This Fall EXPLORE THE BEST OF VAIL

Get a head start on your long weekend in Vail with a round at the Vail Golf Club. This scenic 18-hole, par 71 course is nestled at the base of the Gore Range with Gore Creek (a favorite of fly fishermen) flowing through sections of the course. Noted among the “Top 100 Resort Courses” by Golf Digest magazine, Vail Golf Club provides challenging play in a scenic setting. 

After golf, enjoy a cocktail at the club’s 19th hole: Grill on the Gore. The Grill is situated with amazing views of the mountain range for which it was named and offers a selection of salads, sandwiches, cocktails, and craft beer to wet your whistle. 

Time for check-in. Drive over to the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail – a 134-room hotel offering traditional guest rooms, suites, and residences with European-style luxury befitting the Bavarian atmosphere of Vail Village. Settle in and stay close by enjoying a casual, lively dinner on-site at The Remedy Bar with indoor and outdoor dining options, cozy seating areas, and an engaging TV room to watch the big game. Order an elixir like the High Alpine Gimlet made with vodka, roasted rosemary blueberry shrub, lime, and simple syrup, or The Remedy Old Fashioned featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, orange, luxardo cherry, and Angostura bitters. Pair your cocktails with a Seafood Cobb Salad, Elk & Black Bean Chili, Prosciutto Flatbread, or Ahi Tuna Burger. 

Let the evening linger on as you enjoy an aperitif on the deck overlooking Vail Mountain and toast to day one of your Vail weekend getaway! 

It’s vacation, so wake up late and enjoy a casual brunch across the street at Vintage. This European-style bistro offers sweet and savory options to fuel the day ahead, including a series of popular breakfast galettes. Have a sweet tooth? Their Huckleberry Bacon French Toast is a showstopper! 

Then, gear up for an afternoon bike ride down Vail Pass with Venture Sports. The team will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the top of Vail Pass for a downhill experience to remember with its 2,516-foot elevation drop from the Pass to Vail Village. While you can always rent a bike and take the ride on your own, a guided tour guarantees you won’t miss any of the areas of interest along the way. 

TOP FALL BIKE RIDES

Now that you’ve experienced the wind in your hair, it’s time to unwind with a little poolside R&R at the Four Seasons before dinner. Tonight’s dining experience is complements of La Tour, a French restaurant located in the heart of Vail Village. Locally owned and operated for 20 years, Chef-Owner Paul Ferzacca has designed a menu that delights the senses. We suggest making a reservation to sit outside (don’t forget to bring a jacket as evenings cool off quickly in Vail). Select from Chef Ferzacca’s thoughtfully crafted menu feature items such as Oysters on the Half Shell, Torchon of Foie Gras, and Wild Burgundy Escargots to start. Entrée’s favorites include the Crispy Panko Chicken Paillard, Portobello Mushroom Wellington, and Black Truffle-Miso Marinated Alaskan Halibut.  

With so much to savor, an evening stroll through Vail Village is just the ticket for closing out the night. It’s always hard to say goodnight to a great day with the sparkling lights of the Village beneath the star-studded skies…

Wind down your weekend with a day of rest and relaxation. Start by exploring the Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show featuring produce from Colorado’s Western Slope, Colorado-made wares and a plethora of food vendors. No need for breakfast at the hotel – you’re sure to find treats to fill any craving at the market.

Keep the shopping going by taking the Gore Valley Trail along Gore Creek to Lionshead Village for more. Check out boutiques in Arrabelle such as Arriesgado Clothing Company for high-end fashion or swing by the Lionshead General Store for fun, kitschy items, souvenirs, and more. Need a perk-me-up? Enjoy a cocktail on the deck of the Vail Chophouse before returning to Vail Village to stop by Pepi’s Boutique & Ski (named after Vail pioneer, Pepi Gramshammer), Squash Blossom for distinctive jewelry, or Vail Fine Wines to select a special bottle of wine to bring home and savor with your memories later. 

