Stocking up in Estes Park is a different job than in a city. The town has one full-size supermarket, a handful of liquor stores and a few small markets, and what you forget stays forgotten until you drive to the Front Range. Nine listings are here, all in the valley.
Buy the big haul at Safeway, then top up at The Country Market when you are heading out to camp. Grab propane and ice there rather than hunting for them at dark.
Downtown
If you're stocking a rental for the week, this is the full-size grocery in town, on Wonderview a short way below the Stanley Hotel. Beyond the aisles there's a deli, a bakery that does custom cakes, a pharmacy, a florist, propane exchange and a fuel station, and a Starbucks sits next door.
Next to Estes Angler on West Riverside, a short walk from downtown, this liquor store is known first for its beer: a deep craft selection with local brews in the mix. The bourbon and whiskey shelves get attention too, and so does the general liquor range.
Up on East Wonderview, next to Meritrust Credit Union and a few doors from the UPS Store and Estes Park Pet Supply, this liquor store sits on the Stanley Hotel side of town, a couple of minutes from the hotel. It's an easy stop on the way back to a rental, and a quick one.
More than 100 loose teas sit on the shelves at this East Elkhorn shop, next to Mountain Berry Bakery, many of them blended and packed by hand in small batches. The oolongs and the cold brew get singled out, and there are samples to try before committing to a bag.
Around the valley
At Moraine Avenue and Mary's Lake Road, on the way out toward Beaver Meadows, this locally owned grocery is where a lot of hiking days start with a made-to-order sandwich. The deli counter is the main event, and the people behind it are friendly about the line, which counts for something on a busy summer morning.
The craft beer selection is the reason to head out Big Thompson Avenue to Longhorn, a mile and a half east of downtown and next to La Cabaña Mexican Grill. Local beers and microbrews sit alongside imports, and the spirits side runs deep on bourbon and premium bottles.
One of the few places in town open late, this liquor store on South St. Vrain, next to Classic Hair Designs and The Enchanted Florist, opens early too.
Along Moraine Avenue, about a mile and a half from downtown on the road toward Beaver Meadows, Spur Liquor sits next to The Country Market. The beer selection is the strength, with wine, bourbon and whiskey behind it and a Colorado section worth a look.
On South St. Vrain, next door to La Cocina De Mama and under a mile from downtown, this small food store is the kind of place for odds and ends.
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All 9 are based in the valley. That includes the everyday stops: Safeway on Wonderview Avenue and The Country Market of Estes Park at Moraine Avenue and Mary's Lake Road. The drive down through the Big Thompson Canyon or via Lyons is not a quick errand.
Sunday is not a problem. Nine of the 9 are listed as open on Sunday, and 2 sell or ship online. Safeway offers online ordering for delivery or DriveUp & Go pickup. The Country Market stocks camping and hiking supplies like firewood, propane, ice and s'mores fixings, which suits a camping trip. Call ahead if you need a specific item, since stock at a small mountain store runs out faster than at a city supermarket, and the nearest alternative is a long drive.
The list is a mix. Five are liquor stores: Longhorn Liquor Mart, Mountain Dew Liquor, Rocky Mountain Discount Liquor, Bart's Liquor and Spur Liquor. Rocky Mountain SereniTea sells loose-leaf tea. Summer is the busy season, and many businesses cut hours or close in winter.
Yes. Safeway on Wonderview Avenue is the full-size supermarket, with a deli, bakery, meat and seafood counter, pharmacy and fuel. The Country Market of Estes Park is a locally owned grocery with a deli and camping supplies.
Five liquor stores are listed: Longhorn Liquor Mart, Mountain Dew Liquor, Rocky Mountain Discount Liquor, Bart's Liquor and Spur Liquor. All five are listed as open Sunday. Safeway also sells beer and wine.
Yes. Safeway on Wonderview Avenue lists a pharmacy along with its deli, bakery and fuel. Call ahead for hours and stock.
The Country Market of Estes Park stocks s'mores fixings, firewood, propane and ice along with groceries and a deli. Safeway has the larger selection. Stock up before heading into the Park, since the drive back down is not short.
