Estes Park is a quiet town in the spring months. Travelers, for the most part, seem to wait for summer to make their way to our mountain hometown, eager to experience all that the solstice brings, unaware that they are missing out visiting during one of the best months of the year, and, of course, we mean the month of April. Spring flowers flood the meadows, the mountains, the little culverts that may be running on either side of the roads that lead into town and our Voyago Vacation Rentals Spring sanctuaries reflect the beauty of those flowers, waiting for you and your family to grace our doorsteps and relax after long days of hanging out in Estes Park Colorado in April and attending these wonderful April events.
First Friday Art Groove, April 4, Downtown Estes Park
The most beautiful towns attract the most talented artists and if you don’t believe us now your beliefs will change after participating in our First Friday Art Groove. This fun event is a repeating one, taking place on the first Friday of every month (Oh, so that’s how it got its name!), the various galleries and shops that make up the downtown area of Estes Park stay open a little later, inviting visitors to take a self-guided tour of their wares. And because it isn’t just art galleries and shops you can explore during this event, you will also enjoy drink specials, snacks, and live music at the breweries and wineries (we call them Drop Stops) that can be found on the Art Groove route. The tour map can be found at this link. If you can’t make it on First Friday, you can still check out all the galleries, shops, and Drop Stops, by following the map at any time during the day.
Environmental Film Festival, April 11 & 12, Historic Park Theater, 130 Moraine Avenue
We know how lucky we are to live in an area with such a stunning landscape. The Rocky Mountains standing guard over fields of flowers, rising high and often reflecting in the clear and quiet waters of the lakes that can be found at their base. The trees just beginning to bud in April and the flowers pushing their way out of dark and fertile soil; we could spend hours talking about how beautiful the scenery is in Estes Park, or you could just go out and explore it yourself, after attending the Environmental Film Festival that takes place every year in our historic Park Theater. Offering 2 days of films that celebrate the environment, food, drink, and live music (when you aren’t watching movies) this festival will make you appreciate how much kinder we need to be to Mother Nature.
Bigfoot Barbecue, April 25
April 25 & 26th are about to become your favorite days of the month if you happen to be in Estes Park at the time. Bigfoot Days are coming to our mountain town and the event always starts off with a Bigfoot themed barbecue, live music, delicious drinks, and the chance to mingle with some very special local celebrities. They haven’t announced the location of this fantastic dinner as of yet, but there will be information as we get closer to the big day.
Bigfoot Half Marathon, April 26th
The Bigfoot Half Marathon and 5K is always a good time for those who love to run, and during the beautiful weather we expect at the end of April, you won’t want to be anywhere else but outside playing. Taking runners through some of the most beautiful parts of town, you can run as fast as you want or as slow as you need, because this isn’t really a competition it is just the means to get to the end, where the real fun begins, starting with a free Lumpy Brewing Company beer that will almost be waiting for you at the finish line!
Bigfoot Days Festival, April 26
Estes Park is known for its Bigfoot sightings, especially during Bigfoot Days in April. Offering music, food, fun, and a veritable crowd of Bigfoot guests, including some TV celebrities, you may think our town is kind of weird, but that’s ok. We are a bit strange and we embrace that uniqueness with fun events such as the Bigfoot Days Festival. Bring your kids, your dog (leashed please) and your sense of whimsy and spend the day discovering everything you have needed in your life and as the kids play on inflatables and the adults browse tables of art and crafts, you may become a believer in Bigfoot as well.
Relaxing at Home with Voyago Vacation Rentals
After all the excitement of the events and festivals you attend in the daylight hours, coming home to our comfortable retreats will help you recharge your batteries and prepare you for the next day’s adventures. Contact us and reserve your favorite Estes Park vacation rental today!
There are a lot of reasons you have chosen to make a spring journey to Estes Park, but we bet that tops on your list is the stunning landscape that surrounds our mountain town, offering a variety of outdoor activities that will enhance your vacation experience. And because spring can be a little confused, some days it will feel like winter, others it will be balmy and pleasant, but no matter which season decides to rear its head during your visit, your stay in our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries will always be warm and welcoming. This guide to the best Estes Park outdoor activities you can enjoy in the spring will give you a sneak peek into a vacation that you will compare all others against from here on out!
Chasing Waterfalls
As winter tags out and spring steps up to the plate, the frozen tundra of Estes Park begins to come alive and the waterfalls in the area are perhaps where you will notice it first. The melting of snow and ice creates waterfalls that are especially dramatic this time of year, swollen and full, and as the frothy waters tumble over stones and ledges, the photos you take will be magical and worthy of framing. Mother’s Day hits in May, so maybe a family portrait taken in front of the waterfall would be a fantastic gift. And if you want to enjoy the jackpot of waterfalls, the Wildbasin Trailhead, located just a bit outside of Estes Park, offers the opportunity to see three falls in one hike and it is only about 5.4 miles long. Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls are the three that will steal your heart.
