lauren & matt
Weekend To Dos
Vail Farmers' Market
On Sunday's from June to October, the Vail Farmer's Market offers everything from art, food, boutique clothing, to specialized booths. Located in the center of Vail Village, the Farmer's Market can get quite crowded. Tips: don't forget sunscreen, grab a snack, plan to walk around for a couple of hours, take the shuttle from the hotel to the village and back!
Minturn Market
The Minturn Market is open from July - September and the last weekend it is open is our wedding weekend (they keep it open just for us :) ). The Minturn Market takes place on Saturdays and is much smaller than the Vail Farmer's Market. A few boutique clothing/accessory shops, a few food stands, and some local items can be found here. We personally love "The Dip Lady" who sells packets of spices that, when mixed with mayo/yogurt/sour cream, makes for a delicious app or snack! Check out a hike, stop by the market, then go grab a bite at Minturn Saloon! Minturn Saloon has total townie vibes and outdoor seating, but unfortunately does not accept reservations, so plan ahead. Their margs and nachos are a favorite!
Lionshead Rock Hike or Game Creek Bowl Hike
This hike is one of the first Lauren took Matt on in Colorado! Fun fact, they were being so competitive racing up the mountain, that they missed the "Lionshead Rock" that is the normal stopping and turning around point, and kept going, making it over a 9 mile hike (it is normally about 3 round trip...). This hike is another great one for views of the mountains, working up an appetite for Minturn Saloon, etc.! The other hike you can take that starts on the same path is Game Creek Bowl! This one is about 5 miles up and then drops you at the top of the Lionshead Village gondola. This hike has stunning views of the slopes makes it so you would only need transportation one way, as the shuttle can get you in Lionshead when you come down the gondola!
Village Bagel
Matt and Lauren love bagels. Lauren recommends a toasted, scooped sesame bagel with chive cream cheese, New York style (means lox, tomato, etc.). Matt tends to go a more simple route of a lightly toasted everything bagel with lox. Another good one? Their pizza bagel. Again, not a walk or shuttle from the hotel, but a good stop if you are out and about!
Riverwalk at Edwards
Shops: P.E. 101 and Valley Girl are two of the Siegel ladies' favorites. Restaurants: E-Town and the Rose are two of the Siegel family favorites. Special recommendation at The Rose: chicken wing appetizer. Across the way, there are a couple other restaurants to try: Craftsman (burgers/chicken sandwiches), Sundae (ice cream), Drunken Goat (some of everything), Sato (sushi), Belmont (deli sandwiches), Zino (Italian). The Riverwalk is a drive from the hotel and the shuttle will not take you there, but if you want to explore like a local and see the area the Siegel family lives in, check it out!
East Lake Creek Trailhead
Great hike near where the Siegel family lives. This hike is quite long, but like most hikes in Colorado, turn around when you want to! The views are great and it is a less trafficked hike than some of the others closer to Vail Village. This hike will require you to drive about 15 minutes from the hotel, but gives you a nice variety of terrain.
Oktoberfest at Beaver Creek
On Saturday of the wedding weekend, Beaver Creek will host Oktoberfest. Tons of great food (mostly BBQ), live music, and some great local beers. It will be heavily trafficked and you will need to find transportation as the shuttle won't get you there, but definitely a fun activity if you are looking for something to do before the Welcome Party on Saturday night! Wear sunscreen, drink lots of water (drinking in altitude hits differently), and allow time to explore Beaver Creek while up there!
Vail Village
There are other stores and restaurants to check out in the Village outside of going to the Farmer's Market! Just a shuttle ride away from the hotel (you can also walk; it is about a mile). Restaurants: Red Lion (American with live music at night on the weekends), Joe's (deli), Bully's (burgers) Shops: tons of Vail gear shops, Perch (nicer women's clothing), Blitz (nicer women's clothing), Oakley store
Lionshead Village
Also a shuttle ride from the hotel and walkable from the hotel (about a mile), Lionshead is connected to Vail Village via a path. There are a few restaurants and shops here; definitely worth walking around if you have time on the way to Vail Village!
Gondola in Lionshead
Going on a gondola ride can be expensive (normally about $50/person), but the views from the top of the mountain and on the way up are amazing. If you are willing to spend the money, it is a great activity. The other option? Hike up! Under the gondola there is a great hike (albeit challenging - about 5 miles up but feels longer because it is steep) called Berry Picker. Once at the top, you can take the gondola down for free! At the top of the gondola there are some activities as well (adventure park) if interested!