Tag: Colorado

  • Vail in the Summertime

    Vail in the Summertime

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Most people would assume that Vail, Colorado is a ski town. Well, it is from November to April but in the summertime it is a picturesque gem that you will want to include in your summer travel plans as a couple or a family! We only had three days and 4 nights, but we managed to do a lot in a long weekend!

    The scenery is out of a Hallmark movie. The views from the valley are as breathtaking as the views from the top of the mountains. The waterfall hikes will make you want to keep trekking up the mountain. All are just spectacular. The weather is perfect, usually around 78 to 80 degrees during the day and around a low of 65 at night, with very little humidity! Yipee! The altitude didn’t affect me although many are very sensitive to it so be sure to hydrate and bring electrolyte packs to put in your water.

    If you fly into Denver International airport, I suggest renting a car or a Jeep; especially if you are wanting to go hiking, fishing, fly fishing or take in a rafting trip down the Colorado river. Vail is about a 90 minute drive from DEN.

    We stayed at the Four Seasons Vail which was fabulous and I highly recommend it!  The rooms were spacious, had walk-in closets, an enormous bathroom, and our room had a view of the mountains and the pool. The service was top notch along with the lounge and the restaurant. The pool was serene and the self-parking was convenient and easy. They also have an exceptional concierge team that booked all our dining reservations, our fly-fishing guide, and our white-water rafting adventure.

    The village is walkable and is lined with coffee shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, a beautiful garden park, and trails that weave throughout. Spend a day exploring and walking through the village for sure.

    Here are my recommendations…

    Restaurants

    ~ Sweet Basil – no words just dine there!

    ~Matsuhisa – amazing sushi with outdoor seating and a view.

    ~The Craftsman – more casual but has a great vibe, outdoor music, and fun cocktails.

    ~Vintage Vail for lunch or brunch – it is a French brasserie style of dining. Delish!

    ~La Nonna for Italian – food was as authentic as you can get. Vibe was cool because the food was unbelievable and it was packed full, but the décor needed a little updating.

    Excursions

    ~Visit the town of Minturn which is about a 20 minute drive from Vail. It is darling! Go for lunch and day drinking at the Midturn Saloon which is named one of the “10 most Iconic & Historic Restaurants in Colorado”. Stay and shop the street market full of vendors from all across the USA, but check the local event calendar for the weekend market schedule.

    ~Go White Water Rafting (Class 3 & 4 rapids). We used Timberline Tours. They provide training, wet suits, helmets, paddles and lifejackets and footwear.  I recommend the “Numbers/Arkansas Tour”. Lots of spinning and you get wet! Guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and I felt safe while having a blast!

    ~Enjoy the Hiking Trails. There are so many, but we only had a half day so we enjoyed one long hike before we had to get on a plane home. We hiked the Eagles Nest Wilderness trail (10 minute drive from the Four Seasons). It took about 3 hours depending on your skill level and you want to get all the way to the waterfalls (of course you do!)

    ~Fly Fishing. Ok, yes you can put on waders or just fly fish from the boat. I totally put on the overall waders, why not?  It was new and fun and a great way to spend a chill day on the water surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and peace. We met up with a guide from Gore Creek Fly Fisherman tour. Amazing day and fabulous outfitter company.

    Enjoy Vail in the summertime….it will not disappoint![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1622040741018-962c46d8-f942-2″ include=”1656,1655″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Spring sking in Aspen, CO.

    Spring sking in Aspen, CO.

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Aspen, Aspen, Aspen…

    Late March 2021 I crossed Aspen, Colorado off my bucket list. As you know, I am Canadian.  I spent 10 years in Vancouver and skied Whistler too many times to count. I also spent 18 months in Banff and Lake Louise, so I thought I experienced skiing at its best in North America until I spent the weekend in Aspen. You would also assume I am a decent skier too but it’s like golf, if you don’t practice, you aren’t great. It’s not like riding a bike… I stayed on the blue runs, but loved every single second of Aspen’s vibe and enjoyed its top-notch ski hills.

    Don’t get me wrong, Whistler has my heart, but Aspen has a whole different feel. It’s full of energy and luxury for sure, but it has this “beyond cool factor” that I can’t explain.  You will just have to experience it yourself. You do not need to rent a car. I suggest flying right into the small Aspen airport and shuttle to your hotel or VROB (it’s a 3.5 hour drive from Denver so check flying right into Aspen it is much better). The public transport around town and to the ski hills is efficient, free, and easy.

    We stayed at  The Little Nell and by far it is the best location in Aspen. The concierge team is the best in town. You just basically need to show up! The ski concierge team will put your equipment on a transport shuttle or private SUV and will take you to Snowmass, Highlands, or Buttermilk or you can ski right out the backdoor of the Little Nell and get right on the gondola to ski Apex/Aspen. They were also very helpful suggesting dining spots and walking trails.

    If you like wide-open, all level skiing, head to Snowmass – I LOVED it! If you have a family with younger kids who are just learning, Buttermilk may be a better option. We skied two days: one at Snowmass and one at Apex. Apex is much narrower and is covered in black and double black diamond runs but you can find blue runs off the Apex chair. Both glorious, both different, both perfection! The sun was shining, there was powder, groomed runs, and excellent conditions.

    You can rent ski gear at the W Hotel or at head to Four Mountain Sports. We were fitted for gear the day before we hit the slopes so you don’t have to waste time on a ski day. You want to get out as soon as possible when the hills open at 830 or 9am. Don’t miss a second; especially if you are only able to ski a couple days.

    Spend one day walking the village, shopping, people watching during après ski, and walking or snowshoeing the trails. Some resorts have snowshoes you can borrow for the day.

    Here are some of my favorites.

    Restaurants

    ~Betula – Yum, yum, yum fun exciting atmosphere, phenomenal cuisine

    ~Steakhouse 316 – Fabulous, can’t go wrong here

    ~7908 – Don’t miss this hip joint for dinner and cocktails. It’s raucous, regal, exclusive, and it turns into a dance club at 11pm

    ~Clark’s Oyster Bar – Best seafood I’ve ever had and that includes eating coastal

    ~Poppycocks for breakfast – Fresh avocado toast and poached eggs, and the staff is the best!

    Après Ski

    ~Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell – Upbeat music and the truffle fries… don’t get me started

    ~W Hotel – Hip, live DJ, and the best outdoor fireplace seating

    Shopping

    ~Wyld Blue – Just go, really, just go and experience this Montauk, NY staple, with its second location in Aspen

    ~Perch – Hidden gem, amazing curation of designers, and one-of-a-kind pieces and home décor

    ~Peri. A – Eclectic, unique and super chic

    ~Pitkin Country Dry Goods – The latest and best brands (think mini Neimans or Saks) but with a boutique feel

    ~Kemo Sabe or Nick Fouquet – One of a kind chic Aspen’s signature hat that you create on site!

    I can’t say enough about Aspen, Aspen, Aspen…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1622040676736-dc5546ef-c39a-4″ include=”1654,1652″][/vc_column][/vc_row]