Holiday in the Rockies 2022

Holiday in the Rockies Holiday R

Estes Park, Colorado ado inter

Welcome to your holiday in the Rockies

Nothing says “holiday” as well as the snow covered Rockies and a charming mountain town. Estes Park fits the bill.

From Christmas lights to great gift shopping and love ly places to stay, Estes Park is a great home base for your holiday adventure. We are the doorstep to Rocky Moun tain National Park for mil lions of people every year.

Winter is a great time to enjoy seasonal sports or try the craft beverages which abound. Many restaurants have special menu offerings for the holidays.

For a great place to stay, play and simply stroll down

the street to enjoy the deco rations, enjoy your holiday in the Rockies!

Michael Romero, Publisher Wendy Rigby, Managing

Editor/Reporter

Matt Poust, Lead Reporter

Tim Mosier, Freelancer Dawn Wilson, Freelancer Daniel Sewell, Advertising

Enjoy the holidays, Estes style

By Colleen DePasquale, Estes Chamber of Commerce

For theTrail Gazette

The holidays are a great time to visit Estes Park. Not only is the town organically beautiful but with the addition of snow cov ered mountains, twinkling lights and festive decorations, it is the perfect backdrop for your staycation, shopping and building family memories.

There is something for every one to enjoy, from a slice of Val’s famous pie at You Need Pie Diner & Bakery to a relaxing Christmas themed afternoon tea at the new SereniTea Tea Room. We have three Christmas stores that can’t be missed, Simply Christmas, Spruce House and the Christmas Shoppe will keep you in the holiday

spirit. We have a new way to celebrate this year with our “Miracle on 7th” being held at Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill beautifully decorated and hol iday themed drinks being serve with cheer!

Simply Christmas asked Santa to make an early visit, and he will be stopping in at The Bull Pin at 1:00pm on 12/19, so you can bowl and check your spot on the nice list at the same time! The Taf fy Shop will stay open late Fri

In this issue

Welcome to your holiday in the Rockies 2

Enjoy the holidays, Estes Park style 2 Experience holidays in Estes Park .............. 3 Holiday hoorah at Estes Park’s river walk 4 Aspen and Evergreen Gallery welcomes new owner ..................... 5 Catch the holiday spirit 6

‘Catch the Glow’ kicks off Christmas season in Estes Park 6

Colleen DePasquale, Estes Chamber of Commerce

day and Sat urday eve nings until 7pm through December 22nd to wel come shop pers into the warm little store for the only taffy made right here in Estes Park. The Bar rel will serving hot toddy’s and the 25 Craft Beers of Christmas all month, too.

Downtown Estes Park will be staying open later on 12/2 and 12/16, sharing holiday offerings to our visitors If you are looking for more things to do, we partnered with Visit Estes Park and here is a list of things to do and see while you are here: https://bit.ly/ BeyondTheHolidays22.

Wynbrier holds December sale ........ 7 Festival of Trees lights up season ............... 8 Holiday Happenings 9 Experience winter activities and holiday magic in the mountains at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center ........... 10 The Stanley shines brightly during the holiday season 14 Old Church Shops to become Stanley Chocolate Factory ................. 15 New owners reopen The Inn of Glen Haven ................... 16 No better time than holiday time, to become ‘STUFFED’ 17

Colorado Homestead celebrates with gift giveaway ............... 18

Local game store expands with new location 19

Art Center open all year ...................... 20

Aspen Winds offers tranquility 22 2023 events in Estes Park ...................... 23

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail Gazette

Downtown Estes Park is a winter wonderland during the holidays

Experience holidays in Estes Park

By Kendall Akin, Visit Estes Park For the Trail Gazette

Holidays in Estes Park are a magical time. The town springs to life with twinkling lights and festive store fronts. The res taurants and bars craft their tastiest holiday cocktails and coffees And the shops have gifts for everyone on your list. Here’s why you should spend this season with us in Estes Park.

Sip holiday cheer

Step into Miracle on 7 Pop up Bar at Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill anytime from November 21 through New Year’s Eve for some holiday cheer. You’ll experience the nostalgic energy of Christmas with kitschy decor and festive cocktails.

Around town, Estes Park’s breweries, coffee shops and restaurants are getting in the spirit with curated drinks like the “Grinchmas” and the “Black Eyed Bourbon.”

Shop

Shop at one of the many boutiques in Estes Park this holiday season and find truly unique gifts for everyone on your list. And the best part? You’ll feel good about all that gift giving because you’ll also be supporting small busi nesses in our mountain com

munity. Wander into Simply Christmas and customize a “happy camper” ornament to commemorate your time in Estes Park The best part about this store? It’s Christ mas all year round! Pick out a fun game at Frames, Games and Things Unnamed (we suggest the Colorado 14er opoly) and the sweetest taffy at The Taffy Shop.

Stay in a cozy cabin

Watch the snow fall from See Holidays, pg 23

Visit Estes Park / Courtesy photo

estes Park springs to life with twinkling lights and festive store fronts

Visit Estes Park / Courtesy photo Shop at one of the many boutiques in estes Park this holiday season and find truly unique gifts for everyone on your list.

Holiday hoorah at Estes Park’s river walk

By Matthew Poust Trail Gazette

Carolers, carriage rides and Christmas lights the yuletide spirit came early for another year in the Estes Valley as town folk gathered along the downtown riverwalk to cele brate the 12th annual tree lighting ceremony.

Event festivities kicked off around 3:30 p.m. Parents brought their children to take pictures with Santa Claus, members of the Estes Park Police Auxiliary accept

ed donations for the Blue Santa program, and hungry beholders munched on holi day snack offerings.

As the sun went down and the cold night air crept in, those trying to catch a glimpse of the early holiday spirit could be seen huddling into riverside store fronts try ing to stay warm.

