A short two-hour trip from Arvada, Grand Lake provides a beautiful and picturesque backdrop for an easy and fun winter getaway. “It's almost like you went back in time, if the cars weren't there, because the buildings look the same as they did a hundred years ago,” shares Arvada resident Jennifer Dampf. “It's got a very Western vibe, but it comes by it honestly. It is a true historical town, and it just happens to be sitting on Colorado's biggest natural lake. The lake is 300 feet deep and sits at 8,000 feet right in front of Mount Baldy. You couldn't have painted a prettier picture by design.”
For Jennifer, who is also an avid wildlife photographer, the journey to get to Grand Lake is part of the fun, which means the getaway begins right away. “It’s such an enjoyable drive. As soon as you get 10 minutes out of Denver, your scenery begins to change, and it changes every 15 miles or so. You can see bighorn sheep just past Idaho Springs and when you turn right to go toward Winter Park, you go over the Berthoud Pass, which is a stunning drive no matter the season. You can stop at the top, which is the top of the Continental Divide, and take in the beautiful scenery.”
Only one mile from Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is home to abundant wildlife such as moose, foxes, and bears, as well as many outdoor recreational activities. “Our traditions tend to center around the outdoor activities that winter provides here,” explains Jennifer. “There is free ice-skating on Grand Lake, where the town provides the skates and everything, and it's just so postcard lovely. We have a fantastic sledding hill, ice-fishing, pet friendly hiking trails around the lake, pond hockey, and many snowmobile trails. It's such a winter paradise with all the activities.”
In addition to local shopping and restaurants, attractions near Grand Lake include Adams Falls, the Kauffman House Museum, and Cottage Court Museum and History Park, a restored 1915 motor park that showcases the unique lodgings provided for vacationers in the early years of automobile travel.
A few years ago, Jennifer and her husband set their sights on Grand Lake as their future retirement destination. With retirement being years away, they decided to pursue a vacation property and fell in love with the Little Blue Moose Hideaway. Surrounded by Aspen trees, the cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom cabin offers a serene and inspiring atmosphere.
Influenced by their love of wildlife and nature, Chris and Jennifer decorated the space to truly reflect its surroundings with original works of art and a few fun surprises. “We have a late 1800s Royal Charter Oak wood cooking stove in the kitchen, which has become a coffee and tea bar, and a beautiful blue antique clawfoot soaking tub in the bathroom,” says Jennifer. “The wood burning stove in the main room is also the perfect place to warm up after enjoying the outdoors.”
The cabin’s second bedroom has a theme that resonates with children and wildlife lovers. “When I saw the bedroom, I thought it looked like a bear’s den, so it is decorated to be Smokey Bear’s den. We say that it’s Smokey’s den that he uses, but when he's not here, he lets the kids, or the young at heart, sleep in it,” shares Jennifer. “It has a log cabin bunk bed and on the wall are pieces of Smokey’s life, like his fire school graduation certificate, a photo of when he met the Queen, and a picture of Smokey getting a presidential medal.” Behind the cabin sits a small clubhouse designed to be a special retreat for children or adults and houses a big screen tv, games, puzzles, and space for overnight stays.
Exploring Grand Lake then returning to the Little Blue Moose Hideaway to recharge is sure to provide a fun winter getaway! To explore Grand Lake and reserve a stay at the Little Blue Moose Hideaway, visit www.grandlakecolorado.com and Mygrandlakehome.com.