Best Coffee in Vail
You know that moment when you get off the slopes and you crave a nice hot coffee, tea or even hot cocoa? What is it about a nice warm drink that can leave you feeling perfectly satisfied. Yeti's Grind Coffee Shop is a small business owned by Husband and wife entrepreneurs, Nate and Tara Picklo. Go there for coffee, amazing tea selection, pastries, burritos, sandwiches, salads and of course small town comfort in a cup!
Story of the Yeti
The Yeti trekked across glaciers in Alaska as part of a NOLS course. He slept in igloos and snow caves, navigated crevasses, received food drops by crazy bush pilots, and did all those wilderness things that Yeti’s do in their spare time.
As it turns out, everyone loves a furry Yeti especially in a small mountain town like Eagle, CO. It just made sense to name the coffee shop after the guy who built it!
Cheers!
Over the last few years, Nate and Tara have become passionate about coffee and love how coffee brings the community together. Since cycling is an important part of their lives, they started a bike team for the Vail mountain bike series. Team Yeti has been growing since the first year Yeti’s was open with an awesome group of people and sponsors making up one fun team!
Beaver Creek Oktoberfest
Beaver Creek's annual Oktoberfest returns with foot stompin' oom-pah-pah music, unbeatable beer and wunderbar wurst! Enjoy complimentary live entertainment in Beaver Creek Plaza all weekend and it’s the perfect time to be outdoors and hike, bike, play a round of golf and celebrate Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek.
Musical highlights include Trachtenkapelle from our sister city in Austria, Lech Zurs and Beaver Creek’s very own Helmut Fricker! Saturday's headliner features Petty Fever, a tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Sunday's lineup features headliners The Hollywood Stones - a tribute to the Rolling Stones! Once again, guests of all ages will have the chance to compete in the Bavarian Costume Contest on Saturday. On Sunday, kids will be able to showcase their musical talents at the Kids’ European Alpenhorn contest.
A Kids’ Fun Zone will be open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday providing activities, arts and crafts designed for kids 12 and under. Don’t miss the Oktoberfest Shuffle before enjoying the brats and beer garden on Sunday morning.
Oktoberfest offers free admission to the plaza and food and beverage are available for purchase. Commemorative steins will be available for $47 (cash or credit card) at the plaza bars - cost includes your first beer free! Stein supply is limited and will run out!
Oktoberfest Shuffle - Sunday, September 4th:
Get a workout in with all the beer and brats from the annual Oktoberfest weekend - all for a great cause! Join us for the Oktoberfest Shuffle - a walk, hike, or run over your choice of a 5 km or 10 km course across the scenic trails of Beaver Creek Mountain.
A portion of the registration proceeds will benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.
To view the 5 km & 10 km course maps, please click here.
The first 200 runners registered will receive a commemorative Oktoberfest Shuffle hat. All race participants will enjoy a beer and a bratwurst and are eligible to receive a free pair of SmartWool socks - simply show your race bib at the SmartWool store to redeem!
If you're interested in supporting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund CLICK HERE.
Additional donations go directly to provide assistance to individuals who live and work in Eagle County who are experiencing a financial hardship due to a medical crisis or long-term illness.
Oktoberfest Schedule of Events
Saturday, September 3rd
11:00AM - 6:00PM Beer garden and restaurant vendors open (Plaza)11:00AM - 6:00PM Vibram "Sole Factor" - free shoe customization and repair! (Covered Bridge) 11:00AM - 12:15PM Live music by Trachtenkapelle from Lech-Zurs, Austria (Main Stage)11:00AM - 4:00PM Kids' Fun Zone open at Centennial Park (Base of Chair 6)12:00PM Bavarian Costume Contest Registration (Red Guest Service Tent on Plaza)
Spaces are limited - get there early!12:00PM - 3:00PM SmartWool "Perfect Pair" Game (SmartWool Store)12:30PM - 1:30PM Live music by The Helmut Fricker Band (Main Stage)1:45PM - 2:45PM Live music by Trachtenkapelle from Lech-Zurs, Austria (Main Stage)2:00PM - 6:30PM Complimentary Photo Booth hosted by Bamboo Booth (Next to Covered Bridge)3:00PM - 4:00PM Live music by The Helmut Fricker Band (Main Stage)4:00PM Bavarian Costume Contest (Main Stage)4:30PM - 6:00PM Live Music by Petty Fever - Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Main Stage)
Sunday, September 4th
10:00AM Oktoberfest Shuffle - 5K, 10K and Family Fun 1K (Base of Chair 6)11:00AM - 6:00PM Beer garden and restaurant vendors open (Plaza)11:00AM - 6:00PM Vibram "Sole Factor" - free shoe customization and repair! (Covered Bridge) 11:00AM - 12:15PM Live music by Trachtenkapelle from Lech-Zurs, Austria (Main Stage)11:00AM - 4:00PM Kids’ Fun Zone open (Base of Chair 6)12:00PM Kids' Alpenhorn Contest Registration (Red Guest Service Tent on Plaza)
Spaces are limited - get there early!12:30PM-1:30PM Live music by The Helmut Fricker Band (Main Stage)1:45PM - 2:45PM Live music by Trachtenkapelle from Lech-Zurs, Austria (Main Stage)2:00PM - 6:30PM Complimentary Photo Booth hosted by Bamboo Booth (Next to Covered Bridge)3:00PM - 4:00PM Live music by The Helmut Fricker Band (Main Stage)4:00PM Kids’ European Alpenhorn Contest at Centennial Park (Kids' Fun Zone)4:30PM - 6:00PM Live Music by The Hollywood Stones - Tribute to The Rolling Stones (Main Stage)
Event Descriptions
Kids' Fun Zone
A free Kids' Fun Zone is available from 11:00am - 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday in Centennial Park, located at the base of Chair 6. The Fun Zone includes free face painting, arts & crafts and a bouncy house. Kids can also "walk on water" in Tumble Bubbles for a nominal charge!
