Known for its rolling hills, parks, trails, and prestigious neighborhoods, the area balances convenience, luxury, and access to the great outdoors.
In This Article
From sampling local cuisine to touring historic sites, Cherry Hills Village offers visitors a taste of authentic Rocky Mountain life. Its proximity to Denver provides urban amenities, while the wide open spaces beckon adventure. Families delight in recreational activities, couples relish romantic getaways, and outdoor enthusiasts bask under bluebird skies.
TL;DR
- Cherry Hills Village charms visitors with its scenery, history, cuisine, and community.
- Easy access to Denver and plentiful parks and trails encourage outdoor recreation.
- Each season showcases different attractions – from fall hikes to winter sports.
Local Experiences and Culture
Wandering through Cherry Hills Village reveals unexpected cultural experiences at every turn. Beyond the ever-present backdrop of magnificent mountain vistas, visitors to Arapahoe County can immerse themselves in local arts, traditions, and interactions.
Local markets and restaurants allow travelers to sample Colorado cuisine, such as bison and elk, paired with local beers and wines. The area provides opportunities to observe artists and craftspeople practicing their trades in studios tucked amid rolling hills and cottonwood trees.
Annual cultural events range from art and food festivals to exhibits and community gatherings. Visitors may chance upon impromptu concerts in the park or become immersed in celebrations of Cherry Hills Village’s Western heritage. These community interactions foster meaningful connections with local residents.
Outdoor Adventures
Surrounded by natural beauty, Cherry Hills Village serves as a gateway to iconic routes, including Guanella Pass Scenic Byway and Lariat Loop and numerous state and city parks. Hikers and mountain bikers delight in an extensive trail system winding through meadows and forests.
Visitors flock to the region in autumn to experience the dazzling display of fall colors along cottonwood-lined waterways and hillsides with golden aspen groves. Scenic drives reveal breathtaking vistas, while hikes through evergreen woodlands end at panoramic overlooks. Nearby Cherry Creek State Park offers an array of favorite fall activities, including fly fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Home to the famed Cherry Hills Country Club, Cherry Hills Village offers one of the best golf courses in the United States. The country club has hosted 9 USGA competitions and 3 PGA Championships and is situated on prime real estate for the most breathtaking mountain views.
As winter approaches, nearby ski resorts open their slopes. Crisp air promises adventure via snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on scenic trails. Ice skating on a frozen alpine lake provides a quintessential Colorado experience. Visitors can also simply relax by the fireside with a mug of hot chocolate after an exhilarating day of playing in powdery snow.
When warmer weather arrives, opportunities for outdoor recreation multiply exponentially. From hiking Colorado’s famed Fourteeners to rafting the Colorado River Headwaters, summer entices visitors to explore alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and winding trails leading to majestic mountain vistas.
Seasonal Attractions and Events
Cherry Hills Village’s natural beauty transforms with the seasons, presenting diverse attractions and events for visitors to enjoy.
Fall welcomes harvest festivals and farmers markets as well as spectacular foliage. Annual events range from museum exhibits to Oktoberfest celebrations to culinary showcases. Autumn offers pleasant weather for hiking, biking, and drives through the countryside to view blazing aspens and cottonwoods.
In the colder months, ski resorts such as Breckenridge open their slopes to skiers and snowboarders. The sound of laughter carries through icy air as families sled, snowshoe, and delight in playing in the soft powder. Annual Snow Sculpting Festivals exhibit stunning carved creations. Or visitors can simply relax by a crackling fire in a cozy lodge after an exhilarating day outdoors.
When warmer weather arrives, outdoor recreation opportunities multiply exponentially. Summer lures visitors to explore winding trails leading to majestic mountain vistas and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Families enjoy activities like horseback riding, rafting, and hiking through wildflower meadows. Annual events include art festivals, rodeos, and historical reenactments. Visitors can also pick their own fruit at orchards and farms.
Family and Recreational Activities
Cherry Hills Village entices families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Myriad parks and trails allow visitors to tailor activities to their interests and abilities. Museums, hands-on exhibits, and wildlife sanctuaries provide learning experiences for children of all ages. Area resorts cater to multigenerational travel with amenities ranging from children’s programs to spas and golf.
In warmer months, options expand to include water sports, horseback riding, and summer camps focused on themes from adventure to academics. Families of every age group delight in floating down rivers, embarking on scenic drives such as Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Evans), and exploring historic sites. Cool mountain air offers respite on hot summer days.
