We all know about some of the “must stop” places in Estes Park – Rocky Mountain National Park, The Donut Haus, or The Stanley Hotel. How about trying out some of the lesser known “must stops” in Estes Park:
Start the morning, on Hwy 34, at Via Bicycle Café before you reach the heart of downtown Estes Park. Via Bicycle Cafe is not a coffee shop that services bikes or a bike shop that also serves coffee. It’s a meeting room and hub for riders and coffee lovers. Inside you will find a unique coffee café and bicycle shop combination unlike anything you’ve experienced before. They have all the best cycling gear, and preform full service bike repairs alongside a full coffee bar serving up locally roasted Flat Top Coffee. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable about the Estes Park area as well as everything coffee and cycling. Whether you bike or drive into town, be sure you stop here first.
Ready for a small bite for lunch? Often parked outside of Rockcut Brewery is Estes Park’s newest and possibly only food truck and you must give it a try. Two Chicks Wings and Henhouse Eatery has a small menu of wings and sides and each one is delicious. In addition to the traditional buffalo wings they have some mouth watering gluten free and vegetarian options such as deep fried brussels sprouts and cauliflower “wings” with a bleu cheese dressing that is made fresh each day. It was described by one diner as “so good you want to do the backstroke in it.”
Next up head to Elkins Distilling Co. for a cocktail or tasting. They boast that they made whisky on the first day they were legally allowed and then cracked the doors for customers soon after on July 4, 2016. Their white whisky is organic, using a mash bill product that is 20% fossil-free malted barley and 80% corn and grown in Nunn, CO. This hidden gem is off the beaten path and has some of the best views of Longs and Meeker Peaks that you will find in town. Pick up a bottle of their first release, grain to whisky, and learn about their process and products yet to come.
When you’re ready for dinner head past the main drag of town and grab a wood-fired, New York style pizza from Antonio’s. You heard right, New York style pizza, right here in Estes Park. Antonio’s pizza is high on quality and flavor! Dine in or take your pie into the park and enjoy a couple slices while taking in an Estes Park sunset.
Whether you are an Estes Park regular or you are visiting for the first time, do yourself a favor and check out some of these hidden gems.
These tips were provided by The Grey House another one of Estes Park’s Hidden Gems. With a storefront that is only nine feet wide, tucked between the Wheel Bar and the Munchin’ House, their orange “open” sign suggests you “take the shortest hike in Estes – only 18 steps up!” Find original designs printed locally as well as unique brands such as Herschel Supply Co., Nixon and Hippy Tree at the Grey House.
