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    A Memorable Evening With Enrique Tirado, Winemaker for Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year, Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Blend

    Roatan boats on shore © Scott Kendall

    Regal Princess Cruise: Galveston to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel

    Welcome to The Hospitality Show © Scott Kendall

    The Hospitality Show 2024 and the HSMAI in San Antonio

    Fairview Inn © John Goodrow

    Explore Jackson, Mississippi, the City with Soul 

    Cleveland public art exhibits celebrate musical themes © Gwyn Goodrow

    Discover Cleveland, Mississippi: A Journey of History, Culture, and Southern Charm

    Wagner cab franc grapes © Scott Kendall

    Wagner Vineyards and Ginny Lee Cafe on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes in New York

    Alamo with Texas flag © Scott Kendall

    San Antonio: Alamo, Riverwalk, Winery, World Heritage Center, Gardens, CityPASS

    Letchworth Upper Falls with bridge © Scott Kendall

    Livingston County: Letchworth State Park, Grand Canyon of the East

  • Europe
    Sacre Couer with pink flowers © Scott Kendall

    Paris: Montmartre, Notre Dame, Orsay Museum, and Great Food

    Epernay globe on Avenue de Champagne © Scott Kendall

    Toasts to Top Champagne Houses and Grill N Chill in Epernay

    Reims tower with golden angel © Scott Kendall

    Reims: Fabulous Champagne Houses and Dining at Michelin Starred Arbane

    Braunfels castle turrets © Scott Kendall

    The Braunfels, Germany and New Braunfels, Texas Connection

    Amsterdam: Magical City of Canals, History, Art, and Anne Frank

    Lisbon – Jerónimos Monastery © Scott Kendall

    Portugal: Lisbon to Fatima, Porto, Evora and In Between

    Old Town view from the Bosphorus © Scott Kendall

    Historic Istanbul, A Tantalizing Mix of Old and New

    Edinburgh Castle view from Princes Street Garden © John Goodrow

    EAT: 9 Great Places to Eat near Old Town’s Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

    Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel Architecture © Gwyn Goodrow

    Stay: 5 Regal Accommodations near Edinburgh, Scotland’s Royal Mile

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    Machu Picchu in the Andes

    Cusco to Machu Picchu

    Pisco Tasting in Ica

    Pisco Tasting in Ica, Peru

    Journey by Train to Huancayo, Peru

    Lima to Huancayo

    Hotel B Barranco

    Hotel B-Historic Mansion Now a Luxury Boutique Hotel

    Model of Layout of main buildings excavated in Pachacamac

    Pachacamac – Daytrip from Lima

    Machu picchu

    Overview of Lima, Peru

    Amazing colors of Magic Water Circuit Lima

    Lima – PLAY

    Hotel B Barranco

    STAY IN LIMA

    La Rosa Nautica Miraflores

    Lima – EAT

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    The gorgeous beach at Kurumba – nothing to do but relax! © Daphne Ciufo

    Maldives: Exotic, Luxurious, Beautiful, Beachy

    A small snapshot of the BIG city of Tokyo © Daphne Ciufo

    Tokyo Highlights: A Small Snapshot of a Big City

    SHRINES AND TEMPLES ABOUND! © Daphne Ciufo

    Marvels of South/Central Japan

    Seabourn Encore (photo by Jim Thomas)

    The Wonders of Wadi Rum, Jordan

    The Treasury and the Facade Used in the Indiana Jones Movie

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    terracotta army, china, xi'an

    XI’AN AND THE TERRACOTTA ARMY — CAN YOU DIG IT?

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    Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, Johannesburg © Elsa Dixon

    A Slice of Johannesburg and Soweto by Tuk-Tuk

    Table Mountain from MSC Cruise Ship, Cape Town © Elsa Dixon

    Nostalgic Steam-Train on the Ceres Rail from Cape Town, South Africa

    Fresh produce at Far Far Kréol in Sainte-Suzanne, Reunion © Elsa Dixon

    Far Far Kréol: Creole Cuisine on the Island of Reunion off the Coast of Southern Africa

    Seychelles tugboat © Elsa Dixon

    Mahe, Seychelles: Magical Tropical Island In The Indian Ocean

    Sega dancers © Elsa Dixon

    Explore The Diverse Cultural Heritage of Mauritius

    Gideon Kabitulila and Jeremiah Ngoko, HM Safari, Tanzania © Elsa Dixon

    7 Memorable Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania, Before Going on Safari

    View of The Train on the Bridge © Elsa Dixon

    Shalati Train on the Bridge

    The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World

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Home North America

Grand County, Colorado’s Playground

by Scott Kendall
March 7, 2021
0 0
Majestic mountains in Grand County, Colorado © Scott Kendall

Majestic mountains in Grand County, Colorado © Scott Kendall

Story and photos by Scott Kendall

Grand County, Colorado is a year round playground just over an hour northwest of Denver. Opportunities to Play, Stay, and Eat in Grand County are endless. This article is based on a trip we took in late March, when snow was still on the mountains and winter activities still an option. Even when the snow melts, Grand County is chock full of fun activities like hiking, water activities, scenic drives, and hundreds of fantastic shops, restaurants, and breweries.

