Sometimes you walk into a place and immediately fall in love with it. I thought meeting a friend for breakfast would be filled with catch-up chatter, girl talk, laughter, and confessions about love and struggles. And it was.

Pleasant surprises, including an introduction to the owners and staff of Highland Haven Creekside Inn, became part of our morning. I never create an opinion or assumption of a place until I’ve experienced it myself.

My friend, Jackie, mentioned she wanted to introduce me to people who owned a beautiful inn, and I agreed. But when she said the place was amazing, I thought, “I’ll be the judge of that.” Let’s just say I’ll never question my friend again.

I gasped as we drove on a bridge over Bear Creek. I told myself to stay calm. Just because what I saw in front of me was charming didn’t mean the inside would be equally appealing. Boy, I was wrong. It was even better!

Without getting out of the truck, I felt enchanted by the welcome at the front entrance as a firepit near the office door created the first of many reasons I’d fall in love with Highland Haven.

The cozy feeling of the place got even better after taking three steps inside. The check-in desk is the gateway to a dining area and a lovely boutique filled with items that complement the vibe of the Evergreen mountains and the inn.

Owners Gail Riley and Tom Statzell bought the property in 1979 with the hopes of flipping it and moving on in five years. Lucky for their guests and the community, their plans changed.

Throughout their 40 years of ownership, the couple’s design and woodworking skills have created a dream getaway for Coloradoans and tourists alike. Every sleeping quarter has a unique style and design, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for every guest.

I mean it when I say there is something for everyone. Lodging options include guest rooms, suites, cottages, a loft, and a tree house. That’s right. Tucked into a stand of blue spruce is a magnificent 850-square-foot dwelling embraced by magic one generally only hears about in fairytales.

The Hillside Two accommodation is one of my favorites. It boasts a hot tub room accessible right from the master bedroom. It took everything out of me to leave this cottage. I wanted to move in.

Toward the end of my tour, a guest approached our guide and said, “We just love this place. We make the extra effort to drive from the airport just to stay here. Your breakfast is so good too.” Need I say more? I think not.

Sometimes it’s easy to pick up on a person’s or a place’s vibes. At least, for me. Some people believe that falling in love only happens between humans. After spending a few moments at Highland Haven, I beg to differ.

Highland Haven Creekside Inn is located at 4395 Independence Trail, Evergreen, CO 80439. They can be reached by phone at 303-674-3577. To learn more visit https://highlandhaven.com/. Find them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/HighlandHaven.

If you need a place to stay in the Nederland area, check out the Boulder Creek Lodge, with easy access to many unique shops and restaurants and located only minutes from skiing and year-round outdoor recreation. https:// www.thebouldercreeklodge.com/.