Mad Moose

By Wendy Rigby Trail-Gazette

If you are visiting Estes Park for a few days, a few weeks or an entire season, there are plenty of trails to explore. Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows

Right in Estes Park, just across Wonder view Ave. from The Stanley Hotel, is a delightful place to talk a walk and get a dif ferent view of the town. This 19-acre piece of land was purchased by the Town of Estes Park in 2002 to preser ve its natural heritage and the crucial wildlife space.There are a handful of parking places at the Trailhead right off the road. The day I discovered this path, I encountered locals and visiof Lake Estes and all of the action along the water’s edge. There are benches everywhere that would be a wonder ful place to sit and eat a snack or read a book. All of the benches were sponsored, and you can read about the donors on the plaques at each location.

Rounding the corner of the short loop, Prospect Mountain is off to the left. I couldn’t help but think how fun it would be to watch people riding up and down the Tramway which is closed right now due to COVID-19.

The first remains of a manmade structure you come across are called the Ruins. This is what remains of the 1907 home of Albert Birch. He was city editor of the Denver Post. The par tiallySee HIKES, pg. 36

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette One of the windows at the Ruins remains intact, providing a spectacular frame of the natural beauty beyond.

tors alike delighting in the abundant views in all directions.

According to the Trailhead sign, “a conser vation easement permanently protects the open, natural character of the proper ty’s wetlands and rocky crest.”I star ted counter-clockwise to the left, coming up on a flat space that provided an incredible view

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The Mad Moose offers new shopping experience

By Mad Moose

For the Trail-Gazette

For Maureen McCann, a lost job turned into a dream opportunity. Months after moving up from Loveland to start a new career in hospitality, she was furloughed, like so many were during the pandemic. Feeling disappointed and unsure of what to do next, she began searching for new business opportunities. One afternoon last June, while enjoying a latte at Coffee on the Rocks with her sister, the idea of starting their own business began to formulate and what began as a far-off dream soon became reality.

It’s then that she learned The Mad Moose was for sale. McCann had dreamed about owning a shop in town and had been a customer of The Mad Moose for years, stopping by whenever she was visiting.

“I love the name and the mountain furnishings and specialty cabin and home decor you can’t find in the downtown retail shops,” McCann says.

The opportunity was too good to pass up. She bought the store in Aug. 2020 along with partner Chris Tedford, John Floeter, and her sister Judy Floeter.

The new owners immediately went to work creating a more open floor plan with displays showcasing the rustic furniture and how each item can fit in the home. McCann says the store will continue to offer the same quality merchandise it is known for, from fine furnishings and bedding to home goods, lighting, souvenirs and camping gear.

If you have been in the shop recently, you may have noticed yet another change. Shortly after they bought The Mad Moose, the new owners were offered the opportunity to acquire The Village Store, which was right next door. A bit sooner than they had anticipated, they decided to take a leap of faith and go for it. The Village Store is now The Mad Moose, all under one roof and one cohesive space.

The Mad Moose will continue to sell unique lamps, original art, furniture, and other home furnishings and décor, ideal for a mountain home or cozy cabin. And, of course, you can find plenty of whimsical moose items. With the acquisition, The Mad Moose will continue to sell men and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories along with souvenirs, T-shirts and must have items for the kiddos. The new owners know how valuable the two stores are to visitors and locals and they want to carr y on with the specialty merchandise that customers have loved for many, many years.

Much of the artwork and products in the store come from local artists and craftspeople, as well as manufacturers in nearby states. In addition, The Mad Moose is actively seeking and sourcing specialty products from small independent retailers such as Abound (helloabound.com) and Faire (faire.com) says McCann.

The one-of-a-kind merchandise and the downhome welcoming atmosphere is what makes The Mad Moose a must-stop shop for thousands of tourists and locals alike each year.

Both McCann and Tedford say they enjoy greeting the customers and helping them find what they are looking for. You can almost always find the new owners on the showroom floor. While they do intend to hire more sales associates, especially for the high season, McCann says she and Tedford want to be in the store as much as possible.

“That matters to us. We want to connect with ever yone who comes in and really showcase not only the store, but this great town. We are excited to be a part of this vibrant business community,” McCann says. “It really was a dream of mine and we are thrilled to be living here.”

The Mad Moose will have new signage soon as they have been working with a local graphic designer to help them create a new look that will incorporate their full offerings, which now includes the clothing and accessories.

The Mad Moose, located at 900 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517, is open daily, and can be reached at maureen@madmoose.com or 970-577-9775.

Mad Moose / Courtesy photo The Mad Moose will continue to sell unique lamps, original art, furniture, and other home furnishings and décor, ideal for a mountain home or cozy cabin.