As 5:30 rolled around, the crowd gathered around for the commencement of the lighting Mayor Wendy Koenig was joined by Visit Estes Park’s Claire Mollé to See riverwalk, pg. 23

Matthew Pouse / Estes Park Trail Gazette

The downtown riverwalk's tree lighting is seen from across the pond

Matthew Poust / Estes Park Trail Gazette

A family gathers around Santa Claus during the tree lighting celebration.

Matthew Poust / Estes Park Trail Gazette Estes Park's downtown riverwalk is lit up for the season.

Gallery with local art and great gifts

By Daniel Sewell Trail Gazette

Aspen and Evergreen Gallery has been the Estes Park destination to acquire quality, handmade local art for your home and gift giving needs for over 20 years

This past summer owner ship transferred hands to Jason Geoffrion, who has ensured the gallery maintains its quality, charm, and ambi ance while ushering it into the next phase. Now with over 80 local artists, there is decorative and functional art for a wider variety of styles and price points.

The Aspen and Evergreen team, local leaders, residents, and business owners in cele brated the continuation of their 20 year legacy in Estes Park with a red ribbon cutting to welcome the new owner ship on Wednesday October 12th. Red ribbon cuttings are a historically symbolic event, hosted by the Estes Chamber, to recognize the launch of new businesses, the transition of ownership, and the longevi ty of our business members in Estes Park (Estes Cham ber of Commerce/Courtesy photo)

“One of my main goals for the gallery is to have quality

See Gallery, pg 23

Dawn Wilson / estes Park Trail Gazette

Jason Geoffrion, the new owner of aspen and evergreen Gallery in downtown estes Park, helps a customer with the purchase of a print

Catch the holiday spirit

By Wendy Rigby Trail Gazette

You may have noticed downtown Estes Park is looking a little different these days (and nights!). Tens of thousands of Christmas lights have been strung up in the trees along the Elkhorn Ave. corridor and on the island by the Legion and the Highway 34 and 36 intersec tion.

A company called Elevation Holiday Lighting has the $94,984 contract this year.

The lights began going up on Oct. 17. They will stay in the trees through February

“The lighting is a long held tradition in Downtown Estes Park, and adds to the holiday spirit and helps draw people to enjoy the businesses, parks and events of the season,” commented Kate Rusch, Pub lic Information Officer for the Town of Estes Park.

Next comes the annual tree lighting at George Hix River side Plaza on Nov 19 Visit Estes Park writes, “Take part in a holiday tradi tion that dates back more than 60 years! Estes Park’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will fea ture free holiday festivities,

including pictures with Santa, holiday craft kits, horse drawn wagon rides and llama photo ops The activities begin at 3:30 p.m., with the official tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.

Monetary donations will be accepted for the Blue Santa program by Police Depart ment Auxiliary members These donations are delivered to disabled, shut in and elderly community residents in mid December. For more informa tion on Blue Santa, please con See spirit, pg 20

‘Catch the Glow’ kicks off Christmas season

By Matthew Poust Trail Gazette

Nearly 20,000 eager individuals lined the sidewalks of Elkhorn Avenue on Friday, Nov. 25, to witness Estes Park’s “Catch the Glow” Parade. The annual parade that lights up the downtown sector from Elk horn Avenue to the US34/36 intersection featured over 40 holiday themed floats that

flaunted the Christmas spirit.

Mayor Wendy Koenig led the line of parade participants sitting shotgun inside a white Tesla EV Model X, waving and greeting crowd members as she passed by.

Following Koenig were emergency vehicles from the Estes Park Police Department and fire district decked out from top to bottom in custom ary harlequin shining Christ mas lights

As the department vehicles passed by, the line of floats marking local businesses, churches, and Estes organiza tions followed, each with their one of a kind floats, showing the full community effort that goes into events of this nature

Public announcers were positioned on platforms high above the crowd as they announced each participant that passed by, giving credit and pointing out specifics on

the distinctive vehicles.

Joining in on the fun were members of the Highland Brass Quintet and Estes Park’s Brad Fitch, who spread the holiday joy by playing Christmas jingles for all to hear

Parade proceedings were capped off by an assembly of elf suited participants who marched down Elkhorn Ave nue holding lollipop shaped signs reading “We

Believe

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail Gazette

The lights began going up on Oct. 17. They will stay in the trees through February.

Visit Estes Park / Courtesy photo

The Catch the Glow Parade is flanked by trees decorated with tens of thousands of holiday lights

Wynbrier holds December sale

By Daniel Sewell Trail Gazette

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit Wynbrier Home and Wyn brier Wildlife Gallery as their annual Dec. sale begins on the 15th! Everything is 20 percent off, excluding tobacco, in store and online with code “WYN20”. Shop fine art, beau tiful home décor, lighting, knives, watches, and so much more!

Wynbrier Wildlife Gallery was established in 1971 on Elkhorn Ave. The two stores are located at 238 Elkhorn Ave. and nextdoor at 240 Elk horn Ave. in the grove of retailers across from Bond Park’s south side. Candace Lyles, owner, created the annual sale when they acquired the business in 2007,

it’s her way of celebrating the holidays and giving back to the customers that support them seasonally and through out the year.

“The seasonal décor of Wynbrier was what made it my favorite store to shop before I lived here, when I would visit Estes Park with my family. When the former owners decided to retire it was the perfect opportunity for me to continue the tradi tion of the oldest wildlife gal lery in Estes Park,” said Lyles

Lyles has two storefronts side by side, one for Wynbrier Homeis Wynbrier Wildlife Gallery. This was not always the case, originally, Wynbrier was located in the Park The atre Mall; the structure’s fire in 2009 forced them to move to where they are now, See Wynbrier, pg 23

Wynbrier / Courtesy photo visit Wynbier in december for their annual holiday sale.

Festival of Trees lights up season

By Wendy Rigby Trail Gazette

With themes like ugly sweaters, the Grinch, music and good vibes, 34 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees now decorate the lobby of the Estes Park Resort on Lake Estes.

