There are many differences between life in a city and life in the mountains: the terrain, the air, the people, the roads, the restaurants…the list goes on. However, possibly the biggest difference between the two is the sky. While the mountain sky is often beautiful during the day, it truly shines at night. Unobstructed by natural light, more and more stars seem to appear as one travels away from the city. The stars that were previously small and faint now glow brighter than a ‘lumos’ charm cast by Harry Potter himself. Another fascinating thing about the mountain sky is that shooting stars are prevalent. These may be difficult to see in the city, but out here…I count them regularly. Further, the constellations pronounce themselves often with as much courage as the heroes for whom they were named, and Milky Way Galaxy is hardly afraid to show its existence. If you’re lucky and/or know your astronomy, a few planets will present themselves as well. While stargazing is great and seeing shooting stars sends chills down my spine, perhaps one of my favorite nights of the month is when the stars are less evident. Of course, I am writing about when there is a full moon.

When the moon is full in the mountains, it truly lights up the night. As I mentioned, this detracts from the stargazing, but it creates certain energy in the night—it makes the night feel more alive and more calm at the same time. Last week, during the last full moon, a rafting trip was planned for our company. I was previously unaware that outfitters actually had guided full moon rafting trips. Apparently they give you a wetsuit and some glow sticks (and a fajita buffet beforehand) and you’re on your way. And I will stop here, because we did not go on the trip—It was cancelled due to poor weather conditions…Bummer…However, the trip is rescheduled for the full moon next month and I am eagerly waiting for that date to arrive. Again, we were all anticipating a full moon experience, so we decided to go camping.

We went to a campsite high up a jeep road, attempting to arrive at a suitable spot for moongazing (as I like to call it). We found a great spot overlooking the valley, and we were able to relax as we sat beside the campfire and gazed into the sky. After watching the sun set and the day transition into night, the moon began to reveal itself with full-strength. It was magnificent; the moon’s large figure lit up the valley and provided our campsite with some natural light. As I said before, it brought life and calm to the night that is hard to put into words. It is something that must be experienced. So…grab some friends, hot-dogs and s’mores and try to make it up to the mountains for the next full moon (August 13^th).

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury vacation or a simple weekend getaway, The Peaks Resort and Spa in Telluride satisfies every desire.  For starters, The Peaks offers rooms to fit all sizes and needs.  If your party is small, choose from a number of Alpine and Sunset Vista rooms.  Spacious yet cozy, these rooms feature your choice of a king bed or two double beds, gorgeous views of the Telluride mountains, and private balconies where you can enjoy a glass of wine after a long day of adventures.  These rooms are pet friendly so feel free to bring everyone along.

If your party is a little bit bigger, say family sized, the Grande Alpine Vista or Grande Sunset Vista Suites may be a better option.  Both feature magnificent views, balconies, spacious living rooms, and multiple bathrooms.  The oversized bedrooms and den are sure to make you feel right at home and provide the perfect area for relaxing after a hard day of skiing.

If you are interested in indulging in true luxury there is always the penthouse suite.  The two bedroom penthouse is located on the 8th floor with multiple balconies, perfect for viewing the sunsets and taking in the breathtaking mountain views.  These units also feature a bit more privacy and extravagance for those looking to relish in a vacation of decadence.  There are a few three bedroom penthouses  too, featuring a top floor 270-degree view andflat panel TVs in every room.

If you are looking for a more classic mountain stay Peaks also offers cabin rentals, ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms in size.  These rustic but spacious rentals will make you feel like you’re truly in old town Telluride, with wooden beams creating a log cabin feel,and expansive mountain views.  Whether you’re staying at the Peaks Resort and Spa during the winter or summer, there is always something to do!

During the summer, golfing and horseback riding are popular, but for someone looking for something low key visit the spa for a peaceful and rejuvenating massage.  If you visit the Peaks Resort during the winter, the

adventures are boundless. World Class skiing is right next-door at Telluride Ski Resort.  Or if downhill isn’t your style, try snow shoeing or nordic skiing on a number of trails offered just minutes from the Peaks’ front doors.

We here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals live in this beautiful paradise, and we’re here to help you book your stay today.  Come visit us in Telluride and book your stay at The Peaks Resort and Spa today!  Just ask to speak to one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ^®and you’ll be on your way to visiting beautiful Telluride today!

