In June we escaped school for a few days to celebrate my oldest friend’s beautiful Colorado wedding. The ceremony and reception took place at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, which quickly became my favorite wedding venue. The couple hired wonderful professionals to document the day, so I’ll leave most of the formal portraits and family shots to them. Instead, here are my impressions from the weekend—snaps from around Estes Park, Lyons, and a short afternoon in Boulder—plus a few practical recommendations at the end.
Guests stayed in Estes Park, which is about a half-hour drive from Lyons as the road climbs into the mountains. On one free afternoon we chose to visit Boulder for a few hours—some of us had never been. Below are highlights from each place: the hotel we loved in Estes Park, the wedding venue in Lyons, and a handful of spots in Boulder worth visiting.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Estes Park offers a wide range of lodging, but we aimed for something memorable. The Stanley Hotel fit the bill: historic, elegant, and famously the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. Whether or not you believe the haunted stories, the grounds are lovely, the porch is inviting, and the interiors balance stately charm with relaxed comfort. It’s a great place to base yourself for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area.
Is that a ghost?
At one point I thought I caught something odd in a mirror—maybe a ghost, maybe the top of the bride’s head. Decide for yourself from the photo below.
Favorite haunts in Estes Park
THE BARREL
KIND COFFEE
Kind Coffee served consistently good coffee and breakfast. It’s cozy with a slightly quirky gift shop and sits right next to a pleasant creek—worth visiting if you enjoy a relaxing morning cup and a short walk by the water.
Planet Bluegrass, Lyons
Planet Bluegrass made a perfect setting for the wedding. The venue blends rustic outdoor beauty with practical event space, and it photographs beautifully. I’ll let the images tell most of the story—below are a few pre-ceremony shots and candid moments from the reception.
An afternoon in Boulder
BOULDER COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET
The Boulder County Farmers’ Market—open on Wednesdays and Saturdays—was one of the highlights of our short visit. It’s a producer-only market, so vendors sell what they grow or make. We sampled local coffee, kombucha on tap, and many tasty produce samples. It’s lively, well organized, and a great place to experience local flavors and friendly vendors.
FIOR DI LATTE
Of course we always find ice cream. Fior di Latte served an excellent salted caramel gelato—maybe the best I’ve had. Portions were strict (I asked for two flavors in a small cup and was gently refused), but the quality made up for the minor disappointment. If you love gelato, it’s worth a stop.
PEARL STREET MALL + BOULDER CREEK PATH
Pearl Street Mall has a lively, pedestrian-friendly vibe with an appealing mix of local shops and familiar names. It felt more like a classic downtown than a mall, and it was pleasant to stroll. Nearby, the Boulder Creek Path is a lovely riverside walk with shaded stretches, kayakers to watch, and plenty of dog- and people-watching opportunities.
Where to eat, stay, and play in Estes Park, Lyons, and Boulder, Colorado
Estes Park
STAY
The Stanley Hotel: A stately yet relaxed hotel with historic charm and an atmospheric veranda. It’s adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park and offers a beautiful setting for a mountain getaway.
EAT
Kind Coffee: A cozy, slightly quirky coffee shop with responsibly sourced beans and good breakfast options. We visited every morning and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and nearby creek.
The Barrel: A relaxed beer garden with great mountain views and a wide selection of beers, including many local brews. It’s perfect for casual evenings—many guests order food from nearby restaurants and enjoy the social setting.
Twin Owls Steakhouse: A warm, lodge-style restaurant that served a delightful rehearsal dinner. The menu leans classic and comforting, and the ambiance was perfect for a rainy evening spent by the fire.
PLAY
Rocky Mountain National Park: A must-see if you have the time. Many guests spent time in the park and returned with glowing recommendations. If you enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and mountain vistas, plan extra time to explore the park’s trails and overlooks.
Boulder
EAT
Boulder County Farmers’ Market: One of the best farmers’ markets we’ve visited, with a thoughtful selection of producers and excellent tasting opportunities.
Fior di Latte Gelato: High-quality gelato with standout flavors; the salted caramel was a favorite.
PLAY
Pearl Street Mall: A bustling, pedestrian-friendly area with shops, street performers, and plenty to see. It’s a pleasant place to wander and soak in the local scene.
Boulder Creek Path: A scenic, easy walk along the creek—great for cooling off, watching kayaks, and seeing local life in motion.
Lyons
PLAY
Planet Bluegrass: If you’re planning a wedding, a big celebration, or a music-filled weekend, Planet Bluegrass is an exceptional venue. The grounds are beautiful, the layout works well for outdoor events, and the overall feeling is welcoming and festive.
Photography credit for many of the wedding images: Lollylah.