Both of my parents worked a summer at the Y camp when they were in college and the year after I graduated, I too, spent a summer working at the Estes Park Center.

When my family wanted to plan a mountain vacation that included my quadruplets and my parents, we knew we would be visiting Estes Park again. My children were wowed by the majesty of the views from the center, but the best part for them was the swimming pool! The planned activities were a welcome change of pace in our days and browsing the local shops in the downtown area was like a walk down memory lane for me.

Then just two years ago my family again decided to plan a larger, family reunion, vacation at the Estes Park Center. My children were older and were able to take more advantage of the family programming. We hiked, mini-golfed, went on a hayride with the stables, roasted marshmallows around a firepit, and caught up with all our long-distance relatives. The side trip to The Baldpate Inn was very reminiscent of a meal I shared with other Sweet employees back in 1993.

Coming back to Colorado and Estes Park always makes me ask, “Why do I live in Illinois?”