Unload your finds back at the Four Seasons – then get ready for a treatment at the hotel’s award-winning spa. Experience the Vail River Stone Massage, which incorporates heated river stones and evergreen essential oils, or you may opt to try a Custom-Blended Aromatherapy Massage that mixes a custom blend of oils to aid in healing and relaxation. You can even book a haircut or style for your evening out on the town! 

Your final stop in Vail is a European-inspired dining experience at Almresi. The restaurant features recipes crafted by the owners’ grandmother, who still lives in the Black Forest of Germany. Start with the Brotzeitbrett, a take on a European cheese board with meats, cheeses,

and homemade breads (including a pretzel, of course). Then move into classic entrées like the Foie Gras Bratwurst or Alma Pasta Sudtirol, and of course, you can’t forget to sample the schnitzel! Dessert is certainly the highlight with classic Apfelstrudel dripping with vanilla sauce or Kaiserschmarrn, an Austrian delicacy paired with cherry compote. 

With so much to see and do, a good night’s sleep is almost always guaranteed in Vail. We hope you come back soon to explore even more of what Vail has to offer in all four seasons.

Start your Vail vacation right by lacing up your hiking boots and taking a scenic trail into the National Forest. With hundreds of paths to choose from – including these iconic favorites – we’ll help you narrow it down. In September and October, visitors can find orange, red and brilliant yellow leaves as the season changes while lighting up with color. During September and October, the Shrine Ridge Trail provides exceptional views of changing leaves at the top of Vail Pass. This 4.4 mile out-and-back hike takes you to the top of Shrine Mountain, past two small ponds, and through pine meadows. 

For more great hiking options, check out this article. 

Return to Vail and check in to Lion Square Lodge at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Enjoy the comforts and conveniences of a luxury vacation rental with all the amenities of a full-service resort – a pool, concierge, on-site restaurant, and more. To make the most of your stay, stock your kitchen the easy way by ordering groceries from Resort Delivery.

After getting settled in, walk the less-than 100 yards to dinner at Vail Chophouse. If you’re lucky, restaurant owner Phil Long will be entertaining the crowd with his lively, engaging musical performances. Enjoy deck dining at its finest with views of Vail Mountain and the bustle of Lionshead. While you’ll want to save room for its amazing steak selections, you might start things off with the Seafood Stack, featuring fresh shucked oysters, king crab legs, Maine lobster, stone crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, blue crab meat, and yellowfin tuna poke. If you have room left over, the filet is truly a classic, not to miss! Top it with garlic shrimp, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, or even seared Foie Gras for an even more decadent dish. 

Cheers to vacation done right!

After enjoying breakfast in the convenience of your condominium, Sage Outdoor Adventures will pick you up for a half-day, walk-and-wade fly fishing excursion for which you’ll be outfitted from head to toe with waders, boots, rod, and reel. The team at Sage knows where the fish are biting and may take you on parts of Gore Creek, which flows through Vail, or down the Eagle River. For a “reel” special spot, visit Homestake Creek. While a bit further away, it comes with access to private water and picturesque fishing holes. 

Return from a day on the river for an afternoon of rest and relaxation at the nearby RockResorts Spa at Arrabelle. The 10,000 square-foot spa captures the beauty of its natural surroundings by integrating the colors of local wildflowers, the ambiance of the mountains, and the tranquility of water into its design and treatments. Be sure to arrive early to soak in the relaxation room, complete with a unique water feature. 

One of the more unique body treatments, “Winedown” Therapy, features an antioxidant-rich sugar scrub and moisture application pairing chardonnay grape seeds with organic and wild-crafted ingredients. This anti-aging treatment comes with a glass of white wine (naturally) to ensure full relaxation. And if your feet are fatigued after trying out the trails, the Hot Honey Foot Treatment is a popular add-on to any 50-minute offering. The treatment begins with a sugar-salt scrub exfoliation and warm milk bath towels, then feet are lathered with a honey heel glaze and massaged with shea butter. Ahhh…

For more ways to rest, rejuvenate, and spa in Vail, check out this article.

