I created the top image here using, in order of enhancements: Photomatix (from HDR soft), Topaz (from Topaz labs) and finally Photo Frame 4 Professional (ononesoftware.com).
The straight-out-of-the-camera shot is on the bottom.
What fun!
You can learn more about plug-ins, and get some discounts on select plug-in at the Plugin Experience.
See the light,
Rick
P.S. When making HDR images, remove chromatic aberrations as a first step.