Skiing, biking, and hiking can really take it out of you, especially if you aren’t used to the high altitude in Winter Park. Take a day to relax and explore downtown Winter Park, where you can get a taste of everything Winter Park has to offer – dining, shopping, playing, and more.
WHERE TO EAT IN DOWNTOWN WINTER PARK
I would be remiss in not telling you that the best breakfast is at Wake N’ Bacon ,where they have perfected their doughnuts and savory skillets. If you can go halvsies with a friend it might be a good idea so you won’t need to head home for a nap afterwards! If you are in a hurry and are trying to save your calories for lunch and dinner, try Carvers Bakery. They have plenty of grab n’ go pastry and bagel options.
If you didn’t eat enough for two meals at Wake N’ Bacon, head over to Rudi’s Deli around lunch time for a yummy sammie or a pesto chicken wrap. Try the tasty pasta salad for your side. You can also try a local favorite – Fraser Valley Hot Dog where they consider hot dogs a gourmet food. My personal favorite is the Fozzy Dog (Vienna beef with blue cheese and ranch dressing then topped with bacon, caramelized onions, and mustard) but others rave about the Elk Jalapeño Cheddar Brat. Is someone in your gang turning their nose up to the idea of a hot dog? They have amazing hamburgers and even a Carrot Dog (a whole carrot marinated in teriyaki and sesame and topped with goat cheese, truffle oil and ginger slaw) for the vegetarians. Having a late lunch? Grab a local beer right next door at Hideaway Brewery and hang out on the patio.
So, you’ve made it back home for a shower and maybe a quick power nap – now it’s time to start thinking about dinner! For a uniquely fancy Italian treat, try Volario’s. Their table bread is something to write home about and the Pappardelle Salsiccia pasta dish will have you licking your lips. Hankering for some American dining? Head to Deno’s Mountain Bistro where they have an extensive selection of wine and the best happy hour in downtown. Leaning more towards an Asian vibe? Sushi Nama is all the rage. Fresh, and I mean FRESH, sushi and raw bar dishes will be delivered to your table and be a feast for both your mouth and your eyes. Lastly, I can’t forget to mention the mex-asian delight of Winter Park: Pepe Osakas. Their infused Margaritas and fish tacos are truly a culinary experience. Oh, and don’t sleep on the Spicy Tuna Nachos.
COFFEE & SWEETS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER PARK
If you stopped by Rudi’s for lunch, walk a few doors down to Rollin’ Street Bakery afterwards and treat yourself to an authentic Czech Chimney Cone filled with a delicious compote, fruit, or ice cream. Make sure to check out The Sweet Life, one of our favorite treat stores in Winter Park. The walls are lined top to bottom with endless chocolates, licorice, sour gummies, jelly beans, and more. While there, let the baristas at Stoked Coffee, located in the same building, craft you a special latte, macchiato, or drip coffee to get you through the rest of the day. Another one-of-a-kind coffee shop in town that can give you your caffeine fix is The Perk. Here you can load up on coffee and shop for name brand clothes and outdoor gear at The Trailhead while you’re at it. Did you hit up Sushi Nama for dinner? Walk over to Charlie’s Frozen Treat Shop after you finish and end the night with some frozen yogurt.
NIGHTLIFE IN DOWNTOWN WINTER PARK
Not ready to end the night? Kids are with a babysitter you hired from Sitter Service of Grand County? You’ve had a long day and you are on vacation – why not have a night cap…or two?? Head over to Idlewild Spirits Distillery to try some hibiscus infused gin in a dark and cozy local distillery. The Peak Bistro and Brewery has an extensive tap list or for a local vibe and local beer go to Hideaway Park Brewery. Try the Bru Brew and take home your own 6 pack if you’re feelin’ it.
SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN WINTER PARK
Need some souvenirs or just have some extra cash to spend? Look no further than Cooper Creek Square where they have a plethora of shops to choose from. Haven Premium Goods is locally owned and operated and has trendy home goods, clothing, jewelry, and hand bags. For a Winter Park T-shirt, sweatshirt, socks, or hat check out B Jammin where they also have some name brand gear for you to peruse. Speaking of name brand, The Trailhead is the go-to place for name brand clothing and outdoor gear and the friendly staff make the experience that much better! Lastly, for a unique, artsy experience check out Uptripping. They have a variety of eclectic art and furnishings that have a global flare.
DOWNTOWN KIDS ACTIVITIES
Are the little ones driving you crazy? Have no fear, Hideaway Park is here! In the summer there is a great playground and skate park. Summer months also bring live music every Thursday night at the outdoor music venue. In the winter, the town of Winter Park provides free sleds to use on the park’s hill. This is also a great place to stop for a bathroom break if you are walking around exploring! Need some more entertainment for those balls of energy? Take them to The Foundry Cinema and Bowl for some arcade games, bowling, food, and movies. If that’s not enough, call us for a discounted day pass to the Grand Park Community Recreation Center where there is an indoor pool, waterslide, and lazy river, along with a rock climbing wall, basketball court, and gymnastics area.
GETTING OUTDOORS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER PARK
Still want to get the blood pumping in the Colorado Mountain air even though it’s your “day off”? In the summer you can walk, run, or rent a bike from Epic Mtn Sports (if you are staying at one of our properties call us for a discount code for bike rentals!). The Fraser River Trail runs right through downtown and has very little elevation gain, so any age and skill level can handle it. The trail starts at Winter Park Resort and makes its way to Fraser, CO. It’s 5 miles one way and has various starting points. If you are too tired to walk or ride back to your car, catch a ride on our free town shuttle called The Lift. The shuttle conveniently has racks on the front for your bike. If it’s winter, do some cross country skiing on the groomed trail right behind the Grand Park Community Rec center.
WHERE TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN WINTER PARK
Does all of this sound too good to be true? It gets even better. We have places you can stay that are walking distance to all of this downtown hubbub! My top three picks are Sawmill Station 220, Trailhead Lodges 134, and Rosie’s Way. What are you waiting for? Book one of our luxury properties and come explore downtown Winter Park!
