A trip to beautiful Estes Park, Colorado is always exciting and when you fill your itinerary with stops that support local Colorado businesses along the way, it’s that much more meaningful! The following are just a few of the many that are well worth investing in and enjoying the next time you’re in town.
Get Creative at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio
If you’re looking to support a local business in Estes Park during your stay that provides plenty of creativity along the way, be sure to make time to stop by Inspired Artisan Market & Studio! Located at 138 Moraine Avenue, Inspired artisan Market & Studio is a family-friendly destination for those looking to access their artistic side. Here, you can drop by daily to make the most of a variety of Colorado-inspired art experiences on-site and enjoy a guided adventure alongside a knowledgeable and friendly instructor. Artisan Market & Studio also hosts specialty classes throughout the year that are listed on their monthly calendar and if you’re not quite in the mood to put your own skills to the test, this is a one-stop resource for checking out works by local talent! At Inspired Artisan Market & Studio, visitors can browse a collection of works by over 50 Colorado artists that are available to enjoy or purchase when you find just the right piece to enhance your home. They also offer online shopping if you want to pop back in and see what’s new once you’ve left your Estes Park vacation behind.
Spend Some Time at MacDonald Book Shop
Supporting a local business can take you to new worlds through the power of captivating stories when you spend some quality time at MacDonald Book Shop the next time you’re in town. This charming locale has been a staple in Estes Park since 1928 and has just about every type of literature on the shelves you can imagine. Head over to 152 E. Elkhorn Avenue between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm daily to browse the various sections featuring everything from fiction and non-fiction to children’s literature, and local history too. The bookstore hosts a number of events throughout the year including author talks and book signings to look forward to so be sure to check their calendar before you arrive. When you purchase items at MacDonald Book Shop, you’ll be supporting a business with founding families that still live in the area more than 100 years after the store opened to the public. The on-site staff here can help direct to you to the Estes Park and Rocky Mountain Park guidebooks and photography instruction guides if your plans have you heading from the bookstore to the trails.
Shop Handmade Local Goods
Estes Park is filled with fantastic and talented residents, many of whom are ready and willing to share their gifts with visitors! A great place to support a local business while enjoying products that are truly one-of-a-kind in town is Once Upon a Hive. Located at 145 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Once Upon a Hive is open every day of the week except for Tuesdays and is a one-stop resource for browsing everything from hand-crafted beeswax candles to wooden welcome mats designed right in Estes Park. They also sell products like beeswax foot balm, lemon-eucalyptus soaps, and lotion bars alongside beeswax melts for home aromatherapy.
At 332 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park visitors can also spend some festive time in the Christmas Shoppe which is open year-round and provides the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit no matter what season your Estes Park vacation happens. This locally owned boutique features an impressive collection of holiday decorations on-site including ornaments, table décor, Christmas trees, whimsical holiday scenes for the mantle, and more. From the Christmas music to the hot chocolate, it’s a place that transports you to December no matter when you arrive.
Savor the Moment at Snowy Peaks Winery
You can support a local business with every sip when you enjoy a wine tasting experience at Snowy Peaks Winery when you find yourself in Estes Park or drop by to purchase a bottle. Here, you can always count on enjoying an authentic taste of Colorado. The tasting room features award-winning handcrafted area wines ranging from Viognier and Riesling to Merlot and Syrah to name a few. You can opt for a tasting flight with five wines of your choice for just $12 and pair a facility tour with the experience to top it all off in style. There are also gourmet foods sold here to complement wine selections that include handmade chocolates and cheeses as well as jams and jellies. The winery also carries wine-themed gifts handcrafted by local artists that are available to purchase.
Book Your Stay Today
Make sure your trip to Estes Park includes amazing accommodations by booking through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious and inviting property options available.
Estes Park, Colorado is truly a captivating vacation destination year-round that appeals to travelers who love to immerse themselves in the fun of the great outdoors! When you’re looking to make the most of fun Estes Park activities and natural landmarks during your stay, there are plenty of options for thrills, adventure, and learning that await. The following are a few of the many ways travelers can get active outside when they’re headed to Estes Park in the name of well-deserved fun.
