On Saturday, September 23, 2023, just a couple of hours after the sun illuminated the forests of the Peak to Peak Highway, the Hilltop Guild welcomed autumn with a fall festival full of mountain creativity.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors wandered through booths covered with beautifully crafted jewelry, ornaments, soaps, aprons, art supplies, and more. The scent of homemade chilis and desserts inspired guests to stay a little longer.

The appropriately decorated tables complemented the sense of autumn already in the air. Plenty of joy, smiles, and reasons to spend a few shekels made the festival that much more enjoyable.

Money from sales goes to support academic scholarships for high school students in Lyons, Estes Park, and Allenspark. The Hilltop Guild Fall Fest is a free annual event, offering locals and tourists the perfect excuse to enjoy the changing of the leaves and get a head start on their holiday shopping.

The wind was a reminder of the changing seasons, but situated perfectly against the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the warm ambiance inside the Kelley House made autumn feel even cozier.

The historic Kelley House is located at 18720 Highway 7, Allenspark. You can find them on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/TheHilltopGuild or you can give them a call at 303-747-2001.