Bavarian Costume Contest
Come show off your Bavarian style on Saturday, September 3rd! Registration begins on Saturday at 12:00pm at the red guest service tent - spaces are limited so make sure to sign up early. Contestants will compete in one of four divisions: Boys (12 & Under), Girls (12 & Under), Men (13 & Up) and Women (13 & Up) All participants must be present in front of the main stage at 4:00pm for judging.
Kids' Alpenhorn Contest
Calling all kids! Come test your Alpenhorn skills on Sunday, September 4th at the Kids' Alpenhorn Contest, located in the Kids' Fun Zone at Centennial Park. Registration begins on Sunday at 12:00pm at the red guest service tent - spaces are limited so make sure to sign up early. Contestants will participate in one of three divisions: Ages 8 & Under, Ages 9 - 12 and Ages 13 - 16. The contest will start promptly at 4:00pm!
Oktoberfest Shuffle
Squeeze in a workout before all the beer and brats from the annual Oktoberfest weekend - all for a great cause! Join us for the Oktoberfest Shuffle - a non-competitive walk, hike, or run over your choice of a 5 km or 10 km course across the scenic trails of Beaver Creek Mountain. Free Family Fun 1 km also available. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. Please click on the Oktoberfest Shuffle tab for details and registration!
Vibram Sole Factor
Stop by the Vibram Sole Factor van at the Covered Bridge on Saturday and Sunday, from 11am-6pm, to customize, upgrade or repair your shoes. Give them new life, style and performance!*
*Offer valid while supply lasts.
SmartWool "Perfect Pair" Game
Visit the Smartwool tent, located outside the SmartWool store in Beaver Creek Village, and find out how to get your perfect pair of SmartWool socks, for free!*
*Offer valid while supply lasts.
Oktoberfest Lineup
The Helmut Fricker Band
Clad in lederhosen and toting an accordion or alpenhorn, Helmut Fricker has entertained visitors at Beaver Creek since the resort opened in 1980, yodeling and cracking jokes. Helmut is an icon in Beaver Creek and we always look forward to the entertainment of the Helmut Fricker Band at Beaver Creek Oktoberfest!
Trachtenkapelle
Trachtenkapelle is comprised of a group of musicians, spanning all ages that make up the town band of Beaver Creek's sister city of Lech Zürs, Austria. As in any town band they play an integral part in the cultural and entertainment life of Lech Zürs - from the regular series of summer outdoor concerts to church festivities and ceremonies, to their annual gala concert, and to our renowned musical festivals. Their repertoire consists mainly of traditional Austrian and Bohemian band music; marches, polkas and waltzes. However, every once in a while contemporary sounds do escape!
Petty Fever
Petty Fever is an award-winning full production Tom Petty Tribute Show Band featuring the talented and electrifying guitarist/vocalist, Frank Murray, who recently was nominated as “2014 Live Performer of The Year” for the 24th Annual LA Music Awards.
Petty Fever provides “a high energy show for all ages!” Enthusiastic fans range in age from pre-teens and teens that are experiencing a new love for the timeless music of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, to older fans who have adored Tom Petty for the past 38+ years.
Petty Fever provides a stunning salute to Tom Petty, performing over three decades of classic Petty hits, such as American Girl, Free Falling, Breakdown, Running Down a Dream, I Won’t Back Down, You Wreck Me and many more! If you’re looking for an incredibly authentic Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert experience, Catch Petty Fever!
The Hollywood Stones
For nearly 20 years, the best of the Stones, absolutely live!