The gorgeous Aspen, Colorado is more than just a fantastic location to ski the slopes and plan your premiere vacation; It is also a fantastic summer destination which offers community events such as the Aspen/ Snowmass Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.

The Aspen/ Snowmass Race for the Cure® will occur Sunday, August 21^st 2011. This majestic route will begin in Aspen and continue into Maroon Bells, Woody Creek, Snowmass Village, and Old Snowmass. This race is customizable for riders of all skill levels as riders get to choose a race of either 10, 40, 65, or 100 miles! The Limelight Lodge will also be hosting a post-ride event including free music, delicious food and drinks, kid friendly activities, and free massages! What a great way to spend a weekend with the family!

While this event is a great way to experience Aspen and Snowmass, the event is first and foremost a charitable event for Komen Aspen and is well known as a local resource serving the Roaring Fork area. Komen Aspen is one of the largest fundraising organizations for women living with breast cancer and has provided the area with over four million dollars to fund programs and education.

Komen Aspen asks that each rider make a commitment to raise at least $500 to register for the race. Fundraising tools and tips are available on their website so all riders can have the ability to be a part of this amazing opportunity. If you cannot participate yourself, Komen Aspen gives everyone the opportunity to donate or sponsor a rider in the race.

While you plan your trip to Aspen to participate in the Aspen / Snowmass Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure®, take some time to do something fun with the family like an off-road tour! Jeep tours can include mountain climbing and wilderness viewing. Aspen offers more to do in the summer than you may think; check out all of the summer activities that Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers.

Whether you are looking to Race for the Cure®, raft down the Roaring Fork River, or go mountain climbing on a jeep tour, Aspen is the perfect summer destination for you and your family. Find out more about how our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.® can help you plan your custom summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

“Race for the Cure”® is a Registered Trademark of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. for more information, visit their website at http://ww5.komen.org/

My Grandma always says that “the happiest hour is the one filled with food and drink” and I dare you to find someone to object.  Part of what makes vacation so special is the allotment to indulge so I suggest treating yourself to some of the best appetizers and drinks in town while in Breckenridge, Colorado.

After a day of shopping on Main St wander upstairs to Relish, a fine dining experience, who prides themselves on creating Colorado inspired cuisine that you’ll be sure to relish.  After enjoying the views of the open kitchen ask to sit outside on one of their two balconies.  You don’t want to miss the gorgeous views of the mountain while you listen to the Blue River roar by underneath.

As you bask in the sun reviewing the 2 for $10 menus I urge you to share the food so everyone can try a sampling of all the unique delights that the chefs have created.  I recommend the baked escargot with basil and parmesan butter, delivered to your table steaming hot with an extra side of bread.  The bread itself becomes another appetizer as you use it to soak up the overflowing butter that hasn’t yet been devoured.  Another favorite of mine is the togarashi seared beef and cucumber Carpaccio served with edamame hummus and wonton chips.  It is a truly original and mouthwatering dish that can even tempt a vegetarian.  But happy hour is never complete without a drink.  So, choose from a chilled beer, a refreshing glass of wine, a sweet pink lemonade martini or a glass of the best sangria found west of Spain.

Happy hour at Relish runs from four to six but if you happen to find yourself wandering around town looking for a late night bite be sure to stop in at Twist.  Located just one block off Main St. Twist is a brand new edition to Breckenridge dining, offering a twist on traditional comfort food.  Offering two happy hours each night allows for twice the opportunity to indulge.

When the weather is nice sit in the relaxing beer garden shaded by the oversized trees and feel the comforts of drinking in your own backyard, while someone else cooks for you.  Sip on a watermelon lemonade; the watermelon infused vodka is made specially for Twist by the Breckenridge Distillery.  Or cool off with a margarita popsicle as you wait for your pork shoulder tacos and your yuzu sweet grilled and chilled gulf shrimp “cocktail.”  Anything you order is sure to be finger licking good so don’t be afraid to test your boundaries with the rabbit and rattlesnake sausage corndog.

I offer my dining wisdom after spending many hungry nights in Breckenridge, Colorado and impart my knowledge as a Friendly.Knowledgeable.Local.® who loves to eat well and spend wisely.  I encourage you to try both of these restaurants to reward yourself after a long day of adventures.  You have my personal guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

During your next visit to Telluride, there is no better place to stay than the Lumiere!  The Lumiere in Telluride is the premiere place to be for luxury during your next vacation.  With every amenity and service imaginable, you will feel right at home in this luxury lodge.  The staff here is highly attentive to your every whim and desire, yet remarkably unobtrusive during your stay, offering you the privacy you want with all of the services you need to feel right at home.  The Lumiere is the perfect combination of a ski in/ski out stay, while the concierge services here make it their priority to ensure you enjoy your stay here.  After a day of skiing,the complimentary concierge services even provide

you with wine and cheese upon your arrival back to your residence.

If spending time on the slopes isn’t quite your thing, the Lumiere offers a host of options and services to help you enjoy your stay in other ways.  The spa here is incredible and offers many different choices designed to cater to your heart’s desire.  A sauna and hot tubs with sweeping mountain views also offer ways to relax during your stay in Telluride.  The Lumiere has a fitness facility as well, allowing you to exercise at your convenience during your stay.  And, if doing nothing at all during your vacation is the perfect way to relax, the Lumiere is here to help you do that as well.  Relax by the fire place at the specialty bar, featuring sushi prepared by the Lumiere’s own private chef or your choice of a selection of cocktails.

After enjoying a delicious meal at the Lumiere, head back up to your room to enjoy the sweeping views from your balcony.  The views here are worth the trip alone, showing off Colorado’s beautiful San Juan Mountains and many of Colorado’s own 14,000 foot peaks.  You can relax on the balcony, many of which include a hot tub, or, relax in the den area of your room.  Each room is designed to feature the most luxurious amenities with hardwood floors, delicate hand blown glass fixtures, and original artwork.  The bedrooms feature beds built for kings and queens, with seven layer beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, and plush pillows, designed to make your stay, well, heavenly.

The Lumiere is limited in size to ensure that your every need is met during your stay here in Telluride, so only a handful of rooms are available.  If you are looking for that pampered, plush, and highest quality in luxury vacation, look no further.  This is the place for you.  The Lumiere will make sure that your stay is everything you wanted and more, repeatedly exceeding expectations during your stay.  Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today and let one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ^® help you book your next vacation to Telluride at the Lumiere.  And for a limited time, get a $100 gift certificate for dinner in Telluride when you book today.  We will make sure you have a vacation you’ll never forget, and one that you will want to tell all your friends about, because this is surely a one of a kind place.

Check it out! The National Director of Sales and Marketing for RMVR, James Bengela, and videographer Trevor Kouchi went to visit destination specialist Natalie Binder in order to give you a first-hand look at the See Forever Summit Cabin property in Telluride! The video tour is featured below!

Telluride Vacation Rentals: The See Forever Summit Cabin property features five bedrooms, beautiful views, and a kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances. Residents of the property are welcome to head over to the Peaks Resort, which is a short walk away, to enjoy their 40,000 square foot spa facility, bar, arcade room, and golf course.
Find out more about how our team of FRIENDLY. KNOWLEDGEABLE. LOCALS.® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

When traveling to Aspen, Colorado, the lodging options are simply overwhelming. Lodging accommodations in Aspen such as posh 5-star penthouses may be great options for some travelers; but let’s be honest- some of our pocketbooks can’t quite handle that.

For those looking to have a top-notch experience in Aspen and take advantage of all that the majestic city has to offer, the Limelight Lodge is your hub. Though this property features a rich history in the famous ski town of Aspen, Colorado; this classic ski lodge has been reborn.

Limelight Lodge features spacious rooms, luxurious marble finishes, private terraces, oversized penthouses, and more. Some of the impressive amenities include fine dining, outdoor pool and hot tubs, a fitness room, underground parking, ski valet and lockers, and a full bar for all of your Apres Ski needs!

Not only does this hotel feature state-of-the-art amenities and services, but it is also one of the few accommodations which uses eco-friendly cleaning products, organic fair-trade coffee, and stays committed to sustainable housekeeping practices.

Limelight Lodge also features a program called “Inside Tracks” where guests can spend the day with ski school professionals at all four mountains for the day and ride some of the best powder around. This amazing experience will make you feel like a local and provide you with an entirely different perspective on all that the resorts have to offer.

Limelight Lodge’s downtown location makes it the perfect destination in Aspen, Colorado to enjoy the entire city. The lodge is just one block away from the center of town and less than ten minutes away from the lifts. Wherever your Aspen adventure may take you, the Limelight lodge is sure to have you covered.