The Quota Club sponsors the Festival of Trees which is a fundraiser for the philan thropic organization. The event usually raises about $10,000 for the club which contributes to the communi ty in various ways to help where help is needed.

“We work with the Estes Park Health Foundation to purchase ambulances,” explained Festival of Trees co chair Lori Smith “All the ambulances you see have a big Q on them. That’s our biggest fundraiser that we do. We also have a medical equipment supply closet based on need People pay a deposit to check out equip ment. There’s a huge need. You cannot rent hospital beds anywhere locally. Peo ple have surgery and they need a shower chair or a walker or just a pair of crutches.”

The Quota Club purchases the trees and gives them to volunteers who have about a month and a half to decorate them. Businesses, artists, Rotarians and anyone with a flair for holiday fun can deco rate one.

“We got this all set up Mon day morning,” Smith said “I think it’s one of the most fun events. The community is great They support it Peo ple buy tickets and put them in the boxes by the trees they like best Then we have a drawing and give them away on Dec. 18th.”

The trees are on display

until then, so drop by to see all of the beauty and creativi ty. Some of the trees come with goodies and some have gift certificates hanging on them

“Anything to get people to buy tickets for them,” Smith pointed out “It’s all for a

good cause. We love setting up and watching all of the trees come in and meeting all of the people behind the trees.”

Four trees that hang on the wall were given away at the kick off event on Wednesday evening

The Quota Club also hosts two other fundraisers in the spring the Taste of Estes and a geranium sale.

To learn more about the Quota Club, go to estespark quota.com. Questions? Reach the club at estesparkquo ta@gmail com

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail Gazette

Forty three exquisitely decorated Christmas trees now decorate the lobby of the Estes Park Resort on Lake Estes during the Festival of Trees put on by the Quota Club

Holiday Happenings

By Visit Estes Park For the Trail Gazette

Miracle on 7: a Pop-up Christmas Cocktail Bar

Through Dec. 31 at Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill

Miracle on 7 is Estes Park’s very own Christmas themed pop up cocktail bar With kitschy holiday décor, professionally developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office par ty you’ve ever been to, Mira cle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holi day spirit. Pop in for a Christ mas coctail

Estes Park Holiday Trail

Through December 31 Everywhere you go in Estes Park this season

screams holiday Downtown springs to life with twinkling lights. The local businesses deck their halls (and win dows) with holiday cheer. And our local residents get in the spirit as well! Use a map at https://www.visit estespark.com/events-calendar/holidays/holiday trail/ to make sure you hit all the festive spots, making time to shop and enjoy sweet treats along the way.

Holiday deals and discounts

Whether you’re shopping for Christmas savings or looking for a festive meal, this list will be sure to point you in the right direction. Find coupons and more information at https:// www.visitestespark.com/ events calendar/holidays. See Happenings, pg. 21

Estes Chamber of Commerce / Courtesy photo miracle on 7 is estes Park's very own Christmas themed pop up cocktail bar. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. The estes Chamber joined the team at Cousin Pat's, local leaders, residents and business owners in celebrating the Grand opening at 451 South St vrain ave on Nov 21

With activities ranging from sledding, new winter hikes and guided snowshoe trips in Rocky Mountain National Park

holiday traditions, crafting, nature programs and more, YMCA of the Rockies is an ideal destination for the perfect mountain winter vacation

Experience holiday magic at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center

Five ways to make the most of the mountains

By YMCA of the Rockies

For the Trail Gazette

YMCA of the Rockies, a beloved Colorado resort in Estes Park has announced their family friendly holiday events and programming for the 2022 2023 winter season. With activities ranging from sled ding, new winter hikes and guided snowshoe trips in Rocky Mountain National Park to holiday traditions, crafting, nature programs

and more, YMCA of the Rockies is an ideal destina tion for the perfect mountain winter vacation.

The mountain destination offers visitors year round access to wide open spaces, beautiful mountain scenery and cozy and affordable lodg ing, which ranges from com fortable hotel style lodge rooms to multi bedroom pri vate cabins.

Below are five tips to make the most of a winter trip to YMCA of the Rockies; reser vations, full programming schedules and more informa tion can be found at ymca rockies org

Take a hike a new one. New at the Estes Park Cen

ter, the Enger Family Nature Trail features an upper and lower loop built for all ages and accessibility levels – the perfect spot for a winter hike or snowshoe.

Get indoors (at least for a while). For guests who want to warm up for a bit, there are plenty of indoor adven tures to be found at the Estes Park Center, including a 35 foot climbing wall, cozy fire places all around the proper ty, a well appointed history museum, roller rink, craft center, gym and game room

Go for a walk on the wild side. Estes Park is known for its abundant wildlife; guests can often spot elk, deer, small land animals and birds

just outside their lodging. The resort also offers wildlife ecology classes and expert guides to help guests safely view wildlife on hikes Speak ing of animals, most YMCA cabins are also pet friendly.

Find some magic in the mountains. The Estes Park Center hosts a month long holiday celebration with self guided evening tours of fes tively decorated cabins, San ta sightings, and even a hands on Santa’s Workshop, where guests can create handmade gifts, decorate cookies and more.

Unplug. Most lodge rooms and cabins do not have televi sions, providing a truly unplugged experience.

YMCA of the Rockies / Courtesy photo

to

The Stanley shines brightly during the holiday season

By Matthew Poust Trail Gazette

With December in the headlights, the yuletide spirit is beginning to grace the Estes Valley in exceptional fashion.

Christmas lights line Elk horn Avenue, snow coats the Rocky Mountain backdrop and residents flock to down town shops to buy gifts for loved ones.

As age old traditions like Christmas movie binging, evergreen tree decorating and mistletoe hanging fill most anyone’s holiday list there is a plentiful amount of celebration alternatives throughout Estes Park resi dents to enjoy as well, and what better place to look than the historic Stanley Hotel.