Explore Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the nation, crossing the Continental Divide and traversing Rocky Mountain National Park as it ascends to over 12,000 feet and serves many different purposes throughout the year. In the winter months, it is closed as a road, but is a very popular ski, snowshoe, and hiking trail as the snow blankets not just the road, but the entirety of the park. On April 1st, although it is still closed to cars, the road is plowed and turns into the number one item on a bicyclist’s bucket list, a biking trail that is second only to Mauna Loa for being the longest climb for bike riders. Taking bicyclists on the ride of their lives, the steep climb will also test your strength with muscles you probably didn’t know existed making their appearance known. Following a trail that was once used by the original settlers of this region, the Native Americans, there’s a joy that will be found in the views, in the crisp cold of the air (it will get colder the higher you climb) and being able to ride on the street without the distraction and fear of other cars.
Where the Babies Are
This next adventure is perhaps the sweetest of all, offering visitors the chance to see mama and baby wildlife meandering around the area, with Memorial Day Weekend being the optimum time to see most. Elk calves, mule deer fawns, big horn lambs, and if you are lucky, the sight of baby otters frolicking in and around the Colorado River on the west side of the park. The last set of babies promises to increase the cute factor of your Colorado spring vacation and if you can get pictures of them, it will also increase your cool factor with anyone who wasn’t able to come along for this trip of a lifetime. The best spots to see all the darling little babies may be in Moraine Park, Beaver Meadows, and Horseshoe Park; just be sure to use your telephoto lens and stay at least 75 feet away from protective mama elks, for your safety and theirs.
Dry Fly Fishing
Fishing is a popular spring activity in Estes Park, but there is one time of year, a very slim margin of time, in which anglers can toss a dry fly. This happens before the major snowmelt takes place and the hatches start to surface and if you haven’t tried it before and think you want to, Kirk’s Flyshop, 230 E Elkhorn Avenue offers gear rentals, fishing trips, and all the information needed for your first time or hundredth time of fly fishing.
Hot Tub at Sunset
Your favorite outdoor activities may be the ones you enjoy at home with Voyago Vacation Rentals, especially if one of those activities is sitting in a hot tub watching the sun set behind the Rocky Mountains. Reserve your favorite seasonal Estes Park vacation rental today and discover all the ways a spring journey to Estes Park will be one you will wish could go on forever!
It may seem a little strange to be thinking about Spring Break when you can still hear the echoes of the big three holidays, but welcome to adulthood; time zooms by, and if you aren’t paying attention, it will be too late to do anything to celebrate! Now, under most circumstances, Spring Break is supposed to be about saying goodbye to winter and wishing our way towards summer, but here in Estes Park we celebrate the frosty season, feeling thankful that it lasts a little longer in Colorado than it does in most parts of the world. If you are of like mind and find yourself dreaming of a Spring Break getaway where the snow still falls and the fireplace in your Voyago Vacation Rentals wintry escape brings warmth, this guide to how to spend an Estes Park spring break will give you the opportunity to explore winter a little bit longer.
Pick Up a New Sport
March is our snowiest month (yay!), and when the snow is falling and the landscape is covered in fresh powder, we love to go for a walk or hike. We put on our warmest clothes, our snow goggles that are tinted because the sun will reflect brightly off all that white, and slip into our most stylish winter shoes—snowshoes, that is. Snowshoeing has been a popular way to walk on snow for thousands of years, but unless you live in a snowy spot, chances are you have never tried it before. Estes Park Mountain Shop, 2050 Big Thompson Avenue, is where we suggest you head for rental snowshoes, and if you are unsure about trying the sport out all by yourself, they also offer guided tours that will start with a little tutorial. Glide into a serene walk through the wilderness where the chance you will see some wildlife, including elk, moose, and fox, will be very strong, ending with a sense of awe over all you have just seen and a sense of accomplishment will make this Spring Break adventure one you will never forget.
Frozen Dead Guy Days, March 14-16
Frozen Dead Guy Days is a weird and wonderful festival that takes place on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, celebrating Grandpa Bredo, who is currently over 120 years old. The story of how he died, why he was frozen and living in a Tuff Shed in nearby Nederland, and why he moved to the Stanley’s old ice house is a fascinating one that will be told during your festival adventures. Offering coffin races, cold beers, hot bands, and a Frozen Dead Bar Crawl, this fun-derful event was tailor made for a Spring Break journey in Estes Park.
Fly Fishing, Big Thompson Canyon
Some of the best fishing can be done in March and April, making a spring fly fishing trip a very popular activity. The water is low and clear, the trout begin to surface, hungry after being under the ice for most of the winter, and eager to grab your line, making it almost impossible not to catch your limit. It is still cold in the spring months, so be sure and dress warm for this adventure. Kirk’s Fly Shop offers guided trips if you are looking for someone a little more experienced in the area to help out a little.
A Tour of Breweries
Beer and Spring Break go together like peanut butter and jelly and the breweries in Estes Park are destined to make Spring Break your favorite vacation of all. Avant Garde Aleworks (920 Dunraven Street), Estes Park Brewery (470 Prospect Village Drive), and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. (531 S St. Vrain Avenue) are a few of our favorites, but what if wine is more your beverage of choice? Don’t worry, we’ve got you with Snowy Peaks Winery, located at 292 Moraine Avenue. Oh, and don’t forget Elkins Distilling Co (137 E Elkhorn Avenue) and Full Throttle Distillery and Grill (231 Moraine Avenue) for those in a more spirited state of mind!
