14 replies to this topic

[kelly campbell]

What is the best grocery store in town and is there any that will have bison and elk? Is there a large chain store and a small butcher type or what? Also how far is loveland from EP?
Thanks
kc

[SandyM]

Ha, Larry! You're funny.

Okay, here's the skinny. Estes Park has a Safeway. It's a bit pricey, being in the mountains and all like it is (not to mention touristy.) If you shop there make sure you get a Safeway card. I've used mine for a couple of years now. Extra savings with the card.

Loveland is about 45 minutes for EP, 30 miles or so. But a prettier 30 mile drive is hard to find.

SandyM

[brenden1mom]

KC, thats a great question, we usually bring most of our meats in a cooler with us and sometimes go shopping in Lovland before heading up to Estes for things we think we might need. While there if we really need anything we head to Safeway. But I would like to know from locals if they have tried the new Local Roots Co-op ? If so what do they think about it. If I am going to spend more for groceries I think I would like to spend it at the co-op.

Edited by brenden1mom, 15 February 2009 - 10:44 PM.

[kelly campbell]

Thanks for the info...I saw there was a safeway but I expected it to be a little high..HUMMMM!! Sounded kind of like 20 years ago except a little was a lot,however I digress. Anyway I also had planned on getting a card as I do since I visited Laguna Beach last year and saved pretty good dollars due to having one for a Albertons which I noticed there is is of those in Loveland. as for rfr you ding dnag gone hoosiers you just never know what they are going to say huh??

[ProfHall]

Yes, I have a safeway card in my wallet that is used only in EP! Depending on how you come into town, you can shop in Boulder with lots, lots more choices and then drive on up into EP. There is a huge (huge!) Safeway there and the prices on same items are lower. Also, there is an amazing Whole Foods (but they are all amazing) in town, too. Put those two together, and you have incredible choices for pretty much any kind of food you could want during your time in the mountains, for a bit less than the Safeway in EP. But, I also think it's good to support the local economy so those businesses will continue to be there in future years...a real tradeoff for support versus saving a little.

Oh, and don't forget you can get great ready-to-eat sandwiches and such at DeLeo's deli. For a meal at your camp/motel, or to take with you for a memorable park picnic.

Have fun!

[DeeCeeM]

You can also check out the "RMNP On the Cheap" podcast for more tips on saving money.


(Or just to hear Aaron, Marv, John, Bill and me having a really fun time recording the podcast - at least, you can hear the part of it that made the final edit!)

[Becky J.]

Since we stay at the Y, we do most of our shopping at the National Village store. They have had better quality the last couple of years.
At times Safeway is so busy, I can't stand it. Short of going at odd hours, we usually avoid it. When we do, we use our card.
I also echo the others in that we buy meat and other supplies before heading up the canyon.

Becky J.

[B-Jay]

We do our main grocery shopping at Safeway using the savings card. Make sure you look on the back of your cash register receipt for area coupons. Last September there was a 15% off coupon for Smokin' Dave's. Quite a deal!

Since we stay close to the Beaver Meadows entrance, we also stop in at a smaller store called Country Market in the National Park Village as mentioned by Becky.

There is also a meat market, CJ&M Butcher Shop, in town next to the post office where we've gotten steaks.

DeLeo's as mentioned by Prof Hall is great for ready made sandwiches or you can buy the deli meat and cheese by the pound and make your own sandwiches/wraps for a picnic or hike. It's just a lot of fun to talk with the friendly owner.

I don't recall any of the stores carrying game meat such as elk or bison, but you can get a dinner of elk medallions at Twin Owls Steakhouse.

Don't forget the Estes Park farmers' market at the Stanley Fairgounds on Thursday mornings. I think they open at the beginning of June and continue until the end of September.

If you're looking to treat yourself to some bakery goods, stop in at the Estes Park Pie Company in town for a real treat--pies, cinnamon rolls, scones, etc.

B-Jay

[ladybug]

I highly recommend Country Market if you need staple items, especially in the summer time. It is less crowded and prices are comparable to Safeway. They also have a fine produce and meat section. Safeway can be very busy and a bit of a nightmare depending on the time of day and day of the week that you plan to get groceries.

On the plus side, there is a Starbucks in Safeway and I firmly believe that a white chocolate mocha can soothe in any situation.

[Rhonda]

I, too, always use the Country Market at National Park Village. It's handier to the park and a lot less crowded than Safeway, and they always have everything I need. There is also a little bitty grocery store and laudromat just outside the Fall River entrance, right by the Gateway Visitor Center but closer to the highway. I use that laundromat every time I go to RMNP, it's a lot less crowded than Dad's Laundry in EP, I'm usually the only one using it at any given time, and the little grocery has some convenience store-like items if you just need one or two things.

[junkie]

Hit the walmart supercenter on your way in..... there's one in loveland and longmont, both right on the route to estes.

[Becky J.]

The Country Market also employs young people from outside of the United States. If it is not too busy, it is interesting to visit with them also.
I just like the ability to get in and out with ease. They carry some gluten-free products which is a great help for my mother.

Becky J.

[AlexanderDelarge]

The Country Market also employs young people from outside of the United States. If it is not too busy, it is interesting to visit with them also.
I just like the ability to get in and out with ease. They carry some gluten-free products which is a great help for my mother.

Becky J.

Shakes Alive is within walking distance from Safeway (yes get the card) and that is a must as there shakes and smoothies are legit!