Windcliff Vacation Homes Blog

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...

Wine. Mountains. Friends and family. Did we mention wine? You’ll be able to sample wine, mead, and cider from over 20 local Colorado wineries at the annual Estes Park Wine Festival in 2019. In addition, local food vendors will be serving out tasty vittles to pair up with your libations — all to the tune of local musicians. For anyone from locavores to Estes Park residents to those visiting on vacation, the Wine Festival needs to make it on your list of “we HAVE to do this!” (Check out a video from last year’s festival.) Where: The festival is held...

At Windcliff in Estes Park, experience the Western United States and the mountains the way it’s meant to be — private, secluded, and surrounded by nature. Take it all in — along with luscious views of Rocky Mountain National Park — from your luxury vacation home. But you’re hungry for some excitement, and maybe a taste of the Wild West, before you return to peak relaxation. If you’re coming out next week — the Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo is happening from July 8-13, 2019 — and you won’t want to miss it. What is the Rooftop Rodeo? The Rooftop Rodeo...

In addition to being THE destination for a Colorado mountain vacation, Estes Park is a prime spot for celebrating the 4th of July holiday. This July 4th you can spend the day enjoying the huge variety of activities the area has to offer, from hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, to horseback riding, ziplining, and other family-friendly activities. The Big Bang Concert Then, the evening starts with the Big Bang Concert, music starting at 5:45PM. It takes place in the Estes Park Events Center with great music, food, and libations on offer (Details and tickets here) The Fireworks Show Finally,...