The Greenbriar Inn 

Savor a delightful dining experience or relish a romantic staycation at this haven tailored for lovers

By Linnea Covington

Looking for a romantic place to celebrate a special someone this Valentine’s Day (or week)? The Greenbriar Inn has all one needs for a beautiful celebration, including a remodeled abode for two.

Owned by Phil and Emma Goddard, The Greenbriar Inn has offered visitors a slice of Boulder countryside with a touch of elegance since 1967. Located right at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the 20-acre property boasts two ponds, a waterfall, luscious vegetable, fruit and flower gardens in the warmer months and a cozy, fireplace-studded getaway when it’s cold and snowing. 

The newest addition to the property isn’t new at all. In fact, it’s a pair of 1873 cabins made into one larger cabin. When Phil Goddard took over the property in the 1990s, the cabin already came combined as a one-bedroom and one-bathroom accommodation. In the decades prior, the cabin housed gold and silver miners, firefighters and travelers moving through the area. 

For a while, the Goddards rented out the cabin to those wanting to stay in the area long term. However, this past summer, they revamped the space, keeping the footprint intact and refurbishing the cabin to give it modern sensibility, fresh paint and a low-key glam up. Now it has a functioning kitchen, separate living room, a wood-burning stove, heated floors in the kitchen and bath, air conditioning, a queen-sized bed and a patio looking out toward the mountains. There’s also a charming cobblestone path leading to the cabin, making it feel cozy and isolated in the best possible way.

“As we did more and more weddings, I thought it would be a good bridal suite for brides to get ready in and/or stay the night if they wanted,” said Emma, adding regular couples come looking for a romantic spot to staycation as well. “The cabin remodel was our obvious next step for the property, and everyone has really loved it.” 

Most guests who stay in the cabin visit for the night on Saturday and stay for the Inn’s epic brunch on Sunday, added Emma. The spread is one of the most lavish in the county. For Valentine’s Day service, think red-hued Raspberry French Mimosas, a sparkling treat enhanced with Chambord and raspberry puree. Savory offerings include Eggs Benedict with lobster, crème brûlée French toast, deviled eggs and bagels with house-cured aquavit and dill salmon. On the sweeter side, pastry chef Michelle Sturgeon also churns out an indulgent two-person dessert sampler, which features mini versions of sweet treats such as macarons, chocolate tarts, cream puffs and more. 

Executive chef Treis Rainey oversees brunch, too, as well as other mealtimes, including the special Valentine’s tasting menu. They will serve the romantic feast on February 14 as well as the days surrounding the holiday. 

“For dinner we are known as a romantic spot anyway, and that whole week we will host people celebrating,” said Emma.

As for what’s on the plate, a lot of it comes from the property’s 27-year-old garden, a whopping 7,000-square-feet of pesticide-free land used to grow herbs, vegetables and edible flowers. It’s because of the farm and neighboring suppliers that The Greenbriar Inn can create wonderful seasonal meals, any time of year. The special holiday menu is a surprise, but current menu favorites include wild mushrooms en croute, Colorado lamb sirloin with whipped root vegetables and pistachio-crusted scallops with Champagne yam risotto. Notable, too, is the wine cellar, which boasts around 900 labels.

While the current version of the Inn remains famous in its own right, the property has a storied history dating back over 100 years ago. Built in 1873 in what was the town of Altona, the building used to host a general store, post office and private home. Like most mining towns, when the gold and silver disappeared so did the people. By 1916, Altona no longer existed, but the building now hosting The Greenbriar Inn remained as a general store. 

In the 1960s, it was closed due to a fire, only to be bought and used by potential restaurant owners. Seven years later, the venue became closer to what it is today and garnered the name The Greenbriar Inn. The final step was the Inn’s then chef, Phil Goddard, who purchased the property in 1996. He scrapped parts of the original German and Austrian-style menu and added the seasonal flare and American classics that draw eaters and travelers to the space today.

Take the trip, and for those seeking out an intimate meal or stay this Valentine’s Day, or any Wednesday through Sunday, make sure to book a reservation. The restaurant opens at 5pm, but guests of the Inn can check in at 3pm. If early, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar, relax by the fireplace, walk around the property and enjoy not only its history but The Greenbriar Inn’s persisting romantic tenor—both on Valentine’s Day and any time of the year.