Although you can’t catch and cook the fish from your fly fishing outing, keep the theme going with dinner at Montauk Seafood Grill, a short walk from Lion Square Lodge. Ask for a table on the outdoor patio to enjoy the cool mountain night as you sample Montauk’s starters, salads, soup, and more. Popular starters include the Summer Gazpacho with Prawns and Baby Greens & Alaskan Crab. The raw bar offers an array of options including oysters, prawn cocktails, or caviar. And you can’t go wrong with entrées like Montauk’s Seared Ahi Tuna or the Steamed Alaskan Crab. Add on favorite sides like Toasted Garlic & Sesame Sticky Rice, Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes, or Asparagus Succotash with sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, butter, and herbs. And for dessert, the Key Lime Cheesecake is a refreshing finish just before you call it a day.

Tomorrow: Golf!

Enjoy a leisurely morning that starts with a walk from Lionshead to Vail Village. Soak in the quiet of the area as the destination awakens to a new day. On your way, swing by locally owned and operated Yeti’s Grind at Solaris for a great cup of coffee, latte, or grab-and-go breakfast pastry. 

Upon returning to Lion Square, pack up your clubs and take a shot at mountain play at the Vail Golf Club. Legend has it balls fly farther at altitude! Vail Golf Club offers the perfect mix of challenging play and magnificent scenery with Gore Range towering in the background and Gore Creek meandering throughout the course. The 18-hole, par 71 course is great for walking, carting, or taking a golf bike. While you may opt to enjoy lunch on-course, don’t miss stopping at Grill on the Gore to toast your round of golf and soak in the spectacular fall vistas of Vail.  

If you’re lucky, Vail will be hosting one of its many fall events such as Vail Beaver Creek Restaurant Week Oct. 1-10, 2021 featuring special offers and creative menus designed to encourage visitors to sample the area’s finest fare. 

In the evening, grab a nightcap at Root & Flower and enjoy the quiet walk back to your room while catching sight of the Milky Way in Vail’s brilliant night sky.

In the morning, wander down to Vail Village and stop by Sonnenalp for Ludwig’s breakfast buffet. This European-style breakfast is served on a glass-enclosed terrace where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Gore Creek while savoring muesli, pastries, breakfast meats, fresh omelettes, and more. Dig in, you’re about to walk it all off!

After brunch, meet a docent from the Vail Art in Public Places program for a free Art Walk that will introduce you to the town’s 35+ exhibits that range from murals to sculptures and so much more. In summer 2021, AIPP commissioned two new public art installations, including Olive Moya’s signature contemporary style combined with vintage photography of Vail Mountain set to adorn the interior spaces of the Vail Village Transportation Center. 

There are more treats for the eyes ahead. Follow Gore Creek Trail over to Ford Park where you’ll discover the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in the world. Check their website to see which programs are happening in the new visitors’ center, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Keep an eye out for Colorado’s state flower, the Columbine, or search for the small, delicate Edelweiss that blooms for just a short time each summer.

You’ll venture from colorful gardens to Colorful Cooking. Book Private Chef Tracy Miller to come to your condo for a cooking class followed by dinner. Tracy will custom-design a menu that appeals to the whole party – sample from Mexican, Hawaiian, Thai, and All-American themed menus. Tracy’s Classic menu features Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, Brussels Sprout Salad, Roasted Short Ribs with Mirepoix, and Salmon and Leek Pot Pie finished with Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Mousse – a satisfying end to a color-filled day. And more to come tomorrow!

Take your morning easy, then get moving for a trip to the mountaintop! On this last day of your vacation, you’ll take a gondola ride to Eagle’s Nest on Vail Mountain. Purchase tickets at the Lionshead Ticket Office (opens at 10 a.m.), before boarding the Eagle Bahn Gondola for a smooth ride up to the iconic slope. At the top, take a photo (or 50) on the Simonton Observation Deck with its incredible overlook of Mount of the Holy Cross in the distance, one of our 14,000-foot peaks. 

Once you’ve taken your share of pictures, you might opt to hike down to Vail Village. If you choose this method of descent, traverse across the mountain on the Fireweed trail to Mid-Vail before descending down Gitalong Road and then take Strawberry Lane into the Village. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite for lunch – which we recommend enjoying at El Segundo for a casual patio experience overlooking Gore Creek (start with the Tuna Ceviche or nosh on the Chorizo Queso Fundido!). Share a few street tacos for lunch while sipping on a classic El Segundo Margarita, featuring the restaurant’s own special blend of flavors and Herradura Silver Tequila. 

With your appetite fully sated, take a timeout back in your condominium before kicking off your last night in Vail. Confirm details for a bespoke picnic experience at Ford Park by Vail Picnic before a performance at The Amp. The Vail Picnic experience features luxury linens and comfortable seating with specially-designed place settings. A variety of dinner options are available, but we recommend a grazing board from Grazing Fox. You can always bring extras into The Amp! 

The Gore Range provides the perfect backdrop for a beautiful evening of music in the mountains. Check Vail’s calendar of events for the fall line-up of live music at The Amp which ranges from reggae to bluegrass and classic rock. 

No matter what your pace, Vail has something for everyone, with memorable experiences around every corner and the perfect mix of relaxation, discovery, and adventure. We hope to welcome you back very soon!

Experience the convenience and beautiful views of flying into Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), a short 40-minute drive from Vail. The airport offers several summer flight options on United, Delta, and American Airlines with nonstop service from markets such as Denver, Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta. Land at EGE and start your vacation a little earlier!

Pick up your rental car and wind through the picturesque Vail Valley to The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort, in the heart of the village. The Lodge, one of Vail’s original hotels, offers 56 guest rooms with modern mountain-chic finishes and air conditioning (not often found in mountain hotels). 

Once settled in, get acquainted with your surroundings with a stroll around Vail Village before returning to The Lodge for dinner. While wandering through town, stop by the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits tasting room to sample one of their house-labeled spirits, or try a locally-brewed craft beer at Vail Brewing Company in Solaris. 

Now that you’re oriented, it’s back to The Lodge for a casual dinner at Elway’s. Named after the Denver Broncos’ legendary quarterback John Elway, the restaurant is known for its fabulous steaks, featured alongside a selection of seafood, spirits, cocktails, and wine. The 8 oz. filet is one of their most popular offerings and can be topped with your choice of Maytag Bleu Cheese Butter, caramelized onions, or a three-sauce sampler. For sides, try the macaroni and cheese or the Thai basil brussel sprouts.

Before you turn in, be sure to step outside and inhale in the cool mountain air as night descends on the mountains. Welcome to Vail!

Start your first Vail morning at Cucina for breakfast before heading out to hit the links. Conveniently located in The Lodge, Cucina offers signature options such as the Mediterranean Breakfast Baguette, Shaved Serrano Ham, or Skillet Backed Farm Eggs with Manchego cheese, sliced tomatoes, and basil. 

Then, you’re off to check-in for a round of golf at the Vail Golf Club. This 18-hole, par 71 course offers stunning views of the Gore Range with Gore Creek meandering through the course. Opt to walk, ride a cart, or even rent a golf bike for a full morning of play. After sinking the last swing, head to Grill on the Gore, the club’s 19th hole, to toast a sunny start to your Vail vacation. 

