common areas and three patios
give couples the chance to explore at their lei-
sure, watching for elk, deer and eagles. Guests
cuddle up in the library, home theater and
living room with a wood-burning fireplace.
A full gourmet, organically sourced breakfast
is served each morning. Innkeeper, Monica,
makes delicious signature dishes including
an Egg Omelet Roll with roasted red peppers
and sun-dried tomatoes, an Artichoke Egg
Souffle and warm scones served with sweet
homemade marmalade and fresh lemon curd.
Couples can hike and snowshoe in
RMNP—only a 10-minute drive from the
B&B—before easing into the hot tub back
With views of Long’s Peak to the south, Golden
Leaf Inn is a cozy home away from home.
Our flowers make a really nice gift.
Particularly for someone who’s been a little naughty.
1•800•825•6768 www.bouquets.org 303•333•5500
Extraordinary
flowErs for
ordinary lifE

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highlandhavencreeksideinn
at Golden Leaf Inn. Even better, a short walk along Big Thompson River lands guests in Estes
Park. The downtown area hosts Dancing Pines Distillery’s tasting room, which serves samples
and cocktails involving their award-winning spirits, such as Chai Liqueur and Spiced Rum. A
romantic rendezvous calls for an alluring dining atmosphere. Twin Owls Steakhouse is housed in
a 1920s log cabin with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. By candlelight, diners enjoy live classical
guitar music and Colorado-inspired dishes, such as Almond Crusted Venison Chops and Buffalo
Ribeye (both created to commemorate RMNP’s 100-year anniversary. goldenleafinn.com
Highland Haven Creekside Inn
A half hour west of Denver, the quaint town of Evergreen boasts a winery, delicious dining,
expansive hiking trails, art galleries, a picturesque lake and, most importantly, an award-
winning bed and breakfast just off Main St. This charming property along Bear Creek is
known for its romantic atmosphere, superb staff and homemade breakfast.
Highland Haven has walking paths and seating along the creek, surrounded by ever-
greens. Couples who seek the ultimate offering should book the Treehouse Suite. Tucked
on the far side of the property, this three-level, fairy tale cottage is the ultimate, secluded
hideaway. Literally built into a
towering tree, the Treehouse’s main
level centers around an aspen king
bed set under a glittering chan-
delier. Guests can toast to a night
away in the sitting area next to a
warm fire. A climb to the top floor
of the Treehouse lands couples in a
windowed spa room with a gigantic,
bubbling Jacuzzi.
Couples can walk to the seasonal
farmers’ market, mere yards from
Highland Haven, and then continue
downtown to wine taste and shop lo-
cal boutiques. Willow Creek Restau-
rant receives top honors for its dining experience along Evergreen Lake. Their famous brunches
include Caviar Omelets and intense Bloody Marys. For party-ready couples, Little Bear Saloon
on Main St. is one of Colorado’s hidden gems; you can dance to live music on weekend nights.
This speedy getaway is truly an experience couples cherish for a lifetime.
highlandhaven.com DLM
CLOSE
ENCOUNTERS
Whether couples’ cite
parent-child separation
anxiety or next-day com-
mitments, some people
can’t conveniently leave
Denver overnight. Check
out these options for
closer quality time.
Patterson Historic
Inn: Originally built in
1891, this stately National
Landmark property is set
in the heart of Capitol
Hill. With nine themed
bedrooms, exquisite
gardens and beauti-
fully restored floors and
accents, Patterson Inn’s
elegant atmosphere and
delicious breakfast is our
pick. pattersoninn.com
The Queen Anne
Bed & Breakfast:
This eco-friendly B&B
has 14 rooms and suites
decorated by local art-
ists and accented with
organic cotton bedding,
eco mattresses, Jason
Organics amenities and
more. The B&B’s gardens
supply fresh ingredients
for the breakfasts, and
happy hour is a daily
highlight.
queenannebnb.com
Briar Rose Bed &
Breakfast: In the heart
of downtown Boulder,
Briar Rose is a comfort-
ing, amorous retreat
within miles of renowned
hiking trails. With 10
guest rooms, this B&B in-
cludes an organic break-
fast. briarrosebb.com
Highland Haven’s luxury suites, cottages and guest rooms in-
clude king beds, Jacuzzis or hot tubs, fireplaces, flat-screen
TVs and warm, refined mountain decor.