Band Members:
Dick Swagger - Vocals, Piano, Harp, Saxophone, Percussion
Keef Riffoff - Guitars, Vocals
Rick Taylor - Guitars, Vocals, Percussion
Will Hyman - Bass, Vocals
Harley Watts - Drums, Percussion
Press:
"You guys were fantastic! A great performance." - Dick Clark
"Remember The Rolling Stones when they were the punks of their day." - L. A. Times
"I love great cover bands, and what you guys do is cool…" - Slash - Guns N’ Roses
The Best Sandwich Shop in Vail, Colorado
You know that moment when you get off the slopes (or finished with a long bike ride or hike) and you just have a hankering for a really good sandwich? Yeah, we do too. What is it about a good sandwich that can leave you feeling perfectly satisfied. Maybe it's the fact that you can put a bunch of ingredients that on their own don't go together but somehow between two pieces of bread, they just sort of make sense? Well whether you share our fanaticism for sandwiches or are just a well-rounded eater, we compiled a list of noteworthy sandwich and sub shops in Vail Village. And on top of that, we've done our homework to find out who reviewers has the BEST sandwiches in their shop.
So here the list and the sandwich shop "winner" is revealed at the bottom. (Such suspense!)
In true deli-style, Joe's Famous Deli has been a go-to for Vail visitors for 12 years. Joe's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and even delicious homemade ice cream. Known for their premium meats and ingredients, you won't be disappointed after scarfing down a sub at Joe's!
2. Big Bear Bistro
Conveniently located at the top of Bridge Street (only steps from Gondola One), and offering Gourmet Sandwiches in the Vail Valley, featuring Boar’s Head meats, fresh veggies and organic bread baked fresh daily! A true local’s hangout and owned and operated by long-time locals this Vail Sandwich shop does not disappoint!
3. The Little Diner
This adorable "little diner" lives up to it's name in size only. Offering hearty meals and sandwiches made from scratch and embodying comfort food, this chef owned and operated joint is bound to knock your socks off with their coveted and popular family recipes. Located at the West Lionshead Plaza Bus Stop next to Moe's BBQ and Vail Skate Supply.
This french-style deli, whose name literally translated to "The French Deli" is perfectly befitting for Vail. Located in Lionshead Village, Les Delices de France offers cultural sandwich flare just when you're craving it most.
The Smiling Moose Deli, located in Edwards, is most well known for their breakfast sandwiches but excel in other sandwiches as well. One of several locations throughout the US the Edwards Smiling Moose Deli has garnered quite a local following throughout the years which is the ultimate testament to a good sub shop. Open for breakfast and lunch, you won't want to miss out on this tasty source for sandwiches!
And now, the people of the internet agree, that the best sandwich shop in Vail is:
(Drumroll please)
2. BIG BEAR BISTRO
In addition to their tasty combinations, Big Bear Bistro is touted for using some of the best gourmet ingredients. The sandwiches here have high quality fixin's and fresh ingredients, so as far as sandwiches go, you really can't go wrong here!
So, next time you find yourself in a hangry (hungry + angry) position, do your tastebuds a favor and head over to Big Bear Sandwich or any of the other notable mentions on this list and satisfy that craving!
The Aspen MotherLode Volleyball Tournament
The Aspen Motherlode Volleyball Tournament will be held over Labor Day Weekend. Admission to the tournament is free, so this is one activity in Aspen during August that you do not want to miss!
The MotherLode Volleyball Classic is a North American rated, number one Pro-Am Volleyball Event. This volleyball tournament is also the location of the USA Volleyball National Park Volley National Championships. Over 700 teams will come out from all over the country to compete in a variety of matches. Beach volleyball professionals, USA National Team members, top amateurs and "game legends" will all be participating. This tournament serves as the Nation's largest and most comprehensive, beach volleyball doubles tournament in the Country.
The MotherLode Tournament turns more into a festival atmosphere each year and this year is no exception. The tournament last for 6 days official and a new tourney format allows for participants to compete in multi-day divisions allowing them to "pool out" and move into the playoff competitions. Top teams will move into the "MotherLode Championship division and the rest of the teams will then be put into the "Festival" division.
The tournament will feature 18 different divisions of play at 7 sites in and around the Aspen area. Main Championship courts located at Koch Lumber Park (sand) and Wagner Park (grass). Spectator admission is FREE -- with food and beverage concessions, music, and a full "volley-fair". All in all, making for a fun and exciting volleyball tournament to watch.
Of course, there's also the infamous after parties as well, which will be at 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel (appetizers and music) and at The Regal Watering Hole (where you will find dancing, dancing, and more dancing). Yee haw! See you there!
For more information, visit the official MotherLode Tournament site.
Caribbean Ziplining in St. Thomas, USVI
Ziplining can be one of the most unique and exhilarating ways to experience the environment that a destination has to offer and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is no exception. Blessed with lush rainforests and breathtaking views, St. Thomas has limitless possibilities to offer in the way of stunning scenery and rare beauty. If you're looking to pair your Caribbean vacation with adventure and exploration, ziplining through the tropical landscape and sailing among the treetops is the best way to do it!