The perfect day includes equal parts play and relaxation, so let the skilled therapists at RockResort Spa at The Lodge at Vail work out any tension you may have brought along on vacation. Try the signature Mountain Gem 80-minute massage, designed to relax, de-stress, and nourish the mind, body, and soul. Or, soak up a body therapy – like the signature Detox Herbal Body Wrap that includes dry brushing, a wrap, and finishes with stimulating herb oil rich with aromatic essential oils. 

Now that you’re fully refreshed, top off your day with an evening of music in the heart of the mountains. Walk to The Amp for a live music performance. Depending on when you visit, you might catch twilight performances featuring bluegrass, reggae or classic rock tunes. Plan ahead and meet a representative from Vail Picnic at the gate to pick up a custom-tailored picnic dinner for you to savor on the lawn. 

Then rest up – another day of fresh air and mountaintop experiences awaits.

Take a walk to Lionshead to start your day with a peak experience atop Vail Mountain. On your way, stop by the new Treff Café at the Sonnenalp for a morning boost. This European street bar offers authentic German fare, coffee, and fresh pastries (and if you come back later in the day: wine, cocktails, and more). 

You can purchase your passes for the Eagle Bahn Gondola at the Lionshead ticket office. As you glide up the mountain, take in the beauty of the Gore Range (and take plenty of pictures). Upon disembarking at Eagle’s Nest, make your way over to the Simonton Observation Deck for more scenic moments. The deck offers one of the best views of Mount of the Holy Cross, one of the area’s 14,000-foot peaks. 

If you have good shoes and feel like stretching your legs, opt to make your descent via trail. You can take the Grand Escape trail to Parker Deck for a picnic lunch before returning via the Meadows Loop to Mid-Vail, then down Gitalong Road to Strawberry Lane into Vail Village. Once you make it down, return to The Lodge for an afternoon of rest and relaxation by the pool. Forgot to pack along a good book? The Vail Library is just a short walk away!

When it’s time for dinner, you’ll be delighted with the Japanese fusion fare and sushi made famous by Nobu Matsuhisa at his namesake restaurant in Solaris. Perched on the second floor of the Solaris entertainment complex, Matsuhisa offers dramatic views of Vail Mountain. Signature menu items include the Yellowtail Jalapeño, Tuna Chips, Tempura King Crab in Sweet Ponzu, and the famous Miso Cod. For a heartier option, there’s always the Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, served for you to cook on a hot Himalayan salt rock. 

Tomorrow: A day on the river!

Set your alarm! The team from Gore Creek Fly Fisherman will pick you up as the sun’s rising to optimize your chances of catching The Big One. This day-long fly fishing excursion will float you down a beautiful stretch of the iconic Upper Colorado River, a brief drive north of Vail. Gore Creek guides know the best fishing holes and can spot the prime places for you to cast. You’ll receive instruction along the way to perfect your technique. Enjoy the small wave trains as you float, and don’t forget to look up – you might spot a bald eagle! Included: A relaxing lunch along the banks of the river. 

Once you’ve returned to town with stories (true or not, your secret’s safe with us), dinner awaits at Vail’s newest hot spot, Barrio Social. This high-end tapas bar features a sleek interior design that flows out onto the patio – prime for outdoor summer dining and people-watching. Created by the owners of Vail’s popular La Bottega restaurant, Barrio Social’s design, menu, and drinks are inspired by travels through the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish and Portuguese wines, ciders, sherries, and portos complement the pintxos, tapas, and planchas dishes.

After dinner, wander through the Village to see how many art installations you can spot or grab a late-night drink at The Remedy Bar at Four Seasons. Or, you might simply turn in early – tomorrow holds a day full of walking and shopping.

It’s a morning at the market! On Sundays through October 3, The Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show attracts visitors from all over the area to sample Colorado-made wares, produce from the Western Slope, and a feast of food options from local and regional vendors. 

