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.
Get a steak at the new Cafe Express.Photo by Michael Anthony
