Enjoy Vail Valley’s Summer Lifestyle

Colorado AvidGolfer

Vail

An Eden for skiers, Vail’s frozen landscape transforms into a verdant utopia in summer. Vail’s ersatz European village is a pedestrian-friendly buffet of more than 100 stores, premier restaurants, luxury lodges and more, all served by the nation’s largest free bus system. It’s where you want to be this summer. visitvailvalley.com

Just Do It

The Vail lifestyle is all about pursuing and doing. For some that’s ascending a craggy peak or hiking one of the many loops near Eagle’s Nest and catching the early-morning or late-afternoon light dancing off the iconic Mount of the Holy Cross. For others, it’s negotiating the butt-bouncing single track of the Grand Traverse. Or splurging on the latest, zaniest fashion. Or identifying that perfect ingredient infused in a soon-to-be-discovered, Zagat-worthy dish at Restaurant Kelley Liken. Or surrendering to the rapture that comes with hearing soulfully played jazz. Or perhaps it’s experiencing a healthy, harmonious balance from filling your lungs with pure mountain air. Quite likely it’s all of the above. visitvailvalley.com

Stop & See

Labor Day weekend brings Gourmet on Gore, a culinary festival of the best food and libations in the Vail Valley. Highlights include a Friday night restaurant-to-restaurant tour, “open-air tastings,” live music and much more. gourmetongore.com

Come summer, the ridges, slopes and tree-lined chutes of Vail Mountain teem with bikers, hikers, zip liners and other high altitude thrill-seekers. For an even bigger buzz, ride the Eagle Bahn gondola to the top and enjoy an FAC picnic with friends. vail.com

The 12-week-long Vail Jazz Festival paints the town with the sweet sounds of swing, salsa, bebop, blues, Brazilian and more. This year’s 20th anniversary event will attract 20,000 spectators, 150 artists and 40 performances in five venues. vailjazz.org

A Mountain Must-Do

Of all the big-grin events in Vail, one stands above the rest: Oktoberfest. Scheduled for the first and second weekends of September, Oktoberfest is a celebration of all things Bavarian… and a wonderful excuse to don silly hats, wear leather pants, drink stout brew and overindulge in bratwurst. Beaver Creek Village hosts the first weekend (Sept. 5-7) then the tradition moves to Vail Village for an end-ofsummer finale (Sept. 12-14). Break out the lederhosen and beer steins, warm up the yodeler and we’ll see you oompah dancing and singing at the world’s most popular party. visitvailvalley.com

Beaver Creek

In the 34 years since its ski resort opened to the public, the enclave known as Beaver Creek has become synonymous with plush accommodations, five-star dining, quaint shopping, art galleries and recreational amenities. It is, quite simply, the ideal locale for a buddy trip, couples weekend, family reunion or corporate retreat. beavercreek.com

The Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival (Aug. 8-10 ) features winners of the San Francisco International Wine and World Spirits Competition. It also showcases local culinary talent, exclusive wines and outdoor venues. beavercreek.com

The popular Beaver Creek Art Festival (Aug. 2-3) spotlights some of the country’s best artists and crafters. Meet the amazing talent that displays fine sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics and more. artfestival.com

Edwards, located just four miles west of Beaver Creek, is the fastest growing community in Eagle County. It’s also home to Riverwalk, known for its finedining bistros, ice cream shops, theaters, galleries and boutiques. visitvailvalley.com

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.