I’ve lived in Colorado all my life and I’ve visited Vail, Colorado, one of the state’s (and the world’s) most famous ski resorts. But recently, we took a weekend escape to really explore Vail just as the first snow of the season was beginning to fly.
Our homebase was Vail Cascade Resort and Spa. We had only planned to stay one night but because of the unexpected snow and tricky roads, we decided to wait it out and stay a second night. That gave us a chance to experience two different kinds of rooms at the resort, a suite and a regular room. One, I’d recommend highly for families, the second, for a romantic getaway which parents sorely need! Am I right?
Vail Cascade was ideal because it had everything we needed right there – restaurant offerings, a market, library, games, a spa and full gymnasium, workout room and yoga area plus two swimming pools and three hot tubs that are open year-round! Parking was free (unless you valet park) and there’s a free hotel shuttle that takes you into Vail’s two main areas, Lionshead and Vail Village. However, because there’s a nicely-paved path right behind the resort that runs adjacent to the beautiful Gore Creek, we were able to walk to both areas too, taking in the beauty of the area.
Vail Cascade offers three swimming pools which are open year-round! Photo courtesy of Vail Cascade.
Yes, Vail is really well known for its skiing but it’s also a very charming area, designed in a Bavarian style. Think gingerbread detailing, pedestrian-only streets, lots of shops, restaurants, covered bridge, trees, fountains, ice skating rinks, sculpture…it’s just wonderful! And you can take a free Vail shuttle all around. They make it so easy to have fun there.
Although our kids have always enjoyed going to Vail, we didn’t realize just how much there was that kids would enjoy. For instance, there was an awesome and huge pirate ship/playground just at the base of the ski runs. Just imagine how free kids’ imaginations could flow playing in that thing?!
We also discovered the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical gardens in North America! The sprawling area was full of multiple levels so kids can climb and explore, losing themselves (not literally) in all of the greenery. Or they could run free in the big field over to a great playground. A tiny one-room-schoolhouse serves as a museum next to a garden created just for kids. We had a great time there and we didn’t even have our kids with us.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the highest botanical gardens in North America. Photo by InGoodTasteDenver.com
Pirate shaped playground at the base of Vail mountain. Photo by InGoodTasteDenver.com
Back at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, even though it was just us two, we appreciated the extra space of the suite we had the first night. While my husband slept, I went into the other room, watched cable and read a bunch of magazines, drinking coffee and watching snowflakes fall outside our window. I had some “me” time without disrupting my husband! But the second night’s 3rd floor room, overlooking Gore Creek, the fire pit (there’s even a fire pit next to one of the hot tubs!), pool and patio with rocking chairs, we also enjoyed our room made just for two.
Getaways are so important, whether you go solo, with someone special or with the family. The town of Vail and Vail Cascade Resort & Spa helped us pack a lot of fun into just one weekend.
Visit http://www.vailcascade.com/ for rates.
* Vail Cascase Resort and Spa hosted Courtney a night’s stay for editorial purposes. Courtney’s opinions are solely her own.
