Soon, hummingbirds will begin to appear, and there will be more warmer afternoons than colder ones. The sound of rain hitting the ground will start spring’s transition into summer, and I am beside myself at the notion of hearing running creeks and waterfalls.

I’ve mentioned that Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of my favorite places. Whenever I’m on the Estes Park side of RMNP, I end my day in nature with a stroll downtown, where I never know what surprises await.

After one of my hikes last summer, I found my way to The Barrel. I first noticed it while driving past it on Moraine Avenue. The beer barrels out front caught my attention first, followed by the food truck and all the smiling faces.

Ingrid and Lou Bush own The Barrel, a Bavarian-style craft beer Garden and Hall. Wine and spirit lovers also have plenty to enjoy. The outside bar carries 64 rotating taps, providing an excuse to visit more than once.

There’s no need to go hungry. Daily rotating food trucks are available seven days a week, May through October, and on the weekends during winter months. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic or have food delivered while they enjoy an adult beverage and the view!

Dogs are also welcome at The Barrel - just make sure their drinking is kept to a minimum. That was a joke. But ideally, they’re well-behaved. Family-friendly outdoor games can be found on the grounds, providing entertainment for young visitors and their families.

As a nature lover, my favorite aspect about The Barrel was the wall lined with barrels filled with petunias. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and hummingbird moths hovered around the petunias, adding a serene beauty to the whole experience.

If you’re looking for an event venue, The Barrel can seat up to 240 guests in the beer garden and 150 guests in the indoor beer hall. For small groups between 20 and 75, The Barrel has a private reserve area.

Another one of my favorite things about The Barrel was the staff. It’s always nice to go somewhere and receive service from friendly and accommodating people. With views of Prospect Mountain and ease of access to Downtown Estes Park, you can't go wrong with a visit to The Barrel!

The Barrel is located at 251 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheBarrel.Beer, or you can call them at 970-616-2090.