Estes Park - Thanksgiving Weekend (Craig: hotel, restaurant, shops)

[xxJoyfulxx]

Hi Everyone

My husband and I vacation frequently from Chicago, IL to the Front Range area of CO and this year (next week) I will be staying in Estes Park for about 4 days Thanksgiving Weekend.

I've been to Estes several times, so I'm not looking for general info on the town itself, I'm looking for any residents or experts who have some specific info they could share with me!

I'm looking for restaurant recommendations, any activities you would recommend (in the town itself or RMNP too), and just any great suggestions of things I don't want to miss next (next) weekend.

We will be going to the "Come Catch the Glow" celebration & parade on the 23rd. There seem to be a lot of activities - the web site it starts at noon with a parade at 5:30. Anything specific we won't want to miss?

Thanks in advance for any ideas you all have!

Happy Holidays!
Joy

[chilaili]

I've only ever eaten in the restaurant at the Stanley Hotel but I had a good experience. Food and service were good and not hideously expensive.

[Huckleberry3911948]

give my regards to debbie and tom
rangers for the park service, dear and long time friends of mine.

[JayZ750]

The original Dunraven is the best place in Estes to eat.

[valincoga]

Ok - I grew up in Estes Park so I don't know if I qualify as an 'expert' but I can certainly give you some insight.

Places you'll want to eat -
Craigs Lodge which is up the mountain by the big slide (take Elkhorn to Moraine and Moraine south - keep going straight up the mountain). Great food and fun lodge type atmosphere. Moderately expensive.

Mary's Lake Lodge - follow signs to RMNP but then turn left on Mary's Lake Road. Wind back in and you'll see the lodge on your right past the lake. Moderately expensive

Sweet Basilico - Good italian food (ambiance is a bit odd, but the food is good). It's at Moraine and Riverside by the big slide.

Not to be missed Candy shop - Laura's Fudge or Haley's (right across the street from each other at the intersection of Elkhorn and Moraine, and owned by the same person). Laura's is the original and the fudge is to DIE FOR. Awesome caramel and fantastic caramel corn too. Stay away from the taffy. You'll want to go to the EP taffy shop for that (which is likely closed except for limited hours on Saturday.)

For an inexpensive meal, go to Bob & Tony's pizza - it's been there 30 years and is really good pizza (maybe not the authentic Chicago you're used to but good for Colorado). It's pretty slow so allow extra time.

The Christmas Shop in the "mall" is a fun experience too - they have literally thousands of christmas items and ornaments. Fun place to get a keepsake.

The Other Side Restaurant is also good (sit in the dining room, not the coffee shop) which is at the corner of Moraine and Mary's Lake Road. They do a dynamite Sunday champagne brunch and it sits on a little lake with a deck and ducks, etc. Nice atmosphere - you probably need reservations for brunch.

Nicky's on Fall River Road is a good steakhouse - again, sit in the dining room, not the coffee shop.

There is a steak place that is good downtown but i don't konw what it's called. It's above the Wheel bar and you enter from the back of the building. The Wheel bar is right in the middle of downtown.

For bars, I prefer Lonigan's to The Wheel - both kind of dives/honky tonks but the lonigan's crowd (at least used to be) less rowdy.

I'd stay away from Penelope's hamburgers - mean people and so so greasy food (that's downtown near the church shops).

The Courtyard Shops are fun to explore but be prepared for a massive amount of stairs. Lot's of quaint little shops. That's at Elkhorn and the park roughly but it sits back away from the road up by the jewelry store.

If it's nice weather, and you're up for a hike, the Twin Owls hike isn't too tough. You can drive up to RMNP to Bear Lake which is picturesque and not too far in. Wildlife can be seen just about anywhere, but the Mary's Lake area is a good bet.

Estes has all day events planned for the day after Thanksgiving so there will be lots to do. Have fun - hope this helps!