Partner Up with the Colorado Mountain School
Whether it’s your first time in Estes Park, or you have a passion for the great outdoors that brings you back year after year, there’s always more to learn about navigating the mountains here. That’s where partnering up with the Colorado Mountain School comes in! When you’re looking to elevate your outdoor experiences in and around Estes Park, the team at the Colorado Mountain School exists to help explorers learn to take to the mountains, safely and with a newfound passion for conservation, adventure, and the beauty of their surroundings. Headquartered at 341 Moraine Avenue, the Colorado Mountain School employs a team of professional guides, educators, and mentors who provide inspiring and often life-changing outdoor experiences in Estes Park. Established in 1981, this mountain school has hosted thousands of days of mountaineering instruction, guided climbs, and guide training courses for aspiring outdoor experts alike. The highly trained team curates their courses and adventures to fit student skill levels and is part of the accredited guide service of the American Mountain Guides Association. Stewardship, professionalism, and quality of life are their founding principles and a dedication to all three makes them leaders in the industry. Those who partner with the Colorado Mountain School during their time in Estes Park can enjoy rock climbing, mountaineering, or guide training as well as take time to participate in a fundamental mountain skills course. Some of the fan-favorite experiences offered here include a Flatirons classic climb, a half-day climb, Long Peak classic climb as well as a guided tour through Eldorado Canyon.
Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Located at 1230 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park, Kent Mountain Adventure Center is another great option for thrill seekers who are heading to Colorado and have every intention of spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors. While the team at Kent Mountain Adventure Center also offers guided hiking and climbing lessons, their specialty that sets them apart is the option to make the most of cliff camping adventures with their team of experts. Kent Mountain Adventure Center is locally owned and operated and has served the Estes Park area for more than 28 years. The team is passionate about rock and mountain climbing and is always thrilled to help newcomers enjoy the adrenaline-pumping fun of spending an afternoon or evening perched mountainside taking photos and savoring the views from hundreds of feet up in the air. For many travelers heading this way, a cliff camping adventure is one to add to, and certainly check off the bucket list when they come alongside the pros at Kent Mountain Adventure Center.
Rewilding Expeditions
When you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors in Estes Park but want to add something to the itinerary that focuses on conservation efforts too, Rewilding Expeditions is made just for you. Here, the team focuses on creating uncommon adventures for guests in the name of conservation. Rewilding Expeditions is dedicated to protecting the environment through experiences that are unique, wilderness focused, and ethical. At Rewilding Expeditions, guests will find that giving back is just as rewarding as what is gained when you head into nature and make the most of the adventure. Headquartered at 1553 S. Saint Vrain Avenue, Rewilding Expeditions is dedicated to making sure you have an amazing journey and leave feeling great about what you’ve contributed to the world as well. Both day trips and multi-day trips are available to book through Rewilding Expeditions. If you choose a day trip, you can focus on guided hikes that focus on exploring Rocky Mountain National Park with an emphasis on either Mt. Orton, the Mummy Range, Chasm Lake, and Bear Lake as well. Rewilding Expeditions also offers single day packrafting trips thanks to their partnership with Packraft Rocky. These paddling adventures give guests a chance to explore a new destination, learn about intricate mountain ecosystems, and linger until the sun goes down to enjoy stargazing from the water!
Book Your Stay Today
The next time your travel plans bring you to scenic Estes Park, make sure you have amazing vacation rental accommodations to match by booking through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Our property options are designed to inspire and please visitors with interests and aesthetic preferences of all types. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting options and to get started. We look forward to seeing you in Estes Park soon!
Gathering your professional crew together in the name of bonding and building solid work goals in tandem is always a good idea. Making your way to Estes Park to enjoy that journey gives everyone on your team even more to look forward to! Here, the scenery is designed by nature to inspire and the options for outdoor recreation make for the perfect way to spend quality time with teammates in a place that has something fun to offer everyone. When you’re not gathering to go over quarterly numbers together, you can just as easily head out as a group to explore mountain trails, make the most of wildlife watching, or spend time on Lake Estes!
This area is also packed with options for great dining and shopping alike, making it an ideal getaway locale for a corporate Estes Park retreat. When you’re looking for accommodation that keep your work team close to the fun while enjoying luxury, comfort, and style as well, the property professionals at Mountain Village at Lake Estes have you covered. Our corporate retreat rentals in Estes Park have the space, top-notch amenities, and access to area fun that makes all the difference in a corporate getaway. We can help get you settled in no matter when you arrive or how long you and your work crew plan to stay.
Settle into Luxury and Style in Estes Park
Whether your corporate retreat includes a small group of professionals or is designed as a large group gathering, the corporate retreat rentals in Estes Park promise to please! The vacation home options through Mountain Village at Lake Estes highlight the beauty of the great outdoors while providing guests with ample space, great amenities, and fun extras that make all the difference in a stay. Our corporate retreats in this area are often designed around open concept living. This means that guests can move easily between living, dining, entertainment, and sleeping areas during their time in town. Spacious layouts like this make it simple for groups of professionals to gather in large social areas. It’s set up just as well for times when guests prefer to retreat to restful areas and relax after a day of work activities and outdoor exploration.
