A Local's Guide to Vail, Colorado

Advisor - Erica Charles
Curated By

Erica Charles

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  • USA

  • Colorado

  • Vail

  • Adventure Travel

  • Domestic Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Wellness Travel

  • Mountains

  • Outdoors

  • Skiing

buildings with mountains in the background during daytime
Curator’s statement

Vail, CO is my hometown so I have been lucky to spend so much of my life watching it grow and evolve. This tiny mountain town, nestled in the Rockies at about 8,000 ft., is rich with culinary delights, hometown cheer, European flair, splendor and luxury and, of course, all the great outdoors has to offer. Whether you are visiting with a multi-generational family, your significant other, a group of friends or by yourself to escape the real world, there is something here for you! They say you come for the winters and stay for the summers...here is everything you will need to know.

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Vail, Colorado

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Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Exquisite luxury resort at the base of Vail Mountain boasting a refined restaurant, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and picturesque mountain views.

Fora Perks
  • When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

Tivoli Lodge

Luxury ski hotel in Vail Village featuring upscale rooms, hot tubs and a ski valet.

Sonnenalp Vail

There’s an upscale but understated vibe to this Vail Village favorite, with a ski concierge, three restaurants and evening activities for kids.

Fora Perks
  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Advisor - Erica Charles

Unlock perks by contacting Erica to book your trip.

Things to do in Vail, Colorado

aerial view of roads and village covered in snow

Skiing (in the winter) and hiking (in the summer) on Vail Mountain doesn't compare! Views beyond compare and activities for all levels. But you can come to vail and not go up a mountain...

  • Bol (Year-round) - Bowling, lounge, bar, restaurant at Solaris; always a fun time!

  • Beano's Cabin (Winter) - Take a snowcat up Beaver Creek mountain for a dinner reservation in the snow!

  • 10th Restaurant (Winter) - Take Gondola 1 up for a chic culinary experience, complete with fur slippers at the top of Vail.

  • Chasing Rabbits (Year-round) - Vail's newest spot! A restaurant and bar with a speakeasy and arcade space in the back - great for events, dancing, drinking and all-around fun for all ages!

  • Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (Summer) - Walk east of Vail Village and enjoy a wonderful walking path through native Colorado wildflowers.

  • Shopping! - Stroll through Vail and Lionshead for some fantastic shopping. You can find all your Vail memorabilia, Ski Gear, as well as high fashion.

  • Vail Farmer's Market (Summer) - A bustling market comes every Saturday through the village, bringing out all the best local food, art and music. Best way to spend the day!

  • Concert & Dance Series (year round) - There are always wonderful productions on deck at Vail Performing Arts Center, the Vilar (Beaver Creek) and the Amphitheater (Vail).

Day Trips from Vail

  • Drive to Aspen - About a two hour drive to Vail's infamous sister resort.

  • Visit Beaver Creek - Just a 20-minute drive West of Vail lies another scenic ski resort included in your Epic Pass.

Places to eat & drink in Vail, Colorado

chairs and tables with a fire pit outdoors at night

Casual Spots

  • Big Bear Bistro - Amazing sandwiches, salads, soups and crepes. Family-owned. The Briggs is my personal favorite sandwich!

  • Pazzos Pizza + Vendettas Pizza - Two of the best pizza spots in town. Vendettas is a more sports bar vibe with a basement bar as well.

  • El Segundo - One of the newer locations in town, great street tacos and margaritas, a more affordable option in the village and a great location on the river.

Apre

  • Pepi's - A Vail classic! Beers all around, the patio gets jumpin' and the indoor bar takes over at night.

  • Fall Line - Inside/attached to Gorsuch, great small plates/bites + cocktails, very classy and chic, also very central.

  • Root & Flower - A cute wine bar/cocktail lounge, upscale.

  • Two Arrows - A coffee shop that turns into a wine bar at night, a great local watering hole with a disco ball at night!

Nice Dinners

  • Sweet Basil - another Vail classic, seasonal menu, a MUST if you can squeeze it in! The best way to get in is to make a reservation in advance, so as soon as you book your trip, call ahead or book on Tock. The sticky toffee bread pudding is to die for!!

  • Mountain Standard - Sweet Basil's younger brother, more deconstructed mountain rustic vibes. Great bar as well

  • Matsuhisa - A well-known sushi spot, sister to Nobu. Very central, see + be seen, chic, upscale vibe. Order the ponzu rock shrimp even if it's not on the menu!

  • La Bottega - A Vail staple, has been around forever and even expanded in the last few years. Best Italian in town. Great for any meal of the day.

  • Vintage - French flare, great for brunch!

  • Montauk - A great seafood spot in Lionshead.

  • Slope Room - Another newer restaurant. Great food, seasonal menu, wonderful steaks and good cocktails.

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out Stephanie Cavazuti's From Alpine to Après-Ski: The Ultimate Guide to Vail, Colorado.

Advisor - Erica Charles

Travel Advisor

Erica Charles

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado.