Estes Park is a very cool little mountain town kept alive by its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes was a regular fishing destination for my dad and Mom would take us into Estes while Dad was on the river. We’d shop in the souvenir stores and buy taffy at a stop specializing in it. I liked chocolate and butter pecan.
As a young woman, I spent countless weekends up there with my husband because he grew up there. I learned where he cut hayfields nearby. I learned about the shop where he made “artisan” gold-plated aspen leaves for jewelry. I learned the route of the laundry truck he drove . I learned the bars the locals like and the restaurants the locals avoid. Once, we went dancing at the Stanley. I liked that.
All the images for this collection were chosen carefully. These places have survived floods, economic downturns, and crushing winters when the tourists don’t come to visit. I knew these places as a child and they still are going strong.
My mom bought the first ring I ever had at the corner store.
My first ride up a mountain was in Estes on the Tramway.
The Park Theater was the landmark for our family to meet if we were ever separated. We never were, but we had a plan.
I still love going to Estes Park.