We have 1 1/2 days at a B&B 4 miles outside Estes Park. We have 1 full day and 1/2 day. We are at a B%B said just outside the town. While we are tourists and are not hikers (1/2 mile is o'k) we do not enjoy stores of Asian made jewelery in the WEST them or trinkits,etc.

Is there anything in town or just outside Eastes Park. Is there any very interests sights that are not honkey tonk worth making your "Don't Miss" list. We are not lovers of hikes of more than 1/2 hike, in August, on your "Dont Miss Category".
Also, where should we drive to on the full day-9AM until 4:30PM.,asumming weather is good that does not have tons of traffic, mid-Aug., and are not overwhemed with traffic that are very beautiful. Please keep in mind it is a Sunday in Aug. but with limited time the 3-4 destinations that are on a "I cannot believe you did see category". Also, can I zip along at 35-40 mph getting to a destination.We would have from 9:30-5:30 tops. We want stops where if we walk 1/4 mile we will see awesome sights.List 3-5 "must see areas" that you recommend.

You've got some pretty strict criteria there, and I'm not sure you'll find anything that meets all of them.

Most (if not all) recommendations would be for Rocky Mountain National Park, because that's where the scenery is around EP. There will be a fair amount of traffic on the weekend, and it's doubtful you'd be able to cruise around at 35-40 mph the whole time. There are very few hikes of less than 0.5 miles round-trip. The only 2 I can think of are Sprague Lake and Bear Lake, and I would expect quite a few people at both of them on a Sunday.

Possibly the only option is to drive up Trail Ridge Road, but that will have lots of traffic and you'll definitely not average 35-40 mph. You could also drive up Old Fall River Road, which is a one-way dirt road, and then connect to Trail Ridge Road and use that to return to EP, but again, OFRR is going to be slow going.

Weasel is giving you good advice. Drive up Trail Ridge Road, stop at points of interest and turn around when your time is up. RMNP is beautiful. Rather than saying we want to see beautiful sights, but we don't want to put any effort into getting to those areas, try to be a little more open-minded.

I gather there is nothing in the town or immediate vicinity (10) miles really worth seeing i.e. fine art galleries. for 1-2 hours. We are going to the Sculture Festival (the reason we are going this trip to CO, for we collect art on a modest basis) in Loveland on Sat. afternoon when we at Denver and then drive to the Romantic Song B&B about 5 miles outside Estes Park town getting there about 6 PM. We may be a bit tired for we hear it can be pretty hot in Loveland plus the 4 hr. plane so a dinner within 5-10 miles of Estes Park,not T.G.I.Fridays but not the Stanley Hotel level either. Since it is a family visitors town to ask for a quiet good Italian, Continental,Barbeque is unlikely. But if you have eaten at any recently that were really good, not too heavy a meal, for $50-$75/couple please recommend.
Based on what you say we will move some things around in this very short trip and need a short outing on Sunday from maybe 9-12 for we are returning to Loveland at 2PM. We do not hike long distances because of a major knee problem. But this move of days gives us all day Monday, not Sunday, to reduce the traffic you mention and visit RMNP but still request suggestions of what can be accomplished in an 8 hour outing including stops and a short stop for lunch. Some more specific spots worthy of a stop would be helpful.
We have a full size car so Old Falls River Road is an option if the scenery is really grand.Help!

The weasel's suggestions of Sprague Lake and Bear Lake are great. We have seen much wildlife and birds, etc. there, with little to no effort. There are also several nice lookouts as you drive over Trail Ridge Road. We saw moose last week at Beaver Ponds picnic area. Just a few feet from the road. I think if you drive slow and just make a few stops here and there, you will find much to see.

In Estes itself, you could visit MacGregor Ranch (highly recommended - it is a museum with wonderful guides and very authentic western culture - like being in a time machine - it takes about 1-1/2 hours to visit)and there is a couple of other nice museums. One is a history of the area museum (Estes Park Museum - maybe one hour) and one has to do with the Stanley Steamer(1/2 hour). You could also visit the Baldpate Inn (about 10 miles from Estes). It if fun just to look around, have their great desserts, or partake in their soup and salad bar. We really like eating at Mary's Lake Lodge. Great views, outside patio off of the bar overlooking the lake and mountains. Many different prices on their large and varied menu.

I am sure there are art galleries in downtown Estes Park. There are MANY shops of all kinds.

Thanks to the 3 of you for your suggestions. We will incorporate as much as possible into the 1 and 1/2 days we have in RMNP and Estes Park.

Trail Ridge Road starts in Estes Park and goes all the way to Grand Lake. It used to be the highest paved road in the world. This may no longer be the case. The views are spectacular and there are lots of elk herds. It takes about 1 1/2 hours or less to drive the whole thing. Hope this is helpful!

Take Hwy 34 into Rocky Mountain National Park. Before starting your drive up Trail Ridge Road, take a short side trip to the Alluvial Fan (ask the ranger at the entrance station for driving directions, but it's not hard to get to). Park your car at the small parking area by the Fan and take the short hike (0.1 km) on the footpath into the middle of the Fan. Read the mounted sign that tells of the Fans birth, take a look at the boulders around you, and try to imagine what it must have been like to stand where you are standing on that day 25 years ago this July 15th.

I was fishing the Big Thompson River inside Rocky Mountain NP last week when an outfitter-led group on horseback came along the trail I had used to get upstream. It looked like they were having fun. You may want to check into a horseback tour - it will allow you to get out a little into the backcountry with little physical effort on your part.

Spend no more than an hour in Estes Park (1.5 hours if you decide to eat there). Anymore time will ruin your trip.