Those who book a corporate retreat in these Estes Park rentals will find that there is always a full collection of tasteful and stylish furnishings waiting within. From plush sofas and loveseats to accent chairs, recliners, colorful area rugs, coffee tables, eye-catching wall art, and more, making the most of every moment is nothing more than an exercise in comfort and impeccable aesthetics!
Our corporate retreat rentals in Estes Park are also set up with Wi-Fi included. These convenient connections are vital for a successful corporate retreat where guests need to link up, share information, and distribute digital files when required. Teams looking to connect with colleagues back home will want to be sure to book a corporate retreat rental with smart televisions throughout. This allows for easily casting virtual meetings to larger screens when it’s a preferable option.
Customize Your Corporate Getaway
While a highlight of a corporate retreat to Estes Park might just be time out enjoying dinner together at local restaurants, when home-cooked meals would hit the spot, that’s an option too. Booking a corporate retreat rental through Mountain Village at Lake Estes means enjoying access to fully equipped kitchens right on-site. This gives travelers options to serve up savory home-style meals on a whim or gather together for a potluck experience too. Kitchens often include everything from spacious counters and custom cabinetry to cooking and baking essentials alongside high-end appliances.
A corporate retreat to Estes Park is bound to be filled with days of activities and adventures. That means resting up for the events ahead is equally important. Those who book a corporate retreat rental through Mountain Village at Lake Estes will find they have easy access to large and inviting bedrooms where premium linens and plush mattresses make it simple to get a good night’s rest. Those looking for more can always book a stay with large bedrooms that include walk-in closets, en suite baths, and private outdoor access points in some cases too.
Excited to incorporate luxurious extras into your corporate retreat experience? Be sure to inquire about our rentals with hot tubs multi-level decks as well as lofts, fireplaces, BBQ grills, floor-to-ceiling windows, stunning landscaping, and more.
Book a Getaway to Meet Your Travel Style
The next time you have a corporate retreat planned and you’re heading to Estes Park, make sure you book accommodations through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Our team is happy to handle the details so you can focus on the planning and undeniable fun ahead! Reach out today to learn more about our many options and to get started.
Winter comes early in Estes Park, but the serene days of the season that leads up to our cold winter months will offer up the most amazing vacation experience of your life! Explore the magic of Colorado in the fall, playing outside as much as possible, and then come home every night of your stay to the seasonal sanctuaries we at Mountain Village at Lake Estes provide and enjoy an adventure you will never want to end. This guide to the fun of fall and all the exciting activities in Estes Park you can enjoy during your stay will offer a sneak peek into the wonderful possibilities that can be found in our mountain homes!
Wild Times
The beauty of fall in Lake Estes is all around you and when you get in the thick of it, perhaps as you hike along the trails that traverse the region, you will walk on the wild side! Fall is mating season for Elk and the beautiful weather also brings the deer, moose, and other wildlife out to play! We advise keeping your distance and fortunately, the telescopic lenses on cameras and phones allow you to take crystal clear pics even as you stay a safe distance away. Grab a cup of joe from Kind Coffee and check out the grassy area by the river that runs by and you will probably see your fill of these majestic animals and get to enjoy your caffeine fix as you do!
The Colors of Fall
This really is the best season to visit Lake Estes and if you really want to experience it in its finest moments, rise with the sun for at least one day of your stay. Wrap yourself in something warm (early mornings can be cold) grab a cup of coffee and head out to where you can see the eastern horizon and be prepared for an event that will change your life! The sun rises slowly at first, the sky turning from inky black to gray with streaks of pink, and then it happens. The sky comes alive in a blaze of fiery orange, pink, and purple, while the dawning sun beams a spotlight on the trees that are dressed in their own fiery hues! These moments of peace and quiet will be your favorite moments of your getaway and if you are still feeling sleepy after that show, well, you can always climb back underneath the covers where it is warm and cozy and sink back into the sweet oblivion of sleep!
Up Close and Personal
The cool weather of fall is always such a relief after the scorching heat of summer and getting outside and playing is something visitors and residents will want to do as much as possible. Hiking through the trees that surround the lakes, feeling mountain breezes kiss your cheeks as your muscles loosen and carry you easily along the trail. Listening to the mating calls of deer off in the distance, laughing when a fish jumps out of the lake and startles you, and feeling entirely in the moment; the coolness of the day will let you continue the fun late into the afternoon, as long as your water supply holds out!
The 9th Annual Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival, October 8 at Bond Park
Fall festivals are for families and this special one offers something for everyone. Help your kiddo pick out the perfect pumpkin, play games, and ride the ponies as you listen to live music and sip your favorite beer! Rumor has it there will be some mighty fine pumpkin porters making an appearance, enhancing the joy of a fall festival that will be the highlight of your trip! Admission is free, but the money earned from purchasing food and drink and some of the activities goes to the schools of Estes Park, making this fun adventure a worthy investment as well!
