When you don’t want to spring for a trip abroad, you can just head to Vail for the same look and feel. Inspired by European ski villages, you will be transported into the photos that Slim Aarons made famous (some of them actually were taken right in Vail). Here are some of my favorites.

Cocktail? I think I will.

• The Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek Lobby + Lookout Bar

Summer and winter alike, the Westin lobby lights up in the afternoons and early evenings—it’s the place for a cocktail and tunes. This is where you will run into that friend you haven’t seen in ages. Or head to the Lookout Bar for the quintessential mountain view with craft cocktails.

• The Tavern, Lionshead

With one of the largest patios with full mountain views, The Tavern is a great spot for an afternoon spritz, a fun band, and a plate of nachos. The flavors change, but the satisfaction is always the same—perfect.

• Remedy Bar, The Four Seasons

Your little ones will tell you about the hot chocolate they saw on TikTok; you will go for the Spritz window in Tavernetta (another great dinner option), the old fashioned, the orange moon, or a seasonal elixir matching the mountain vibe.

• Shakedown Street, Vail Village

This is your go-to for dancing to live music in the village and has been a fan favorite for at least 25 years—and I know because one of my besties met her hubby there!

Wine & dine

• Mountain Standard

A Vail tradition combined with a NYC feel, Mountain Standard brings a little bit of Southern to the village. As a sister restaurant to the famed Sweet Basil, a reservation here is a must—and one that should be planned ahead.

• Matshuhisa, Makoto, or Zuma

Who says you can’t get really good sushi in the mountains? Any of these three provide an elevated, fun, and lively atmosphere along with great Japanese food.

• Pepis

The OG, Pepi’s has been serving Vail since the beginning, bringing the tastes of Alsace and Germany in their schnitzels and brats—although I’ll take the house salad with a glass of sancerre for an afternoon of people-watching on the patio.

• Avanti Food & Beverage

A relative newcomer to the Vail food scene, Avanti is a food and beer hall with a huge patio over in Golden Peak. Hosting six counter-service restaurants and a large double-sided bar, Avanti brings a great alternative to fine dining.

• Blue Moose Pizza

If you are craving a pie, Blue Moose in both Lionshead and Beaver Creek provides casual eats with patio seating. Expect kids, as this is a family favorite. Only want wood-fired? Il Mago in Edwards is the perfect stop.

• Hovey & Harrison

There is always a line at this Edwards brunch spot, and for good reason. They bake all of their bread and pastries on site. And, yes, you will catch me in line for 20 minutes to grab a salt loaf.

• Vintage

A darling French brunch spot. The beignets are a must!

Spas, wellness & outdoors

• Sonnealp Spa

You can’t beat the setting overlooking Gore Creek. Tranquil and peaceful, it’s the perfect spot to lie back and read a book or catch up over a spa smoothie while waiting for your treatment. They even provide you a take-home gift, and you can request an oxygen shot if the altitude is getting to you.

• Spa Anjali at the Westin

The treatments are amazing—the pool, even more so. You will be surrounded by all of the sun worshipers visiting the Valley as they sip spritzes, dip their toes, and enjoy the gorgeous mountain views.

• Hike Strawberry Lane, Berry Picker Loop

Start from Vail Village or Lionshead. It’s strenuous but not too much. Want a bigger challenge? Go all the way up Berry Picker from Lionshead and take the gondola down. Pro tip: Dogs can’t go up on the gondola, but they can come down!

• Rent e-bikes

Head out and go around Vail and Lionshead or take the route out of Lionshead to one of the close Valley towns and grab a bite in Minturn (yummy tacos at Rocky Mountain Taco), Avon (Loaded Joe’s for a sandwich) or Edwards (Hovey & Harrison).

Boutiques & hidden gems

• Kemo Sabe

No girls’ trip is complete without a visit to this institutional landmark of any high-end ski town. Grab a hat, some arm candy, or splurge on a custom pair of boots to turn your outfit into Western chic.

• Gorsuch, Pepis & Perch

Between the three, you can complete your wardrobe. Hint: Look for after-season sales to grab that Goldburgh ski jacket you have been dreaming about.

• Holy Toledo

You probably would drive right by the Minturn exit—don’t. Not only will you get to see an iconic little Western village, but you will also fall upon the cutest little red chalet full of goodness. It’s full of contemporary consigned designer pieces, and it is rare that I walk out empty-handed.

• Edwards Riverwalk & Love Lux Consignment

The most traditional shopping experience in the Valley, the Riverwalk hosts a blend of home, clothing, book, and kitchen stores along with a smorgasbord of eateries and Vail’s closest movie theater. Stop into Lux and swoon over the designer pieces at great prices!

The fun part about Vail is that it is a come-as-you-are spot; you will see everything from Prada to North Face. Everyone loves the Valley, and you can tell from the smiles on their faces. It’s perfect year-round—except avoid the shoulder seasons if you want to enjoy all that it has to offer, as things pretty much shut down the second half of October until Thanksgiving and from mid-April until June.

Oh, and don’t forget the Vail Farmers Market on Sunday mornings as well as the fun Oktoberfest events and live concerts. There are more venues than you can imagine in this 15-mile span, including the Ford Amphitheater and the Vilar.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Colorado page.