Spotlight : Vail, Colorado

"America's top ski resort by practically any standard."

Frommer's

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Alan Caplan

April 23, 1982

My parents took the plunge in one of my favorite places on God's green earth. I hate to use the word "breathtaking" because that's such a commonly used word. It's more like Vail knocks the wind out of you with its beauty. Wherever I am, if sun is shining, humidity is low, and people just seem like they're enjoying the day, it reminds me of our summers in Vail.

Champagne welcome for guests exiting the gondola on their wedding day.

Their gondola had a "Just Married" sign on back.

Note: Unfortunately they are the only couple ever allowed

to get married at the top of Vail Mountain because, since dad was a city official, it was the only time Vail allowed the gondola to be used after the mountain closed.

I spent a handful of summers in Vail before I ever skied Vail Mountain and to be honest, I thought Vail in the summer was what it was all about. Turns out all of the marked paths and mountain routes are ski runs turned bike paths for the summer. At a young age I had one of those "genius" moments. I still have those from time to time. Life's pretty cool like that.

All things considered, Kansas is spitting distance from Colorado so even though I knew my parents worked, met and married there, when I was young it just made practical sense we headed that way at some point during the year. It takes time and a certain level of maturity before one can understand the meaning of not just people and things, but places. We'd get our bikes, 'blades, and do our annual tour of town. First stop was the Vail Public Library to see dad's name on the wall.

My sister at the library.

In my humble opinion, the best way to get to Vail is to fly into DEN, rent a car and drive an hour and a half through the most beautiful mountain passes in the U.S. That's a "to do" in and of itself. EGE (Eagle) is a bit closer, but more expensive and you miss the winding drive. Before I go into my personal faves and raves, I should note that it has been since 2003 since my last visit, so this by no stretch of the imagination is a comprehensive overview. Fortunately my picks have stood the test of time and I am happy to spotlight the following tried and true highlights:

Southeast of the Midwest's 

Vail Review

Summer
Bike: Either Vail Pass or any of the mountain trails, this is Vail's summer version of skiing. Vail Pass is Colorado's only mountain pass with a bike path the entire distance. Go all out by biking up then down both ways or take a shuttle to the top and cruise down into Vail Valley.
Swim: Don't be silly. The river is melted snow, but when the sun is shining, the resort or condo's pool (or hot tubs) are lovely.
Rodeo: Check their local listings for their regional calendars. Just thinking about Colorado rodeos makes me homesick because they embody Colorado summers: BBQ, boots, and poop in a hoop (kids buy a hula hoop and when they let the calfs run, the kids win a prize if a calf, well, poops in their hoop). You simply can't make this stuff up.
Horseback Riding: There are a few ranches that do 1 to 2 hour-long rides through the mountains and will usually take you close to the cliffs so you can see views of the valley.
River Rafting: Again, depending on your hopes and dreams, a few different companies can take you down the Colorado River passing through all levels of rapids.
Picnic: Grab sandwiches and drinks from a store or restaurant and take the gondola or chair lift up the mountain. It's picnicking at its very best.

Winter
Ski: I would be kidding myself if I even tried to say a few words. Just get yourself to Vail, look up, and if there's snow, find a way up and ski it. It's that easy. And fabulous. And these days it's probably a great way to spot celebrities. Note: A lift ticket on Vail will also give you access to neighboring Beaver Creek.
Spa: If there's snow and you're not skiing, eating, drinking, or sleeping, there's always the loyal hot tub or spa.

Eat, Drink, Shop
Ore House: Soooo this may be my favorite place because it's the first time I had a steamed artichoke, but the location is smack dab in the center of town with outdoor seating. It's been a local favorite for decades and has remained as Vail has changed through the years, which speaks for itself. Menu is a crowd-pleaser.
Apres Ski: If you ski, you must apres ski, or "after ski" in French. This can, and should, apply to biking as well. In other words: happy hour for the skier/biker when lifts close (around 3ish).
The Golden Bear: "The symbol of Vail Valley," The Golden Bear is the Tiffany & Co. of the Rockies. Stores have come and gone, but this one is here to stay. My mom has worn their signature "Papa Bear" necklace for as long as I can remember and when we got older, we got a "Mama Bear."

I wore my golden bear during our engagement photos as a surprise for my parents.

Rafting down the Colorado River during our 

"were not twins but my mom dresses us like we are" years.

I literally have dreams about rollerblading along Gore Creek
and walking across the rocks until my feet are numb
(remember: melted snow).

The aforementioned Gore Creek I roller blade in my dreams.

If I'm being completely honest, sometimes my dad and I would 

rent a tandem bike and I would pretend to pedal. 

Obviously still carrying guilt. Sorry about that, dad.

My parent's first home and where my sister spent her first years of life.

When the roads were bad, this driveway was the first plowed. Can't manage a city without the city manager.

My brother-in-law in front of the tree my parents

planted when my sister was born. Just like my sister,

the pine has grown to be an educated and creative Texan.

Now that I am sufficiently chomping at the bit for a visit, I hope if you haven't gotten a chance to go to Vail- or anywhere in the Rockies for that matter- such an adventure finds its way into your life. Be responsible: don't neglect your bucket list.

[photo sources: Cox Photography, Google, Mrs. Caplan, Mrs. Cornelius, Mrs. WRCIV]