Up for our last delicious breakfast at our B&B, another great breakfast enjoying talking to people from Wisconsin and Portland, Oregon.
Soon it time to leave Denver and head to our next stop Boulder. Parked and made our way to the Pearl Street outdoor mall. This brick lined blocks of street is pedestrian friendly and filled with trees, sculptures and of course, boulders. There were also a lot of venders setting up as the Boulder marathon is this weekend.
Did a little shopping, but very expensive in some stores, checked out their huge bookstore, and decided to go see their historic hotel.
The Hotel Boulderado is a lovely old grand hotel. We stopped in for a drink at the bar, and ended up with wine and some clam chowder, while chatting with a young man from PA, who went to Kutztown!
Off for our next stop for three nights, Estes Park. While driving, decided to take a tour of the Stanley Hotel. We were able to book a 3:30 tour, and made it in time to explore the front garden, take in the view, and have a drink in the beautiful front porch.
Began our tour with Margaret as our guide. She did a wonderful job with the history of the hotel, from Mr. Stanley, his wife and brother, to Steven King and his experience at the Stanley in room 217 that resulted in his novel The Shining, and all stories in between, including several ghost stories!
The Stanley Hotel is a beautiful place, and we enjoyed walking the grounds following the tour. But it was time to check in to our hotel which was less than a mile away.
Got situated in our place the Maxwell Inn, and decided to walk into the town. This lovely path went from outside the hotel on a river walk through the woods ( nicely lit most of the way for the return trip) passed a park and performance amphitheater, and into town. Just charming.
Walked the town, and finally made our way to Claire’s. We enjoyed delicious meals of elk steak and snapper with shrimp, with good drinks and enjoyable chat with the bartender/ waiter.
Made our way back, and watched one episode of The Shining mini series, and it’s off to bed as tomorrow brings Rocky Mountain National Park.