Travel to-do: Summer in Vail
<p>The first time I visited Vail, Colorado, it was in the depths of USA Winter 2004. Its cobbled streets were lined with snow, the village twinkled with Christmas tree lights, and the welcoming smiles of the locals warmed my heart so much that, despite sub-zero temperatures, thermals seemed unnecessary. I instantly felt a deep sense of belonging.</p>
<p>I’ve visited every winter since then and during each trip, the locals, whom I now count as lifelong friends, would constantly tell me, “you will love it here in the summer!”</p>
<p>It took me until 2009 to make a summer trip. To say that the beauty of the Colorado Rockies in summer blew me away would simply be understating their majesty. Summer is equally as magic as winter, and totally captivating. So, Summer or Winter? It’s too hard for me to choose. I’ll just let you know this - the second you walk across Vail’s iconic Covered Bridge, you will regret every second of your life that wasn’t spent there.</p>
<p><strong>SUMMER in Vail</strong></p>
<p>Vail’s summers are like nowhere on earth. The lush landscape comes alive with the twinkling leaves of Aspen trees, the crisp, invigorating air and the sound of the many lakes and rivers rolling through the Rockies. While you might easily spend the day just taking in the views, there are so many activities to enjoy that you could spend a month and not have checked everything on your list.</p>
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<p><strong>Rafting and kayaking</strong></p>
<p>Otherwise known as White Water Mecca, Vail offers Class I to Class V rafting day trips with Timberline Rafting Company. Experience the thrills of the Eagle, Colorado or Arkansas Rivers, then finish the journey with an outdoor barbecue on the river’s edge. Paddlers will love the river kayaking experience offered by Alpine Quest Sports. Riding the rapids of the Colorado River is an unrivalled experience, where Bald Eagles soar in blue skies above you and all manner of wildlife gaze at you from the river’s banks. Don’t fear – there are tours for the novice rafter or kayaker as well as for the very advanced.</p>
<p><strong>Hiking and Biking</strong></p>
<p>Hiking and mountain biking on Vail Mountain is essential to your summer trip. You’ll discover views and vegetation so amazing you’ll think you’ve fallen into Alice’s Rabbit Hole. Hiking? Simply set foot at the base of the mountain and start walking. Those biking can catch the gondola up to any of Vail’s many picturesque biking trails.</p>
<p>Pack plenty of water and enough food to get you through the day. A bell or whistle will come in handy too, in case you happen across a bear. If you do, make it aware of your presence by ringing your bell, sounding your whistle, or making other sounds. Generally, bears retreat if they hear humans coming.</p>
<p><strong>Cast Away</strong></p>
<p>Gore Creek Fly Fisherman offers free casting clinics daily, so even novice fishermen and women can test their cast. The more experienced angler can consider casting in a pristine alpine lake, wading a Gold Medal stream, or floating one of several scenic rivers into the remote wilderness.</p>
<p><strong>Giddy Up</strong></p>
<p>Guided horseback tours are one of the most relaxing ways to see Vail Mountain. Meander up and around Game Creek Bowl, where you take in the summer surrounds and marvel at mountain’s vast beauty.</p>
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<p><strong>Rock Climbing</strong></p>
<p>Rugged alpine peaks surround Vail and seasoned climbers have access to top-rope and multi-pitch routes throughout the valley. Beginners can hit the climbing walls or have a guide take them up. You can cut your climbing teeth at the Lionshead climbing wall at the base of the Gondola or on the indoor climbing wall at the Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa.</p>
<p><strong>Sunday Markets</strong></p>
<p>Every Sunday, the streets of Vail village are alive with a fresh produce, arts and crafts market. Many of the village restaurants take the opportunity to buy the ingredients for the evening’s menu from here, so be sure to make a booking! Also take note that legendary Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant is located in the lush Solaris complex in the centre of town, which also boasts a five-star bowling alley and luxury movie theatre!</p>
<p><strong>Less active pursuits</strong></p>