In addition to the fantastic activities and sites in Grand County, Rocky National Park lies just northeast of Grand County. The main towns include Winter Park, Granby, Fraser, Kremmling, and Grand Lake. Every little town and every nook and cranny in between has glorious views and countless fun things to see and do.

Winter Park

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Winter Park
  • Stay Winter Park
  • YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch
  • Snowmobiling, Tubing, Skiing, Hiking and More
  • Breweries and Distilleries
  • Hernando’s Pizza
  • Grandby
  • River Run RV Resort
  • Summit Bar & Grill
  • Two Pines Supply in Grandby
    • Brickhouse 40
  • Grand Lake
  • Come Visit Colorado’s Playground
Adams Falls on the East Inlet trail near Grand Lake © Scott Kendall
Adams Falls on the East Inlet trail near Grand Lake © Scott Kendall

Winter Park is the winter playground for thousands of visitors every year. With over 3,000 acres of ski trails from beginner to expert, Winter Park has you skiing wishes covered. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, alpine slides, gondola rides, mountain biking, hiking, ziplining, and ropes courses are just some of the many available activities to enjoy. Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, tubing (with or without snow), and ATV can add even more excitement to your visit to Winter Park any time of year.

Stay Winter Park

Fireplace at our condo at Stay Winter Park © Scott Kendall
Fireplace at our condo at Stay Winter Park © Scott Kendall

Stay Winter Park manages hundreds of condominiums, houses, and other rentals in the area. We stayed in a nice two bedroom condo nestled on the hillside. We had plenty of quiet and solitude, and yet were only five minutes from downtown. Our fully furnished condominium came complete with a full kitchen, comfortable queen sized beds in the two bedrooms, and a large fireplace to keep us warm and cozy at night.

YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch

Scott cross country skiing at YMCA © Scott Kendall
Scott cross country skiing at YMCA © Scott Kendall

This is not your typical city YMCA. With acres and acres of space for lodging, playing and eating, YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch is the ideal location for family vacations. Activities like cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, and others will keep everyone entertained. You’ll also want to make time to relax, grab a bite at one of the many eateries, and enjoy the tremendous views all around you.

Snowmobiling, Tubing, Skiing, Hiking and More

Snowmobiling was high on our list of adventures for our visit. Grand Adventures took great care of us at their location in Fraser just minutes from Winter Park. Our snowmobile escapade started with making sure we had all the necessary equipment. Warm clothes in layers, gloves, helmet, snow boots, and snow goggles completed the list.

Grand Adventures supplies the helmet and snowmobile with your ticket purchase. Snow goggles are available for purchase, and you can rent a snow suit for $10. Once you are warm and safely dressed, your guide will give you a safety review and operating instructions for your trip. Pay attention, because many of the guide’s helpful suggestions will come in handy. Even beginners can quickly master operating these machines. Just be careful, follow the rules, listen to your guide, and you will be fine. Enjoy the ride!

Other fun activities involving movement and snow are Snow Tubing on Fraser Tubing Hill and snow shoeing on the many scenic trails in the area. And, of course, there is plenty of opportunity for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross country skiing.

Snowmobiling in Grand County is a great way to see the beautiful landscapes © Scott Kendall
Snowmobiling in Grand County is a great way to see the beautiful landscapes © Scott Kendall
Fraser Tubing Hill between Winter Park and Grandby © Scott Kendall
Fraser Tubing Hill between Winter Park and Grandby © Scott Kendall

Breweries and Distilleries

Fraser Valley Distilling in Winter Park © Scott Kendall
Fraser Valley Distilling in Winter Park © Scott Kendall

Throughout Grand County you will find several great breweries and distilleries. Don’t miss award winning Fraser Valley Distilling on Highway 40 in Winter Park. Just down the road is Peak Bistro & Brewery, a friendly sports bar featuring large screen televisions and banners of hundreds of your favorite college and professional teams. Idlewilde Spirits Brewpub and Restaurant, voted Best Cocktail/Bar by Sky High New Readers, is another popular destination. Try their inventive new-age cocktails and award winning Grappa, made from remnants of the nearby Winter Park Winery.