From delicious family din ners to mellifluous music shows, The Stanley has a full

slate of events this holiday season both conventional and alternative to keep guests pleased throughout this joyous time of year.

BruceFest Thursday, Fri day & Saturday, Dec. 1 3

Kicking off the month of December, horror fans can get their fix with another round of BruceFest a three day long, 21 and over, defini tive film festival.

The festival’s host and namesake, Bruce Campbell, is known far and wide for his role as Ash Williams in Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise Event proceedings include live commentary movie screenings, panels, game rooms, prop exhibits, photo and singing ops, scavenger hunts, a cosplay contest, sur prise special guest stars and much more.

Goblin Suspiria Friday & Saturday, Dec. 9 10

For another select horror option this holiday season, ongoing audience members can join Claude Simonetti’s Goblin as they celebrate the 45th anniversary of Dario Argento’s iconic picture, Sus piria, with a live performance of the score set to a screening of the film.

Composer Claudio Simonet ti has written and recorded some of the most influential soundtracks in horror, includ ing Dawn of the Dead, Demons, Deep Red, Tenebre, and countless others, with his seminal work still informing the genre to this day.

Following the finale of the cult classic, the collective will return after a brief intermis sion to deliver a set of quintessential Goblin material along side clips from the songs’ cinematic counterparts.

The Nutcracker Suite Saturday, Dec. 10

In a traditional holiday offering, guests can gather to witness the professional com pany dancers and advanced students of the Boulder Bal let School as they perform the third annual Nutcracker Suite.

This holiday classic tells the story of young Clara’s magical Christmas Eve dream Boulder Ballet’s retelling of Marius Petipa’s 1892 ballet will feature a com bination of narration and dancing against the backdrop of beautiful Stanley Hotel gardens

Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker at the Stanley is perfect for the whole family and will be com pleted with an opportunity for the audience to meet the dancers and receive auto graphs.

Christmas family dinner

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail Gazette

From delicious family dinners to mellifluous music shows, The Stanley has a full slate of events this holiday season both conventional and alternative to keep guests pleased throughout this joyous time of year. (Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Trail Gazette)

Old Church Shops to become Stanley Chocolate Factory

By Wendy Rigby Trail-Gazette

When John Cullen purchased The Old Church Shops at 157 W. Elkhorn Ave. in Janu ary of 2022, there wasn’t any announcement of what was going to happen. Now, his vision is becoming a reality.

Work will begin in the next couple of months on the F.O. Stanley Chocolate Factory.

“This is one of the great historical buildings on Elk horn,” Cullen said. “This building pre dates The Stan ley. It quite frankly needs a new start along with an anchor draw attraction that keeps it viable long term.”

The F.O. Stanley Chocolate Factory will offer an interac tive experience where visi tors not only get to buy choc olate, they get to make their own and learn about the pro cess along the way.

“I think it’s exciting that we can offer something fun for people to do on a cold or rainy day,” Cullen empha sized. “Kids can come by and in an hour and a half process, they learn about the farmers who grow cocoa, how it’s brought to the U.S., how it’s processed and what makes the different tastes. Every single person will put on the chef’s coat and make their own unique chocolate their own way.”

Besides getting their own unique chocolate bar, the kid will be honored with an “offi cial patent” from the F.O. Stanley Chocolate Factory for their invention.

Cullen explained that F.O. Stanley was one of the most prolific inventors of his time

120 years ago and had 139 patents by the age of 33.

Cullen has toyed with the idea of a chocolate factory in Estes Park for more than a decade The original plan was to open it in the Carriage House. Now that building is home to Aiden Sinclair’s Underground and The Post Chicken & Beer, both of which are extremely success ful.

Historic building to be restored

The Old Church Shops was originally (of course) a church, the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies

Cullen plans to restore the building to the white exterior it had when it was originally built and is in the process of getting exterior permits from the Town of Estes Park to re do the siding and windows.

“It was originally an all wood building,” he pointed out. “The red stone currently on the front façade was added in the 80s We’re going to take the stone down to win dow height and bring back the white wooden exterior I think it will be very attractive and respectful of its past.”

Moving forward

Only one tenant remains in The Old Church Shops. The Wild Rose restaurant has a lease for another two years After that time, Cullen plans to use that space for a choco late production facility

The F.O. Stanley Chocolate Factory will have a joint ven ture with a part in Boulder called Lift Chocolates. The factor will produce chocolate primarily for Whole Foods

John Cullen / Courtesy photo you can buy Stanley Chocolate in The Stanley now The F o Stanley Chocolate Factory will employ 20 to 30 people at the beginning, a number that Cullen said will increase substantially when manufacturing begins

New owners reopen The Inn of Glen Haven

By Wendy Rigby Trail-Gazette

When you walk into The Inn of Glen Haven, it’s like step ping back in time. The 100 year old building is filled with Victorian era antiques and the cozy rooms have layered bedding. The fine dining res taurant serves made from scratch fare on white linens with silverware.

Chris and Emma Rich mond bought the historic building in November of 2021 They moved into the bed and breakfast in May of this year from Wichita, Kan., and opened for business on June 2.

“What’s not to like about living here,” Emma Rich mond asked. “You wake up and there are the mountains and the fresh breeze. We’re kind of outdoorsy people. We’ve got dogs and we like to walk. We always marvel at the sky at night and the sun rise coming over the moun tains in the morning.”

The Richmonds have never been in the B&B business before. Their youngest child

graduated high school and they decided to make a change

“Everything we’re doing now was just a leap of faith,” Emma Richmond explained. “We had both been at our desk jobs for 29, 30 years and we decided we wanted to do something different. I think our whole married life we had always thought we would eventually get to Colorado. We started looking and

found this opportunity. It was for sale.”

The couple bought The Inn of Glen Haven from Tom and Sheila Sellers who had owned it for three decades.

