The Makings for a Terrific Trip to Winter Park
Winter Park maintains charm with buildings like the Fraser Mercantole which was the first built in Winter Park in 1904. A former mercantile store, Dwight D. Eisenhower shopped here during pre-presidential fishing trips.
Whether you come to Winter Park to ski the expert terrain of Mary Jane in the winter or to tear through mountain bike trails in the summer, Winter Park the perfect spot for any outdoor enthusiast. Beyond the vast outdoor options, you will find the classic mountain town is chock full down home goodness. Head into one of the many mom and pop shops dotting the town and chances are you will end up chatting with an owner who takes great pride in not only their store but Grand County.
This guide includes:
- Winter Park Chateau Bed & Breakfast- elegant Victorian home, balcony hot tub, social hours.
- Winter Park Winery- where wine is made by a professional cyclist
- The Foundry- bowl or catch a flick in a retro fitted warehouse
- Library Brewery- Pomegranate beer. Need we say more?
- Deno’s Mountain Bistro: Happiest of Hours 3-6 Daily.
- Cooper Creek Square- Shop your heart your heart out with great deals!
- Ullrs Tavern- Live music, billiards and drink specials
- Rocky Mountain Roastery- beans roasted at altitude make sure this coffee is
A block off the main street of Winter Park, this B & B is in an ideal location to check out different shops, restaurants and entertainment.
I was seven steps into the Winter Park Chateau Bed & Breakfast and was already caught with my hand in the cookie jar. A welcoming Inn Keeper, Susan, buzzed to the front door to greet and tour us around the elegant three story Victorian Home. Cookie in hand, I settled into my adorably decorated room. Each of the eight guests rooms, all named after mountain towns, sport unique decor. You can tell the owners of this B&B, Greg and Laura Lewis, take pride in making each room feel like home.
This spot is especially unique because it’s decked out with a hot tub on the second floor balcony. After a light hearted warning from other guests, we were on guard during our hut tub soak- Inn Keeper, Robert, has a reputation for playfully tossing snowballs onto the deck from the ground below during winter months! But with the sprawling mountain views, we decided it was worth the risk!
Each night from 5-6 p.m., guests are invited to a social hour where wine, sodas and a spread of appetizers are served. Kernels popped in the nostalgic popcorn maker as conversation flowed effortlessly from guest to guest.
Come morning, there is nothing better than the smell of pancakes wafting into your room. Winding down the traditional Victorian stair, light chatter filled the air. After filling up my plate with the full line up, it was nice to sit down and have another conversation with guests. B&B’s are the next best thing to staying with family. Especially when there are fresh baked cookies tempting you upon arrival.
About the owners: Adventurers at heart, Greg and Laura Lewis opened the Winter Park Chateau in 2008 after living in the Caribbean for the last 12 years. The couple owned the Sea Chateau (a B&B on water!) in St. Thomas but moved stateside to be closer to their kids. “My favorite part of owning a bed and breakfast is the social aspect. We meet and learn about so many great people from all over the world,” says Laura.
Carri’s Catch: The Victorian home in which the Winter Park Chateau is staged was built by the Russian Mafia in the mid 90’s!
405 Lions Gate Dr.
Winter Park, CO
(970) 726-2884
“Winemaking is where science meets art. It’s a total marriage of the two,” says owner of Winter Park Winery, Jon Brickner. A hard core Coloradoan, Jon is always eager to take advantage of the outdoors. The label on the 2007 Riesling shows his passion for trout fishing.
Tired of tires, the master winemaker at Winter Park Winery says he knew he had a knack for fermenting grapes. “I love science and I love art and winemaking is a total marriage of the two,” says winemaker Jon Brickner. Jon was selling tires to mining and excavating companies but wanted a different lifestyle. But it wasn’t until he saved up enough cash that the Winter Park Winery came to full fruition in 2004.
Moving in truckloads of flavorful grapes from Palisade, Jon started creating reds, whites, ports and what would eventually become reserve top-shelf wines. Take a look at the labels and you will learn a lot about the master winemaker. Jon’s artistic wife designs each one, to showcase either a hobby or favorite spot of Jon’s. As a professional cyclist, one of his favorite hobbies is of course biking. Ranked as the 35th fastest cross-country mountain biker in the country, Jon attempted to make the Olympic team. He didn’t make the cut but brings in his love for the outdoors on several labels.
Music also makes his wheels spin. The name “Grateful Red” came to Jon during a winemaking session. “I was playing these f.m. tapes and Jerry Garcia came on the radio,” remembers Jon. “Of course I wanted to pay my respect back so we named a wine that incorporated the band.” Come in on certain nights and you may even see Jon playing some guitar at his own version of an open mic. night.
Inside the taproom, there is room for about 20 people, making this a quaint spot to get your wine tasting on. From the bar cleverly made out of wine barrels, you can see into the wine making room. All of the wine is made and bottled in house. When it’s time to bottle, friends and volunteers head over to work in exchange of wine!
