Katy & Andrew
Things To Do
Vail Mountain
Vail Mountain is directly accessible from Vail Village and has a wealth of summer activities, from hikes to mountain biking and even a ropes course! See the site for more details--most activities do not require a reservation.
Vail Golf Club
For avid golfers, the easiest way to add 20-30 yards to your drive is not improving your technique, but playing at high altitudes - work smarter, not harder! Vail Valley is home to multiple golf courses, and you can find more information here (https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/golf.aspx). Vail Golf Club is just a short bus ride or drive from town and is one of several great options in the area. Please text Andrew (or Katy, if you need Andrew's info) if you'd like to get paired up with other golfers from the wedding to make a foursome. Advance reservations for tee times are strongly recommended.
Vail Valley Anglers
Go fly fishing with a private guide. Vail Valley Anglers is one of the companies in the area that will take you out in a small group and teach you how to fly fish, no experience required. This is a great early morning activity (they like to go before the water gets too warm because that's when the fish are out). Advance reservations strongly recommended.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
This is one of Andrew's favorite places in Vail and walkable from town. This alpine garden is incredibly vibrant with flowers and plants that only live at high altitudes. No reservation needed!
Booth Falls Hike
This is our favorite hike in the area. You hike up to a gorgeous waterfall through stunning fields of trees and wildflowers. For the truly intrepid, you can continue on past the waterfall to Booth Lake. Accessible with either a short drive or bus ride from Vail Village (details on website). No reservation needed!
Kemo Sabe Vail
Kemo Sabe is the premier destination in Vail for all cowboy accessories - hats, boots, and whatever else your Western heart could desire. If you're getting a hat, they will brand your initials on the side with hot irons, and they'll also add feathers if you'd like. There are a few other places in town for this kind of stuff that's a little more wallet friendly, but if you want the best, go to Kemo Sabe. Also, across the street from Kemo Sabe in an Aviator Nation store, which we also love and has some limited Vail edition merch.
Gorsuch
The best luxury shopping in Vail and a true mountain classic. Whether you're looking for a new outfit or are just there to people watch, you can't miss it!
Sweet Basil
This is our favorite restaurant in Vail and it's absolutely worth a visit. Don't miss the sticky toffee pudding for dessert! Reserve as soon as tables open - it books quickly! Tables open one month in advance to the date at 12 PM ET - https://www.exploretock.com/sweetbasil/
Mountain Standard
Run by the same owners as Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard has a funkier, more casual vibe and the food also can't be missed. Reserve as soon as tables open - it books quickly! Tables open one month in advance to the date at 12 PM ET - https://www.exploretock.com/mountainstandard
Matsuhisa
This place is literally Nobu Vail (owned by Matsuhisa Nobu). The food is great, as is the people watching. Book ahead and be sure to order a Matsutini! Reserve as soon as tables open - it books quickly! Tables open 30 days in advance at 5 PM ET. Your best bet is to call (970)-476-6628 and select option 1 for reservations.
Alpenrose Vail
More casual spot with great Austrian fare and a lovely outdoor patio. Reserve on OpenTable in advance, but typically not as crazy to secure as the other spots above.
Slope Room
Great cocktails and bites! Reserve in advance on OpenTable.
DECA+BOL
BOL is a high-end bowling alley with great drinks, snacks, and vibes! Great activity especially for groups. Highly recommend booking in advance here - https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/bolvailbowling.
Pepi's Bar & Restaurant
Pepi Gramshammer was an Austrian Olympic ski racer and the founder of Vail Village in the early 1960s. His hotel, Gasthof Gramshammer, has been around for 60 years and its bar is legendary in Vail. Stop by for a drink around happy hour and enjoy live music and a beer, or have a traditional Austrian dinner in the Game Room. Call to reserve for dinner (and specially request the Game Room).
Red Lion
The quintessential Vail dive bar. Very solid bar food - from nachos to wings to spinach artichoke dip!
Vail Stables
Horseback riding is one of our favorite Colorado summer activities. Vail Stables is a very short taxi ride from Vail Village and is a great option for scenic trail rides! Reservations required in advance.
Vail Valley Paragliding
Requires transport (cab or drive). Vail has some awesome paragliding over the mountains in the morning thanks to favorable thermals created by the sun hitting the mountains. This activity is somewhat near the Vail Rod & Gun Club so it could be fun to pair the two if you're looking for an adventurous outing!
Vail Rod & Gun Club
Requires transport. "Fun spot for shooting clay pigeons," according to Andrew. The gun club has a 10 different clay throwing machines that will test your shooting abilities from all kinds of angles.
Timberline Tours
Requires transport. Go whitewater rafting with a guide and a group. Very fun activity, and good for larger groups. Different rapids are open at different times of the year and have different levels of difficulty. We recommend reaching out to their office to find out what's open, how far it will be, and at what level.
Native Roots Marijuana Dispensary Vail
Requires transport (car or taxi). Marijuana is legal in the great state of Colorado. Although the town of Vail itself does not have any dispensaries, the neighboring town Eagle Vail is 10 minutes away and down with the cause.