Estes Park Colorado

[basilosaurus]

I have a good friend who used to live/work at that YMCA.

For a half day trip that's not in the park, how about a trip to Fort Collins? You can see New Belgium, drink samples, do a tour, and then get some pretty decent food.

Or you could go to Boulder, again for food, but also the celestial seasonings tour. I shit you not, there's a tea bagging station. That alone made it worthwhile for our 12 year old selves.

In the opposite direction, if you cross TRR you can go to a number of mountain towns. Many have a really cool vibe in summer. If you want campy, you can go to Indian Springs. We did the hot springs and mud bath there once. It was entertaining, relatively cheap, and definitely campy enough to give us a few laughs.

But, really, you can spend most of your days hiking in the park and not want for anything. It's beautiful up there.

[basilosaurus]

The springs are 108 year round. To hot for me actually. The mud was inside and temp controlled.

The tea bagging stuff was hilarious but we were the only people laughing. There was a video, they zoomed on the sign, and we guffawed. Everyone was quiet. Still, the mint room ifs amazing as is boulder food.

One other thoughtis that Nederland is a cool tinytown on the top boulder. An amazing rock/fossil shop. Plus it puts you on the road for a quick hike to boulder falls.

[seventeen]

don't bother eating at the brewery, just go to the liquor store by Safeway to buy the beer. The food and service at the brewery suck.

We like Chicago's Best for subs, Stone Age BBQ for elk, bison, wild boar, and the Wheel Bar is a little local bar that's fun. I'd also take a ghost tour at the Stanley Hotel - but be sure to book it in advance.