A Local's Guide to Vail, Colorado
Curated By
Erica Charles
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USA
Colorado
Adventure Travel
Domestic Travel
Food & Wine
Luxury Travel
Nature Escapes
Wellness Travel
Mountains
Outdoors
Skiing
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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Things to do in Vail, Colorado
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
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.
Travel Advisor
Erica Charles
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado.