Your getaway guide to Estes Park, a charming retreat adjacent to Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, with great restaurants and enchanting lodging
Now there’s another attraction. Eric and Candice Mohr just opened Snowy Peaks Winery with a tasting room downtown. The winery’s first release won’t be ready until February of 2006. Meanwhile, they’re hosting a casual tasting room featuring wines from several of Colorado’s award-winning wineries, plus an assortment of Colorado cheeses.
Valley of the Wind Winery also has a tasting room in Estes Park where a variety of Colorado wines are available.
There's more! For details on specialty shops, romantic dining and exciting outdoor activities, keep going.
All winter sports are available in and around Estes Park. From May through September, favorites include mountain riding and river rafting. Check out the following:
Cowpoke Corner Corral, 970-586-5890, which has stables on the edge of Roosevelt National Forest and near the north entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rapid Transit Rafting, 800-367-8523, provides full and half-day trips on the Cache La Poudre River with transportation from Estes Park.
Estes Park is a great place to shop. While there you may want to check out
Sampler Antiques & Gifts, 1751 N Lake Ave., North Lake, 970-577-1750.
Victorian Antlers 900 W Elkhorn, 970-586-2246.
Alpine Accents, 144 A W Elkhorn, 970-586-6660.
Earthwood Artisans, 145 E Elkhorn, 970-586-2151.
Loch Vale Fine Art, 165 Virginia Dr., 970-577-9627.
Wild Spirits Gallery,148 W Elkhorn, 970-586-4392.
Rocky Mountain Traders, 124 Elkhorn, 970-586-2130.
Twisted Pine Fur and Leather, 450 Morraine Ave., 970-586-4539.
Serendipidy Trading, 117 E Elkhorn, 970-586-8410.
Geppetto's Toy Shoppe, 160 W Elkhorn, 970-586-5709.
The Chocolate Drop, 340 E Elhorn, 970-586-2194.
Aldebaran Day Spa, 600 S Vrain, 970-577-8205.
Baldplate Inn (circa 1917).4900 S Hwy 7, 970-586-2792, is a specialty restaurant featuring a soup and salad buffet and home-baked pies for dessert. Summer only.
Molly B Restaurant, 200 morraine Ave.,970-586-2766, offers creative American cuisine with something on the menu to please everyone. Homemade desserts.
The Dunraven Inn, 2470 Hwy 66, 970-586-6409, is a fine dining restaurant featuring Italian cuisine, seafood and steaks served in a casual atmosphere.
The Gallery, 205 W Virginia Dr., 970-586-1865, features fresh seafoos and steaks with live music and fabulous artwork.
Twin Owls Steakhouse, 800 MacGregor Ave., 970-586-9344, features true mountain lodge ambiance and a European-American menu.
Big Horn Restaurant, 401 W Elkhorn, 970-586-2792, Family restaurant serving great breakfasts. Patio dining in the summer.
Wild Rose Restaurant, 157 W Elhorn, 970-586-2806, is a cozy place featuring contempory cuisine prepared by a European trained Chef.
Sweet Basico Café, 401 E Elkhorn, 970-586-3899, features made-from scratch Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
Grumpy Gringo, 1560 Bif Thompson Ave., 970-586-7705, serves authentic Mexican dishes made from traditional recipes in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Hunters Chop House, 1690 Big Thompson Ave., 970-586-6962, features a mixed cuisine of BBQ, Indian, Southern and Southwestern entres.
Fusion 451, 451 S. St. Vrain, 970-586-9840, features classic American cuisine with contemporary accents.
Hunan Restaurant, 460 w Riverside Dr., 970-586-8287, serves authentic Chinese dishes for lunch and dinner.
There are many delightful weekend retreats in Estes Park. For information on some of the best bed and breakfast inns, see Inns of Estes Park
Scenic Coloradois a virtual insider’s guide to Colorado’s most dramatic scenery and unusual attractions, including hiking trails for all ages and abilities. Your guide is a long-time resident-explorer.