“People have described the experience of staying here as going to visit their grand mother,” Emma Richmond noted. “That’s a little bit true. With all of the antiques and the layered bedding, it’s cozy and homey.”

Chris Richmond said the squeaky old floors are part of the ambiance.

The restaurant and bar are also romantic settings.

“That’s why a lot of people spend their honeymoons here,” stated Chris Rich mond. “They come back for anniversary dinners. It’s a great place to come on a date night. You don’t get people coming here for dinner and

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail Gazette

Each room is unique. For example, Sherlock Holmes is decorated with a violin and Holmes’ trademark hat and coat.

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail Gazette

The 100 year old Inn of Glen Haven is filled with Victorian era antiques.

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail Gazette

Chris and Emma Richmond bought the historic Inn of Glen Haven in November 2021

No better time than holidays to become ‘STUFFED’

By Daniel Sewell Trail Gazette

When you step inside STUFFED, you will be greeted by Elvis, their 5’ tall singing bear mas cot, and thousands of other stuffed animals that are wait ing for a loving home!

STUFFED has the most extensive selection of Steiff stuffed animals in the Rocky Mountains and are the only authorized Steiff Club Dealer in Colorado. For those not familiar with Steiff, they orig inated in Germany in 1880. Margaret Steiff was partially paralyzed at 18 months old and learned early on to work with her hands. She became

an amazing seamstress, handmaking beautiful clothes.

In 1880, she made an ele phant pin cushion out of felt, and it changed her world! It was thought to be the first “stuffed animal” on record. People loved the little felt ele phant so much, they no lon ger wanted handmade clothes…they wanted hand made stuffed animals, hence the opening of Steiff! They are considered the “Rolls Royce” of stuffed animals and are still handmade to this day.

In addition to Steiff, they carry over 600 styles of Douglas Cuddle Toy plush

See Stuffed, pg 22

STUFFED / Courtesy photo

STuFFed is the store full of every stuffed animal imaginable! The store is located at 145 e elkhorn ave., across from The Wheel.

Colorado Homestead celebrates with gift giveaway this season

By Daniel Sewell Trail Gazette

As the holiday season approaches the spirit of giving gains momentum and this year Colorado Homestead is cele brating with a gift giveaway for all who want to partici pate. Stop by the store at 165 E. Elkhorn Ave. from now until the drawing on Sat Dec. 17th to enter for your chance to win a John Deere green wagon filled with homestead home décor, kitchen knick knacks, children’s toys and more!

Colorado Homestead is owned and operated by the Taylors; Steve and Ann and their daughter Cindy keep the doors open for business every day, except holidays For Christmas’ sake the Tay lors will have an old fashioned typewriter set up in store to write letters to Santa

with. Hint for the wise, visit Colorado Homestead first so the kids can tell Santa their wish list before doing the

Chocolate from page 15

and Williams Sonoma.

The owner of Lift Choco late, Brandon Busch, is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines and served two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot. When he served in the military deliv ering emergency supplies, his call sign was “The Can dy Man ” He used his VA benefits to learn how to make chocolates.

“He’s the perfect person for this venture,” Cullen stressed. “He is a Colorado decorated veteran who mar ried his high school sweet heart. He lives in Denver and has three kids and

when we start manufactur ing, he will move up here ”

The F.O. Stanley Choco late Factory will employ 20 to 30 people at the begin ning, a number that Cullen said will increase substan tially over time

“I’m excited to be part of the Elkhorn and Cleave St. refurbishment,” Cullen stat ed. “We want to make this a fun pedestrian part of town for visitors This will be a great anchor in the middle of Cleave street and will be a great connection through to Elkhorn and the nearby parking lots.

Cullen calls the factor a

shopping!

The gift store is on the north side of Elkhorn and just west of the traffic light at

Bond Park The Taylors began the store in 2002 and in the last 20 years they maintained a wonderful shop that carries something for everyone.

Like a homesteader on the prairie of yester year the store has staked claim to classic designs that endear names like cabin, cowboy, hacienda, ranchero, western and so on The products are mostly locally sourced and include one of a kind items for home décor as well as unique common items like blankets, gift cards, jewelry, coffee cups, candles, mag nets, and other great stock ing stuffer souvenirs.

Take a walk down main street and see the Gift Give away wagon in the window of Colorado Homestead and enter to win before Decem ber 17 when the drawing will be made please note no delivery for gift giveaway.

“great expansion” of The Stanley brand More than 200,000 guests will take a tour of the hotel this year. Cullen staged a trial run of the chocolate factory model in a conference room at The Stanley to test how to teach children about chocolate while entertaining them.

“It will be entertaining for kids, parents and grandpar ents,” he stressed. “This will be something they can do together. One mother told me, ‘My kids absolutely loved it I sat for an hour, had coffee and read a news paper for the first time in two weeks I’d pay double if

you would take my husband on the tour with them ’”

Cullen believes the project will be a win win for the town and The Stanley He has plans to invest heavily over the next couple of years in infrastructure to connect the hotel with downtown. Those plans include sidewalks and bicy cle paths.

“It’s time for The Stanley and the town to connect physically and economical ly,” he said.

The F O Stanley Choco late Factory is slated to open by Memorial Day 2023

Daniel Sewell / Estes Park Trail Gazette

Colorado Homestead celebrates the holiday season with a gift giveaway and in store letters to Santa on an old fashioned typewriter

Local game store expands with new location

By Tim Mosier Trail Gazette

Whether it was at a sleepover with a group of friends or during a rainy day at grand ma and grandma’s house, most Americans grew up playing board and card games in some form or fash ion and many of them still play to this day.

The tabletop game industry received a major boom when most of the world was told to stay inside for weeks, some times months at a time due to COVID 19 lockdowns. And despite phone, computer and console gaming technology making leaps and bounds over the last decade, the glob al board game market jumped from $7 2 billion in 2017 to $11.2 billion in 2022.