Fall Fun in your Seasonal Sanctuary
The happiest moments, the ones that will create the best memories, will take place in the comfortable surroundings of our Mountain Village at Lake Estes seasonal sanctuaries. Build a fire in the fireplace when the temperatures drop from chilly to frosty, turn the state-of-the-art televisions to your favorite horror movie, and relax in comfort and warmth as tree branches swaying in the fall breezes lightly scratch at the windows. A big bowl of Chili created in our fully equipped kitchens will warm guests from the inside out, especially when accompanied by a cup of hot cocoa; make yours Irish if you like and feel the Irish bring heat to your cheeks! Nights will be filled with the best sleep you have experienced in years and only happy dreams will be experienced! Reserve your favorite fall escape today and wake up every day feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready for a new day of autumn adventures in paradise!
We seriously believe that there are two types of travelers in this world; those that prefer the serenity of a water vacation at a beach or a lake and those that crave the majestic delights found in a mountain getaway. If you fall into the latter category, chances are you have already clicked the book now on your favorite Mountain Village at Lake Estes holiday hideaway and are currently making plans for an Estes Park Memorial Day weekend filled with fun, excitement, and all-American holiday activities. But on the off chance that your fingers are still hovering over those buttons, and the choice of destinations has not quite cemented in your brain, this guide to a fun-filled stay in Estes Park will serve as the gentle nudge you need to make Memorial Day 2022 one of the best long weekends you have ever enjoyed! Oh, and for you water babies out there, Bear Lake provides everything your aqua loving soul could desire, which can be the balm a divided family (mountains versus water!) needs!
Where the Fish Bite
The kickoff to summer fun usually begins with the Memorial Day weekend and nothing yells summer louder than a day spent with pole in hand on the banks of the Big Thompson River! Home to a variety of species of fish including rainbow and brown trout and running through the scenically beautiful Moraine Park, fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older. The best places to fish on the Big Thompson are up stream amidst the trails and streams that feed into the river and in the eternal debate between water and mountains, the ones who prefer the mountains can hike while the water lovers sit and contemplate life’s mysteries from the other end of the pole!
A Long Walk on a Beautiful Day
As the temperatures begin to rise and the snow melts away, we can’t wait to get outside and savor the beauty of the new season and hiking is a popular way to do so. Many trails run through Estes Park, bringing new definitions to what beauty means to everyone who hikes along them. For beginning hikers, wide and flat trail that leads visitors around Lily Lake provides incredible views of the mountains that surround our town and because there is no elevation gain, even those who need wheelchairs can participate in the hike! Intermediate hikers (and those without mobility issues) will appreciate the charms and challenges of the Homestead Meadows and Moose Meadows Loop. Offering a slight gain in elevation and providing 6.6 miles of pure Colorado idyllic beauty, added thrills can be experienced at the sight of equestrians and their horses who also appreciate the wonders of the trail. Feeling especially brave on this Memorial day weekend in paradise? The Sky Pond hike is only 2 plus miles longer than the Meadows one, but the elevation gain will have you questioning what you got yourselves into! Climbing nearly 3000 feet into the clouds, it can take up to 4 or more hours to complete, but the views of the lakes and the mountains will make every bit of your effort worth it! Pro tip: Carry binoculars with you as you hike, so when you need to stop and catch your breath it will appear as if you are merely wildlife watching!
All this Exercise is Making Us Hungry
The fresh, clean air and the plethora of outdoor activities will ensure that you will spend this holiday always thinking about your next meal and because Memorial Day is often all about the barbecue, we are about to let you in on a local secret. Lady Bug Barbecue, located at 840 Moraine Avenue is where we all go when in search of authentic Texas style barbecue. Every state has their own preference and although we love the taste of Kansas style BBQ, we are loyal to the Southwest and the most amazing ribs you will ever enjoy in this lifetime! Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew, 820 Moraine Avenue, is another popular joint that will please your palate as you commemorate all who have sacrificed everything so we could enjoy the freedoms not all countries offer!
Holiday Hideaways for your Comfort and Enjoyment
As you grill your favorite meats on provided barbecues, simmer in private hot tubs under a dark sky, and relax in comfort and style in our Mountain Village at Lake Estes holiday hideaways, you will, at some quiet moment during your stay, discover that you hit the Memorial Day jackpot when you chose Estes Lake for your getaway. Our homes are designed to be an integral part of your vacation experience and the comfort, style, and relaxation they each provide will make you feel right at home! Reserve your favorite today!
