Some may think that fall in Winter Park, being a shoulder season in the mountains, is a time where we all sit around and long for the snow to start flying.  Those people are soooo wrong!! Winter Park has had the most glorious fall ever and I, for one, could live with another month of warm sunny days and cool clear nights, as long as it snows a bunch in November.  I hope the weather gods agree. 

Here are a few of the fun things I have done this September and hope to do in October:

Elk Viewing –  We made a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park one evening last week to see the elk and listen to them bugle.  We go every year, but it is always exciting to see and hear them. It amazes me how  they are not bothered by the people a bit.  We had a few walk within 10 yards of us.  The ranger said that the elk usually hang out in the meadows for 5 weeks, so there is still plenty of time to get out there to see them.

Fall Foliage –  The Aspen trees are in their prime right now with all shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red.  In the sunshine, they look like a painting in the doctor’s office. Nothing will relax you more than a drive through the mountains to see the fall colors.

Golf – This is the best time of year to get out there and play 18, or even just 9 holes.  There are no crowds, the courses are in fabulous condition, you can get great deals, and the weather doesn’ t get any better.  Be sure to stock up on snacks and drinks before you head out as the cart girls have abandoned their carts to squeeze in a few rounds themselves before the snow flies. Pole Creek  (package rate available for our guests),  Headwaters at Sol Vista, or Grand Elk  are some fantastic courses for late season golf. 

Dog Cart Rides — The dogs like to run all year long and it is cool enough again for them to take you on an adventure.  You’ll ride in a cart instead of a sled, but it will still be exhilirating.  When your ride has finished be sure to stop in to Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park and see the puppies that just arrived last week! Our guests save 30% on cart rides, scooter rides and kennell tours this fall until November 24th. Click here for details.

Hot Air Balloon Rides — What a great way to get up and see the folliage. Temperatures rise up to 40 degrees when you get high in the air, so you’ll be nice & toasty. Call Sue and Jack at Grand Adventure Balloon Tours to schedule the ride of your life, and get $10 off per person as a guest of Winter Park Lodging Company.  You have never experienced anything so peaceful as being up in a balloon!

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort — One of the best ways to enjoy the fall scenery, while getting a bit of well-deserved rest & relaxation at the same time, is to take the scenic drive through Byers Canyon to the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort, located about 45 minutes from Winter Park in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Choose your favorite pool filled with natural hot spring water from out of the twenty or so pools of varying temperatures and sizes. The Native Americans frequented these springs for years and believed they had healing effects.

Mountain Biking with Bears -  well, not exactly. But we have been seeing quite a bit of wildlife, including bears, while on our mountain bike rides. Not only is it wonderful to be amidst the beautiful fall foliage on the trails, it’s exciting to know that you could see a moose, fox or bear around any bend in the trail. See more about a bear sighting or read about a recent moose sighting.

Maybe we’ll see you up here in our beautiful backyard this fall. We’ve got a list of lots of other fall activities in Winter Park & Grand County and would be happy to share some ideas with you. Give us a call at 970-722-0707 or 877-329-1383 or email us at info@winterparklodgingcompany.com anytime.

Bistro 28 is still featuring old fashioned hamburgers on Thursday nights. Enjoy a hamburger and a beer (or a glass of house wine) for only $7.50 and Friday nights prime rib for only $15.

OCTOBER APPRECIATION WEEK
Starting Monday October 5th Through Friday October 9th green fees will be only $50 including cart and practice balls. Daily lunch specials at Bistro 28 for only $6. Call the golf shop for reservations 970-887-9195

They will stay open until the snow stays for the winter.

I was able to play Pole Creek Golf Club for the third time this year this past Saturday.  My brother and his family had a weekend at their friends cabin over on Grand Lake and they made the trek over to play a little golf this past weekend.  We played the meadow and ranch courses which meant a lot of water a bunch of lost balls but damn it was fun being out on the course!  The course was in great shape and the greens were fast and basically un-puttable for my lack of talent with a golf club.

We talked to one of the marshals and he informed us that the club will try to stay open until October 15th weather and snow permitting.  I have now golfed Pole Creek every month that they are open and I would have to say September is the best month for golf up in Grand County by far.  So head on out and get your golfing in before we are soon covered in snow.

The Bistro 28 at Pole Creek Golf Course is offering a coupon for 50% off your second dinner entree.  Check out their Asian influenced menu and you are guaranteed to find something that sounds delicious.  Once you print out the coupon you are all set to enjoy a fantastic meal in the brand new clubhouse overlooking the golf course. Call them at 970.887.9797 to make your reservtion.

Pole Creek Golf Course will now be offering a new Pre-Twilight Rate. This rate will be good Sunday through Thursday between 12:00pm and 2:00pm.  The non-resident rate will be $72 for 18 holes, cart, and a bucket of balls.  A savings of $21!!  Residents can walk for $33 or ride for $42.  Call the Pro Shop to book your tee time, 970.877.9195.

 The Shining Stars Foundation is looking for golfers who would like to “Tee Off for Kids with Cancer”! The charity golf tournament is scheduled for Friday, July 17th, 2009 at Pole Creek Golf Course.  Come enjoy the sunshine and play for prizes. Food and drink are provided.  If you register your foursome before July 3rd, the cost is only $550/team.

Their dinner menu looks very enticing, with a Bourbon Rib Eye, Char Sui Duck, Lavender Lamb and other delicious dinners. I can’t wait to try the Creamy Trout, a fresh trout fillet over braised garlic spinach and chardonnay dill beurre blanc, sounds amazing. They’ll also serve prime rib on Friday evenings.

For breakfast, you can get an omelet, a breakfast burrito, or pancakes and for lunch you can choose from Kobe beef sliders, fish tacos, Angus beef burger, a Thai satay wrap and a lot more.  Plus, they serve brunch every Sunday with three types of eggs benedicts, waffles and omelets. 

There’s more…. they have a full bar and wine list and happy hour from 4-6pm on Mon-Thurs. With all they have to offer, you may end up spending the entire day golfing and enjoying the new Bistro 28 at Pole Creek Golf Course.

Their style is described as ”featuring hearty Colorado cuisine with an Asian influence”.  Another appeal to Bistro 28 is that they use locally grown and organic options whenever possible.  And, to top it off, the views are claimed to be the best in the entire valley, and though I haven’t been there yet, I believe it.  I love taking a scenic drive on County Road 5, where Pole Creek is located, to enjoy lush rolling hills and the panoramic views of the mountains. All in all, I am very impressed with all that I’ve heard and will be trying it out really soon.

If you want some free food, go to their opening on June 6th from 4pm – 7pm. Free apps plus a cash bar.