Summer in Vail, Colorado

Whitewater rafting is an absolute must! The experienced team at Timberline Tours will recommend which tour is best for your group's ages and experience. Get ready for a few hours of fun on the river. Professional photographers snap photos of the action, so leave your phone somewhere dry. Take in the scenery and enjoy the laughs or adrenaline rush as you splash through the rapids.

Vail Bike Pass Tour: Hop on a bike and spend the morning taking in the scenic mountains and beautiful aspens along the Vail Bike Pass. It was mostly downhill and not too intense (although I did have to hop off and walk at a few spots). This girl from the suburbs recommends taking the guided tour on the off-chance you run into a momma moose and her baby on the path. What are the odds?! But it happened and I was happy to be with the locals. You can also rent bikes to explore the town or the mountain trails as well.

Eagle Bahn Gondola 19 at Lionshead Village: Take a scenic gondola ride up Vail Mountain for some serious Sound of Music vibes. You’ll understand why the town was modeled after an Austrian village. Stop for a photo opportunity at Mt of the Holy Cross (Elevation 14,005). Take a spin on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, hike the trails and enjoy a drink at Bistro 14 or casual bites at Talon’s Deck Outdoor Grill.

Horseback riding with Vail Stables

Gore Creek Fly Fishing: If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing outdoor activity, consider one of the guided fly fishing trips in Gore Creek.

Vail Farmers Market: There are over 40 food vendors at the Vail Farmers Market & Art Show, which runs every Sunday from mid-June to early October. Stop for lunch and search for the perfect, locally crafted souvenir.

Summer concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre: Grab a blanket and small cooler to enjoy a picnic at one of the free Hot Summer Nights Concerts or purchase tickets to other shows and music festivals hosted in the outdoor theater.

Eagle County Fair & Rodeo: A weeklong event hosted every July in nearby Eagle.

Day trips

Beaver Creek Village is a short 15–20 minute drive.

The famous Aqua Sanitas Roman Baths experience at the award-winning Exhale Spa (located in Park Hyatt) is something special.

Directly outside Park Hyatt in the village, you can ice skate in the winter or enjoy outdoor concerts every Thursday in the summer.

Hooked: If venturing to Beaver Creek Village, be sure to also check out Hooked. All of the fish arrive by plane within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. When ordering, the fish monger will go over the day’s catch and explain preparation options. Sushi, lobster rolls and fish tacos are also on the menu. Be sure to save room for dessert. The apple pie was delicious with a unique twist, sweet potatoes, included.

Alpen & Rose: This restaurant in the heart of Vail Village is absolutely adorable. The natural wood, table settings and accent pieces make you feel as though you’re dining in a European ski chalet. There is also outdoor dining for warmer months and gondola experience for the winter.

Makoto Vail: Makoto was under construction during my stay, but it has since opened to rave reviews (my clients can confirm). There is free shuttle access from Vail Village, but when you book your stay at Grand Hyatt Vail with a Fora agent, your $100 resort credit can be used towards dining.

Lancelot: The outside of Lancelot reminds you of a European chalet, though the decor doesn’t quite carry over like Alpen & Rose. The interior has more of a modern ski lodge appeal. Lancelot is famous for its prime rib, but they also have a variety of seafood options.

Root & Flower: We went for a nightcap before heading back to the hotel, but you can dine here as well.

Note: I’ve heard great things about Sweet Basil, though I did not get to dine here. Mountain Standard is the sister restaurant.