Tree Limin' Extreme is the only zipline canopy tour among the US Virgin Islands. Tree Limin' Extreme offers six exciting ziplines, two awesome sky bridges and eight scenic aerial platforms. They also host the only "Yo-Yo" zipline in Caribbean, guaranteed to "take your breath away" (literally and figuratively).
The ziplining at Tree Limin' can be adjusted to cater to the adrenaline junkie looking for a challenge or a more relaxed, laid back adventurist who just wants to cruise and have fun. The local course expert guides will regale you with singing and stories of the island as well as allowing you the chance to meet other guests on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. Tree Limin' is also accredited by the ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) and boasts a course designed by a world renowned contractor who's company ranks among the top companies in the industry. Tree Limin' also takes care to exceed industry safety standards and all guides are trained in CPR and possess first aid certifications.
The concept of "Limin" is a large part of the local culture and is the term to define "to hang out." You will be engulfed with this concept from the moment you begin your adventure. Your tour guide will meet you at the base of St. Peter Mountain with your personal safety equipment and instruction tutorial. Then you will be taken to the top of the scenic St. Peter Mountain via a 6 wheel drive Pinzgauer, an authentic Swiss Army vehicle. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you will be met with unparalleled views of Magen's Bay, St. John, the British Virgin Islands, Jost van Dyke, Tortola and more.
The course is situated high in the rainforest of St. Peter Mountain and the course allows you to reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, should you desire a racing soar above the treetops. The top of St. Peter Mountain is also home to the St. Peter Mountain Great House Botanical Gardens, of which you can conduct your own self guided tour through and should! Don't miss the natural trails, streaming waterfalls, bird aviaries, lush gardens, and over 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits that can be found at the top of this mountain possessing sweeping and phenomenal views to make your trip complete!
Luxury accommodations for the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas can be found at the Ritz Carlton Club in St. Thomas luxury condos complete with hotel amenities, multiple bedrooms, kitchen, living areas and beachfront property access. Book your luxury St. Thomas vacation rental today with Travel En Vogue.
Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco
Looking for a free fun outdoor activity to do on your upcoming trip to San Francisco this summer? This year marks the 76th year of the annual Stern Grove Festival concerts. Running up until the 18th of August, these admission-free concerts occur every Sunday in Stern Grove and are wonderful chance to enjoy some of San Francisco’s diverse cultural and picnic among a gorgeous landscape.
The Stern Grove park space was originally bought by Rosalie M. Stern in 1931, who gave the Grove to the City of San Francisco as a gift. The gift was dedicated to the memory of her husband Sigmund Stern, a renowned civic leader. Inspired by the natural acoustics that the Grove possessed, Rosalie Stern pushed for the area to become a park where anyone could enjoy music, theater performances and dance, free of an admission charge. The Festival committee works to maintain Mrs. Stern’s vision by bringing a diverse selection of high quality performances to serve all variations of audience tastes. The concerts remain a Bay Area tradition every summer where people can gather to experience a unique blend of exceptional nature, entertainment and socializing.
THE LINE-UP:
July 21: Red Baraat, Fanfare Ciocărlia
July 28: San Francisco Ballet (directed by Helgi Tomasson)
August 4: Shuggie Otis, The Relatives
August 11: Pink Martini, La Santa Cecilia
August 18: San Francisco Opera
The concerts begin at 2:00 pm and end around 4:30 or 5:30, depending on the performance. Benches and lawn space are provided but it is advisable to arrive early to secure optimal seating and chairs and blankets may help to make your stay more comfortable. Food vendors are set up during the concerts but you are welcome to bring your own picnic if you prefer. Alcohol is not sold at the events but you may bring your own beer and wine, which can be consumed in the Concert Meadow and West Meadow on Concert Sundays. Using public transportation to get to the venue is encouraged.
From the Ritz Carlton Club in San Francisco (located at 690 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94104), you would:
1. Walk to the Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound (about 1 min)
2. Take the Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound (M) Light rail towards Balboa Park Station (21 min, 10 stops)
3. Exit the Light rail at West Portal/Sloat/St Francis Circle and walk to 19th Ave and Sloat Blvd, where you will find Stern Grove (about 3 min, 0.2 mi)
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Stern Grove Festival website.
Fourth of July at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
This year’s July 4th celebration in Avon Valley promises not to disappoint. Start the festivities by enjoying the afternoon at the Ritz Carlton in Bachelor Gulch, where they will be hosting a clam bake and pig roast on the Mountainside Terrace. Guests will be able to partake in horseshoes, Bocce ball and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. This event lasts from 4 – 7 pm and costs $35 per person and provides perfect precursor to an evening of spectacular fireworks over Avon Lake in Beaver Creek or the Vail fireworks show.