The most impressive attribute of this hotel however, is the service. The world-class staff at Limelight Lodge is eager and prepared for your every need. It is evident that the staff truly cares about their clients and will go above and beyond to make their experience unforgettable.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.® can help you plan your custom summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

I decided to try hot-air ballooning last weekend.  I have lived in Vail, Colorado for years and I have heard rave reviews about it, but I have never tried it myself.  I called Camelot to make a reservation and spoke with Merlin, a self-proclaimed “sorcerer of the morning skies”.  He told me that we were looking at clear skies for the weekend, so we set up a reservation for Sunday morning.

Sunday rolled around and I really had no idea what to expect.  Hot air ballooning was completely new to me and it made me nervous.  When I got to the takeoff spot I watched Merlin and his crew unfurl a beast of a balloon.  Taller than any building in Vail or Beaver Creek and bigger than the Goodyear Blimp…that was the Sorcerer’s claim.

The feeling of stillness was amazing.  Within only a few minutes we had climbed to 1300 ft, but it hardly felt like we were moving at all.  You can’t feel a breeze because you are moving with the wind, so you really have no sense of motion…it’s a pretty unusual feeling, but awesome!  Merlin told me that, in Winter, you can descend at the same rate as the falling snow.  That must be a spectacular sight!  I can’t wait to check it out next season.

At 1300 ft. you really appreciate how beautiful this area is.  You get a new perspective on the same mountains you’ve seen a million times.  It is an absolute thrill!

After we landed Merlin popped the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate another successful journey, as is tradition.  We lounged in the sun, sipping bubbly, enjoying another beautiful day in the Rockies.  Merlin whipped my butt at horseshoes, but it was still a ton of fun.

You should definitely call Camelot to book your own Colorado hot air balloon ride adventure with Merlin.  He is truly a master of his craft, not to mention a really interesting guy.

Located in Incline Village, North Lake Tahoe is a special local’s secret. T’s Mesquite Rotisserie is a local hot spot that’s tricky to find, but should not be missed! Located on the corner of Tahoe Blvd, next to 7-11 and the movie theater, this is the ideal stop no matter the day or the season!

More than a Mexican restaurant, this cheap, fresh, fast, and tasty local favorite is always packed! The staff will always great you with a smile and cook your food to order. Although the restaurant itself is rather small, it has a great dining patio in front that’s perfect for warm weather dining.

T’s offers sandwiches‎, tacos and burritos and from chicken to tri-tip, all the meat here is cooked to perfection with great tenderness and smoky flavor. Be sure you visit T’s when you’re hungry as the portions are nothing shy of gigantic (burritos are known to be the sizes of bricks)! The homemade chips and salsas at T’s are fresh and fantastic! Choose from a variety of hotness and flavor- but you can never go wrong with the green salsa. If you love the salsa as much as we do, you’ll be please to find that you can purchase it by the pound for just $2.50!

A local’s tip for T’s is to pay in CASH as cards are not accepted here. If you happen to wander into the T’s with plastic only, don’t fret, the 7-11 next door has an ATM.

Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, take out, or catering, T’s Mesquite Rotisserie is the tasty solution and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

At RMVR, our team of FRIENDLY. KNOWLEDGEABLE. LOCALS.^® knows all the hot spots to check out during your vacation. To start planning visit our Vacation Rentals home page.

Telluride can be described, in a word, as paradise.  The beautiful mountains that surround the quaint mountain town only add to the town’s rich history.  Main street is filled with small boutique shops, restaurants, and bakeries, only adding to the town’s unique appearance.  The mountain faces that surround the town are ideal for rock climbing, while trails flow from park to park are for hikers and bikers alike.  All of these characteristics make Telluride the perfect destination for the Jazz Festival held each year during the month of August, and this year’s Festival is particularly special.

This year is the 35^th anniversary of the Telluride Jazz Festival, and for jazz aficionados everywhere, this year’s festival is the place to be.  This year’s lineup is not one to be missed either, and the festival is not just about the music.  All ticket holders will receive complimentary access to a wine tasting event on Friday night featuring a variety of over 20 different wines to kick off the festival.  Passes will also include access to morning yoga each morning during the festival, allowing guests to start each day off with a breath of fresh air.  Many of the events during this year’s festival will be held in Telluride’s own Town Park, adding an even more unique element to the historic festival.

