COME TO LIFE | Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park Evening Wind down with dinner at the storied Stanley Hotel , an elegant 109yearold, white pillared landmark. Guided ghost tours reveal how Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining while staying in room 217. Newer to Estes Park’s dining scene, the farmtotable cuisine from Seasoned – An American Bistro and Bird & Jim ’s artisan approach have locals raving. Stay & Play Options Allenspark , Estes Park (page 182), Lyons (page 185) ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WINTER FUN Sidetrips Go through lovely Lyons on your way to Estes. With galleries and public art on nearly every corner and plenty of craft beer, it’s worth a stop. Tubers and kayakers roll through the whitewater park and you can show off at the Dirt Jump Bike Track. Summer concerts send tunes into the mountain air while visitors soak up the relaxed scene. Lyons Quilting has more than 6,500 bolts for sale. Spirit Hound Distillers, Moxie Bread and Lyons Dairy Bar are musts for tasty treats and hanging out. The Redstone Museum offers mountain-town history in an 1881 school house as well as a historic walking tour. Winter’s ice rink means simple cold-weather pleasure. FROM ICE CLIMBING, BACKCOUNTRY SPLIT-BOARDING AND BACKCOUNTRY SKIING to more relaxed activities like snowshoeing and curling up by the fire, Estes Park caters to winter visitors. It’s easy to get there yearround and offers an alternative to the bustling ski resorts. A handful of new snowshoe tours pair with yummy side activities (fondue and whiskey tasting are two examples). Connect with Estes Park Mountain Shop, Colorado Mountain School and Kent Mountain Adventure Center for all the gear and guidance you may need. THE STANLEY HOTEL SEASONED – AN AMERICAN BISTRO 112 1-800-COLORADO CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: VISIT ESTES PARK; SEASONED – AN AMERICAN BISTRO; THE STANLEY HOTEL.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 112