<p>No matter what season you visit Vail you will always find lively bars, unrivalled restaurants, and accommodation for all budgets, indulgent spa choices and incredible shopping.</p>
<p>Vail has more watering holes than you could shake a swizzle stick at. The Tavern at the Arrabelle at Vail Square is spacious, friendly and fun, with a delicious list of après-hour cocktails and snacks. Other favourites include The Red Lion in Vail Village for the best margaritas this side of Mexico, and Vendetta’s, home of the best pizza slice in the village. Down the street and over the Covered Bridge, stop at The George, a basement-level sports bar with great Happy Hour deals. For a more subdued atmosphere, head to Frost at the Sebastian Hotel, a New York style cocktail bar, offering trendy new concoctions, as is the bar at Bol, the village’s funky new five star bowling alley.</p>
<p><strong>Savour</strong></p>
<p>Vail boasts diverse restaurants for every budget. Nearly all of its restaurants have organic, locally produced options with many menus offering low-fat, low-carb, low-cholesterol options. Don’t miss La Bottega on East Meadow Drive in Vail Village serves mouth-watering Italian, as does Campo Di Fiori across the way. Kelly Liken offers seasonal American fare made lovingly with locally produced and cultivated products. Equally as tasty, yet not as pricey, Sweet Basil in Vail Village is a Zagat-rated restaurant offering modern American cuisine with Mediterranean, Italian and Asian influences. The Montauk Grill at Lionshead Village has seafood to salivate over, while Moe’s BBQ is a local legend – cue up early at lunchtime to be sure not to miss the daily specials.</p>
<p>Octillo Prime at The Marriott in Lionshead Village serves hearty steaks and chops for dinner, offering equally as tasty meals for breakfast and lunch. Don’t miss out on Elway’s at the Lodge at Vail, for steaks and modern American fare.</p>
<p><strong>Spend Up</strong></p>
<p>Shopaholics will love Vail’s art galleries, clothing and ski stores. The Golden Bear is a favourite jewellery store – its signature bear charm is as synonymous with the Vail Valley as Tiffany’s Elsa Peretti Coffee Bean is with Manhattan. Definitely stop by the neighbouring town of Silverthorne and lose a day at the Outlet Mall, which boasts designer brands including the Gap, Coach, Calvin Klein, Nike, Osh Kosh, Nine West and Timberland.</p>
<p><strong>Entertainment</strong></p>
<p>Vail is an entertainment epicenter, with some of the biggest names in showbiz dropping by to perform. Everyone from Ben Harper, Stephen Marley, the Black Eyed Peas, Train, Counting Crows and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra have graced a stage and thrilled audiences at Vail, generally (but not always) for free admission.</p>
<p><strong>Spa Time</strong></p>
<p>A trip to Vail would be incomplete without a spa experience. Book in for a Vin Chaud (Hot Wine) Indulgence at the The Spa at the Arrabelle at Vail Square. The 105-minute pampering session includes full body exfoliation, heated wrap and a full body vino-therapy massage and mini facial. As you float out to the relaxation room, you’re presented with an oversized glass of red wine and a serving of sorbet, exactly how every spa treatment should end.</p>
<p>Over at the The Golden Leaf Spa at the Marriott, the Pumpkin Pie Body Mask proves a deliciously warming end to any day, while the Signature Moor Mud Remedy at the Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa is a must to relieve mountain-weary muscles.</p>
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<p><strong>Stay</strong></p>
<p>The Vail Marriott Mountain Resort and Spa, is just minutes walk to the Eagle Bahn gondola at Lionshead and directly on the free village shuttle route. It has a true Five-Star feel, but without the price tag. The Arrabelle at Vail Square is slightly more expensive, but has a seconds-to-the-slopes location and beds that feel as though you’re sleeping on clouds; as does the Lodge at Vail, which is in the heart of vail’s beautiful village and seconds to the One Gondola and mountain access. A favourite of this author though, is boutique hotel Austria Haus. It’s located just seconds from Vail’s bustling Bridge Street, but it offers privacy, cosiness and the friendliest staff of any hotel I’ve ever stayed in, anywhere in the world.</p>
<p>For more information, bookings and holiday packages, visit <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.vail.com" target="_blank">www.vail.com</a></strong></span></p>
