Close to Paradise / COME TO LIFE 1 @shannonoffthemap 4 2 AFTERNOON CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: THE STANLEY HOTEL; TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, @SHANNONOFFTHEMAP; NEAR LONGS PEAK, JASON J. HATFIELD; VISIT ESTES PARK; ELKHORN AVENUE, VISIT ESTES PARK; VISIT ESTES PARK. WINTER FUN T 3 Peaks Winery , Elkins Distilling Company , Rock Cut Brewing Company or Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. , a former gas station with a beer garden and new brews on tap regularly. Keep an eye out for the Two Chicks Wings & Hen-house food truck, usually parked near Rock Cut (despite the name, these chicks have excellent vegetarian options). 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. Newer to Estes Park’s dining scene, the farm-to-table cuisine from Seasoned – An American Bistro and Bird & Jim’s artisan approach have locals raving. 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 vis-itors. It’s easy to get there year-round and offers an alternative to the bustling ski resorts. Downtown Estes Park (3) is the gateway into the national park, but it’s also a destination unto itself. Stop by The Barrel on Mo-raine Avenue, a seasonal alfresco beer garden, and window-shop along Elkhorn Avenue (2) , 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 . 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 , or stop at the marina to rent bikes, pontoon boats, paddle-boards or kayaks. Then, enjoy a tasting at Snowy EVENING Wind down with dinner at the storied Stanley Hotel (1) , an elegant 109-STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Allenspark , Estes Park (page 196), Lyons (page 201) COLORADO.COM / 117
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2019: Page 117