If you feel like venturing over to Vail during this year’s Independence Day, there is a celebration not to be missed within Vail Village. The annual Vail America Days 4th of July festival will be taking place and offers a variety of activities for all ages. The Vail America Days is just one of the many reasons people love to spend their 4th of July holiday in the Colorado mountains during the summer.
The Vail festival is no stranger to those celebrations. The festival will offer live music, children’s entertainment, the popular Vail 4th of July parade throughout Vail Village, an open air street festival through the town and of course, fireworks! All of the Vail summer activities are also still available including gondola rides, hiking, Adventure Ridge activities, biking and the like.
The Fourth of July Parade in Vail will start at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 4 at Golden Peak and will meander through the Vail Village streets to conclude in Lionshead. The parade can be viewed from practically any place within the streets of Vail Village. The Vail parade is ideal for an activity that the whole family will enjoy! For more information, visit the Independence Day festival in Vail official website.
Not to be missed is the famous fireworks display over Nottingham Lake, which is happening this year on July 3. The event will host the Dirty Dozen Brass Band as the headlining act for the evening with other fun bands throughout the night. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and get their early to pick a prime spot around the lake. There will also be food vendors, a beer garden and family activities in the Harry A. Nottingham Park. The event starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 10:00 pm.
ENJOY YOUR FOURTH!
Private Pool Cabanas at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
New to the hotel this season are private pool side cabanas offered by 82 Degrees, the hotel's poolside service personnel. You can purchase any of the following packages and reserve the cabana for the time that fits your schedule. The Cabana Experience is one not to be missed at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch pool this summer! Don't miss out before summer's over!
The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is offering the following Cabana Experience Packages:
Rocky Mountain Cabana
One Bottle Service of Either
Ritz Champagne, Grey Goose Vodka, 10 Cane Rum, or
Patron Silver with mixers
Chips & Dips
6 hour service | $300
Lounge & Lunch
Lunch for 2 Guests at 82 Degrees
Fiji Water
4 hour service | $200
Colorado Rockies Cabana
3 Pitchers of Select Colorado Microbrews
Basket of Bison Jerky & Mixed Nuts
4 hour service | $150
Casual Daze Cabana
Fiji Water. Selection of Board Games
Bowl of Sweets
4 hours service | $100
Daily Cabana
Ritz Carlton Water
1 hour service I $25 per hour
You may reserve your cabana experience with any of the 82 Degrees staff and can contact them for more information at 970-343-1092.
Market on the Mountain at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
The The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch has started an exciting new summer mountain activities series in which they will be featuring 7 different local vendors as part of an on- mountain market that will take place each Wednesday beginning June 26 and continuing until September 18, 2013 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The Bachelor Gulch mountain market will have local items from meat butchers, beer vendors, produce from local farmers and patisseries for guests to purchase.
In addition to the fresh local fare, market goers will have the unique option of the having the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Chef use the items they have purchased at the Market on the Mountain series, to create a personal dinner experience incorporating all of the local mountain market items. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a dinner experience off the regular menu which regularly encompasses local and fresh farm to table foods.
The Mountain on the Market is just one of the many Vail valley summer events that make Colorado summer vacations so relaxing and fun. The Bachelor Gulch Ritz Carlton will have picnic style seating on the front hotel lawn and live entertainment that will start at 4:00 pm and continue to 9:00 pm. Come enjoy the view, people, food and entertainment on a beautiful mountain summer evening.
Ritz Carlton Club - St Thomas Activity Ideas
The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas resort is loaded with activities for Ritz Carlton Club in St. Thomas guests to enjoy during their stay at this 5 star luxury resort in St. Thomas, not limited to wind surfing, Hobie cats, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, yoga, tennis and more.
But what if you wanted to get out of this luxury resort for a while and experience a piece of what the rest of the US Virgin Islands have to offer? Well, we have a suggestion that just might cure your craving: Carolina Corral Horseback Riding Stables in St. John.
You can easily take the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John and can reach the stables via bus or taxi to Coral Bay. The company was founded with the mission to rescue, rehabilitate and give abandoned or injured animals another opportunity. Carolina Corral offers both hour long to hour and a half long rides that take riders up into the lush scenic hills of St. John along a trail that affords breathtaking views of the British Virgin Islands, the east end of St. John and Hurricane Hole.
Tours are lead by a Carolina Corral guide and include information and stories pertaining to the history of the island, plant and flower identification and stories about the horses and other animals that live on this St. John Island farm.
Things to note before you go:
- Horses are not allowed on Virgin Islands beaches. The trail rides allow the horses to dip in the water but not along the beach.
- Make an appointment in advance or you may end up waiting once you get there.