Hernando’s Pizza

Decorated with over 35,000 dollar bills, Hernando’s Pizza has been a favorite hangout for pizza, beer, and other treats in Winter Park since 1967. The friendly staff will help you order the pizza just right for you. Fresh and hot, choose your crust and toppings from the extensive menu. They also serve pasta, sandwiches, salads, and other menu options. When you arrive, check to see if the Lego Yoda still mans the hostess stand.

Over 35,000 decorated dollar bills are on display at Hernando's Pizza Pub © Scott Kendall
Over 35,000 decorated dollar bills are on display at Hernando’s Pizza Pub © Scott Kendall
Great Pizza at Hernando's in Winter Park © Scott Kendall
Great Pizza at Hernando’s in Winter Park © Scott Kendall

Grandby

River Run RV Resort

River Run RV Resort cabins with mountain in the background © Scott Kendall
River Run RV Resort cabins with mountain in the background © Scott Kendall

River Run RV Resort is a new development just outside Grandby and only a half hour to the southwest corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. Although a large part of River Run Resort is dedicated to RVers, the resort also has a large selection of other lodgings and amenities. From small cabins to Airstreams and Conestoga wagons to tent camping, guests have so many choices. River Run has its own General Store, the Summit Bar & Grill, a playground, swimming pool, and other on site amenities.

Summit Bar & Grill

Summit Bar and Grill serves a great pulled pork sandwich © Scott Kendall
Summit Bar and Grill serves a great pulled pork sandwich © Scott Kendall
Salad at Summit Bar & Grill © Scott Kendall
Salad at Summit Bar & Grill © Scott Kendall

Summit Bar & Grill at River Run is a great place to grab a bite or drink, play some arcade games, watch sports on the televisions, or even go bowling on the mini-lanes. Summitt has a small menu, but we were impressed with each item we tried. The pulled pork was tender and flavorful, the fries hot and cooked just right to a golden brown, the buffalo chicken wraps were excellent, and my wife enjoyed her salad. Each of us washed down our dinner with a cold local draft beer. When we were done, we enjoyed our short five minute walk to our cabin just around the corner.

Two Pines Supply in Grandby

“Between every two pines
is a doorway to a new world.”
John Muir
While staying in Grandby, we discovered Two Pines Supply. Two Pines is a treasure trove of supplies and equipment for all of your outdoor adventures. At this locally owned and operated shop, visitors can buy or rent snowshoes, bicycles, tents, backpacks, portable stoves, and more. The friendly staff will help you pick out the right supplies and equipment for you, and can offer advice and suggestions on things to see and do in the area. The name Two Pines comes from a quote by famous naturalist John Muir, who said, “Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”

Brickhouse 40

Brickhouse 40 in Grandby © Scott Kendall
Brickhouse 40 in Grandby © Scott Kendall

Housed in Grandby’s first brick building, Brickhouse 40 reopened in 2018. The excellent chef-driven menu offers traditional dishes as well as specially created items. Start with the Colorado Bulldog cocktail, a tantalizing cocktail of vodka, kahlua cream, cola, and chocolate. Try the Firecracker Shrimp or a bowl of Colorado Elk Chili. My wife had the delicious Blackened Salmon, and I was very pleased with the signature Brickhouse Bowl. The Brickhouse Bowl was the ultimate comfort dish, with mashed potatoes, pulled pork, cheddar cheese, chicken tenders, corn, and a BBQ gravy.

Grand Lake

View across Grand Lake from Adams Falls © Scott Kendall
View across Grand Lake from Adams Falls © Scott Kendall

Grand Lake is a picturesque small town at the southwestern edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Although some areas near the town were threatened by wildfires in recent years, Grand Lake is making a comeback. With its namesake Grand Lake surrounded by scenic mountain views, Grand Lake is nestled in a picture perfect corner of the Colorado mountains. Grand Avenue has dozens of shops, restaurants, museums, and galleries, and attractions. While visiting Grand Lake, we drove the mile or so to the East Inlet Hiking Trail, a gorgeous hike featuring Adams Falls and beautiful views of Grand Lake. We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast and fresh coffee at the Sagebrush BBQ & Grill.

Come Visit Colorado’s Playground

Join the thousands of happy people who visit Grand County every year. Come to ski, hike, eat, drink, shop, camp, and to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of this central Colorado paradise.

Tags: Breweries and Distilleries in Grand County ColoradoBrickhouse 40ColoradoGrand CountyGrand LakeHernando’s PizzaHiking and MoreNorth AmericaRiver Run RV Resort in GrandbySkiingSnowmobilingStay Winter ParkSummit Bar & GrillTubingTwo Pines Supply in GrandbyWinter Park ColoradoYMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch
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Scott Kendall

Scott Kendall

Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat.com. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Ireland, Croatia, Slovenia, and other fascinating destinations.

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