Trip worthy?

Vail in the summer? Colorado reps descend on Houston to try and pump up mountain tourism

Summertime has essentially hit Houston and a vacation seems to be on everyone's mind.

If you’re looking to escape the heat for just a few days, what about the mountains of Colorado? Though there might not be snow this time of year, there are plenty of activities that the Vail Valley offers for the outdoorsy folk, the foodie, the entertainment lover and the event enthusiast.

That's the word from representatives from Vail Valley who came to Houston this week to try and tout the virtues of Vail and Beaver Creek as summer destinations, particularly since United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Vail Valley from June 27 through Aug. 15.

United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Vail Valley from June 27 through Aug. 15.

During a lunchtime session at Underbelly, the Vail backers highlighted reasons why they argue Vail Valley is as special in the summer as it is in the winter — with hiking, biking, rafting and golfing leading the way.

Vail golf pro Jeff Hanson recommended his home course, Red Sky Ranch Golf Club.

More than 100 unique restaurants are located within the valley, with a wide variety of food options. A favorite is Beano’s Cabin, which is located in the White River National Forest. You can get to the restaurant with a short shuttle ride or you can make your evening a little more magical with a one-hour horseback ride or a 20-minute ride on a wagon pulled by a tractor up to the restaurant.

Another top pick is Splendido, which has chef David Walford.

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Throughout the summer, events ranging from music festivals to triathlons take place in the Valley, including the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Eagle County Fair & Rodeo and the Vail International Dance Festival. Every Tuesday kick back at "Hot Summer Nights Free Concert Series" at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

Stay fit and active while having a relaxing vacation by signing up for the "LG Triathlon", "XTERRA Triathlon series", and "Triple Bypass Bicycle Tour and Double Triple Bypass."

Try outdoor yoga classes at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Little Beach Park or the Eagle Town Park to help release stress.

If you find yourself in Vail on the Fourth of July, you can celebrate with the "Salute to the USA" fireworks display over Nottingham Lake on July 3. The Fourth of July Bike Parade in Eagle Town Park is another long tradition.

The picturesque Vail Village during the summertime is lively.

Austin Photo Set: News_Jessica Dupuy_Vail_April 2012_vail village

Photo by Chris McLennan

The picturesque Vail Village during the summertime is lively.

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Disappear Into Nature

Secluded Hill Country park opens 2 luxurious glamping houses

Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Glamping can still include s'mores with a private outdoor fire pit.

Just in time for unbearable temperatures across Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has introduced a cooler glamping solution. Opened mid-May, the Ööd Mirror Houses are LCRA Parks' newest accommodations at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, about 40 minutes outside of Austin.

Hideaway House exterior Both glamping options have floor-to-ceiling windows that look like mirrors from the outside.Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Operated by Cameron Ranch Glamping, these two luxury houses are tucked away in the park's Lost Pines region, surrounded by trees and miles of tranquility.

Both these pet-friendly homes include floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls, so guests can look out into nature with complete privacy, from both passersby and mosquitos.

Both The Hideaway and The Bloom are 221 square feet and are equipped with a queen memory foam bed, full bathroom with walk-in shower, dining area, Wi-Fi, kitchenette, record player, and perhaps most importantly for this time of year, air conditioning. In the winter, the structures will be heated.

Hideaway House Interior Both mirror houses include memory foam queen-sized beds, WiFi, A/C, and more. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

No matter how glam it gets, guests can still enjoy classic camping fun like roasting marshmallows in their personal outdoor fire pit, or firing up the grill for some burgers. Plus, Lake Bastrop offers paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, areas for fishing, trails for hiking and biking, mini-golf, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and a charming camp store.

Interior kitchen area Kitchenettes come equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and cooking equipment. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Guests can also leave the park and make the 10-minute drive to downtown Bastrop to grab a bite, a drink, some groceries, or catch some music or a movie. (Who can really say what the rules of glamping entail?)

Bloom House The two mirror houses are within walking distance to the swimming areas along the lake. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

The Ööd Mirror Houses are now available to book online. Rates vary by day, starting just above $200 per night before fees, and increasing to more than $300 before fees during certain times. Find the campground at 375 S. Shore Rd., Bastrop.

glamping nature parks bastrop luxury