Join me for tea and scones this Saturday from 1-3 p.m at this Charming historic home with Longs, Divide and Lumpy Ridge views. Open living spaces, 10 ‘ ceilings, original wood floors, two moss rock fireplaces and sun porch. 3 BR/2 BA and partially finished basement. Great potential-attic could be finished for an artist’s retreat. Take in the views from the fenced in flower garden, deck or patio. Picturesque .55 acre lot with rock outcroppings and huge ponderosa pines. Own a piece of Estes Park history with this turn of the century beauty. See you there!

Lori

There are some incredible views of Longs Peak . . .

All the trails on HWY 36 as you head towards Lyons are dog friendly too. Lily Mountain trail is a popular hike under 2 miles that is close to HWY 7 and minutes from EP. If you dog isn’t up for a hike, stop by the Dog Park right by Lake Estes and Stanley Park. If you want a complete list of dog-friendly trails stop by the Estes Park Visitor Center for a list.

Have fun, be respectful of others on the trail and lookout for wildlife!

Have you checked out interest rates lately? Watched the financial news? Read up on the Economic Stimulus package? It is a little overwhelming isn’t it?

In case you are wondering about the health of the Estes Park market, the 2007 sales data has just been released. Here it is:

Total sales volume for ALL Property types in 2007 was $148,411,783. This is compared to $143,507,064 for 2006 representing a 3.4% increase.

Residential Sales single family sales saw a 3.30% increase in total volume to $88,428,857 with 233 residential properties sold. The average single family residential home was $379,923, a 5.2% decrease over the 2006 average.

Vacant Land sales total volume showed a 26.00% decrease over 2006. The average price rose to $187,979 from $186,613 in 2006, a .70% increase. 

Town home/Condo sales increased 14.10% in total volume to $40,787,026 from $35,738,445 in 2006. The number of Town Home/Condo sales numbered 136 as compared to 130 in 2006. The average price increased 9.00% to $299,905.

I would be lying if I didn’t say I am a little nervous about all the talk of a recession, but I do have to add that I have a lot of confidence in the Estes Park market. Estes Park is rich with resourceful individuals, teachers, business people, artists, musicians and beautiful scenery. People are willing to invest here as shown by the growth of our market last year.

It is going to be hard for me not to emphasize JUST going into the park. It is by far the best attraction we have. You don’t have to hike for miles to experience its beauty though. There are lots of places to hike just a block or two and explore rocks, streams, and see great views. Visit the Alluvial Fan near the North Entrance for hours of rock hopping, playing in the water or looking for wildflowers or wild raspberries. Also Lily Lake has a very short walking loop with plenty of opportunity for adventure. Stop in to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and talk to the staff for ideas. They have ranger led walks just for young children. Make your own GORP, have a picnic in Moraine Park. Drive up Old Fall River Road and find a patch of snow to play in. Let’s back up for a minute before you come into the park, stop by the Estes Park Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and get one of their calendars of events to find out what is going on around town. There might be a festival going on at Bond Park or the Stanley Park Fairground. We have the Rooftop Rodeo, Arabian horse shows, car shows, art shows, Highlands Scottish Irish Festival, Quilt Shows, Film Festivals and our course Elk Fest. You could go to a festival every weekend all summer. We do have some fun touristy kinds of attraction like go-carts and miniature golf, but I would encourage you to also check out some of the unique attractions Estes Park offers like the Estes Park Museum or MacGregor Ranch Museum. Our Art Center and Library offer programs for hands-on activities throughout the summer months. Did you bring Fido? Take him to the Dog Park to burn up some energy. If you are downtown, check out some of our kid friendly stores that sell toys or have rocks and artifacts. Watch the glass blowers at several glass shops too. Grab an ice cream cone and head over to Riverside Plaza or Performance Park to enjoy an outdoor concert. Visit the flower garden on West Elkhorn Ave. and see how many flowers you can name. Rent a bike cart and ride around Lake Estes or play at one of the many playgrounds around town. Ride the Aerial Tram to the top of Prospect Mountain. Maybe the weather is turning off bad? Head over to the Aquatic Center for a swim or to the Historic Park Theater for a movie. How about the Estes Park Mountain shop for a rock climbing lesson? And I almost forgot the YMCA of the Rockies, horseback riding and chuck wagon dinners too. Soon we will have a Planetarium for star gazing. How about an old time portrait? Are you tired yet? You don’t need to leave Estes to keep the family entertained. #1 Rule-don’t forget to take lots of water, sunscreen and snacks!

OK, about the sales. Some recent tidbits of national business news from the week that helps me sleep at night. Just a highlight though, these numbers can give me a headache.
After analysts were projecting that new home sales would fall again, September posted an almost 5% gain. Since August sales were at an 11 year low, hopefully this means the market is making a gain upward. Unemployment claims fell by 8,000 last week too. Nationally the median price of homes rose 2.5% from August numbers too. These recent announcements coupled with the reasonable interest rates gives Realtors cause for hope of a return to more normal market conditions. The feds are anxious to keep things moving along and may cut the federal funds rate before the month is over.

