Driving Denver to Vail. Sights? Lunch?
 

Husband and I are driving from Denver to Vail on Thursday. Are there any don't-miss sights along the way? Any recommendations for a good stop for an informal lunch?

((R)) ((R)) ((R))

Idaho Springs has a good deli. Frisco is a cute little town. Silverthorne has lots of restaurants.

I'm interested in this too. We are arriving in Denver on Wednesday and driving to Vail.

I was about to ask this same question.

Hey, Antmaril! Maybe we'll see you in Vail. I'll wear my Fodors pin! Where

:-) :-) :-)

...as I was saying, before I hit the post button prematurely...where are you arriving from?

It's only a two hour drive. If you feel like you want to stop for lunch, I'd recommend the Arapahoe Cafe in Dillon. Take Hwy 6 toward Keystone and turn into Dillon town. If it's nice you can eat outside. If it's really nice, go to the Marina and try the Tiki Bar, on Lake Dillon. Be warned, the weather can change in a moment and for the last few weeks it's been overcast by noon.

We like Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs.

Betsy:

We are coming from Michigan. We are staying at the Sonnenalp (four nights) and the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch (two nights).

How about you?

We're coming from the SF Bay area. Husband is in a wedding on Saturday at Beaver Creek. We're staying at the Charter at Beaver Creek with the rest of the wedding party. Haven't been to the area before and am looking forward to it. Check out the temps on weather.com.

We've never been to Colorado before either! We are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary while we are there! I think the weather forecast is awesome!! It isn't easy to find moderate temps in July!! That's one reason why we chose Vail.

I just hope it doesn't rain!

Have fun!!!!

I would second Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs. It's a great Colorado tradition. Great pizza too. There's also the Denver Buffalo Company if you'd like to have a buffalo burger.

In Frisco, I'd recommend the Backcountry Brewery.

A third vote for Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs! Yummy!

As for sights, you'll have great views from the Interstate the whole way there--enjoy them! If you have some extra time, you can stop and take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Train--a short ride through the mountains with some scenic views. Also, it's not "outdoorsy", but if you are interested in shopping, stop in Dillon/Silverthorne at the outlets--lots of great shops!

Once you get to Vail/Beaver Creek, you'll really love the views and atmosphere. Take a ride in the gondola up Vail mountain for a SPECTACULAR view of the Rockies. Have fun!

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions.

We are leaving in the morning and can't wait.

I'll report when we return.

2nd the Tiki Bar! It is the only "restaurant" on the water. It is basically a tough shed with BBQ and bar. One of my favorite places, few tourist ever find it. Take the Dillon exit off hwy 70. Follow the signs to the Marina / amphitheatre Park in the amphitheatre lot and walk down to the marina. Amazing views. Nothing better

I asked this same questions last year and Coskier answered it with what is still one of my favorite places in Colorado - the Tiki Bar! Incredible lake-side view with the mountains in the background - and the food was pretty good also! I highly recommend it.

I will add a thought. If you are returning on a Sunday afternoon the traffic will be bad. If the times work you might stop at Idaho Springs for lunch. Then even if the traffic is bad you are only a few miles to where the traffic frees up. That way you get to try Beau Jo's and the Tiki Bar.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I'll print out this thread and figure out where we want to have lunch as we drive along.

Cosker, where does the traffic get bad and where does it free up on Sunday afternoons? That's when we'll be driving back to Denver.

Oops! I should have typed Coskier. My apologies!

ttt