Cradled in the heart of the Rockies, Vail is a high-altitude playground, an alpine escape where mountain adventure meets refined mountain charm. Within a long weekend, the temptation to do as much as possible is great, so I opted to find the right balance between adrenaline and après; this included indulging in a diversity of wonderful restaurants, outdoor experiences and time for relaxation. You will want to fly fish, do a bit of hiking, explore Vail Mountain, slowly walk the streets of Vail Village while both shopping and people watching, and spend some down time in the pool or hot tub. Oh and take intermittent breaks for ice cream and cocktails.
GET IN AND GET AROUND
Vail is reached from either Denver Airport or the closer Eagle County Regional Airport. The drive from Denver to Vail is usually between 2 and 3 hours depending on the time of day. The driving distance from the Eagle/Vail Airport is about 35-40 minutes. And there are connecting flights between both airports.
In terms of ground transportation, we highly recommend Epic Mountain Express. They have been safely delivering passengers for several decades between either airport and Vail.
Public buses in Vail are complementary and offer a convenient way to navigate the region.
STAY
Antlers at Vail is a family-friendly condominium hotel located in Lionshead Village next to Gore Creek – in fact our condominium overlooked the creek and included a balcony. Fully furnished, each spacious condominium ranges in size from studio suites, one, two, three and or four bedrooms. All include a gas fireplace, large refrigerator and freezer and a BBQ. Be sure to take advantage of their heated swimming pool and two outdoor hot tubs.
Conveniently located, it is about a 15-20 minute walk into Vail Village along the Vail Recreation Path paralleling Gore Creek. Or two bus stops are both within only a several minute walk. Antler’s at Vail has received prominent media coverage including being listed as a 2021 Top November Destination by Travel +Leisure.
DO
Fly Fishing with Minturn Anglers. One of Vail’s most memorable experiences is fly fishing the nearby Eagle River. Fast flowing in late spring and early summer, its healthy and bone-chilling waters deliver plenty of fish, even for the most inexperienced anglers. Minturn Anglers (founded 2008) offers a safe and professionally guided fishing experience.
Our guide was Adam Groskin, an affable fellow who feels most at home on the water. And he is also the founder of Colorado Original, a manufacturer of whitewater rafts.
My last fly fishing outing was decades ago while in college. Whatever I learned then about fly fishing, I had clearly forgotten prior to my fishing on the Eagle River. While the idea of fly fishing sounds easy, in actuality, the connection between my physical performance and brain were not in alignment. And that is common as fly fishing is about the details; trying to process a fast stream of information takes time. Regardless of your skill level, this is a fun and memorable experience.
Vail Mountain. Take full advantage of Vail Mountain, as Eagle Bahn Gondola at Lionshead Village is only a three minute walk from Antler’s at Vail. The gondola will quickly bring you to Vail Mountain’s Eagle’s Nest at about 10,400 feet. On a clear day, the views are absolutely spectacular. Views aside, there are plenty of other activities for outdoor enthusiasts. These include:
– The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster is thrilling for all ages, but is especially enjoyable for those who desire speed. Riders grip two handles for braking or stopping as they race down the raised alpine coaster. If speed is what you are craving, inform the attendant at the top to allow enough time between you and the previous rider.
– Paramount Peak Climbing Wall is a 35-foot tall outdoor climbing wall featuring a diversity of routes ranging from easy to difficult. This is great for kids (but also adults).
And then hike from Eagle’s Next about 3/4 of a mile to Gondola One and take that gondola down to Vail Village.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens takes its name from the 38th First Lady of the United State. This is the world’s highest elevation botanical garden. Located at Ford Park at 8,200 feet above sea level, the gardens are located next to Gore Creek and a mountain meadow. This is an easy walk from Vail Village. It is open to the public free of charge.
DINE
– Alpenrose Vail
This 5+ decade mainstay in Vail Village offers home-style European food including schnitzel and bratwurst. Weather permitting, enjoy your meal in the patio located in the front of the restaurant. Staff are dressed in attire worn by South Tyrolean mountaineer Luis Trenker. Homey, welcoming and serving comfort food, this is a glimpse back in time into ‘old Vail’.
– Avanti Food & Beverage
Sporting a creative, cool, casual and welcoming vibe, this European inspired food market offers a diversity of cuisine ranging from ramen to hamburgers. And a fully stocked bar. Seating is cozy including indoors or weather permitting, a large patio located outdoors.
– Mountain Standard.
This is the sister restaurant to Sweet Basil (see below). Weather permitting, the coveted seats are semi-enclosed next to Gore Creek. Looking for something a bit different? Order the prime beef carpaccio with bone in marrow. And wanting to pull even more out of this tasty appetizer, ask the staff for a shot of whisky to pour onto the bone marrow.
– Sweet Basil
This was our favorite dinner in Vail. Known for not only their creative cocktails, this Michelin recommended restaurant offers plenty of culinary excitement, ranging from their long time favorite whipped feta appetizer with a crispy “carta di musica” cracker, Foie Gras Gateaux or the Alaskan halibut. A limited number of seats overlook Vail Village. You want those.
SHOP
Axel’s of Vail. Walking inside this handsome space with its western flair, is like walking into a clothing museum – except everything is for sale. Clothing and footwear for both men and women are saddled somewhere between casual and elegant and sophisticated and rugged.
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With just a few days in Vail, you will leave feeling refreshed, well-fed, and already dreaming of your next high-country escape. To plan your trip to Vail, visit: www.discovervail.com
Wow! Fly fishing sounds so fun, especially if you can grill your catch on your BBQ in the hotel! The entire trip seems to be super cool!
Well captured all the must-dos in Vail. It seems like a perfect escape into the mountains and nature!
Hi Julie – yes, its a great experience, even if you have never fly fished before 🙂
Chin – good to hear from you. Hope you can visit during your next visit to the states – maybe we can meet up in China in a couple of weeks.
I love to go Vail to watch this panoramic view of lofted mountains. This view looks mesmerizing but not only for the nature we also love to enjoy food, culture and shopping as well. If there is a flight running between Denver to Vail then more people can enjoy this beautiful destination. Appreciate your information.
Vail is such a lovely place you found near Denver and the nature blessed beautifully to veil. I love to buy shoes for my wife if you recommend any good place in Veil. Thanks for advertising this unheard destination.
This itinerary perfectly captures Vail’s summer magic! Your fly fishing details brought back memories of my first time on the Eagle River—that moment when the mountain light hits the water just right is unforgettable.
For future visitors: if you’re staying at Antlers, the morning walk along Gore Creek to Vail Village is even more stunning at sunrise when the mist rises off the water. And don’t miss the secret wildflower meadow behind Betty Ford Gardens (ask a gardener for directions—it’s not marked).
Dave, did you get to try the trout at Mountain Standard? Their preparation with brown butter and local herbs is what convinced my Danish family that American cuisine could rival European flavors!
Sunny – yes there is a flight from Denver to Vail – I took this flight to arrive into Vail but ended up departing from Denver’s airport (depending on traffic its about a 2-3 hour drive from Vail to Denver).
Bharat – try Axel’s. A one of a kind western style clothing store that also carries some foot ware.
Thomas – thanks for the recommendation of the trout at Mountain Standard. Next time! And the secret wildflower gardens sound like a great tip 🙂
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Vail in 62 hours sounds like the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and scenic charm! ⛰️ After reading your post I’m already dreaming of those mountain views and European-style dining. By the way, if you ever find yourself wanting a rugged leather jacket to match that alpine vibe, swing by Excellent LeatherShop. they do stunning full-grain leather pieces that’d fit right into a mountain escape wardrobe. 😄