And while jazz may be the focus of the event this year, this year’s festival features a little something for everyone with many other similar styles of music, including funk, blues, Cajun, soul, and pop.  Some of the artists you might recognize at this year’s festival include Allen Toussaint, Rita Coolidge, and 2006 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks.  The festival also promises to honor special guest and ten time Grammy Award winner Paquito D’Rivera, who will be performing with numerous other artists at the festival.  The festival will also feature a super group of musicians, Walter, Roberts, and Deitch.  For a full list of musicians, please visit the Telluride Events page.

With many different genres being featured, this is sure to be a family friendly event, so bring out the whole family!  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers many different lodging options for families and groups of all sizes so call our Telluride Destination Specialist today and reserve your stay with us during the Telluride Jazz Festival.  If the kids aren’t interested, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and we offer lots of services to offer to meet those needs.  Need a nanny? No problem!  We have plenty of solutions for in town kid friendly activities too.  Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ^® can help you plan your customized summer vacation in Telluride during this year’s Jazz Festival by contacting us today!

The great thing about a Breckenridge, Colorado vacation is that everything is within walking distance. From stores to restaurants to night life, you’ll find it if you just walk down Main St. for at most five blocks.

If you’re spending a day in Breckenridge, definitely check out all of the stores up and down the French and Harris Street Historic District. I love stopping in at the “Flying Crane” and “Shirts and Ernie’s,” and I know you’ll love it too. Each store has so much to offer and is the perfect place to buy a souvenir from your great vacation to Breckenridge! When you’re ready to take a load off, head up to one of the bars or restaurants in the La Cima Mall.

Personally, my favorite place to be is in Brooklyn’s Tavern and Billiards. Brooklyn’s has a great atmosphere. The bartenders are each very nice and super helpful! It’s the perfect place to sit down, enjoy a beer, eat some free munchies, and watch the game on any of their TVs that they have all around the bar. Feel free to take your brew down to the five billiards tables in the next room over. You can continue to watch the game down here while shooting some pool. If billiards isn’t your thing, there’s also a Foosball table!

Once you’re done watching the game or just looking for something else to do, just head next door to Cecilias. This martini bar and dance club is sure to be a good time. With a happy hour that lasts seven hours from when they open at 2pm, it’s way too easy to dance the night away!

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

A few days ago, on June 21^st, summer began. Summer is a great time of year to be in the mountains. Perhaps one of the best things that summer brings to the mountains is Golf. Golf has a relatively short season in the mountains, due to the large amount of snow on the ground during the other 3 seasons of the year. However, by the time that summer rolls around, it is hard to find a day without blue skies and fresh green grass. The short golf season and great weather in the mountains has made it that much more appealing for me to hit the links as often as possible. There is something about being out on the course in the fresh mountain air that continues to draw me back…not to mention the fresh mountain air is also thinner and the ball travels farther! While this does help my drive, sometimes my irons send the ball soaring over the green. Either way, golf in the mountains is a great way to spend a summer vacation or a quick weekend. Lucky for all you readers, RMVR has recently added a “Stay and Play” package with lodging at the Christie Lodge and golf at the Eagle-Vail Golf Club.

            The Christie Lodge, located in Avon, has quick access to Vail and Beaver Creek, and is just minutes away from a great selection of dining, shopping and outdoor activities. The lodge offers 1 and 3 bedroom condos, and has a slew of amenities: indoor/outdoor pools, hot tubs/saunas, ping pong tables, a fitness area, a guest lodge and two on-site restaurants. Also, the property has great views of the valley, and can be a great place to witness a Vail sunset. When you get tired of what the lodge has to offer (which is hard to do), it is time to hit the links.

            The Eagle-Vail Golf Club is located minutes away from the Christie Lodge. The 18 hole, 6836 yard course plays over the Eagle River and up into the lush mountainside. The course presents one with great views and scenery. For me, there is perhaps too much scenery, as my tee shots tend to find the trees a little too often. However, I would much rather lose a few balls…and strokes…in the mountains than play a flat course with little scenery and never lose a ball. Anyways, the course has well designed approaches and greens, and continually surprises and challenges the player with hazards and green-side bunkers.

            Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend away or for a lengthy mountain getaway, the Christie Lodge and Eagle-Vail Golf Club “Stay and Play” package is a great option to consider. Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

This year is the 37th Anniversary of the Annual Telluride Film Festival, which is held every year during Labor Day weekend. As if the town of Telluride didn’t already have enough attraction due to its beautiful surrounding peaks, outdoor activities, and rich history, the annual film festival draws a crowd every year filled with avid film lovers from around the world. However, like every other year, the itinerary of the films and guests themselves is not revealed until the festival actually begins, leaving an air of suspense for guests.

