COME TO LIFE / Close to Paradise 2 1 3 @shannonoffthemap CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE STANLEY HOTEL; DREAM LAKE, JASON LEWANDOWSKI; VISIT ESTES PARK; TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, @SHANNONOFFTHEMAP; WHISKEY, ISTOCKPHOTO; SNOWSHOEING, TOM BOL; LAKE ESTES, O’HARA PHOTOGRAPHY. 7 WINTER FUN From extreme sports such as ice climbing, backcountry split-boarding and skiing to more relaxed activities like snowshoeing and curling up by the fire, Estes Park also caters to winter visitors. It’s easy to get there year-round and offers an alternative to the bustling ski resorts. 4 One block off Elkhorn, the path follows the Big Thompson River as it flows through town and hosts street performers in the summer. Take the path east for a tranquil walk around Lake Estes (1) , or stop at the marina to rent bikes, pontoon boats, paddleboards or kayaks. Then, enjoy a tasting at Snowy Peaks Winery , Elkins Distilling Company, Rock Cut Brewing Company or Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. , a former gas station with a scenic beer garden and new brews on tap regularly. Or stop into Via Bicycle Cafe , part cycling shop and hangout, part coffee-geek hot spot. AFTERNOON Estes Park is the gateway into the national park, but it’s also a destination unto itself. Stop by The Barrel , a seasonal alfresco beer garden, and window-shop along Elkhorn Avenue (3) , with one-of-a-kind stores, several new boutiques and restaurants and plenty of places for an afternoon snack. Stop for coffee and sit outside on the Riverwalk . EVENING Wind down with dinner at the storied Stanley Hotel (2) , an elegant 108-year-old, white-pillared landmark. Guided ghost tours reveal how Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining while staying in room 217. Stop by the beautifully crafted antique Cascades Whis-key Bar to choose from 250 different wine labels and the largest whiskey collection in the state. Or liven things up at Lazy B Chuckwagon Show , where a crowd-pleasing cowboy-style chuckwagon dinner is followed by a Western musical stage show. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Allenspark , Estes Park (page 195), Lyons 110 / COLORADO.COM
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 110
