The Mission: Plan 3 full days of activities, for two people, for under $100!
Sounds like a tall order I know, but we’re excited to give it a go. My friends (Ellie & Joe) are coming to visit this July 12th – 14th, and so for the sake of argument, we’ll use that particular weekend as our testing ground.
Day 1: Thursday 12th July
Activity 1: Yoga in Hideaway Park, 12 noon – 1 PM, FREE
Every Thursday, the Winter Park & Fraser Valley chamber of commerce puts on an hour long lunchtime yoga session, led by Mountain Moon Yoga. What better way for Ellie & Joe to stretch out those traveling aches and meet some of the friendly locals?
Activity 2: Walk the Fraser River Trail & return through Grand Park, FREE
The peaceful Fraser River Trail follows the meandering river to the town of Fraser and pops out by the Fishing Ponds near Safeway. When you get to Fraser, check out the Walk Through History Park and take a peek in the Kurtak Art Gallery & Winter Park Winery. To complete the loop and get back to Winter Park, add a little fun and play the frisbe disk golf course through Grand Park.
Activity 3: Dance the night away at High Note Thursday, FREE
A great way to end the day is to head to Hideaway Park and watch the sun set over the mountains, while enjoying live music care of High Note Thursday. Check out the High Note Thursday line up this summer.
Day 1 Budget Breakdown: Yoga + hike + gallery + frisbe golf + live music = $0.00
Day 2: Friday 12th July
Activity 1: Mountain Biking, 20% discount on rentals, $22.40/bike/day
Explore more of the Winter Park & Fraser Valley under a little pedal power with a mountain bike rental from Epic Mountain Sports, where Winter Park lodging company guests get a 20% discount. With hundreds of free trails to choose from, ask the staff in Epic Mountain Sports for their recommendations based on your ability.
Activity 2: Friday Music At Winter Park Resort, FREE
There’s so much going on at Winter Park Resort, it’s really fun to just walk around The Village and take in all the action. Bands play at the outdoor Gazebo every Friday during the summer long Friday Music Series.
Activity 3: Music On The Mall, FREE
Cruise back to downtown Winter Parkand walk right across the street to Cooper Creek Square for yet more live entertainment at Music On The Mall.
Day 2 Budget Breakdown: mountain bike rental + live music at WPR + live music at Cooper Creek Square = $44.80
Day 3: Saturday 13th
Activity 1: Take a day trip to Grand Lake. Canoe rental, $20
It’s only a 45 minute drive from Winter Park to Grand Lake and well worth the effort. Top picks for things to do in Grand Lake are: hike around Monarch Lake (quintessential rocky mountain scenery), check out the stores along the board walk, and go for a canoe around one of the lakes. The dates of Ellie & Joe’s trip also happen to coincide with the Grand Lake Antique & Classic Boat Show, a free event where enthusiasts show off their prize possessions.
Activity 2: Eco Road Show & Carriage Rides At Cooper Creek Square, FREE
Back in Winter Park, the Eco Road Show (art, puppets, magicians & live music) is keeping the crowds entertained all day long in Cooper Creek Square. We’ll plan on heading back from Grand Lake in time to enjoy some of the show and also take advantage of a free horse-drawn carriage ride around the mall.
Activity 4: Happy Hour! FREE
As part of Ellie & Joe’s SolShine lodging special with Winter Park Lodging Company, they get a Happy Hour Voucher with their stay (worth two drinks & an appetizer) to enjoy at participating local restaurants.
Activity 5: SolShine Music Festival, FREE
SolShine Music Festival presents Quinn Sullivan & The Nevilles, live at Hideaway Park. This free concert at Winter Park’s favorite outdoor venue is a perfect way to end three day thrifty trip.
Day 3 Budget Breakdown:
hike + canoe + boat show + eco show + carriage ride + happy hour + the nevilles & quinn sullivan = $20
