As far as wintertime activities go, ice-skating on a frozen lake is about as good as it gets
As far as wintertime activities go, ice- skating on a frozen lake is about as good as it gets--particularly on Evergreen Lake, with its snow-dusted mountain panorama. Skate rentals are available at the Evergreen Lake BY Cheryl Meyers House. If you have a group, reserve space for a rousing game of broom- ball. $5, rentals $6; 29614 Upper Bear Creek Rd.; evergreenrecreation.com
The tiny, bucolic Tin Star Cafe & Donut Haus has just about the best restaurant concept you could dream up: doughnuts and barbecue. Drop in for the famed apple fritters and bear claws, but save room for a mouthwatering pulled-pork sandwich. $; 28025 State 74; 303/679-1155. Getting there Evergreen is about 30 miles west of Denver. Take I-70 and exit at State 74/Evergreen Pkwy.; evergreenchamber.org
All it takes is a couple of hours at the tucked-away TallGrass Aveda Spa & Salon to get you feeling completely rejuvenated. The salon delivers on its award- winning stone massages, mud wraps, and sea-salt scrubs. But it's the location, nestled in a quiet mountain meadow, that makes time stand still. Massages from $75; 997 Upper Bear Creek Rd.; tallgrassspa.com
Warm up your belly with a generous pour of Creekside Cellars' spot- on Rosso table wine and a delicious antipasto platter, served with freshly baked focaccia. The small winery's 12 other award-winning varietals--made with grapes from Colorado's emerging western- slope wine country--are worth a sample too, so pace yourself. Cafe $, $5 tasting fee; 28036 State 74; 303/674-5460.