Each year’s festival consists of a variety of films, ranging from old classics to brand new premieres in the film industry. Each festival also features a wide variety of seminars and discussions with guest speakers from around the world and some of the industry’s most respected actors and film makers. But, these features are not the only things that make the festival such a unique experience. The location of each film and activities during the festival also draw people to the festival.

Going back into the early history of Telluride, one of the places this festival is held is the old Nugget Theatre. This theater is located inside the Old First National Bank Building, built in 1892 by James Murdoch. The theater is located right on Main Street of Telluride, and has all of the look and feel necessary to make you feel like you’re right back in old time Telluride.

Films will also be shown in the historic Sheridan Opera House, which has a bit of history all to itself. Given the rich mining history of the town of Telluride, this theater was built in 1913 by none other than the miners themselves. The opera house is small, housing just 240 people, adding to the quaint and intimate feel of the theater during showings and events. The theater was designed by the miners to host orchestras and touring theater companies as a form of entertainment in the town. Being able to witness modern films in such a historic place and venue is truly a unique experience not to be missed.

For those looking for something a bit more modern, some of the events for this year’s festival will also be held in the Michael D. Palm Theatre. This is, to put it simply, a state of the art theater. The 30,000 square foot theater features dual film projectors, a digital projector, surround sound, nearly 300 lighting options, and much more. The theater opened in 2004, and also features a full stage with a Steinway Grand piano, and occasionally hosts Broadway style performances. These are just a few of the many venues being featured during this year’s Telluride Film Festival, occurring September 2nd through September 5th.

This year’s festival is filling up fast, so buy your tickets and reserve lodging today! Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers many different Telluride lodging options designed to suit any and all needs during your stay. We can help you find nanny services for the kids, offer grocery delivery services, private shuttle services to and from the airport, and so much more! Contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ® today to find out how we can help you build a customized vacation in Telluride for your stay during this year’s Film Festival!

The Downtown Aspen Arts Festival will be making its ninth appearance on July 23^rd and 24^th in the alluring Aspen, Colorado.  From vibrant paintings and bold sculptures to handmade glass and jewelry, this festival features a diverse and impressive selection of finely crafted works.

Not only does the festival feature several mediums of art and styles from around the world; but guests have the opportunity to interact with the artists themselves and truly understand the depth and significance each piece brings to the collection. Whether you are an amateur looking to learn more, or a cultivated connoisseur, the Aspen Arts Festival combines a comfortable atmosphere with professional talent for art enthusiast of all levels to participate.

For those that are looking to have their own pieces commissioned by world-renowned artists, this is the perfect opportunity to meet a wide-ranging group of artists to find the one who truly captures your vision and spirit.

The Downtown Aspen Art Festival begins on July 23^rd in Wagner Park at 10am, and admission is free! Pieces range from just $15 to over $50,000 so everybody can take home a piece of the festival. The Downtown Aspen Art Festival is a great family and pet friendly event with opportunities for people of all ages to be involved and appreciate fine art and craftsmanship.

While spending the weekend downtown, be sure to experience some of Downtown Aspen’s world-class cuisine. Cache Cache features an inspired cuisine with French influences. If you are looking for an unforgettable meal, try the “Loch Duart” Scottish salmon and a decadent chocolate mousse parfait for dessert.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your custom summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

If you’re looking for a little taste of winter but still want to enjoy warm summer days, Olympic Park in Park City, Utah is the place to be! Home to the Freestyle Aerial Splash Pool and the ‘World’s Steepest Zipline’, there’s plenty of summer fun to be had.

The Freestyle Aerial Splash Pool is a must see! This training pool opened in 1993 and has been used by several world-class aerialists. Spectators can watch as athletes spiral 70 feet in the air before landing in the bubbled water- what a sight!! The Flying Ace All Starts showcase a 30-minute freestyle aerial show every Saturday at 1 p.m. Make sure you bring your umbrella!

The XTREME zipline at Utah’s Olympic Park is nothing shy of an adrenalin rush! If you think you have ‘been there,’ ‘done that’ when it comes to a zipline, this XTREME zipline is a must! Imagine staring down K 120m ski jump before you take the 55 mph plunge! There’s a reason they call this the “World’s Steepest Zipline!”

