Windcliff Vacation Homes Blog

Halloween is just around the corner, and Estes Park has a unique treat in store for visitors – an exclusive showing of the 1980 classic scare-fest, Stephen King’s “This Shining.” The Historic Park Theatre, located just 10-12 minutes from Windcliff in downtown Estes Park, is having limited showings of the movie, including tonight and through 10/31/23. What’s unique about this movie – specific to Estes Park – is that the film was directly inspired by the nearby Stanley Hotel. While the 1980 film by Stanley Kubrick was not actually filmed in the Stanley Hotel, virtually every element King saw during...

Calling all spirits and whiskey aficionados – your landmark event is coming up! On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival will be held at the Estes Park Events Center from 1PM – 4PM. What is the Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival? Sponsored by Estes Park’s very own Elkins Distilling Co., the festival features over a dozen distilleries including Elkins of course, in addition to many of the finest spirit purveyors in Colorado. Here’s a full list of the distilleries who will be joining the event. What activities are available at the festival? At the festival, you’ll...

The Estes Park Elk Fest is truly one of our town’s signature events. It takes place during the elk mating season, known famously as the “elk rut,” and celebrates this beautiful creature with whom we share space here, as well as our local culture. Image credit: Colorado Parks & Wildlife What’s happening at Estes Park Elk Fest 2023? Well, this family-friendly attraction is one of the busiest all year, and features a variety of events for the entire family – with live music and vendors galore. The event kicks off on Saturday, 9/30/23, with the Rut Run 5K. It starts...

If you’ve ever stayed in a Windcliff vacation home or visited Estes Park, you know that Rocky Mountain National Park (also known as RMNP) is, essentially, right in our backyard. This means that wildlife is abundant here, with opportunities for epic photographs and serene appreciation of nature at every turn. (moose in Estes Park/RMNP, photo used with permission) Most often, you’ll see brown mule deer roaming the countryside, but sightings of the majestic elk and moose are also common — and even the busy (and adorable) beaver. If you’re making the trip out here to enjoy seeing all of these...

It’s never too early to secure your spot in the Estes Park Whiskey Warm Up event, to be held on March 7 this year. Fittingly, it’s also the 7th annual occurrence of this fine day, where travelers and locals alike gather to sip on the finest of Colorado whiskey. Local distilleries will be present and pouring their ambrosia for guests, and attendees can learn more about the craft from the educators at the Elkins Distillery booth. Of course, they’ll be joined by many others in the field—over a dozen if the current official event site is listing all in attendance....

With the holidays fast approaching, you’re no doubt getting caught up in planning. Planning for time spent with friends and family — and the gifts they’ll be receiving. But your plans might be different. Instead of braving the malls, long lines, or nasty traffic on Black Friday — you’re planning a getaway to a different kind of post-Thanksgiving event. A time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the experiences we share. A time to celebrate the upcoming holidays (and for those giving gifts, to shop local!). A time spent in some of the most beautiful wild country America...

Are you ready for “bands, brats, and beer?” Of course — who isn’t? That’s what’s in store for you this weekend in Estes Park at the Autumn Gold festival. What is Autumn Gold in Estes Park? Say welcome to the season of dark beers, falling leaves, and pumpkin spice everything at the Autumn Gold festival. Presented by the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary, and with free admission, this is something no visitor or local should miss. Plus, it’s the 25th anniversary of the festival! What is there to do at the Autumn Gold festival? Well, besides bands, brats, and beer —...

One of the most popular events in our town is the upcoming — and legendary — Estes Park Elk Fest. What is the Estes Park Elk Fest? The Elk Fest is dedicated to celebrating the annual elk rut and the magnificent creature itself, also known as “wapiti” (from the Shawnee and Cree languages). Not only is the festival the absolutely perfect opportunity to experience the beauty (and sounds) of Colorado’s elk, it’s a family friendly event with activities galore. What’s Happening at this year’s Elk Fest? Of course, there’s an abundance of elk-related goodness for all ages — including seminars,...

For locavores and travelers alike, the 11th annual “Handmade in Colorado” Expo is coming to Estes Park this weekend. In fact, the Expo runs over three weekends in three cities, starting with our own (followed by Denver in September this year, and Boulder in October.) This event features artists from independent designers in Colorado and spans many mediums including everything from metals, glass, wood, paper, clay, wax, and paint. The event is free to attend, and also features live music throughout. What better way is there for those traveling to or staying in Estes Park to bring a piece of...

Did you know that Estes Park, Colorado is also known as the “Celtic Capital of North America?” It naturally follows, then, that the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival is an event that has been bringing visitors to our beautiful town for over 40 years. About the Highland Festival in Estes Park   When it comes to the Highland Festival, it’s hard to think of what ISN’T happening, since there’s so much to see and do. First, there’s a wide selection of Celtic music from bands including Seamus Kennedy, The Gothard Sisters, The Brigadoons, and more. There’s also Irish dance, Highland...