Estes Park Spring Break Trip with Voyago Vacation Rentals
After your tours, your outdoor adventures, and your festival shenanigans, coming home to Voyago will help end every day on a high note. Offering cabins, homes, and escapes in all the best parts of Estes Park, although there is no bad parts, to be perfectly honest, your comfortable adventures will spoil you to all other vacation rentals. Providing top amenities such as lake views, bubbling hot tubs, fireplaces, even heated bathroom floors, staying warm has never been so wonderful, and finding comfort has never been so cozy. A Spring Break in Colorado may not have been what you were first considering, but after your Estes Park experience, we doubt you will ever think of anything else. Reserve your favorite Estes Park rental today!
Just as a special event in your hometown can make your real life that much brighter, a special event involved with a vacation can make your vacation life that much brighter, and although on the outside, it doesn’t look that exciting, February 5th is Book Direct Day, and upon closer exploration will be a very exciting part of your vacation experience. Offering a better way to choose your Estes Park cabin rentals in ways we will be describing further down the page, Book Direct Day is our favorite day of the year, and we at Voyago Vacation Rentals think it will soon be yours as well. This guide to why you should book direct on this most exciting day of the year will give your Estes Park vacation planning a little boost of wonderful and ensure that you may just wait until Book Direct Day happens every year to book your next vacation escape!
What Exactly Does It Mean to Book Direct?
Before we go any further, it is important that you understand exactly what booking directly means, and yes, it is a very simple concept that won’t involve a lot of thought process. Simply put, Book Direct Day celebrates going to the website of the vacation home you are considering and booking directly from them. This means skipping the big-name vacation rental sites like Airbnb. It really couldn’t be any easier, don’t you agree?
What You See Is What You Get
If you have ever booked on those Airbnb or VRBO you may have already realized that you don’t always get what you see on the page. Maybe the listing photos aren’t updated frequently enough or maybe something happened to the rental you booked between the time of booking and the time of arrival, but when you walked in the door for the first time you were probably less than pleased. When you book direct from Voyago Vacation Rentals, however, what you see is what you get, and walking inside for the first time will be like greeting an old friend again, especially as you have spent more than a few spare moments poring over every picture as you seek an escape from the chaos of your real life and build the anticipation of your trip of a lifetime. We know how important those pictures are, and we update them regularly, and although we may try to choose their best “side,” we promise that no unwanted secrets are waiting to pop out at you upon your arrival.
That Personal Touch
On the big vacation rental sites, guests aren’t cherished, they are just thought of as numbers, numbers that represent how much more they can add to their own profits, to be exact. When you book direct on February 5th, you become a part of the Voyago family, and we work with you to ensure that your Estes Park vacation is one you will remember forever. Need an earlier check-in? Just shoot us an email. Need a later check-out, do the same and all those moments in between? Know that we cared enough to provide all the wonderful amenities that you are enjoying at the end of your days of Colorado adventures!
Book Direct Estes Park Vacation Rentals, Save Money
The final and perhaps most important reason for booking direct on February 5th is the simplest one: It costs less to book direct. There are no fees assessed for the privilege of using Airbnb, no extra parking costs, resort costs, or breathing their rarefied air charge. And because we want you to reap the benefits of skipping the middleman, the prices we charge on our own website are lower than if you find the same property anywhere else. Yes, you read that correctly; we are bribing you to come to our page because we too want to avoid the fees those rental sites charge! Saving you money also leads to a more satisfied customer, and if you find yourself wanting to return again next year, don’t forget to save more money by booking direct from our Voyago website.
Come Home to Voyago Vacation Rentals
Our properties reflect the natural beauty of our Estes Park hometown, and when you book direct, remember, February 5th is the big day in 2025, you’ll be able to funnel your savings into more activities, more souvenirs, and more desserts at local restaurants. Reserve your favorite Colorado retreat from Voyago Vacation Rentals and enjoy all the benefits from booking direct from us!
Owning a vacation rental in Estes Park, Colorado comes with its unique set of rewards: breathtaking views, a steady stream of visitors, and a thriving tourism economy that supports the business. However, like any venture, there will inevitably be times when business slows down. Slower seasons are something every vacation rental owner must prepare for, whether due to weather changes, global events, or local market fluctuations. Though it may seem stressful at first, these slow periods present a fantastic opportunity for property owners to get creative and implement strategies that can keep their properties profitable. Find more tips from our Estes Park property management team below!
Finding the Right Balance
When facing a slowdown in bookings, one of the first steps to consider is adjusting your rates. While it can be tempting to drastically slash your prices to attract more guests, this approach can have unintended consequences. Reducing your rates too much may lower the perceived value of your property, which could harm your long-term business prospects. It’s important to approach rate adjustments with thoughtfulness and strategy.
Instead of lowering your nightly rate across the board, consider offering targeted discounts. For example, offering discounts for longer stays (e.g., 10-15% off a week-long booking) can encourage guests to commit to longer stays and help fill your calendar. Offering last-minute booking discounts can also attract guests who decide to book a vacation on a whim. For slower weekends or off-peak months, it can be helpful to offer special “seasonal” discounts to make your rental more attractive.