Once you’ve had your fill of festive food and wares, grab some snacks or lunch to go and take a walk to Ford Park via the Gore Creek Trail, which meanders alongside its namesake waterway. Ahead, you’re in for a delight: A stroll through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in the world, where you can admire unique alpine plants, drought-resistant fauna, and so much more. Check the website for events and features. While there’s no admission fee, a suggested $5 donation goes a long way to protect the garden and help it grow into the future. 

Stroll back into Vail for some shopping at boutiques such as Luca Bruno for high-end fashion, Gorsuch for bespoke home goods, gear, and fashion, or Betteridge for jewelry. Of course, no shopping experience in Vail is complete without a stop by Golden Bear, the symbol of Vail. 

After all that walking, head back to the hotel to put your feet up. Rest up and leave plenty of time to get ready for dinner tonight as it’s a showstopper: Dinner on the mountain overlooking Game Creek Bowl as the sun sets over a canopy of glowing aspen groves. Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola up to Eagle’s Nest where an SUV will whisk you away to Game Creek Restaurant for a dinner to remember (make your reservations ahead of time). Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine perched atop Game Creek Bowl and watch to the west as the sun drops behind the mountains, revealing the breathtaking Alpenglow. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some deer enjoying their own dinner on the nearby grounds.

As the hush of night descends upon the mountains, soak in the peace and quiet – and then rest up, because another blissful day in Vail awaits.

Today, you’ll drive west to try your hand at one of the championship courses at Red Sky Golf Club. The Vail Valley offers more than a dozen private and resort courses from Vail to Eagle. At Red Sky, guest play rotates daily between the Norman and Fazio Courses. The Fazio Course is a 7,116-yard, par 72 course with views of Vail’s Back Bowls in the distance. Play through sage-covered hills, dense aspen groves, and around a highland lake. In contrast, the Norman Course offers craggy rock outcroppings, twisted scrub oak, gulches, and meadows for play on the par 72, 7,580-yard course. 

When you return, line up a 90-minute segway tour with Vail Segway. Hum along and hit the highlights of the Villages, making note of any spots you want to check out before your vacation comes to a close.

After the day down valley, enjoy a laid-back dinner on the deck at Sweet Basil overlooking Gore Creek. Watch kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and rafters below as they float through Vail’s whitewater play park. Start your meal right with one of Sweet Basil’s classic cocktails such as Now That’s the Bee’s Knees, featuring Barr Hill Tom Cat gin, Caledonia honey, and lemon, or the Americano Meets Bubbles with Antica Carpano vermouth, Campari, and sparkling wine. 

The menu changes seasonally, but popular options include starters like the Wild Mushroom Pâté and Cacao & Carrot Agnolotti. Try the Brazilian Seafood Moqueca for an entrée – or the Tender Belly Pork Tenderloin never disappoints! A Sweet Basil meal wouldn’t be complete without their signature Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. 

Before calling it a night, walk-off dinner with a stroll along Gore Creek. The cool breezes playing off the water and bubbling sounds are the perfectly peaceful end to a full day.

There’s no better way to say farewell to Vail than with a morning meander through aspen groves on horseback. Check-in to Vail Stables, just a mile from Vail Village, for a half-day guided trail ride through colorful aspen stands with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. 

From four legs to two wheels, your next stop is to rent colorful cruiser bikes from Vail Bike Hub near The Lodge at Vail at the bottom of Gondola One. Cruise from Vail Village to Lionshead, where you can park your bike for a quick burger on the patio at Bart & Yeti’s. Then, continue on the Gore Creek Trail west past Lionshead, travel behind Grand Hyatt Vail, and stop to enjoy some shade at Donovan Park. Note: It’s a gradual uphill climb back to Vail Village, so reserve some energy and bring along some water!

For your last evening in Vail, check out the fall events calendar to see if there is a live performance at The Amp, a Village-wide event like Oktoberfest or Vail Beaver Creek Restaurant Week.   

And that’s a wrap! We hope you return home feeling refreshed and filled to the brim with good times, delicious food, and fond memories that will last – at least until next year.