Summer Fridays: Vail, CO

Summer means it’s time to get away. All season, we’re sharing some of our favorite U.S. summer travel spots. Find a destination to cure your wanderlust? Take the Summer Friday.

  Vail, Colorado | Summer Fridays Series, Week 5

Vail is a notorious winter getaway destination, known for its powder-white ski slopes and cozy mountain lodges. But Vail in the summertime often remains a hidden gem.

The town’s old-world European charm is set on a lush, green mountain backdrop. From live music festivals to venturing up the mountain, there are endless ways to enjoy Vail in the summer.

This week, we’re venturing into Vail for a peek at what the off-season has to offer.

Take advantage of Vail’s scenic green slopes when you visit in summer. From the village, a gondola ride will take you 10,000 feet up the mountain, where there are a variety of restaurants and activities waiting in the valley. 

Try out one of the hiking and mountain bike paths. Once you’re done, you can hike all the way down or take a gondola ride back. Booth Falls is one of the most popular routes, a  4.2-mile hike with views of surrounding rivers, valleys, and forests. 

Around since 1974, Alpenrose serves German-Austrian comfort foods such as cheese fondue, pretzels, schnitzel and goulash. The staff is dressed in traditional clothing to reflect the vision of the “old” Vail, which is set in the restaurant’s rustic, cozy atmosphere. One of the restaurant’s most popular spots to dine, even in winter, is their outdoor patio, so you can keep an eye on the village.

Inspired by a night out with friends over cocktails, Gin is a fresh and woody blend of Juniper Berry, Lime and Ginger Leaf. It’s light enough for a day outdoors, whether hiking a trail or laughing over cocktails. 

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