Make this a Thanksgiving to Remember: In Estes Park!
Plan Thanksgiving in Estes Park this year, and make it a favorite family tradition!
Thanksgiving is all about abundance – abundance of gratitude, family and friends, and let’s face it…food! The best holiday traditions take us back to these basics, and who wouldn’t want to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by the beauty of nature in Estes Park?
You can have a delicious feast with no cooking, no cleaning, and all the trimmings at a local spot. Take your own “Turkey Trot” hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. And stay in a charming and cozy cabin for two, or a resort that can house the whole extended family!
Then, kick off the holiday season with the famous Catch the Glow parade and tree lighting in downtown Estes the day after Thanksgiving.
Dining
The top question on most people’s minds is where will we eat? Here are some great local spots that serve a Thanksgiving dinner:
- YMCA of the Rockies – The YMCA of the Rockies is the best place in town to host a crowd for Thanksgiving! They serve a buffet style Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings. Call ahead for reservations.
- Way Finder – Book a reservation at the Way Finder restaurant, starting on October 1. They serve a delicious Thanksgiving meal and make everything with high quality ingredients from scratch.
- Cascades Restaurant & Lounge – The landmark Stanley Hotel hosts a Thanksgiving 3-course, plated dinner. Reservations are required.
Add some Activity
There aren’t any officially sponsored “Turkey Trots” in Estes Park on the calendar yet this year. But don’t let that stop you from doing your own 5K! Here are a couple of hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that are just about the right distance:
- Gem Lake – 3.4 miles round trip | out-and-back | 830 ft elevation gain – A hike to Gem Lake will take you past views of Longs Peak, the continental divide, and an overlook of Estes Park. Because the trail has southern exposure, be sure to bring your sunglasses or a hat and wear sunscreen!
- Cascade Falls – 3.4 miles one-way | out-and-back | 300 ft elevation gain – Delight in Cascade Falls rushing over 100 ft of granite. This easy hike takes you through a peaceful meadow and a lodgepole pine forest. BONUS pie for completing two 5Ks on this round trip hike to the falls!
Here are some other great outings to consider: fall hikes and drives.
After all that fresh air and exercise, delight your inner child at the Catch the Glow parade along Elkhorn Avenue the day after Thanksgiving, November 29th at 5:30 pm. It’s a magical way to kick off the holiday season, and feel that warm glow from the inside, out! Spend the day strolling and shopping our downtown, and even stop for a visit with Santa. Then, stay for the tree lighting ceremony in Bond Park!
Where to stay
Wildwood Inn – located right on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, and just 3 miles from town, Wildwood Inn is a fantastic family friendly location for your Thanksgiving retreat. Situated on 7 acres of unspoiled nature, you’ll experience wildlife by day and starry skies at night. Choose a suite with a hot tubs, or balcony, or kitchen – and all with a view!
Woodlands on Fall River – with a choice of 1 or 2 bedroom suites, or a variety of vacation homes (ranging from 1 to 7 bedrooms), The Woodlands on Fall River will be a home away from home for the holidays. The dramatic riverfront mountain setting is absolutely stunning, and conveniently located to the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes Park! The suites and homes all come with fully equipped kitchens, so you could even cook your own Thanksgiving dinner.
YMCA of the Rockies – if you have a large, extended family of all ages and generations, this is a great place to gather. The YMCA of the Rockies offers a cozy cabins or a lodge style hotel – there’s room for everyone! They provide lots of different activities for adults and kids alike, and onsite dining options which make a holiday gathering easy on the whole group. With a museum, indoor swimming pool, gym, roller rink, and library, you’re sure to find something to do!