Mountain Strong

The Stanley shines
on an Autumn afternoon

Estes Park has long been a favorite destination for outdoor-loving Colorado locals as well as international travelers looking for a taste of The Rockies. Made infamous in Stephen King's The Shining, for the luxurious, and apparently haunted, Stanley Hotel, Estes Park is more locally known for its mountain charm and serene beauty; a convenient weekend getaway destination at the entrance to beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. The Park, however, is currently closed, and recent flooding has made the area less accessible for Denver residents looking to drive up and spend the afternoon, and perhaps spend some much needed cash as well.

Most businesses
have reopened

When strolling down the quiet streets of Estes Park these days in the tranquil autumn sunshine, you will likely overhear conversations that contain phrases like, "but that was pre-flood" when referring to washed away or water damaged inventory, or "watch your step, the floor is uneven here" merchants might warn as you traverse the warped but sturdy floorboards; or even an emphatic "no, dude! That was a thousand-year flood at least!' as locals debate the catastrophe over a smoke outside their favorite pub. When asked a courteous "how are you?' a shadow seems to veil shopkeepers' eyes and they are slow to reply, as if considering. "Well," Nadine, owner of Simply Christmas replied, "it's getting better."

Estes Park is
Mountain Strong

Since the floods that raged through the Rocky Mountain region in September of 2013, Estes Park has been largely cut off from the main arteries leading into the town, Highways 34 into Loveland and 36 into Longmont and Boulder. Until the recent opening of Highway 119 from Boulder to Nederland, which has greatly alleviated the commute, it was taking visitors nearly 4 hours to traverse back mountain roads, and with Trail Ridge Road also closed due to government disputes, locals no longer even have the option of taking the road at the top of the Rockies to come and go.

Despite extensive flood damage, decreased revenue and the closure of their back-yard national park, the spirit of Estes is Mountain Strong, as signs in windows, locals and billboards boast, and residents are rugged and ready for business. My husband is on the team in charge of opening the roads to and from Estes, which has given us a unique opportunity to lend some much needed support to this resourceful and resilient Colorado mountain town. Our restaurant choices and reviews will come from Estes Park for a while. We will share with you, our beloved Colorado community, the challenges and triumphs of this very special town, and, of course, the best places to imbibe in the local color and cuisine.

Estes Park. 

Mountain Strong.