Vail, CO question
 

Hi all

Will be going to Vail over the Memorial day weekend. Staying two nights at the Mariott (free points:). I have heard you can go up the mountain in a gondola and then mountain bike back. Since hubby and I have only done road biking before- is this something we could do - I will confess have not the first idea about mountain bikes but am very keen to try it.

Any recommendations for dinner in Vail? We like most kinds of cuisine - not too keen on french though(yes I am a pleb:)

Is it feasible on the third day for us to go from Vail to Pike's peak for the train ride up and maybe visit the Garden of Gods - or is it better saved for a trip with more time. There seems so much to do in Colorado, wish I had more time.

We have one night in Denver. Any recommendations for dinner? Have read about The Fort - is this a tourist trap?
How about Vestas?

Thanks

I would not call the Fort a tourist trap at all. Our family has enjoyed it numerous times for special occasions such as rehearsal dinner, law school graduation dinners. It has all kinds of game cooked all kinds of ways--have never seen more.
Vestas is delicious.
I can't answer about your biking--you could always ride the catwalks if the hill got too steep. Son does this a lot--it looks scary!!

indie, I am an avid Mtn Biker. You may want to check and see if the Gondola will be running Memorial weeeknd for biking. I know that in Keystone they do not allow bikes till mid june due to the snow melt. The bike trails on the Mtn are marked by difficulty, be sure to take the easier ones. There is great rd biking in and around Vail too.
Vail has wonderful dining try Sweet Basils, reservations are a must. Same with Vestas Dipping Grill. I would stay in Lodo area in Denver, the Courtyard By Marriott on 16th for moderate prices or the Oxford, Hotel Monaco are good choices too.

Yes there is lots to do in Colorado and Vail is wonderful I would not take the time to go to Pikes Peak. There is too much great things in Vail.

Thanks Gretchen never really tried any game meat - so we will try the Fort.

Coskier, thanks will check re: gondola and maybe stick to road biking :)
Would you suggest I get the retaurant reservations this week?

Denver we will need to stay closer to the airport we have a flight at 6.40 in the morning :(

Indie, There are also lots of great paved trails you will be able to take. You might get a ride to the top of the Vail Pass and ride back. I like to do the Vail Pass to Keystone ride, but you'd be stuck in Keystone unless you have someone to pick you up. :-)

indie oh do try Mtn Biking. It is a thrill! Just stay on the "easier" trails. I would go ahead and make Sweet Basil reservations soon, Vestas can wait unless it is a weekend.

Grasshopper we rode from Keystone to Vail Pass and back last Sat. Was doing great till about Dillon on the way back :)

Do you bike alot? We are planning on doing the Century ride in Buena Vista this weekend.

Coskier, you have my eternal admiration! I could never make it up to Vail Pass. I used to ride a lot.... at sea level! I'm heading to Keystone in 4 weeks and hope to base myself there until about Oct. (flying to SF for meetings) Hopefully during that time I'll get used to the elevation. Good luck on the century ride.

bummer having to stay at the airport! It is "far out" in a not good way. How are you arranging your time?

Coskier, one more question, we will be driving from Denver to Vail. We reach Denver at about 8.40 in the morning on Saturday, any good places we can have maybe a late brekkie or brunch on the way.

Gretchen as far as time, we plan to drive down to Vail on day one. Day three drive back to Denver have dinner at The Fort, if we get in earlier we'll wander around the downtown area. Next day get an Early start at maybe 4 have heard security at Denver airport can take a while. Gosh..am already sad thinking of the end of my tiny vacation but guess a short getaway is better than nothing :)

Indie, About half an hour from the airport, at Denver West, there is a Mimi's Cafe. It's my favorite place to stop for brunch before going into the mountains.

Hi Indie:

I don't think the gondie opens until mid-June. There are plenty of other mtn biking trails open now though. You can ask at any bike store (all the ski shops rent bikes in the summer) for favorite local trails. Also, there are some nice bike paths if you want to take a road bike out.

Larkspur is my favorite Vail restaurant, closely followed by Sweet Basil and Montauk. Montauk is closest to the Marriott. Blu's on the creek has a great breakfast menu.

The village is completely torn up right now. The town is doing utility work - but all the shops and restaurants should be open by Memorial Weekend.

Skip Pike's Peak - its a good 3 hour drive to Colorado/Manitou Springs + another hour to drive to the top. There is too much to do in Vail to waste a day driving.

Coskier, How was the century ride?

Hi Grasshopper, thanks for thinking of me. Alas my dog sitter cancelled at the last minute. My dogs are 12 and 13 so they cannot stay inside for long times. Hubby and friends went had a blast I was feeling very left out! :(

I highly recommend going to Beano's Cabin for dinner. You can go up on horseback or carriage. You get to the top of the mountain where you see bears, deers, they have a resident porcupine that takes food right out of your hands. You can dress in jeans but the food is incredible and expensive but well worth the visit. They have a guy up there that plays James Taylor music and it's just heavenly. My husband and I have gone just the 2 of us and have also brought our kids. There are plenty of kids up there and they have a kid friendly menu. Don't miss it if you can go.

As for mountain biking you do need to be careful going down because lots of people do go over the handlebars. However, you can ride the paved bike path now from Breckenridge to Aspen not that you would do that but it's a great path with beautiful views and streams that is great exercise. We go for a month over the summer and I can't say enough great things about Vail. You'll have a great time.