Summary
- Annual Exotic Car Show
- Annual Winter Celebration
- Barnhouse Tap
- Cherry Hills Sushi Co.
- Harvard Gulch Golf Course
- Roxborough State Park
- Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
- Devil’s Head Distillery
- South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center
- The Museum of Outdoor Arts
- Southlands Mall
- The Littleton Museum
- Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms
- The Plains Conservation Center
- Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Situated just south of Denver, between Littleton and Aurora, Cherry Hills Village is a small municipality that encompasses approximately 7,000 residents and was incorporated in 1945.
Despite its modest size, Cherry Hills Village ranks among the wealthiest communities in the state, boasting a significantly higher average family income compared to most other regions.
Although the number of attractions within the town is limited, visitors to Cherry Hills Village can easily access national parks, premier ski resorts, as well as rich history, art, live entertainment, and various cultural venues in the nearby city.
Below are 15 engaging activities to enjoy in and around Cherry Hills Village, Colorado.
1. Annual Exotic Car Show
Each year, Cherry Hills Village hosts a car show during the first week of September, coinciding with typically pleasant weather in the Rocky Mountain State.
This outdoor event features a remarkable assortment of modern and vintage vehicles from private collections across the western United States.
Admission is complimentary, and individuals with classic cars wishing to showcase their vehicle can download an application from the municipality’s website to participate.
The show also offers delightful food and live music, and is conveniently located in the city hall parking lot, making it easily accessible on foot.
2. Annual Winter Celebration
Winter typically arrives earlier in Colorado than in many other states. The Annual Winter Celebration is a much-anticipated event, providing visitors with a unique experience of the holiday and winter seasons.
Formerly known as the Holiday Tree Lighting, this event has expanded to include additional activities, leading to its recent name change.
This family-friendly attraction in Cherry Hills Village is held at Village Center. Though the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree remains the highlight, other options include a hayride, visits with Santa, and storytime for children.
3. Barnhouse Tap
Located on South Broadway in Englewood, Barnhouse Tap is considered by discerning beer enthusiasts to be among the finest brewpubs in the Denver area.
The establishment typically features around 40 beers on tap at any given time, varying in color, flavor profiles, and alcohol content to satisfy diverse palates.
Alternatives such as hard cider and a selection of wines are also available. The outdoor patio is especially well-suited for dog lovers wishing to bring their pets along.
In addition to beverages, an array of appetizers and sandwiches is offered, and during the spring and summer months, the venue frequently features live entertainment in the evenings.
4. Cherry Hills Sushi Co.
Thanks to advances in refrigerated transportation, establishments such as Cherry Hills Sushi Co. can source fresh seafood from both coasts and globally.
Previous patrons have described this sushi establishment as trendy, comfortable, and inviting. According to knowledgeable sources, they offer the finest sushi and sashimi in the vicinity.
A wide selection of beer, sake, and wine complements the menu. For those with little or no sushi experience, the staff is proficient and eager to assist, so do not hesitate to ask for recommendations.
5. Harvard Gulch Golf Course
For those seeking an economical alternative to a full 18-hole round of golf, the 9-hole Harvard Gulch Course in nearby Denver presents an excellent option.
The course measures approximately 900 yards from the longest tees, allowing for a complete round in just over an hour.
With wooded areas and sand hazards, Harvard Gulch provides both a scenic and challenging golfing experience, making it suitable for children and those with minimal golfing experience.
Established in 1982, the greens fees are exceptionally reasonable when compared to traditional 18-hole courses.
6. Roxborough State Park
Colorado boasts an extensive array of state and national parks. While many of the larger and more renowned parks are located hours away from Denver, several are conveniently close, providing ideal day trip opportunities for individuals seeking to optimize their vacation time.
Roxborough State Park, situated on Roxborough Drive in Littleton, encompasses more than 3,000 picturesque acres, offering numerous outdoor recreational activities.
Officially established in the mid-’70s, the park features stunning rock formations, Native American archaeological sites, and a multitude of trails suitable for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.
7. Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, located on Greenwood Plaza Boulevard in Englewood, is just a short drive from Cherry Hills Village. With a seating capacity of nearly 20,000, it serves as the largest venue of its kind in the Denver metropolitan area.