The Ritz Carlton Club – St. Thomas concierge can assist you in booking your Caribbean horseback riding excursion to make your stay at the Ritz Carlton resort in St. Thomas the best it can be!
Carolina Corral Information:
Website: http://carolinacorral.vi/
Address: 16133 Spring Garden
St. John, VI 00830-9565
Phone Number: 340-779-4585
Vail Restaurant: The 10th
A new, upscale ski-in, ski-out dining option is available at Mid-Vail for the 2012 ski season. The 10th is a spacious restaurant with amazing views of the Gore Range. At over 13,000 square feet, The 10th can seat 160 people in the main dining room, 40 in the lounge, and another 40 on the south-facing deck. The bar offers Express Lunch for skiers who want to eat and dash. The bar is definitely a focal point of the restaurant, made of translucent green onyx lit from below. The deck is the perfect place to enjoy a long, relaxing lunch after an early morning run - it gets sun from at least 11:30am to 5pm, even on a short day.
You'll find modern alpine classics and a creative kids menu. The 3 course kids meal starts with veggie sticks and dressing and offers gourmet comfort food for the entree, including kid favs such as mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, PB&J with strawberries and bananas, burgers, pizza, etc. The dessert course is a delicious mini chocolate milkshake and homemade donut.
The "modern alpine cuisine" draws inspiration from the Swiss and Austrian Alps regions and Rocky Mountain cuisine. You'll find gourmet comfort food, like chicken noodle soup, and more refined fare, like the short ribs braised in Gruyere sauce. They make everything from scratch, including breads, cheeses, sausage, proscuitto, mustard, pasta, dumplings, pastrami, chocolate and more. If you're just in the mood for a light meal, they have great appetizers - try the French Onion soup, Parmesan truffle fries, and fried oysters. The sandwiches are created with the freshly baked bread, and desserts like the apple pie a la mode and in-house Nutella ice cream are not to be missed!
The 10th is open for lunch and "Morning Refresh" at 9 am, serving hot drinks and pastries only. Reservations are strongly recommended for lunch. Members of the Vail Mountain Club have the first shot at reservations a week in advance. Take the Vista Bahn lift, or ski in from Meadows or Over Easy (Beginners) and use Chairs 2-4.
Clicquot in the Snow
This past weekend, Veuve Clicquot hosted a pop-up champagne event at The Little Nell. Guests were given clues to find the mobile champagne bar, "The Oasis," where they found free champagne and gorgeous views from Aspen Mountain once they arrived. The event was held 11,000 feet above sea level and featured free champagne flutes, Veuve Clicquot branded lounges, umbrellas, and other decor.
The champagne was literally chilled to perfection in the snow from Aspen Mountain. Guests of The Little Nell received a Fresh for Veuve Clicquot in the Snow Beauty Survival Kit. Violinist Katarina Visnevska performed along with DJ Dylan Regan wearing the iconic yellow Veuve sunglasses.
New Winter Teva Mountain Games
The 2012 Winter Teva Mountain Games is a new event presented by Eddie Bauer, Teva, and the Vail Valley Foundation. Join Vail residents and visitors as they watch thousands of athletes compete for $60,000 this coming February 9-12!
You'll see fierce competitions in games such as uphill skiing, rock climbing, on-snow biking, telemark skiing, Nordic competitions, running, dog events, and an Ultimate Man/Woman combination event. There will also be an art and music aspect through the Mountain Click Photo Camp, snow and ice sculpture contests, free concerts, films and mountain lifestyle parties. Games will take place at several Vail venues, including Golden Peak, Vail Mountain, Vail Nordic Center, Lionshead Village, and Eagles Nest.
The creation of this new event is only natural following the success of the Summer Teva Mountain Games, which began in 2002. These human powered, environmentally friendly games include over 2500 adventure athletes and 40000 spectators throughout the four day event. Teva is a sandal brand that has diversified its offerings to include year-round adventure footwear. The Vail Valley Foundation offers leadership with athletic, cultural and educational endeavors to enhance the Vail Valley community.
Contact us at (800) 933-7704 or concierge@travelenvogue.com to reserve your Ritz Carlton Vail or Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club condo - the perfect accommodations for your trip to Vail this winter!
Big Beers Fest in Vail Colorado Craft Beer
The recent Vail beer festival, the Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival, at the beginning of January celebrated its 12th year of delicious beer sampling. This event is more intimate and laid back than the larger Great American Beer Festival and is a great way to experience the burgeoning American craft beer movement. You can bet that the person pouring your beer sample is the one who brewed it, giving you the perfect opportunity to learn about the process and flavors of the beer. This festival is taken seriously by owners, who attend themselves rather than send their sales reps, which is one reason why beer lovers travel from other states just to attend.
