it is a tourist mecca. the sidewalks normally bustling on a weekend are virtually empty. >> unfortunately, this is a real shot in the solarplex and it takes the air right out of you. >> reporter: and it may be a wile until merchants like this are busy again. to understand why, you need to take a drive. this right here is the biggest problem, roads like this one have completely caved in. just look at the chunks of concrete in there. this is a major artery, and it's preventing folks from getting into the town and spending money and it could be like this for many months. there's no timetable yet for the major highway repairs. an alternative route exists, but it's not as convenient and it's not yet known how many people will use it. >> some of those marginal businesses, this might be enough to push them over the edge. >> reporter: despite the hardship, julie says there is no place she'd rather live. >> a lot of people can say they live someplace beautiful. and a lot of people can say they live in a wonderful community. and the people in estes park