Pairing their love of gam ing with the attraction of a growing market, borthers Kyle and James DiGiacomo opened their shop, Fabled Collections, in the lower part of Stanley Village near the Art Center in February of 2021

After a little over a year at that location, Fabled Collec tions moved earlier this sum mer to 459 E Wonderview Ave. in the space that used to be Highlands Music and Gifts, next to Notchtop Bak ery and Café.

“We outgrew our previous space and the new space is much bigger and more visi ble,” James said. “We knew from day one it would be a stepping stone to something larger/longer term but want ed to prove there was a market for a local game store in Estes before committing too much capital.”

Fabled Collections is a tabletop game store focused on trading card games, board games, and Role Playing Games (RPGs) like Dungeon and Dragons.

“People come to our shop for the latest Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, and Flesh & Blood set releases,” James said. “Besides selling prod ucts we also offer space for our players to hangout and find like minded people to play games with We also run casual and competitive events throughout the year which brings dozens of play ers up to Estes from down the hill and occasionally neighboring states ”

“We run a “MTG Com mander Night” every Friday evening from 4 p.m. to close,” said James. “Anyone is welcome to bring their commander deck and join us for some casual games. Also,

on Sept 9 there are two big set releases, MTG Dominar ia United and Pokemon Lost Origin ”

Kyle currently manages the day to day functions at the physical store while James plays more of a back ground role, helping with the technical and online aspect of the business as well as man aging the finances and com pleting product orders.

The local game store is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a m to 7 p m

“New players are some times intimidated by a per ceived high barrier of entry in this tabletop space but we work hard to promote posi tivity and inclusivity at the store,” James said. “Anyone with a positive attitude is wel come to come learn and play games with us.”

Fabled Collections / Courtesy photo

Fabled Collections moved earlier this summer to 459 e. Wonderview ave. in the space that used to be Highlands music and Gifts, next to Notchtop bakery and Café.

Art Center open all year

By Art Center of Estes Park

For the Trail Gazette

The Art Center of Estes Park was established in 1987 and offers an extensive collection of fine art including painting, photogra phy, jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber and woodworking In addition, we present opportu nities for education in the visual arts, and act as an advocate and partner for com munity arts development.

This was the vision of sev eral local artists, many of whom are still participating members The Art Center is dedicated to education and excellence in the visual arts, and is operated through artist and community volunteers, membership, sales, and dona tions Our mission is to pro vide a facility that supports and promotes regional artists; to present opportunities for education in the visual arts, and to act as an advocate and partner for community arts development.

The Center now represents local and regional artists from across the Rocky Mountain area. We feature the high quality artwork of approximately 40 local Colo rado artists in a broad selection of media Whether you’re searching for a large

“Colossal

piece of fine art or photogra phy to enhance your home, or the perfect gift of jewelry, fiber, pottery, or a note card for a friend, we have it

We feature a new exhibit approximately every six weeks, opened by a public reception featuring refresh ments and entertainment. We invite you to come and

Spiritfrom page 6

tact Captain Rick Life at 970 577 3872 or rlife@estes.org.”

The annual Catch the Glow Parade is Nov. 25.

Visit Estes Park writes, “The Annual Catch the Glow Parade will brighten Estes Park at 5:30 PM the day after Thanksgiving!

Each year as many as 20,000 people line Elkhorn Avenue to “Catch the Glow” of this

whimsical holiday parade, as well as spend the afternoon visiting Santa and strolling through downtown Estes Park. The parade features more than 40 units, including hand crafted floats from the Town of Estes Park and non profits, marching bands, fire trucks and other specialty vehicles.

Subscribers to the Rocky

view these fine artists’ work and to shop for additions to your home or business col lections.

The Art Center also fea tures two special exhibits during the year: FACE of Fiber and the Estes Valley Plein Air. Adult and Kid’s art classes are offered as well as a Mentor/Student program

Gallery Hours 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p m Open 7 days a week mid May Oct. and Nov. mid May on Fri., Sat., Sun and Mon with special Holiday shopping hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 20 23 and 26 30 Located in middle Stanley Village Shopping Center between Safeway and Subway

Mountain Channel will be able to stream the parade live.

Estes Transit will provide free trolley service from Noon 8 p.m. starting at the Estes Park Visitor Center (500 Big Thompson Ave ) with stops along Elkhorn Avenue. This loop takes about 20 minutes during normal traffic The trolley will suspend service at 5 p.m. to join the floats until

the end of the parade.

A second shuttle will oper ate from 3:30 8 PM starting at the Events Complex Park n Ride (1209 Manford Ave ) and making stops at the Estes Park Visitor Center and Bond Park at Virginia Drive

For more information, con tact the Estes Park Visitor Center at 970 577 9900 or vis it Estes.org/Shuttles.

Art Center / Courtesy photo

and Intimate: Nature, Abstraction, Imagination Through the Artist’s Lens” featuring the photography of Artist Member Laura Davis is now on exhibit.

Happenings

Colorado residents save 12% any day, any stay

Cabins at Rams Horn Vil lage Resort

Valid: Always Christmas buffet at The Dunraven

Dunraven at The Estes Park Resort

Valid: December 25, 2022

Deer Platter and Hot Chocolate

Creativity Cabin Estes Park

Valid: December 3, 2022

Free cocoa and cookies

You Need Pie Diner & Bak ery of Estes Park

Valid: December 17, 2022

Inn

from page 16

then rushing off to go some where else. They’ll linger over dinner and spend two or three hours eating and talk ing. Being with your friends, having good conversa tions…that’s what this place is about.”

The Inn of Glen Haven has a storied history, starting as a mercantile to serve the saw mill down the road. The owners built on to the original structure and added services. It has been a restaurant, a brothel and a lodge The Richmonds said it became a B&B about 50 years ago.

