Vail Valley offers something for everyone

East Denver LIVING WELL Magazine

The Vail Valley offers something for everyone as you escape from city life and take to the mountains. The summer months overflow with signature athletic events, cultural concert performances, gourmet celebrations and, not to mention, beautiful scenery and natural wonders. There are opportunities for the thrill-seeking adventurist, as well as the subdued individual to participate in a diverse number of activities, engage in the environment or indulge in culinary sensations. The Vail Valley is uniquely diverse in all that it offers–you just have to decide what to do.

Epicurean Delights:

Dining in the Vail Valley can be an activity all on its own. With over 100 restaurants in the area, visitors are able to find the location, meal and price to fit their bill. If interested in sustainable food efforts, chefs like Kelly Liken of Restaurant Kelly Liken and Richard Sandoval of Cima place a large emphasis on buying locally grown and organic food. If it’s the scenery you’re after, many restaurants offer unbelievable viewpoints of the mountain and unique venues, like mountaintop dining or slopeside sushi. Much of the summer’s event calendar encompasses food and wine with festivals like Reds, Whites & Brews in Avon, free culinary demonstrations in Beaver Creek, Farmers Market from Vail to Minturn to Eagle, Oktoberfest and Vail Restaurant Month. Your inner foodie is sure to be satisfied.

Cultural Experiences:

Each artistic and musical event featured during the summer months has its own way of enhancing the natural beauty of the elevated environment. To see and hear a performance while surrounded by amazing 360-degree mountain views is an unforgettable experience and one that is uniquely Vail Valley. Enjoy classical, jazz melodies, soul music and groundbreaking choreography with events like Vail Rocks, Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Vail Jazz Festival, Vail International Dance Festival, Vail Soul Music Fest and others. A number of cultural events offered include both free and ticketed performances. All throughout the summer, artists and dancers alike descend upon the valley to put on incredible performances that you’ll never forget.

Healthy Lifestyles:

The Vail Valley offers guests the chance to recharge and rejuvenate with relaxing spa treatments, photography classes, horseback riding, nature hikes, fly-fishing and many more activities. From the novice to the expert, the valley caters to all levels in all types of activities. Take the gondola up to the top and venture out onto the trails for a mid-afternoon hike, or follow a guide in Beaver Creek as they explain and point out native birds, wildflowers and wildlife. At the end of the day, be sure to take in the sunset at 11,000 feet. Local non-profit organizations like Walking Mountain Science Center cater specifically to young children and families interested in learning more about the local flora and fauna. Towns like Minturn, EagleVail and Vail offer free community yoga for both residents and visitors. The Vail Valley is your playground and you’re sure to find something to do or see at any time of day.

Athletic Events:

Throughout the summer months, the Vail Valley plays host to a number of signature athletic competitions and events. Whether you’re looking to test your skills on the bike, trail or obstacle course, or just enjoy spectating, events like Tough Mudder, USA Pro Cycling Challenge, XTERRA and others bring world-class athletes and competition to the area. In addition, a number of high school and recreational tournaments come through the valley as participants look to compete at 8,100 feet. The Vail Recreation District, a local nonprofit organization, provides recreational activities and races for all ages, including the annual La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series and mountain bike races in Eagle. Visitors to the Vail Valley are an active bunch and look to challenge themselves or learn something new. With a packed calendar of athletic events, you’re able to test yourself in any number of sports or activities on any given day.

For more complete Vail Valley information, please visit visitvailvalley.com/.