From the abundance of wines to try, here are three we loved.
2011 Chenin Blanc: Dry white. Hints of sage with a low acidity.
2007 Grateful Red Tasting: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot blend. Smooth tannin with berry undertones.
2007 Merlot: Earthy flavor backed up with berry flavors. Creamy mouth feel with nice tannin.
(Tasting Prices: $5 for 5 tastes; $25 for 5 tastes of the reserve wine and a glass you can keep; $5 full Glass $12 full Glass of reserve wine)
395 Zerex Street
Fraser, CO 80442
970.726.4514
The Founday Cinema and Bowl Puts New Spin on Entertainment in Winter Park by combing bowling, movies and gourmet pizza!
The Foundry is casting a new energy in Winter Park. Splashing entertainment, you will find eight lanes of bowling, 2 movie theatres, shuffleboard and billiards inside this retrofitted warehouse. The toughest decision: where to start?! If games galore isn’t enough there is a full menu serving up classic American food. For anyone who loves a great Italian pie- there is a one ready for ya that is crisped in a wood fired brick oven shipped in from Italia! “We do it right when it comes to ingredients. We only serve the best ingredients we can find,” says owner Mark Unicum. The sausage comes from Chicago, and the cheeses from Italy and California! Check out the full bar for Colorado Brews, including beer from New Belgium, Great Divide and Grand Lake Brewing Company.
The building is brand new but you would never guess. “We designed it to make it feel like it was something else before. Which is why when people ask about the history of the place it always puts a smile on my face,” says Unicume. Exposed brick, old-time décor and high vaulted ceilings give the Foundry an industrial look.
22 Second Street
Fraser, CO
970-363-7161
It’s the happiest of hours at Deno’s Mountain Bistro from 3-6 p.m. everyday. For drinks bank on: $3.50 Double Tall Wells, $2.75 Domestics, $3.50 Micro Brews, $1 off Wine by the Glass & Cocktails. Sampling of the small plates served: Pepper Blue Filet Tips $8, Gorgonzola Fondue $5, Sautéed mussels, scallops and shrimp $8. The old time feel of this mountain gem makes for a casual atmosphere. Head upstairs or take a seat at a copper topped table at the bar, either way you are sure to be surrounded in good company of both locals and visitors.
78911 U.S. 40
Winter Park, CO 80482
The Library Brewery
Inside the Library Brewery in Winter Park, Colorado.
This brewery isn’t only known for it’s excellent beer but also it’s great tag line. “Don’t lie to your mom, tell her you’re at the library.” I took that advice. My mom still questioned my credibility, telling me it was 9:37 p.m. and it was time to stop drinking. Moms are as full of wisdom as this brewery is full of crafty beer!
This small town brewery got its start in the college town of Laramie, Wyoming. Dropping out of business school, the now owner decided to instead take one on. Buying a former restaurant and brewery, Bryan hired his former Economy Professor as the hops master. By expanding operations to Winter Park, the crew is trying to keep up with demand. The five-barrel system will soon be expanding to 15.
The Library Brewery makes it a point to utilize Colorado ingredients when possible, and Wyoming ingredients at the other location. At the Winter Park Location you can find Colorado honey from Gunnison and grain from Denver.
Come summer, the backyard is bustling with live music on the enormous deck, people playing backyard games and grubbing on food from the kitchen. If you order food here’s an insider tip: the corned beef is cooked in oat and cream stout. Now you can even cheers your sandwich!
The Library Brewery
78491 US Highway 40
Winter Park, CO
Check out ilve music at the underground Ullrs Tavern in Winter Park.
Steps from the Library Brewery, you can find live music at the underground Ullrs Tavern. Check for the upcoming bands and the karaoke schedule! On Saturdays there is a $5 cover but includes a drink at the bar. Happy Hour everyday 5-7 p.m. and free pool from 5-6 p.m.
Ullrs Tavern
78415 US Highway 40
Winter Park, CO
Coffee from Rocky Mountain Roastery is s especially unique because it’s roasted at high elevation.
For fresh coffee slow roasted on site, look no further than the Rocky Mountain Roastery. This coffee is especially unique because it’s roasted at high elevation. You can find organic, fair trade and original coffee blends.
543 Zerex
Fraser, CO
970.726.4400
Revolve Consignment Boutique: A self described consignment store junkie, Susan Cahill opened Revolve Consignment Boutique after seeing a need for one in Grand County. Susan carefully sifts through clothing from consigners to make sure condition is perfect and styles are rock’n. “We consign a lot with locals and second homeowners. Our selection just keeps growing!” grins Cahill.
You will find plenty of selection and style at Revolve Consignment Boutique.
If you love accessories, you will go crazy for Peezie Marie. Storeowner Vickye Fisher opened the shop 30 years ago selling scarves, hats, purses, jewelry cards and other knick-knacks. “I try to buy things that are different or are one of a kind. We have a huge selection, just look around,” smiles Vickye.
Peezie Marie is full of accessories!