Colorado is home to over 120 established craft breweries. These specialty beers are sold at independent retailers across the state. CO's Gore Range Brewery, now under new management, participated at the Big Beers Fest with its Ryetous concoction. Crazy Mountain, a new brewery in Edwards, first introduced its beer to the public at the Big Beers Fest two years ago. This year they brought Lawyers, Guns, and Money as their anniversary barleywine.
The American craft beer movement began several years ago with a few brewers who were passionate about beer and wanted to experiment with tradition and innovation. Unlike many of the European breweries, these individuals are not constrained by tradition and as a result are able to create unusual and complex beers that are an international inspiration. The passion and progressive nature of American craft brewers has garnered respect for American beer from countries all over the world. The exportation of American specialty beers abroad is increasing and gaining quite a following. The movement has inspired brewers from several European countries to follow suit with their own creations, leading to more diversity and competition on a global scale.
Next time you visit the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Residence Club or the new Ritz Carlton Vail, check out some of the amazing local craft breweries!
Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week
As the only World Cup stop in the US, the Audi Birds of Prey has become North America's premier ski event. Each year, incredible skiers from all over the world come to Beaver Creek to watch three days of races. Races include the Downhill, Super G, and Giant Slalom. This year, as a special bonus, some of the races were relocated from Val d'Isere, France to Beaver Creek. A trio of additional men's and women's races were added to the schedule. The event is so important that the schools in the Colorado ski resort area gave their students excused absences so they could attend.
Ted Ligety took second place in the men's Slalom and Lindsey Vonn took first place, her 46th World Cup Win. According to Lindsey, this particular race was the most special to her since it was in her hometown in front of all of her local fans. This win has made Lindsey the first American to win four World Cup races in a row.
New Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Treats
This winter the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch is introducing delicious new traditions. The Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar debuted at the annual tree lighting and will be continuing throughout the ski season. There are 3 house-made flavors featuring Gharardelli and Valrhona chocolate in white, milk, and dark flavors. There are over 30 toppings to add, and guests can even add liqueur. Hot chocolate is available at '7' daily from 4-6pm.
The German Bier Tent is located at the Mountainside Terrace, just steps from the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift. It offers authentic brats, house made pretzels, and brews. Grab a snack between runs or when you're finished every day between 11am and 4pm. Items range from $10 to $20.
The Gourmet S'mores Experience is an amazing collaboration between the Ritz Carlton and Dylan's Candy at '7'. Buy a $4 S'mores Kit which includes a marshmallow and graham crackers, and peruse the selection of chocolates to accompany your s'more. Then head over to the Fire Pit to roast and eat!
Zach’s Cabin Beaver Creek
Zach's Cabin is a picturesque log cabin restaurant situated above Bachelor Gulch with stunning views of Gore Creek. It is the Bachelor Gulch Club's private on-mountain dining cabin. It's elevated location requires open-air sleigh ride transportation only, which is provided periodically throughout dining hours. A blanket is provided during the ride, which can get very cold, especially at night!
The rustic cabin is open and spacious, with large windows and a patio. Upon arrival, guests are directed to the locker area, where they are provided with slippers and invited to take off their jackets.The service at Zach's is impeccable, as is their wine list, which has won the Wine Spectator's "Best of" Award of Excellence for seven consecutive years in a row.
Zach's serves a menu creative American cuisine served a la carte, heavily influenced by the game dishes that are so popular to the area. You'll find rack of lamb, elk tenderloin, salmon, duck and veal on the menu, and vegetarians can enjoy a plate of zucchini papardelle.
Zach's Cabin is open to the public for dinner from December 10 - April 2.
Ritz Carlton St. Thomas Named One of the Best Snorkeling Resorts
Caribbean Travel + Life named the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas one of the best snorkeling resorts. Their onsite Patagon Dive Center caters to divers of all levels and group sizes and offers a superior snorkeling and diving experience. The resort is located along 30 idyllic acres on the island's picturesque Great Bay, boasting private white sand beaches that feature Elkhorn Coral and yellow sea fans right off the shore. Snorkelers and divers can expect to see jacks, snappers and barracudas!
The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas offers certification courses and children's programs (age 5 and up), as well as a multilingual staff who can accommodate those who speak English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Dive boats depart daily:
- 9:30am 2 tank dive
- 2:30pm 1-tank dive
- 6:30 pm night dive
Private customized charters are also avilable for an extra premium. The staff at the Patagon Dive Center will discuss the specifics of the itinerary prior to booking, including preferred dive and snorkel sites, activities, and food and beverage options. They can accommodate families with young children, serious divers, and a mixed party of divers with a variety of experience levels. Patagon can also provide educational tours on the marine life of the coral reefs and sightseeing around the nearby islands, including a visit to an uninhabited island beach.