Another effective strategy is to offer bundled packages, where guests can save money when they book additional services, like guided hikes, tickets to local attractions, or grocery delivery. If you operate a luxury property with upscale amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, or private pools, consider highlighting these features as selling points, and offering deals for guests who book extended stays or off-peak periods.
Expand Your Guest Base
When your typical guest pool is slow, it’s time to get creative and think about targeting new demographics. Traditionally, vacation rental markets have focused primarily on tourists, families, and couples looking to escape to a scenic destination. But in times of slower seasons, it’s important to expand your reach to other groups that might not have been part of your usual customer base.
One of the fastest-growing groups of travelers to target is remote workers and digital nomads. Thanks to the increase in telecommuting, more people are traveling while working remotely. Estes Park’s stunning landscapes and peaceful environment are ideal for people looking to combine work and leisure. As long as you offer fast Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces, your property could be an attractive option for those who need a break from the office, but don’t want to sacrifice productivity. Offering attractive “work-from-anywhere” packages that include amenities like high-speed internet and a dedicated workspace can help you tap into this demographic.
Another key group to target during slower seasons is travel workers, including nurses, teachers, construction workers, or other individuals who need short- to medium-term accommodations for specific projects or assignments. These workers often seek rental homes or condos with home-like amenities for longer stays, and many are willing to commit to a few weeks or months of lodging. By marketing your property to travel workers, you can secure longer-term stays during slower seasons, keeping your property occupied while diversifying your income stream.
Reach More Potential Guests
Effective marketing is the cornerstone of attracting guests during slower seasons. A comprehensive marketing approach that includes a variety of online and offline strategies will ensure your property stands out and gets noticed. Start by enhancing your online listings. Professional, high-quality photos can make all the difference in attracting guests, as they allow potential renters to experience your property before they book. Invest in professional photography or create virtual tours to showcase your property’s best features, whether that’s stunning mountain views, spacious bedrooms, or a hot tub perfect for a relaxing evening.
Along with professional photos, write detailed, engaging descriptions of your property that highlight its unique amenities, location, and atmosphere. The more detailed you are in your listing, the more confident potential guests will feel about booking with you. You can also use video marketing, which is becoming increasingly popular. Offering virtual tours, walkthroughs, or even guest testimonials in video format can help potential guests feel more connected to your property and encourage them to finalize their booking.
Additionally, maintaining a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can help keep your property top of mind. Use these platforms to engage with potential guests by posting regular updates, local tips, and promotions. Social media ads that target remote workers, digital nomads, or specific geographic locations can also be an excellent way to attract new guests during slower periods.
The Key to Satisfaction
While adjusting your rates and marketing strategies is important, one of the best ways to stand out and attract guests during slower seasons is by offering unique guest experiences. Think about what makes your property special and how you can enhance the experience for your guests.
This can range from offering a customized package for different types of travelers to creating memorable experiences that guests won’t find at other properties. For example, you could partner with local tour guides to offer discounted outdoor experiences such as wildlife watching, guided hikes, or photography tours. Another idea is to offer guests “local flavor” packages that include food delivery from local restaurants, or a personal chef to prepare a home-cooked meal in the comfort of their rental. Experiences like this can help guests make the most of their trip and create lasting memories.
You can also consider offering special amenities for guests who book during slower seasons. For example, if you have a hot tub, offering guests a discount on spa services or a cozy fire-pit experience can make their stay even more special. This type of personalized service will not only attract more guests, but it can also lead to positive reviews and repeat business in the future.
Create Unique Packages
When dealing with slower seasons, one of the best ways to attract more bookings is by offering unique packages. Customizing your offering can appeal to new or existing guests, and it can also set your property apart from the competition. For example, you can partner with local businesses to provide guests with exclusive discounts or experiences. A partnership with a local restaurant for a “dine-and-stay” package or collaborating with a nearby adventure company for discounted excursions can make your property more appealing to travelers.
You can also create customized seasonal offers. Offering discounted stays for longer-term guests, like those working remotely or in need of temporary housing, can encourage bookings during off-peak times. For instance, if a traveler books for a month, you could offer them a discounted weekly rate, making it more affordable and appealing.
Focusing on providing value to your guests during off-seasons can not only help keep your property booked but can also develop long-term relationships with guests. When you create these packages, ensure they cater to the interests and preferences of your target market, whether that’s families looking for a “home base” for their adventures or couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway. By curating unique offerings, you make your property irresistible, even during the slow months.
Enhance Your Property’s Online Presence
In slower seasons, it becomes even more important to strengthen your property’s online presence. With the right digital marketing strategy, you can increase visibility and drive traffic to your listing. One key element is ensuring that your website and listing pages are optimized for search engines. For example, you could update your website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to focus on keywords like “affordable Estes Park vacation rentals” or “romantic getaway in Estes Park,” which are popular during slower periods.