A visit to John Meade Park will not disappoint. Families will enjoy the recently renovated picnic shelter, bathrooms, and play area. The park also features ponds with fishing piers, a boardwalk through the wetlands, an equestrian arena, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts live events.
Come winter, families try their hand at skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts. Young children often prefer tubing hills, which offer exhilarating rides. Teens and adults may attempt more challenging terrain parks and half-pipes. Many resorts provide lessons and camps for all ability levels. Off-slope, the whole family can go ice skating, sledding, or snowshoeing through snow-laden forests.
Glenmoor Country Club caters specifically to families. It has an 18-hole golf course, restaurant, patio, tennis courts, swimming pools, junior programs, and more. There is something for every age group, making it an ideal hub for family fun.
Historic Sites and Cultural Landmarks
History resides amid Cherry Hills Village’s natural splendor. In 1938, homes were built south of Hampden Avenue and west of University Boulevard, and the Cherry Hills School was at Quincy Avenue and University Boulevard. Expansion and growth followed, including the construction of the Village Center in 1963. Years of careful preservation efforts and city planning have resulted in the beautiful Rocky Mountain town enjoyed today.
Drive through the Buell Mansion community named after the acclaimed Denver architect Temple Hoyne Buell, who lived there with his family in the mansion, which had 192 acres of land he had purchased in 1930.
Visitors can explore ancient dwellings, Indigenous sites, and fossil discoveries, which offer windows into the past. Cultural landmarks range from museums and historic buildings to public art installations.
Area attractions include History Colorado Center’s “Living West” exhibit showcasing artifacts from frontier days as well as Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, where dinosaur fossil discoveries come to life. The region also provides opportunities to view petroglyphs, ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, and other archaeological treasures.
In Cherry Hills Village, the modern-day Western lifestyle melds seamlessly with enduring cultural traditions. Annual events celebrate this heritage through rodeos, powwows, historical reenactments, and exhibits of both contemporary and traditional arts and crafts. This interweaving of old and new forges an indelible sense of place.
Accommodations and Dining
Cherry Hills Village appeals to visitors with varied tastes and budgets when planning accommodations and dining. Lodging options range from luxury resorts with premier amenities to cozy inns and cabins offering a remote alpine experience. The area also provides RV parks, dude ranches, and guest ranches for more adventurous travelers.
Foodies indulge in inspired Colorado cuisine showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Classic steakhouses serve up prime cuts of bison and elk alongside regional microbrews. Farm-to-table restaurants allow diners to sample fresh produce, cheeses, and other seasonal delights. Even casual eateries incorporate local flavors into traditional dishes.
Planning Your Visit
Cherry Hills Village entices visitors year-round, but peak seasons vary depending on traveler preferences. Families often plan summer vacations to take advantage of mild weather and an abundance of outdoor activities. Resorts and lodges lure skiers and snowboarders during winter months. Fall delights leaf peepers eager to behold dazzling autumn foliage.
Regardless of season, travelers to the area can enhance their stays by researching transportation options, local customs, and average weather patterns. Consider bringing or renting a car to explore the region fully. Stay on marked trails to respect wildlife and the environment. Dress in layers to prepare for rapidly changing mountain conditions.
By blending convenience and natural beauty with luxury and small-town charm, Cherry Hills Village remains an alluring, ever-evolving destination for travelers seeking connection, adventure, or simply to revel amid spectacular mountain scenery. The community continues extending its storied Western hospitality to visitors from around the world.
FAQ
What are the best seasons to visit Cherry Hills Village?
Summer provides mild weather for outdoor recreation, while winter offers prime skiing and snowboarding. Fall delights leaf peepers with golden aspens and cottonwoods, but the area appeals year-round.
What is there to do in the winter?
Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Many resorts offer lessons for all skill levels. Indoor attractions range from museums to shopping and dining.
Where should visitors stay when exploring the area?
Accommodations range from luxury hotels and resorts to quaint inns, cabins, guest ranches, and RV parks. Choices exist for all budgets and preferences. Those wanting an outdoor experience can select a dude ranch.
What is there to do with kids?
Families enjoy activities like horseback riding, rafting, hiking, and hands-on museum exhibits. Resorts provide programs for children, and many offer summer camps. Parks contain playgrounds and trails suitable for little legs.
Where can visitors view fall colors?
Some of the best fall foliage occurs along rivers and creeks lined with cottonwoods, aspen groves, and blanketing hillsides in shimmering gold. Scenic drives and hikes reveal spectacular vistas. Peak colors typically occur during September and October.