There’s a magic to life on the road. As children we dream about all the places we will go, as teens we imagine ourselves hitching across European countries and as young adults we see the road as our homes. And once we get past that pesky thing called work, we again, as new retirees may make our childhood dreams come true with the purchase of a traveling home on wheels, hitting the roads in search for adventure. In between, the family vacation becomes sort of a place holder, offering freedom and excitement for a week or two at a time and if your spring journey, no matter what stage of life you have reached, has you searching for a vacation destination that celebrates the roads less traveled, just remember. All roads lead to Estes Park Colorado and our comfortable, warm, and inviting Mountain Village at Lake Estes seasonal sanctuaries! This guide will ensure that you won’t miss out on a minute of the fun on your road trip to Colorado, behind the wheel, in town, or when you are lounging comfortably in our vacation escapes!
Ease the Kinks in Your Muscles
Road trips are great fun but after spending hours cramped inside the confines of your car, van, or SUV, chances are at least some of your muscles will begin to complain. Fortunately, the miracle workers at Elements of Touch Wellness Spa & River Retreat located at 477 Pine River Lane are here to rescue visitors from their misery! Offering a variety of services that range from massage to body treatments, they even feature a Mobile Massage Unit that will come to you, ensuring your beginning minutes in Estes Park are ones you will happily remember forevermore!
Shop till You Drop
One of the many wonderful things about a road trip is the realization that you don’t have to limit your shopping due to Airline restrictions or room in your luggage; there’s always room for one more gift so go ahead and pack up that car like the Tetris game of your youth! Mountain Blown Glass, located at 101 W Elkhorn Avenue, offers treasures AND a show as you watch the delicate and colorful knickknacks you are holding in your hand be created by talented artisans! The Old Church Shops, 157 W Elkhorn Avenue, feature a variety of shops and restaurants, all located inside the stone walls of what was once a local church, including a tattoo spot where you can get a celebratory reminder of your spring road trip to Estes Park. The Trading Post of the Rockies, 450 Moraine Avenue is your souvenir extravaganza stopping place, featuring everything from Native American Artwork to hand tooled Saddles. (although the saddles may be a little more difficult to find room for in your SUV, we think you can do it!)
A Peek into the Past
In the mountains, there is a very good chance that snow is still falling in the spring and on the coldest days, you may want to bring the fun inside, so why not combine a learning opportunity while trying to stay warm? The Estes Park Museum, 200 4th Street, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM and is filled with artifacts and treasures that bring the history of Estes Park alive. There are outside exhibits, including the Historic Fall River Hydroplant and the Birch Ruins and Cabin, but coming back inside to the warmth of the main space after exploration will be a welcome part of your museum adventure!
Bigfoot Days, April 1st & 2nd in Bond Park
In 2021 Bigfoot Days were cancelled much to our chagrin, but they seem to be back on again this year and we couldn’t be happier! Taking place over 2 days, starting at 6 PM on April 1st, this festival offers all your favorites, including live entertainment and tasty food, but it’s the Bigfoot Themed Dinner and the opportunity to meet and discuss the mythical (?) character with experts in the field of Big Foot-ology! (Ok, they prefer Sasquatch researchers, but we like Big Foot-ology!)
Experience the Rocky Mountains
As the snow begins to melt from their mountain peaks and the wildlife that have been hunkered down during the cold season begin to venture out once more, a hike, or even a drive through the Rocky Mountains promises to be the adventure you will never forget. Water begins to tumble over the rocks again, creating majestic waterfalls that are glorious to observe, and the first of the baby animals appear. Spring weather can still be harsh and cold in the early months but the closer you get to summer, the more you will appreciate and fall in love with the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park as it brims with the promise of the new season!
Choose Mountain Village at Lake Estes
Reserve your favorite today!
Now that the holidays are over, it is time to stop focusing on everyone you know and to start focusing on your favorite human! At Thanksgiving and Christmas, we tend to spread ourselves thin, dividing up the little parts of ourselves amongst the hundreds of people who have come into our lives over the years, and we often forget about the person in our life who makes our heart beat a little faster. On New Year’s we start to refocus, returning our attention to our life partner with a toast of bubbly and a hurried kiss at midnight, but as we move deeper into the winter months, we concentrate even more. Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year, so why not take a long weekend and fall in love with the romance and enchantment that follows any Estes Park getaway, especially when enjoyed from the comfort of our Mountain Village at Lake Estes “honeymoon” hideaways! This guide to romantic activities in Estes Park will ensure neither of you miss a step while enjoying a magical Colorado vacation.
Four Hands Are Better than Two
There’s no wrong time for a good massage, and that goes for a couple’s massage when four hands are definitely better than two! Affinity Massage and Wellness Center, 312 E Elkhorn Avenue, offers their couple’s massage in a large room specifically designed to hold two massage tables. Choose from their list of services which includes Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, and a deep tissue massage guaranteed to loosen up the tightest of muscles and feel the romance of togetherness while still obtaining the services that suit your independent needs!
