FAMILY FUN
Family Fun in The Breathtaking Town
of Estes Park
By Kathleen Gobos
Estes Park is a town in Larimer County, Colorado. A popular summer
resort rich in history and the location of the headquarters for Rocky Mountain
National Park, Estes Park lies along the Big Thompson River and was founded
in 1859. Has a current population of approximately 6,000 people and is just
short of a seven mile span. Elevation is 7,522 ft. and the average temperature
in July and August is upper 70’s during the day and mid 40’s at night.
Ask a local Coloradan what’s to do in the area and
inevitable Estes Park is in the top five things to do.
I’ve heard it over and over again so this July Estes
Park is on my bucket list to visit. The early history
of the area is intriguing, before the Europeans came
to Estes Park valley, the Arapaho Indians lived there
in the summertime and called the valley “the Circle.”
In the 1850s, the Arapaho spent summers camped
around Mary’s Lake.
Estes Park is a four-season destination but the summer months seems to be the most popular for visitors
to the area. The rich wildlife and breathtaking scenery that lured travelers in the early 1900’s still draw
guests today. The crisp mountain air, charming shops
and dozens of outdoor activities are said not to disappoint. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy
during these warm Colorado months. Pioneers of this
breathtaking town have long enjoyed hiking, picnicking, camping, biking, horseback riding and rafting to
name a few. And inside the village, you can stroll the
Riverwalk, cast a line in Fall River, or make a stop for
ice cream. Peaks rise all around, from 8,500 feet to
more than 14,000 feet, rendering gorgeous views in
every direction.
Shops and galleries present a variety that spins from
practical to whimsical and they say that wildlife is
plentiful and the elk wandering downtown seem like
the official welcoming committee.
The great outdoors is a large part of Estes Park, many
downtown activities take place outside: jazz concerts,
cowboy sing-alongs, Riverwalk strolls - even wine
tastings.
Want an exciting outdoor adventure? Listed on the
visitestespark.com website is “3 Days, $300, 3 New
Skills” an affordable three-day weekend getaway for
individual or family that gets you budget conscious
lodging and three new skills.
Can’t get there this summer, don’t worry. Fall and
winter are also very exciting months to visit from
the brilliant fall tree colors for photography practice
to festivals and winter sport activities. One thing is
clear, whatever the season Estes Park is always a
great place to visit.
For me, my first stop in Estes Park, The Stanley Hotel!
Yes I’m a Stephen King fan and this hotel is known for
its architecture, magnificent setting, and famous visitors, but it’s probably best known today for its inspirational role in Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining.” This
Colorado hotel has been featured as one of America’s
most haunted hotels and with the numerous stories
from visitors and staff, The Stanley Hotel continues
to “shine” today, as it did in 1909 when first opened.
Enjoy and hope to see you on the streets of Estes
Park.
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