Social media is another powerful tool to promote your property during the off-season. Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are perfect platforms for showcasing the unique features of your home. By sharing high-quality images and seasonal promotions, you can engage your audience and remind past guests of the experience they had. Encourage reviews from guests who stayed with you during busier times, as these can bolster your credibility and attract attention from potential customers.
Consider running paid ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, or Instagram to increase visibility among a targeted audience. For instance, you can run ads that focus on promoting your property to people looking for weekend getaways, couple’s retreats, or last-minute holiday bookings, which can be particularly appealing during off-peak seasons. By investing time and effort into your digital marketing strategy, you can ensure that even during a slow season, your property doesn’t stay empty for long.
Voyago Can Help You Navigate Slower Seasons
When it comes to managing your vacation rental during slower seasons, partnering with a professional property management company like Voyago can make a significant difference. A professional property manager can handle everything from adjusting rates to overseeing guest communication and maintenance issues. With our transparent pricing model and commitment to no hidden fees, you can trust that your property will be in good hands.
Voyago offers a range of Estes Park property management services, including effective marketing, guest communication, and comprehensive home care. Our virtual owner portal allows you to stay connected and updated on all aspects of your rental property, from booking details to maintenance requests. Our team is dedicated to providing transparent and proactive communication, ensuring that you are always in the loop and prepared for any changes.
We also offer high-quality homecare services, including a detailed 85-point inspection checklist, which helps ensure that your property stays in top shape year-round. We perform quarterly inspections and an annual deep clean, so minor maintenance issues are addressed before they become costly repairs. This approach not only saves you money in the long run, but it also ensures that your property is always guest-ready and well-maintained.
Learn More About our Estes Park Property Management
Dealing with slower-than-normal seasons is part of owning a vacation rental, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By adjusting your rates, targeting new guest demographics, and offering unique experiences, you can navigate the quieter months with confidence. With the help of Voyago’s comprehensive property management in Estes Park, CO, you can ensure that your rental remains profitable and well-maintained during these slower periods. With transparent communication, high-quality homecare, and proactive marketing, we’re here to help you stay on top of the changing market, no matter what the season brings. Give us a call today!
By the time you are reading this you may be buried in the preparations for Thanksgiving or Christmas, feeling slightly, or even completely overwhelmed with the sheer volume of things that need to be done right now and although we can’t help you find the perfect gift for Uncle John, we can assist you in planning your New Year’s adventures in Estes Park. The new year stretches out before you as a blank slate just waiting to be filled in and starting it out with a snowy journey to Colorado is the best way to begin 2025. This New Year’s in Estes Park guide to the fun you can have in Estes Park and the comforts you will enjoy in our holiday hideaways may not make your chores go away, but they will make them more bearable, knowing that you have something to look forward after the gifts are unwrapped.
The Lights Are Still Up
Most people, and that includes towns and businesses, keep their Christmas lights up until after the New Year and if you are still feeling the sweet afterglow of an excellent Christmas, you may not be ready to shut the door on the holiday. The Estes Park Holiday Lights Tour is one of our favorite ways to extend the good cheer of the holiday and all you need is a car with a heater, a thermos of hot cocoa to share with the family, and the map we have linked here for a self-guided tour of the holiday lights as seen downtown and in the neighborhoods that surround your Voyago Vacation Rentals holiday retreat. https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/holidays/driving-tour/
One Last Chance for Cookies and Cocoa
At Christmas every activity and event seems to involve hot cocoa and cookies so it may be possible you will have had your fill by the time New Year’s rolls around, but if not, January 1st is the last day You Need Pie, located at 509 Big Thompson Avenue, will offer their free cookies and hot cocoa. This fun event takes place from 5-7 PM daily and can be tacked on to your drive to the holiday lights, offering a festive and exciting night.
Say Farewell to the Old Year in Style
There are generally two ways of thought on how to celebrate the new year, with one side deciding to stay in (and we will discuss that in future paragraphs) and the other wanting to end the year with a big bang. Estes Park will have plenty of opportunities to do both, with the events listed below feeding your desire for glitz, glamour, and the bubbly!
- American Legion Post 119 New Year’s Eve Party, 850 N St Vrain Avenue- This New Year’s Eve Party is for members of the American Legion, but with over 1.5 million members, chances are at least a few of our guests belong. This fun event will be in the style of a speakeasy and will include champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and live music; members of other posts just need to bring their membership card and pay the ticket price.
- Crystal Ball at the Stanley, December 28- The Stanley Hotel is often at the epicenter of most events around Estes Park and New Year’s is no exception. Offering an 80s Band, costume contest for best 80s costume, and a photo booth, this event takes place a few days before the actual end of the year, but it is worth checking out.
- The Wheel Bar, 132 E Elkhorn Avenue- When you want to celebrate like the locals, the Wheel Bar is the first place we would recommend. Offering an old school vibe in which everyone feels welcome, this fun spot has been a tradition for 79 years! Offering pool tables, televisions, and a wonderful way to say farewell to 2024, an evening at The Wheel Bar may be the most fun you have had this year.