Savor a Sip or Two of Wine
Like a good relationship, wine grows better as it ages, and enjoying a wine tasting at Snowy Peaks Winery allows you to combine two great things! Located at 292 Moraine Avenue, you and your love can sip the best of our local wines in a heated tasting room, enjoying the ambience, the wine, and the company of your other half. Also offering a small menu of delicious foods prepared by local restaurants, you can sip, savor, and smile as the snow falls outside! If you discover a wine you can’t live without, you won’t have to fly back to Colorado to buy a bottle every time you run out; their online shop allows you to purchase what you love and have it shipped to your home. (There are restrictions, as some states do not permit the shipping of alcohol.)
The Surest Way to the Heart
Men and women both will agree that the quickest and surest way to the heart is through a good meal, and even as you have already captured each other’s, it doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy a romantic meal together! Twin Owls Steakhouse at 3110 S Vrain Avenue Suite B offers the romance, style, and meals that will help you stay in love. Wednesday through Saturday your meals may be accompanied by the guitar stylings of local musicians, who perhaps may play your song as you devour your thick and juicy steaks. And because nothing is more romantic than sharing a dessert, be sure to save room for a sweet treat off their dessert menu; everything they feature is amazing, but we are entranced with their Chocolate Toffee Mousse Cake made with layers of chocolate mousse flavored with Kahlua, toffee candy, and a chocolate cookie crust!
Finish off the evening with a special showing of the Met Opera’s: Fire Shut Up In My Bones at the historic Park Theater, 130 Moraine Avenue, and your romantic night out on the town will be as close to perfect as it can be!
Stay in for the Night
Your winter visit will be many things, but first and foremost it will be cold! And on that romantic night when you just don’t want to face the snow and cold, staying in will be the most magical way to show your love. Our Mountain Village at Lake Estes love nests offer everything that will make your love shine brighter, including fireplaces for cuddling in front of, hot tubs for soaking in with a glass of wine from Snowy Peaks Winery, and fully equipped kitchens in which you can prepare a romantic meal that is sure to please. Share secrets and dreams as the snow falls outside the windows of our romantic hideaways, staying warm and cozy no matter how far the mercury has dropped. A box of chocolates purchased from Laura’s Fine Candies located at 129 E Elkhorn Avenue will sweeten the mood even further and bundling up before stepping out on the balcony or patio for a look at the night sky will keep you warm as long as you don’t stay out too long!
Romance is always the answer in our Mountain Village at Lake Estes vacation escapes—reserve your favorite today!
The adventures you can have during your winter vacation to Estes Park are endless, giving visitors the thrill of a lifetime, from the simple pleasures of teaching your youngest the simple joys of making snow angels to the rugged escapades you can have in the backcountry landscape of our winter paradise, including a favorite of all thrill seekers, the sport of backcountry skiing! Also called off-piste, alpine touring, or simply out-of-area, this winter sport can change the way you look at skiing forever! And the only thing better than spending a day exploring the snowy landscape on a pair of skis is, of course, coming home to the quiet comforts and warmth found in our Mountain Village at Lake Estes seasonal sanctuaries. This guide to the thrills of backcountry skiing in Estes Park will give you a secret preview of your upcoming Colorado getaway!
The Equipment
Backcountry skiing is not a sport for the novice skier, it is best to get some acreage under your skis on the groomed slopes of ski resorts, perhaps take some lessons, and put in your hours before even thinking of attempting the backcountry. For experienced skiers, however, this sport can be become your new obsession and requires much of the same equipment you would use for resort style skiing, with a couple of exceptions. Backcountry skis offer different bindings and also need mohair or synthetic skins that can be attached to the bottom of the skis, making it easier to walk uphill to get to your favorite ski spot. (Remember, this is out-of-area, meaning the slopes aren’t groomed and there will not be any chair lifts!) Backcountry ski boots also need to be more flexible than standard ski boots, for the same reason you need the skins for your skis. Finally, and we aren’t trying to scare you, avalanches are a threat to any alpine touring skier and avalanche training should be considered before heading out for the first time—plus, an avalanche rescue pack should be added to your equipment list. Rocky Mountain National Park Service provides courses that can last two days, but Colorado Mountain School offers lessons that include the avalanche training and only lasts 8 hours, which may be more useful to visitors with a limited schedule. If you don’t already have your own backcountry equipment, or just don’t want to travel with your own gear, pretty much any ski rental place will offer equipment rentals, including, Estes Park Mountain Shop, located at 2050 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park.