The Estes Park year-to-date total sales volume is up from last year by 8%. And IMO it’s a Buyer’s Market. Estes is a hard market to buy into especially when you are coming here from the Midwest. I personally think there are a lot of bargains out there.

Have a great week!

We didn’t know it was Homecoming until we got to the restaurant so it was a busy night for them. The hostess informed us of a 45 minute wait, but we went ahead and reserved a table anyway. We drove around for half an hour and returned to wait for our table. We read the walls while we waited and watched the fish in their aquarium. I don’t know how long ago it started, but there are dollars bill stapled to every available surface. The walls, and ceilings are completely covered with money that has been personalized with names, dates and personal messages about celebrations held in this restaurant. It was fun to read about birthdays, anniversary and vacations through the years from visitors to Estes Park. We were seated in a nook of four seating areas on the SW corner of the building. I felt I needed to get the flashlight from my purse to read the menu. Our waitress was friendly and very attentive. Once you are given the menu and the wine list there is no doubt that the food is going to wonderful. Honestly, the wine list is larger than the menu. Alan had the Prime Rib and I had Fettucini Alfredo with chicken. We had these great house salads that were Italian style with black olives, Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. The salad dressing was homemade. I think we had Creamy Garlic. I was stuffed after only my salad and some bread. Alan ordered an appetizer of potato skins, which is like a meal in itself. They are served with a cheese sauce on half and then a meat sauce on the others. He was so full, he had his salad boxed up for him. We had more fun reading the dollar bills on the walls while we waited on our food. When the waitress brought out our food I couldn’t believe the size of the portions. My entree was served on a bed of spinach fettuccine on a plate at least 12″ in diameter. Alan’s was just the same. Our food was fresh and prepared with great care. It tasted wonderful. I insisted on getting half of mine in a to-go box because I wanted to still have room to sample something off their dessert menu. A woman at the table next to us ordered a Mudslide, so I had to try one too instead of a dessert. Our waitress gave us just the right amount of service, not too much & not too little. At some point, she found out we were locals and it was our first time in the restaurant. Next thing you know we had a set of drinks from the owner. I can’t remember what they were called, but it was a chilled lemon-flavored liquor-YUM!. Our experience was just top-notch all the way around. The food, service and atmosphere were remarkable. When you are visiting here or if you live here full-time this is a must try dining experience. We forgot to leave a dollar, so I guess we have to eat there again soon.

Unfortunately, I had to cover floor time that morning so I couldn’t enjoy our first snow of the year. I just grabbed my camera on my way out and drove to work with my windows open and heated seat on (of course). Here are some pics from my drive. The views were terrible.

After work yesterday I had to drive by a house and saw a huge herd of elk. This guy was digging or something with his antlers and grass was flying everywhere. He finally plopped down in the hole as I drove away. The next elk I saw had rolled in mud and he was totally covered. That will surely attract the ladies.

Have a great day!

Lori

I was worried about missing the aspens so I played hooky on October 1st. It was incredibly windy that day so I decided to hike in Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado. Wanting a long hike I decided on Bluebird Lake, it is 6.3 miles to the lake. It really is a summer hike, but I didn’t realize that until I was underway. The aspens as you follow the trail were spectacular. I even was lucky enough to wear short sleeves for a while. I was trying to keep a good pace because I didn’t get to the TH until 10:50. I needed to be back by 5pm. There was light snow in the shady areas past Ouzel Falls, but I didn’t expect it as I went higher. I loved this hike except for the burn area, after the trail splits to Bluebird it seems to go on forever. I personally think it is depressing, but the grasses were flourishing in fall colors. I am sure the flowers are plentiful in the summer. The last 1.5 miles seemed like 3 or 4 miles. I loved the dense forest, but it was kind of creepy. I really expected the lake around every corner. I had to scramble on wet snowy rock towards the end too. Most of my concern was hiking alone and this far out. I never saw another hiker past where the trail splits to Ouzel Lake or Bluebird Lake. When I finally crested the hill and saw the lake I couldn’t stand up straight because the wind would push me over. I walked kind of bent-over to a large boulder to snap some photos and eat my lunch. It was 2:00 and I was starving. Freezing cold winds weren’t conducive to a relaxing meal so I just started back with my PB&J. I hustled back jogging when I could. As the sun dips in Wild Basin in gets cold quick. I stopped and talked to a few hikers on my way back and spotted a couple of deer. Which is really surprising because the joke is that we see more wildlife in our backyard than in RMNP. By the last mile I was limping terribly and couldn’t wait to get to my car. As I entered the Estes Valley my phone starting buzzing. Apparently, Alan and the girls were the only people I told that I was hiking. My office was about to report me missing. Always tell someone where you are going. I leave a note in my car where it’s easily read through the window. Here are some photos of the Ouzel Fire burn area, some really pretty aspens, and a blustery Bluebird Lake. More photos here. Have a great week!

Lori