Then came the 2013 flood “The water came up about three feet on the first floor,” Chris Richmond explained “They had to gut everything. It was pretty devastating to this building But it stayed It survived. They rebuilt it. The previous owners did a fantas tic job getting it back togeth er. It took a lot of hard work. It took them almost four years before they reopened ”

Part of the charm of the six room bed and breakfast is the named suites. Following on the English theme, the rooms are named Sherlock Holmes, Queen Victoria, Charles

from page 9

December 24, 2022

Gift card reward! Buy $25, get $5 free

You Need Pie Diner & Bak ery of Estes Park

Valid: Through December 31, 2022

Ho Ho Ho RMNP tours Kep Expeditions Valid: Through December 17, 2022

Holiday drink menu Kind Coffee Valid: Through December 31, 2022

John Deere Wagon gift drawing Colorado Homestead

Valid: Through December 17, 2022

Late night (for Estes Park) shopping

The Taffy Shop Valid: Through December 22, 2022

New on tap: Winter Strong Ale

Avant Garde Aleworks

Valid: Through December 31, 2022

Paint ornaments at The Barrel

Creativity Cabin Estes Park

Valid: December 22, 2022 Winter Jeep special Backbone Adventures

Valid: Through February 28, 2023

Winter warm up drink spe cials

Dunraven at The Estes Park Resort Valid: Through December 31, 2022

Write a letter to Santa on an antique typewriter

Colorado Homestead Valid: Through December 25, 2022

Yuletide open house at The Stanley Home Museum Stanley Home Museum Valid: December 10, 2022 December 11, 2022

Dickens, Lilie Langtry, Lord Dunraven and Prince Albert.

Each room is unique. For example, Sherlock Holmes is decorated with a violin and Holmes’ trademark hat and coat This suite features a charming claw foot tub.

The rooms range in price from $185 to $235 per night which includes breakfast.

The previous owner was from England and was an antique dealer.

“She did a fantastic job of putting everything together,” Emma Richmond said. “We’ve put some of our own things in now, too Early on we stayed in every room or our kids stayed in every room. We found out what worked and what didn’t work and we rear ranged some things. The pre vious owners are retired and live in Drake and we see them often. They helped us the first month of operation coming in and showing us how to do everything the way they did it ”

The Richmonds had antici pated that most of the clien tele would be retirees, but they noted their guests have been an eclectic mix of people.

“We’ve also had young cou

ples,” Emma Richmond pointed out. “We’ve had sin gles. We’ve had people who were here and married here or honeymooned here 30 or 50 years ago.”

Chris Richmond said his favorite part about running The Inn at Glen Haven is meeting people from all walks of life.

“We didn’t realize so many people had history with this place,” he added. “We are constantly ‘on.’ If you are doing breakfast in the morn ings and dinner at night and cleaning rooms in between, that can be challenging ”

Anyone can come and dine at the restaurant which is where the Richmonds’ five employees work. They employ a chef, a sous chef, two wait staff and a dish washer.

The restaurant will be closed during the month of November, but will reopen on Fridays and Saturdays in December with a special holi day menu.

During the tourist season, the restaurant is open Wednesdays through Sun days and offers fine dining fare like steaks, duck, escar

got, trout and salmon along with made from scratch sauc es, soups and desserts.

“We like living in the small community of Glen Haven,” Chris Richmond stressed. “I love that It’s not as busy It’s quieter. We’ve enjoyed that.”

The Inn of Glen Haven does have a few ghost stories associated with it. The lobby has a book that features a ghost story from the inn

“We’ve had several guests who have said that they had experiences with spirits here,” Emma Richmond said.

“And a lot who say they haven’t,” Chris Richmond chimed in.

The Richmonds consider their first season running the Inn of Glen Haven as “getting their feet wet” and figuring out what they’re doing

They also own some land across the road and are exploring other options in the coming years like a music venue or a farmers’ market

To make a reservation for dinner or to find out more about the accommodations at The Inn of Glen Haven, log on to their website at thein nofglenhaven.com.

from page 14

Sunday, Dec. 25

This Christmas Day, mem bers of the Stanley invite guests to dine on a delectable Christmas family dinner

Those choosing to join can bring their family members to enjoy a three course din ner in the luxurious Cas cades Restaurant and Lounge To view full menu options or to reserve a seat, visit www.stanleyhotel.com/ holidays

20th Annual Crystal Ball

– Dec. 31

Ring in the New Year at The Stanley’s 20th annual Crystal Ball. The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature a three course dinner meal, comedian Dominic Syracuse, Indie Rock band Photon and DJ Fashionnation. To view the full dinner menu or to purchase tickets, visit www.stanleyhotel.com/holi days.

Murder by Death – Friday and Saturday, Jan. 6-7 – Friday and Saturday, Jan. 13 14

Starting Jan 6, guests are invited to The Stanley Con cert Hall to enjoy an inti mate performance by the six piece indie rock band Murder by Death.

The shows will be Murder by Death’s 10th annual con cert series at The Stanley, and they never fail to keep fans engaged, oftentimes taking the notorious ball room picture from “The Shining” with crowd mem bers. A documentary was even made on Murder by Death’s time at The Stanley, which can be found on You tube

Tickets and information for all of the shows and events mentioned above can be found at www.Stanley live.com.

Aspen Winds offers tranquility

By Daniel Sewell Trail Gazette

Aspen trees taller than the surrounding pines starkly contrast the snow covered banks of Fall River, which runs from the steep slopes of the Rocky Mountains and runs by the wonderful hotel called Aspen Winds.

Aspen Winds offers one bedroom, two bedroom, and in room Spa suites, each of which are self contained units meaning they have their own private entrance, patio or deck, no shared ven tilation or hallways. All suites feature gas fireplaces, kitch

Stuffed

enettes or full kitchen, SmartTVs, and jetted Jacuzzi tubs.