At Home with Voyago Vacation Rentals
The best moments of your celebration of 2025 may very well be the ones that take place at home in your Voyago Vacation Rentals holiday hideaway. As we mentioned earlier, not everyone wants to be out on the roads on New Year’s Eve, especially with the additional chance of ice, snow, and sleet in Estes Park. Welcome 2025 with your own favorite appetizers you created in our fully equipped kitchen, stock a selection of champagnes or sparkling grape juice, and rock out the last day of the year with a fire going, Dick Clark’s Rocking New Year’s Eve on the television, and no worries about designated drivers. Spending your New Year’s in Estes Park was already a good idea and spending it in Estes Park with Voyago Vacation Rentals may be the BEST idea! Reach out to us and reserve your favorite Estes Park vacation home full of fun and peace today!
Traveling to Estes Park over Christmas can be problematic with children—not because they don’t want to play in the snow or explore new places, but because of the very real fear that somehow Santa won’t know where they are. Christmas without presents is their biggest nightmare, and you can reassure them as many times as you like, but their fears won’t be allayed without a visit to the big guy himself. Many of us at Voyago Vacation Rentals have children of our own, and we understand, and because we want your entire family to have a happy vacation in our holiday hideaways, we have prepared this guide to all the places your children can visit Estes Park santa, ensuring they can tell him themselves where their temporary lodgings are located.
Catch the Glow Holiday Parade, November 29, Elkhorn Avenue
Christmas celebrations start promptly on the day after Thanksgiving, and the Catch the Glow Holiday Parade is when Santa makes his first holiday appearance, riding anchor on this whimsical procession that lights up the night. Offering lighted floats, marching bands, firetrucks, and more this is one event you won’t want to miss. Chances are if you are here for Thanksgiving you won’t still be here at Christmas, but if you aren’t visiting for Turkey day, you can still watch this parade online if you subscribe to the Rocky Mountain Channel.
Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest, November 30
This wonderful event offers something for everyone, so if you are in the area on Thanksgiving weekend we strongly suggest adding this festival to your itinerary. Start your holiday shopping at our regular retail shops or the holiday shops that pop up for this occasion, enjoy samples of wine from 15 different wineries, and watch your children enjoy a variety of Christmas activities, including meeting and taking pictures of Santa!
Snowman Festival, December 7, Bond Park
The days until Christmas are slowly decreasing, as are the temperatures in Estes Park, and the Snowman Festival celebrates both, beginning with a snowman scavenger hunt (Can you find the hidden snowmen in local businesses?) and continuing through the day with sleigh rides, watching ice artists sculpt holiday-themed sculptures from ice, hanging with frozen princesses, and the biggest joy of all, spending time with Santa who will be taking some time out of his busy schedule at the North Pole to attend this holiday event.
Sweets Stroll Festival Weekend, December 21 & 22, Bond Park
Bond Park could also be called Christmas Central with all the exciting holiday events that will take place there, and the Sweets Stroll Festival is destined to be the largest celebration of all. The sweets you will devour are just a small part of the party, with participants being given a punch card that they take to participating shops for a free treat. It is the ice sculptures that will be in play again, the free giveaways, and the horse-drawn carriage rides that may be your favorite part of this festive event, or it could be something more. Enjoy a holiday gift market that will help you cross the rest of the people you need to shop for off your list, princess character that will mix and mingle with your kiddos, live holiday performances, and a light show that stars the town’s Pixel pine tree. Also providing holiday craft stations, glitter tattoos (the kind that wash away so mom’s don’t have to worry about their kids being permanently marked), and food trucks and a beer garden, everyone will have a little something to enjoy. And finally, the part of the celebration your children have been waiting for with bated breath, Santa will be there, taking requests and posing for pictures, so be sure your children have their list ready!
Sunday Breakfast with Estes Park Santa, December 22, The Bull Pin
Even more delightful than photo ops with the jolliest of elves is the opportunity to break bread with the bearded gift giver, and the Sunday Breakfast with Santa will give your children a thrill they will never forget. The Bull Pin is a bowling alley serving up great food and good times, and at Christmas, it is a winter wonderland that is located just a bit south of the North Pole. Colorful lights, wreath decorating workshops, and festive cocktails make this event something that adults will love ad being able to enjoy a breakfast with Santa will ensure that the youngest members of your traveling party will fall in love.
Our Holiday Hideaways
Voyago Vacation Rentals will give travelers another reason to celebrate this Christmas season, providing warmth, comfort, and welcoming to all who reside within. Reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today and have yourself the merriest of Christmas experiences in December!
The holidays can be a mixed blessing as we enjoy the excitement, the activities, and the intensive time spent with family, but we also dread the excitement, the activities, and the intensive time spent with family, and with Thanksgiving peeking around the corner, you may be already planning to run away. Families are wonderful, but they can make us crazy, and Thanksgiving, a holiday in which we are supposed to be thankful, can sometimes make us resentful, but a vacation in Estes Park during this stressful time can make all the difference. Offering peace and tranquility, the perfect shops for starting your Christmas shopping, and all the comforts of home in our Voyago Vacation Rentals holiday hideaways, Estes Park is the perfect Thanksgiving destination, and this guide will explain it all in more detail.