This live entertainment venue hosts a variety of contemporary and traditional concerts, as well as theatrical productions and other performances during the summer season.
Due to the popularity of certain shows, securing tickets in advance is advisable to avoid the disappointment of a sell-out.
The adjacent park provides an opportunity to explore local sculptures and artworks created by regional artists.
8. Devil’s Head Distillery
At first glance, first-time visitors might mistake Devil’s Head Distillery for an automotive repair shop; however, it is actually one of the area’s premier small-batch distilleries, attracting discerning spirit enthusiasts from throughout the Denver region.
Their offerings include locally-infused gin, barley vodka, and whiskey matured in charred oak barrels. When the tasting room is open, bartenders skillfully craft exceptional classic cocktails that most guests have never encountered.
Devil’s Head operates on a limited schedule, so it is advisable to verify their hours prior to planning a visit.
9. South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center
Located in Littleton, South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center encompass approximately 900 acres and were initially designated for conservation during the mid-1960s.
Created while the Army Corps of Engineers was working on the nearby Chatfield Dam, these attractions now draw outdoor enthusiasts, animal lovers, and recreation seekers from afar.
The Carson Nature Center offers a variety of exhibits centered around the natural world and serves as a welcome center for visitors intending to embark on multi-use trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback.
The reservoir attracts anglers, while kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming remain popular activities.
10. The Museum of Outdoor Arts
While the Denver area boasts a vibrant art scene, access to quality art can often be limited for the general public. Established in 1981, the Museum of Outdoor Arts is committed to the preservation and promotion of art, architecture, and design within a distinctive venue.
The MOA collection deviates from traditional norms, featuring unique pieces from both regional and internationally recognized artists, presented in various media, such as paintings, sculptures, and even robotic installations.
Located in Englewood, the museum offers an affordable experience compared to other cultural institutions.
11. Southlands Mall
During the spring and summer months, Colorado often experiences ideal weather conditions.
The state enjoys over 300 sunny days annually, yet winter can present harsh, frigid conditions that may deter outdoor activities.
Southlands Mall, situated on South Main Street in Aurora, serves as the perfect location to spend a few hours indoors when the weather is less favorable.
Anchored by well-known retailers such as Barnes & Noble, American Eagle, and Best Buy, Southlands also features a diverse array of dining options, ranging from fast-food establishments and coffee shops to sushi, gourmet burgers, and pizza.
12. The Littleton Museum
For small museums, affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute is a prestigious achievement that few can attain.
The Littleton Museum, located on South Gallup Street, was the first of its kind in Colorado to receive this distinctive accreditation.
The museum spans nearly 50 acres and serves as a must-visit destination for those eager to learn about the region’s history and culture without needing to travel to multiple sites.
Exhibits include art, Native American artifacts, and a living history farm where children can engage in hands-on experiences under the guidance of museum staff.
13. Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms
Spanning nearly 700 acres of preserved land on West Deer Canyon Road in Littleton, the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms consists of several landscaped gardens featuring both native and exotic plant species, flowers, and trees.
A popular butterfly garden is open seasonally from spring through late summer. During the holiday season, families can enjoy various activities, including a corn maze, pumpkin festival, and Christmas events.
The farm also includes small plots for local families interested in growing their own produce throughout the relatively brief growing season.
14. The Plains Conservation Center
The Plains Conservation Center, located on East Hampden Avenue in Aurora, was established over seventy years ago to protect the vast prairies spanning from central Colorado to the nearby states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
This center is the premier destination for individuals interested in ecology and history, providing insight into the Dust Bowl era of the early 20th century, characterized by soil depletion, impoverished farmers, and towering clouds of dust.
The facility comprises two distinct sites featuring numerous dinosaur-era artifacts as well.
15. Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Even among those who do not consider themselves aviation enthusiasts, airplanes hold a universal appeal for all ages.
The Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum features an impressive assembly of both civilian and military aircraft, including a large B-52 Stratofortress, an F-111 fighter-bomber, and an F-14 Tomcat, renowned for its appearance in the iconic film Top Gun.
The museum occupies a site that was once part of Lowry Air Force Base, which functioned from the late 1930s until the mid-1990s.
Admission costs are reasonable, and most visitors typically spend a few hours on-site before continuing on to other adventures.