Olympic Park is located just outside of Park City, Utah and opened for its summer hours on June 11, 2011. Aside from the XTREME Zipline, Olympic Park also has plenty of things to do… there’s also an UTRA Zipline, a high speed Bobsled track and a European-Style alpine slide!

Find out more about things to do in Park City this summer and let our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals help!

For those families looking for a vacation experience that is truly a cut above the rest, Aspen, Colorado features distinctly luxurious properties such as the Mountain European which sits mountainside just east Aspen’s core. For our last family vacation, we decided to book the Mountain European as it was big enough for the whole family and full of amenities.

Mountain European is a luxury property which fuses majestic views and lavish design, ultimately creating the premium vacation experience. This 13,000 square foot estate features five bedrooms, six fireplaces, and powerful panoramic views. This fabulous getaway is fully equipped with a three car garage, drop down media projector, separate staff unit, carport, and a snowmelt driveway and patio.
The living area is by far the most sociable and distinct room in the house. This posh room features fantastic views, a grand piano, European décor, original pieces of art including both paintings and sculptures, and access to the panoramic deck. Reading a book or having a drink in the living area after a day on the slopes is both relaxing and decadent.

Not only are the views from Mountain European sure to impress, but they include stunning views of Sopris, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. One night we entertained some friends we made on the mountain. Our new friends were so impressed with the house; but they could not stop talking about the breathtaking views.

Our experience in the Mountain European far exceeds our expectations and has set the bar high for the future. This extremely desirable property is more than just a vacation rental; it is a blissful getaway which provided us with the vacation of our dreams. We will be sure to book at this property again!

Find out more about how RMVR’s team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.® can help you plan your custom summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

It’s that time of the year again! The Breckenridge Fun Park at Peak 8 is opened up on June 17th, and will continue running until September 4th. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Fun Park will open up on the weekends between September 9th and 18th.

Visiting the Breckenridge Fun Park is a great way to spend a day during your summer vacation. The fun park has tons of different attractions, offering something for everybody! My personal favorite activity at the Fun Park is the Alpine SuperSlide. Even from the beginning, the Alpine SuperSlide is incredible! To start, a chairlift takes you up the mountain. During the ride, you’re able to view the mountains beauty, and let me tell you, when summer comes around the mountains change from snowy white to a gorgeous green in an instant. After the ride up, you’re ready to begin your adrenaline rush! Riding down the mountain on a 2,600 foot long concrete track is absolutely exhilarating!

This year, Breckenridge has outdone itself with the opening of the Gold Runner Coaster! This attraction is breathtaking! As much as I love the Alpine SuperSlide, I’m incredibly excited for the Gold Runner Coaster. The ride features 2,500 feet of roller coaster tracks through the forest on the mountain. You control your own speed when you go down the tracks. So whether if you like it fast or slow, the Gold Runner Coaster is definitely a place to go!

The Fun Park isn’t just made for us Colorado adrenaline junkies, though! There are so many other options for entertainment on Peak 8 this summer! You’re welcome to sit back, relax, and enjoy a free scenic gondola ride up the mountain! If you think that the mountain is beautiful when it’s covered with snow, just wait until you see it during the summer! And if you want to be even closer to the beauty, try tackling a hiking tour with BreckTreks! Maybe hiking isn’t your thing, but you still want to see the land. Well, Breckenridge now offers 4×4 tours! Ride in a 4×4 big enough for up to 7 people across Peaks 7 and 8 and enjoy all that the Ten Mile Range has to offer!

There really is so much to see at the Fun Park. I haven’t even begun to tell you about the awesome mountain bike trails, the fun-filled mini-golf course, or the RockPile climbing wall! I’m about to head back out to the Alpine SuperSlide, I hope to see you out there too!

Discover More Colorado Summer Activities

If you are looking for things to do in Vail, Colorado this summer, look no further. On Tuesday, June 14^th, the free Bud Light Hot Summer Nights concert series began at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater with a performance by Grupo Fantasma. They started off the concert series strong, providing attendees with an energetic mambo-funk that was sure to make legs and hips move. The amphitheater is a great place to see a show, offering seating to 2,500+ guests and great sunsets silhouetted by the Rockies. I look forward to the remaining free concerts, which occur every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM until August 30^th. Featured acts include the Kyle Hollingsworth Band (July 19^th), Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band (August 16^th), and Carolyn Wonderland (August 23^rd). As you attend the concerts throughout the summer, don’t forget to explore the surrounding restaurants, attractions and all the other things to do in Vail, Colorado.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.