Stay Out of the Kitchen
Just because our holiday retreats offer fully equipped kitchens that bring the joy back to your cooking experiences, it doesn’t mean you have to utilize them. It’s a holiday after all, and you deserve a break, and many restaurants in downtown Estes Park will be offering holiday meals that will be prepared, served, and cleared away by someone who isn’t you! Restaurants such as Twin Owls Steakhouse, located at 3110 S St Vrain Avenue Suite B, which is offering your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and The View, located at 300 Riverside Drive, which has a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet, will ensure that your stomach will be full, your taste buds will be happy, and thankfulness will be back on the table.
Pie Is a Must
Whether you are preparing the meal in your holiday hideaway or are dining out at local restaurants, let us be perfectly clear about something: Pie is a must, and we aren’t talking about a single slice you can enjoy with your meal. You Need Pie!, found at 509 Big Thompson Avenue, is famous for its pies in dozens of flavors that will make it impossible to choose a favorite. Of course, they sell pumpkin pie, and their bourbon pecan pie will make your mouth water, but if you haven’t tried peanut butter & jelly pie or their black forest pie, can you really consider yourself a connoisseur of pie? Their mocha decadence pie will change your world, and because there are no calories on vacation in Estes Park (That’s our story and we are sticking to it!), you can eat as much as you like and not worry about your pants getting too tight.
Christmas Begins
It doesn’t seem right that you have barely finished your last bite and it will already be time to start celebrating Christmas, but that is the way of the world, and with the chances being high that it will be snowing or will have already snowed, you have to admit it will feel kind of festive. Participate in Black Friday shopping at cute shops such as Trendz at the Park (100 E Elkhorn Avenue), Mountain Vault (300 E Elkhorn Avenue), and Rocky Mountain Majesty (215 W Elkhorn Ave) to get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Catch the Glow Parade, Elkhorn Avenue, Day After Thanksgiving at 5:30 PM
A light parade helps welcome the Christmas season, and with over 40 entries, the Catch the Glow Parade makes us look forward to the crush of the next few weeks even more. Offering marching bands, fire trucks, and floats that sparkle and shine, downtown Estes Park comes alive with this parade, and kids will get the chance to meet Santa while parents enjoy the opportunity to do a little shopping on Black Friday. This small-town parade may not pack the punch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade does (which you can watch on the state of the art televisions in your Voyago Vacation Rentals retreat), but it is a heartwarming one that will bring a sparkle to your children’s eyes and the feeling that the simple life might be one you could get used to.
Celebrate at Home with Voyago Vacation Rentals
Just think about it for a minute. When was the last time you truly enjoyed Thanksgiving? You spend so many hours of your time cleaning, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and when the meal is on the table, it takes about 10 minutes to devour, and your grumpy Uncle David will still complain that your turkey is dry and your pie isn’t sweet enough. In Estes Park, your lodgings will already be sparkling clean, shopping won’t be necessary, and your uncle will not be seated at the table. And you get to enjoy stunning views, comfortable surroundings, and a peek into Christmas that may have you starting to think about a return trip to Estes Park in December! Reserve your favorite holiday haven today and learn for yourself why Estes Park is the perfect Thanksgiving vacation destination.
Estes Park, Colorado is a mountain town known for its pristine beauty, rugged mountains, and for being considered the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, but when most people consider visiting, they tend to do so in the summer and winter months. Fall, however, is when the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains is set on fire, with the trees that grow here turning shades of crimson, orange, and gold, and the weather, while definitely frosty at some points, doesn’t leave your fingers and toes numb, especially when you return home to sit in front of a roaring fire in our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries. Life is pretty much perfect in our Colorado hometown in the fall, and we hope this guide to the top fall events in Estes Park will encourage you to check out the charms of the area, giving you more ideas on how to fill in every minute of your fall getaway.
Autumn Gold Festival, September 21 & 22, Bond Park
Say so long to summer while savoring live music, cold beer, and a varied selection of foods served by some of the best food vendors in town. The Autumn Gold Festival has welcomed the new season in all the best ways for 30 years, and as you chow down on the traditional Autumn Gold Brats washed down with homemade lemonade or a frosty beer, indulge your children in the Family Fun Zone, and leave dad to his own devices at the Classic Car Show, you may be wondering, can this event get any better? Of course, it can, when you purchase a raffle ticket for $100 and earn a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash. The proceeds go towards scholarships and community programs, and since only 350 tickets will be sold, there is a 1 in 50 chance your ticket will be a winner!
Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival, October 5, Bond Park
Your exploration of Estes Park festivals and events is going to teach you at least a couple of things about the residents of this stunning spot: 1) We love beer; and 2) Bond Park is a popular event venue, with Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival offering an example of both. Kiddos love this event, giving them the chance to pick a pumpkin to decorate your Voyago escape, playing games, creating arts, and jumping in a bounce house, but never fear, as an adult you are going to wish this event never had to end. Offering live music, cold beer, and the backdrop of the autumn landscape, late September and early October are the best times to see the trees dressed in their autumn finest, making this fall festival one of our favorites.