Patagon also offers a variety of specialty certifications for divers who want to broaden their underwater skills, some of which may offer the opportunity to earn college credit:
- Deep Diver: Learn techniques for diving 60-130 feet, make at least 4 deep dives with Instructor
- Night Diver: Illuminate a whole new set of night creatures with your dive light
- Underwater Photography: Learn the PADI SEA method for getting great shots quickly, learn techniques for taking good underwater photos
- Wreck Diver: Learn to explore wrecked ships, airplanes and automobiles that are teeming with wildlife
- Peak Performance Buoyancy: Learn how to be neutrally buoyant to avoid both floating and sinking
- Fish Identification: Learn to recognize the mail families and characteristics of fish that will help you identify marine life wherever you dive
- Underwater Naturalist: Observe the relationships of different marine life interacting together
- Underwater Navigation: Become the one in your diving party who knows how to get back to the boat
- Search and Recovery Diver: Learn effective ways to find lost objects underwater and bring them to the surface
- AWARE Coral Reef Conservation: Designed to inform about the world's largest coral reefs
- Boat Diver: Learn to dive from a variety of boats and how to safely enter and exit the water
- Drift Diver: Enjoy rivers and ocean currents by going with the flow
Donner Lake, Truckee
Donner Lake in Truckee, CA, is a freshwater lake located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, about 11 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe. It's the perfect place for year-round activities. It offers swimming, sailing, water skiing, diving, and fishing, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing on the terrain surrounding the water. The north side of the shore features 1.5 miles of public boat docks and some public piers at the foot of Summit Drive. Fishing conditions are excellent and the Lake holds some of the state's biggest Lake Trout and plenty of Rainbow and Brown Trout and Kokanee Salmon.
The community hosts a slew of events around the lake every year, like the Turkey Trot, Mini Triathlon, Donner Lake Swim, and Cannibal Cruise (car show). Donner Memorial State Park wraps around the eastern and southern shores of the Lake. Many visitors like to go hiking in Lakeview Canyon on the south side, where you can take a tour with a Ranger through the state park.
Best San Francisco Restaurants
Embarcadero, Financial District, SOMA, Russian Hill, Nob Hill
Even San Francisco's casual restaurants offer first-class food. Any of these restaurants in popular San Francisco neighborhoods are perfect for a lunch-break from sightseeing, a casual night out, or meeting a group of friends.
Embarcadero
The restaurants along the Embarcadero boast amazing views and are the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and take in the scenery.
One Market
This spacious restaurant has large bay windows overlooking the Embarcadero. The pan-seared scallops with sweet breads come highly recommended, as does the Chef's Tasting Menu, the Tasmanian Ocean Trout, and the "Weekly Beast" (a whole animal, served on the weekends). They are the proud recipients of a Michelin Star.
The Slanted Door
At 1 Ferry Building No. 3 you will find delicious Vietnamese food with a great view of the Bay. The most famous dishes here are the clay pot chicken and wood oven roasted whole fish. The menu is tapas style and features great cocktails.
Piperade
Piperade serves California and Basque cuisine. Their unique menu offers different traditional Basque specialties each night of the week.
Waterbar
This seafood restaurant serves great seafood with a view.
Financial District
Bocadillos
This tapas restaurant serves Basque cuisine and has a great ambiance. Recommended dishes include the lamb burgers, tai snapper ceviche, and house made chorizo.
Contogna
Go here for the bustling energy, great bar menu, and amazing Italian food. The Chef/Owner Michael Tusk is the recipient of a James Beard Award, so it's no surprise that Contagna is considered by many to be the best Italian food in San Francisco. The exposed brick and wood paneled walls add to the trendy ambiance.
SOMA
Prospect
Prospect serves contemporary American food. It has comfortable, communal vibes and seating at the bar and main dining room.
Town Hall
The time the Chef at Town Hall spent in New Orleans has influenced his New American cooking style. That means you'll find items like cornmeal fried oysters, chocolate pot de la creme, and roasted veal meatballs on the menu. The restaurant is located in a 100 year old building with brick walls and industrial windows, which adds to its charm.
Bar Agricole
This collaboration of some of San Francisco's best bartenders is the perfect blend of bar and restaurant. All cocktails are handcrafted and creative. The bar is open late and they serve American/California food.
Russian Hill
Pesce
This Italian restaurant serves small plates of great seafood. Some of their best dishes include warm octopus with potatoes and their grilled sardines.
Zarzuela
Zarzuela is one of the oldest and best tapas restaurants in San Francisco.
Nob Hill
Canteen
This casual, 20 seat diner by a fine dining chef is a great neighborhood spot. The menu changes weekly and is a combination of American, California, and French cooking.
Swan Oyster Depot
Named an "American Classic" by the James Beard Foundation, this 20 seat retail store has some of the best oysters in San Francisco. It's a family owned business, and the sons and grandsons of the original owner can still be found behind the counter.