The Wow Factor
We don’t like to brag, but the Estes Park area is known throughout the world as a popular place for backcountry skiing! Offering miles of virgin landscape just waiting for your skis to shred, Hidden Valley (and no, we are not talking about the ranch dressing, as delicious as it may be!) is the top spot in the region for backcountry skiing. In its previous life, this area was once a ski area with groomed trails and all the ski resort amenities, but that resort closed 30 years ago and it became open season for the thrill seekers in the world! If you are new to backcountry skiing, it is the perfect place to get your skiers legs, as the Ptarmigan in the Lower T-Bar area is easily accessible. Feel like a road trip before you begin your backcountry adventures? St. Vrain Mountain is located just about 20 miles south of your Mountain Village at Lake Estes winter escape and offers incredible views along the road, in addition to the views you will see as you spend your day playing in the snow. Mt. Vrain was also a ski area once, closed many years ago, and is popular with backcountry skiers of all skill levels!
Sunrise Is the Right Time
Although no one likes to get up early on vacation, we suggest that on at least one day during your stay with us, you make the effort, heading to the ski area of your choice and timing it to catch the sun rising over the Rocky Mountains. The cold of the pre-dawn air while watching the sky turn from an inky and velvety blackness that fades into grays, pinks, and finally a clear blue, creates a moment that you will lock into your memory banks, replaying whenever your real life feels bland and colorless. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa with your gear and just take those first few minutes of the day to sip and marvel over the beauty of Mother Nature, before you start your mountain adventures!
Come Home to Mountain Village at Lake Estes
Some vacations are just destined to be better than others and your Colorado getaway spent with us will definitely be one of the favored few. Reserve your favorite Mountain Village at Lake Estes escape and come home to comfort and style every night of your stay!
As you sit in your air-conditioned house, only daring to rush from your home to your car to your work and back, perhaps the only thing that is keeping your sane during this hot summer in 2021 is the thought of fall. The thought of chilly nights, warm sweaters, and the taste of pumpkin spice everything runs through your brain on a continual loop, keeping you cool and even tempered in spite of triple digit temperatures and humidity percentages that run in the 80s or higher!
As you are reminded with a barrage of notes that your children’s teacher has sent home with the notification that fall break is just around the corner, you may realize that it is the perfect time to plan a vacation to Estes Park, where fall is more than a season, it is a way of life! This guide to our favorite fall activities will also serve as a reminder that the only thing better than an autumn adventure in Colorado is an autumn adventure in Estes Park in one of our Mountain Villages at Estes Park seasonal sanctuaries!
Autumn Gold Festival at Bond Park, September 25th & 26th
As the pandemic winds its way to its natural conclusion, the festivals and events that were forced to take a hiatus are emerging once again, much to our delight, and the first festival on our list of fun is the Autumn Gold Festival. Celebrating beer, brats, and those gorgeous golden aspens, your days at Bond Park are destined to be memorable ones as you listen to live music, visit the food trucks as many times as you want, and maybe, just maybe, win the $10,000 raffle prize. Also offering a classic car show for the car buff in your family, a bounce house for your wiggling kids to expend some of that extra energy, and an all-around beautiful day under the Colorado sun, this festival is destined to be your favorite!
Pumpkins and Pilsners at Bond Park, October 8, 2021
Pumpkins and Pilsners fest is our second example of post-pandemic festivals that make us very happy! Offering everything from pony rides to face painting for the children and local brews for the adults, the only thing that makes us sad is knowing that this special will close its doors after a short seven hours! Listen to live music, pick a pumpkin to decorate the table of your fall escape, and fall in love with fall as the temperatures stay cool and comfortable.
Leaf Peeping in Estes Park
Our favorite part of life in Estes Park is getting to experience the change in the seasons. From the promise of spring to the lush verdancy of summer and the harsh beauty of a winter landscape softened by a blanket of freshly fallen snow, there is always something to exclaim over in our mountain village. But if you really want to have your breath taken away, a visit in the fall is destined to make you fall in love! Offering a fiery landscape of trees dressed in their autumn finest, the best way to experience their beauty is with a hike along the trails that traverse our landscape. Gem Lake and the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead will take you through a forest of aspens to a vantage point from which all of Estes Park spreads out before you, while the North Deer Mountain Trail leads you across 6+ miles of fiery golden aspens, the Fall River Valley, and offer views of the Mummy Range. Hiking has never been this glorious, and the number of trails in the Estes Park region gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado landscape!
Estes Park Brewery, 470 Prospect Village Drive
With the exception of pumpkin spice, nothing tastes like fall more than the seasonal brews offered at Estes Park Brewery, and although right now it’s the taste of summer that is featured on their taps, we can promise that by the time fall officially arrives, there will be at least one pumpkin porter for you to sip and gulp! Offering 12 beers on tap, a pool room, and a menu filled with your favorite pub grub, it is always a good time to check out what’s happening at Estes Park Brewery—oh, and don’t forget to try their homemade beer chili! Made the way chili should be, it will warm you from the inside out and give you ideas on how to make your own pot of chili when you get back home.