The Shining Reigns Supreme in Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel is known for its alter ego, the Overlook Hotel, straight out of Stephen’s King imagination, and as you can imagine, Halloween is when it shines bright. Offering two major fall events as listed below, it can be a fun part of your Colorado vacation, and coming home to our decidedly NOT haunted Voyago Vacation Rentals autumn abodes promises to make this trip even better.
• The Shining Ball, October 21, The Stanley Hotel – Offering an early start to your Halloween festivities, this costumed ball is the event of the season, featuring a costume contest, music, entertainment, and an opportunity to be immersed into the world that Stephen King created so effortlessly.
• The Shining, October 22-31, Park Theater – The original movie, The Shining, made the world afraid of the dark, and if it has been a while since you watched it (or you haven’t seen it all), you will be surprised at how well it holds up. The Historic Park Theater is offering showings of that classic horror film during the latter half of October, and if you attended the Shining Ball during your time in town, it can be a fun to see the spaces you were just occupying showing up on the big screen.
Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival, November 2, Estes Park Events Complex
Fall arrives early in the mountains, and some years it feels as if winter arrives even earlier, but when you attend the Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival on November 2, we don’t think you will even notice the weather! Offering the best spirits our local distilleries can produce, there will also be live music, bar games, and even a whiskey seminar that will teach you everything you didn’t think you needed to know about the drink.
Welcome Home
However you spend each fall day in our charming mountain town, coming home to Voyago Vacation Rentals promises to be the highlight of your Colorado adventures. Reserve your favorite fall sanctuary today and discover how comfort and luxury makes every vacation shine even brighter. And don’t forget to enjoy these events in Estes Park, CO!
Vacation experiences can be as different as vacationers themselves, even when the destination is the same. Family adventures in Estes Park with lots of family members are often enjoyed, but its beauty and excitement can also be equally enjoyed on a solo getaway, a vacation in which the traveler learns how much they really do love their own company and how absolutely wonderful our mountain town can be when explored without others. Today, we at Voyago thought we would take a few minutes of your time to offer some tips and tricks for your solo journey to Estes Park, making it easy to picture what a fantastic time can be had.
Plan Ahead
It may be a little different traveling alone, especially as you don’t have someone with you when you go the wrong way, you forget your wallet or purse back at the hotel, or you simply don’t know exactly what there is to do in the town you are visiting, so solo travelers will want to make sure they plan out their adventures ahead of time. We can’t help you with the forgetting your purse or wallet part, but using your GPS app on your smart phone will help keep you from getting lost, and if you don’t know what Estes Park has to offer, just take a peek at some of the blogs on our page. And keeping this particular blog bookmarked on your phone is an easy way to check out more of what to do; having a good time will just follow naturally!
Take Up a New Hobby
If you have never tried fly fishing before, there is no better time to do so than during your summer getaway to Estes Park. Fishing of any type is best done alone, as the quiet ensures that the fish will not be scared away, and fly fishing is such a favorite sport locally you may discover a new obsession. The rhythm of the cast, the sound of the waters bubbling merrily, the joy you will receive when you feel the tug at the end of your line, all combine to create an experience that will stand by you when the rest of the world does not. The Big Thompson Canyon is a great place to begin your fly fishing adventures.
Don’t Be Afraid to Dine Out Alone
The hardest part of traveling alone might just be dining out alone. We never seem to know what to do with our hands, where we should be looking, and the moments between ordering and eating can seem interminably long. But our Estes Park restaurants are friendly places, treating large groups and solo travelers with the same cheer, no matter what your food tastes may be. Breakfast at the Egg of Estes, 393 E Elkhorn Avenue, lunch at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ, 820 Moraine Avenue, and a hearty dinner at Hunter’s Chop House, 1690 Big Thompson Avenue will bring you joy, sate your appetite, and encourage you to discover all the positives about eating alone at a restaurant.
Explore Local Events
It’s difficult to feel alone when you are sharing ground space with hundreds of other people, so be sure to check out the local events that will be taking place when you have reached your destination. July 12-14 is when the SnowyGrass Musical Festival takes place, celebrating bluegrass music and the stunning beauty of the mountain landscape of Estes Park. Offering food trucks, wine tastings, and so much more, this event truly will make you feel a part of the Estes Park family.
Post your Adventures in Estes Park
The best way to not feel alone is to share your adventures with your friends and family back home, so post the pictures of you standing with the Rocky Mountains in the background, take snaps of the delicious meals you are enjoying, and share the video you took of the sunset enjoyed from the back deck of your Voyago Vacation Rentals summer sanctuaries. The comments on your posts will make you feel as if your friends are with you and the admiration they express about your bravery in traveling alone will do wonders for your self-esteem!
Choose Voyago Vacation Rentals
Choosing the right vacation escape is as important as choosing the right vacation destination and Voyago Vacation Rentals offers a large selection of cozy sanctuaries that will be priced to fit in any vacation budget. Still feeling uncomfortable about eating alone at restaurants? Our fully equipped kitchens will encourage you to create meals for yourself, best enjoyed on the decks overlooking the Colorado landscape. Comfortable, luxurious, and offering panoramic views of the mountains and the Estes Park countryside, your every moment spent with us will be ones you will appreciate forever. Reserve your favorite seasonal sanctuary today!