During your stay at Aspen Winds enjoy the great out doors grilling at the gazebo with a firepit or enjoy the views from your private bal cony or deck. The six Spa Suites’ jetted Jacuzzi tubs are located right by the window for great views. Take a two minute drive to reach the North entrance of RMNP or go two minutes the other way to reach downtown

For reservations and avail ability at Aspen Winds on Fall River please visit www.aspenwinds.com or call 970-586-6010.

from page 17

and are a premier HANSA Creation dealer, which also handmakes each animal. STUFFED also carries an extensive line of WARMIES, the stuffed animals that you heat up in the microwave, as well as stuffed animal trophy heads and piggy banks, over 50 styles of beautiful hand

puppets, vintage style steel pedal cars, handmade santas, and a very fun, unique line of stuffed dog toys!

STUFFED offers a super fun shopping experience, stop by for a selfie with Elvis the Singing Bear or Thanos the 2’ tall turkey, as they nev er pass up a photo op.

Aspen Winds / Courtesy photo Aspen Winds has 16 condo suites and vacation rentals available for rent

2023 events in Estes Park

Wine & Chocolate Fest: February 4, 2023

Whiskey Warm Up: march 4, 2023

Bigfoot Days: april 15, 2023

Wool Market: June 10 and 11, 2023

Rooftop Rodeo: July 5 through 10, 2023

Elk Fest: September

Riverwalk

administer the 10 second count down to shine time. As the first tree lit up doz ens followed, creating a chain that brightened up the dark November night Spec tators rejoiced in the moment, and in the distance the Prospect Mountain illu minated star garnished the festivity.

Speaking on the tree light ing, Mayor Koenig said she was pleased that the event keeps people coming back “People were amazed and

Wynbrier

reopening in May 2010.

Wynbrier’s unique home décor and wildlife aesthetic creates a comforting environ ment like walking into an enchanted forest. Statues of the most intricate design rep licate woodland creatures and reimagine animals of all types in majestic form.

Native American patterns grace a number of articles, from Pendleton sweaters to large, fuzzy blankets More great gifts include knives by Ken Richardson, natural wooden watches by Tense, hand blended tobacco and a variety of classic smoking pipes

30, 2023 and october 1, 2023

Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival: November 4, 2023

Tree Lighting Ceremony: November 18, 2023

Catch The Glow Parade: November 24, 2023

Trail Gazette staff

from page 4

I think the small changes each year keeps people coming back to the light ing,” said Koenig. “This year it seemed to be a little bit more of a local event to me than it was last year, so that was exciting for me to see the locals having such a good time. I hope that we continue to give credit to the departments that put that on and I thank them for always trying to make it a little different. It keeps peo ple talking.”

from page 7

Wynbrier also offers fra grant aromas of the forest, including Frasier Fir by Thymes, which is a cedar wood and earthy sandalwood combination, a fresh scent for a natural comfort. Top that off with sand etched glassware and paintings of animal abstractions, the for mula for an indoor wonder land is complete.

Visit www.wynbrier.com to shop a selection of the full collection. Visit in store to experience the carefully curated wildlife home

Make a virtual visit, watch a walk thru video on the EP Trail Gazette Youtube page

Holidays

one of these charming cabins. Make the most of your stay with the Old Fashioned Christmas Package offered at both McGregor Mountain Lodge and Castle Mountain Lodge. Marvel at their holiday light display, take a trip into the backcountry to cut down the perfect Christmas tree and say hello to Santa This is truly the snowy holiday expe rience you and your kids have been dreaming about.

Play in snow at YMCA of the Rockies

This isn’t your average

Gallery

YMCA. If you’re not already staying here, purchase a day pass and experience the many activities the YMCA hosts. This season, they are hosting “The Holiday Magic in the Mountains” event from November 26 Janu ary 1, offering festive Santa visits, cookie decorating, a drive through Christmas Vil lage, gingerbread houses, ice skating on the frozen pond and much more!

For more inspiration on how to celebrate this magi cal season with us visit us at VisitEstesPark.com.

from page 5

local art for all tastes, ages, and means. From a legacy photo to a sticker for your water bottle, there is some thing for everyone!”, said Geoffrion.

The gallery carries a wide array of artistic mediums, including: photography, pot tery, jewelry, paintings, glass, wood, fabric, masks, charcute rie and cutting boards, dining ware and glassware, knit hats and toys, books, magnets, soaps, stickers, and so much more all by Colorado artists!

Between the friendly staff and the well curated art, many locals and visitors, some first timers and some long time customers, have commented how good the energy and atmosphere feels from the moment they walk in the door.

“My goal was to create an experience of art a place where everyone can feel like they are welcome amidst the beautiful artwork, in essence expanding the concept of a gallery to be more inclusive beyond the traditional conno tations.”

More than a feeling of wel come and a place to buy quali ty art, the future of Aspen and Evergreen is to foster a com

munity gathering place for art ists, entrepreneurs and com munity members.

“Art really is creative ener gy put into form. Everyone innately has creative energy that needs appreciation and expression. Many people don’t have the practice, belief or place to express their cre ativity. Aspen and Evergreen can be one such place.”

A&E participates in the First Friday! Art Groove gal lery walk where they always host live local musicians and artists demos, as well as hav ing hors oeuvres and local beer, wine, or the newly creat ed A&E Old Fashioned! They also have hosted music events, poetry readings, and artists luncheons. After the new year they will host week ly mindful meditations and other offerings, events and workshops.

Located at 356 East Elk horn Avenue, you can stop in to be a part of the experience and take home some art Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a m to 4 p m For more information on art or offerings: 970 586 4355, www aspenandevergreen com

It’s hard to put into words the feeling you get when you visit Estes Park, CO. Just a 90-minute drive from Denver, this picturesque village turns into a winter wonderland once the snow starts to fall. It’s the basecamp for Rocky Mountain National Park and is home to endless adventure, epic views and your cozy home away from home.