Vail’s picture-perfect backdrop of striking mountains covered in wildflowers and aspen trees effortlessly sets the scene for a romantic weekend getaway. Both adventure and relaxation, plus dozens of restaurants, are within walking distance of the town’s many beautiful vacation rental properties.
For a dreamy weekend away with your special someone, take a page from our itinerary. Then, head to Vail so you can sit back and enjoy each other\’s company.
Vail’s many entertainment venues host concerts, festivals and events throughout the season. Be sure to check our Summer Events Guide to see if anything catches your eye!
FRIDAY
Get Settled
Check in to your vacation rental. The Vail area does get busy during the summer. Make sure to reserve your stay in advance!
Browse Properties
Activity: Explore the town and ride the gondola
Wander through the pedestrian-friendly streets of Vail and you’ll find traditional Bavarian-inspired architecture interspersed with mountain modern structures. Take your time exploring the town’s dozens of unique shops ranging from pet boutiques to outdoor adventure stores with plenty of luxury options as well. If you don’t mind some sweets before dinner, stop by locally owned Alpenrose’s bakery counter.
Be sure to take a scenic gondola ride for an awe-inspiring view of Vail Village. Once at the top, you can get off and marvel at the landscape, take a hike, or simply ride back down to town.
Dinner:
You have big plans tonight, so you can go one of two routes: grab something quick and tasty for dinner, or treat yourselves to something special. Feeling casual? Try Pepi\’s. Feeling fancy? Try La Nonna.
Activity: Concert at Gerald R Ford Amphitheater
Take in a concert at this intimate outdoor venue which seats just 2,565 guests. Choose from covered seats or enjoy the show picnic-style in the unassigned lawn seating area. If you opt for the lawn, be sure to bring a blanket or low-backed chair to sit on.
Colorado boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year, so summer concerts are usually sunny and pleasant.
Nightcap: Slope Room at Gravity Haus
A relative newcomer to the Vail scene, the Slope Room is a chic and moody space that oozes sexy style. Their cocktail list is creative and extensive, complimented by their top notch service.
Some other popular bars are Root and Flower (classy cocktails), Shakedown Bar (live music party vibe) and Vail Brewing Company (local brewery).
SATURDAY
Breakfast: The Little Diner
Take a step back in time when you dine at this 1950s style diner owned by local husband and wife restaurateurs. Sit at the bar facing into the open kitchen to watch the giant portions of your meal come to life. The Little Diner has been known as a legendary Vail breakfast spot since opening its doors back in 2008.
Have a sweet tooth? Order the Pannekoeken aka Dutch Baby. You won’t be sorry!
Activity: Spa Treatment at the Spa at Sonnenalp
Treat yourselves to a restorative morning at Sonnenalp Spa, perhaps with a heated stone massage. Your spa treatment also gains you access to additional onsite amenities including the heated indoor & outdoor tranquility pool with riverfront sun deck and summer pool bar plus indoor and outdoor whirlpools offering gorgeous views of the Gore Creek.
Lunch: Garfinkel’s
If you aren’t yet tired of experiencing incredible vistas everywhere you go, head to the deck at Garfinkel’s for mountain views, casual fare, and a cold drink.
Activity: Choose one!
If you’re up for a little adventure, reserve a guided tour for to try one of Vail’s many activities: horseback riding, whitewater rafting, Jeeping, ATV riding. For a mellower option close to town, spend time wandering through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens on the east end of Vail.
Dinner: Matsuhisa
Vail is home to one of Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s 2 Colorado restaurants. Serving mouth-watering sushi and new-Japanese cuisine, the menu also has influences from the chef’s time abroad in locations such as Peru and Argentina. Matsuhisa is located in the heart of Vail Village, the Solaris Center.
Activity: Bol
Your inner kid will be impressed when you end the evening in Vail’s posh bowling alley, Bol. This isn’t the sticky floors and rental shoes of your youth; it’s a sleek space with city vibes and good music and bar service.
SUNDAY
Rise and Shine: Hot Air Balloon Ride
Waking up before the sun rises will pay off in spades when the morning sky explodes with color as you drift through the Rocky Mountains with crisp air on your face and happiness in your soul.
Breakfast: Vintage
French, romantic, and oh-so-charming. Dine on beignets and galettes while you picture what life would be like if you’d made that college semester abroad a permanent move.
Activity: Wildflower Hike
Get your blood pumping while you marvel at Vail’s famous wildflowers. Check out Vail Butler\’s favorite wildflower hikes.
Lunch/midday: Farmers Market
Head back into town and eat your way through the largest farmers market in the state of Colorado. The Vail Farmers Market and Art Show is a treat for the senses. Artisan home goods, jewelry, clothing, artwork and, yes, so much food, are around every turn. Since you’re just in town for a quick trip, the farm stands might not interest you as much as the delicious food stalls serving German, Mexican, Italian, BBQ, and baked goods.
Until Next Time
Now that you’ve enjoyed a relaxing and romantic weekend in the little slice of heaven called Vail, it’s time to return to reality!