Fall in Love with Mountain Village at Lake Estes
However you choose to spend the shorter daylight hours, coming home to Mountain Village at Lake Estes will make you fall in love with comfort, luxury, and style! Reserve your stay with us today.
When you come to Estes Park, you are almost assured to be amazed by the views you will be given the privilege of having every day of your visit, from the beautiful mountains standing tall above you like some sort of giant protector from lore to the twinkling lights of the buildings as the sun rests and the moon comes out to play. However, while this is all beautiful, there is truly no better way to experience the beauty of the Colorado mountains than at the locally owned and operated Dunraven.
The Building
Dunraven isn’t just a place to have picturesque views and delectable cuisine; the building itself is designed to truly make you truly feel at peace and more like you are resting at a friend’s home rather than a busy restaurant. With wooden interior, tall ceiling, and warm yet soft lighting, Dunraven truly matches the warm, cozy feelings that the town emanates and which draws crowds to the area. Further, you truly just might forget about your hunger when you sit down and gaze out across Lake Estes, with the mountains as her guardian. As well, should you find yourself coming for a celebration, whether it be a family reunion, a wedding, or just a rather large party, make sure you keep them in mind. Not only does the building comfort you with its wooden arms but it is also much larger than one might expect. Your large group will feel perfectly at home in the Tuscan Room, which is just as homey and comforting as the main dining area. This beautiful room can fit a total of 40 guests and is complete with large wooden dining tables, warm and inviting autumn colors, and is sure to add that special touch and atmosphere for which you had been searching. It truly is no wonder it has been featured in a variety of travel magazines including Trail Gazette, Thrillist, 5280 and more!
You might find yourself staring in wonder at the walls, decorated with literally thousands of dollar bills. This is an old tradition from the days when its doors were fresh and newly open. Since the first dollar was signed and placed on the wall, many others have followed suit; you too can add your own name and note upon the wall, ensuring your stay here is forever marked. If your curious what happens to the old, worn-out bills, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that they donate old bills to various charities. It is nice to know that not only does Dunraven put true care and thought into every meal and piece of decoration, but that their thought and pride stretches beyond the plate and walls and to the community who has made it what it is.
The Food…
Nobody can argue that the building is beautiful, the views exquisite, and the interior welcoming. However, all that pales once one lays their eyes upon their dish, which is as expertly presented as an artist displaying their statue. You’ll find here a wide range of classic dishes served at all times of the day, whether it be an early breakfast, a quick lunch, or an intimate dinner. However, no matter what, or when, you choose to visit, rest easily knowing that all their fish and seafood is fresh, and their steaks certified angus beef. As well, they understand that there are those who must be careful with that which they consume, thus they have a rather wide selection of gluten free options, ensuring that truly everyone can taste that which is Dunraven.
During the day you will find a range of scrumptious meals that range from those to start it all off such as a mouth-watering artichoke dip or a small plate of shrimp scampi. They even have local favorite such as fried pickles, but also those old and long loved ones such as buffalo wings. If you are craving the rich flavors of Italy, fear not, for they also offer everything from lasagna to spaghetti. If you find yourself eating earlier in the day, you will have a wide selection of tried-and-true breakfasts such as breakfast burritos—which you just may need to share considering the size of these monsters—chicken fried steak, or the classic favorite biscuits and gravy.
If you find yourself here for dinner, you will find an equally expansive menu featuring many of the favorites from lunch, but with added ones such as fresh sea scallops—which comes in both appetizer size and entrée—and crab cakes. You can also try some of their fish which have never known the inside of a freezer, or you can taste the buttery richness of lobster tail. You can of course try the classics from over the seas with baked ratatouille or enjoy their mushroom grand tortellini. Of course, they truly wouldn’t be a restaurant if they didn’t also offer a selection of drinks ranging from beer to full bodied wines to specialty cocktails. You’ll even find items that walk within the mysterious twilight zone of desert and beverage with their frozen cocktails. Make sure to taste the wonder flavors of Italian liqueur with a glass of their limoncello as well!
Experience the Best of Estes Park
As you can see, Dunraven offers more then just a place to rest your weary legs for a spell and is more than just somewhere to quickly silence one’s hunger. It has everything from food which will have you reading the menu with as much intensity as a good book to views which will have you sipping your drink, staring in wonder at the beauty that is nature. It’s no wonder the restaurant has created such a name in the town and even outside it. So, make sure you try Dunraven, and other equally enchanting places, by inquiring further with Mountain Village at Lake Estes at (970) 473-5735 or by booking your stay in Estes Park with us today!