Archive for the ‘Vail’s Best Concierge’ Category
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Tonight is the first performance of the 2010 Vail International Dance Festival, debuting with world-renowned performer Savion Glover along with legendary jazz musician Eddie Palmieri. This will be Glover’s second consecutive trip to the Vail International Dance Festival, as he performed back-to-back last year. He is a well decorated tap dancer that can please a crowd regardless of age. His influences date back to the Vaudeville tap era and range to recent hip-hop.
He has starred on the big screen as well as on Broadway, alongside legends such as Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. In fact, Gregory Hines coined Savion Glover to be “the greatest tap dancer that ever lived.” Many may know his work in the Oscar award-winning animated film “Happy Feet”, where he was co-choreographer for the character Mumble. Last year he managed to sell out both shows; and certainly it will happen again.
Tickets are $17 for lawn seating, $55-$75 for reserved seats, and $10 for children. This is a great substitute for the usual Tuesday Hot Summer Nights Series. For more information about upcoming events and lodging in the Vail Valley, please visit our website at rockymountainvacationrentals.com, or by phone at (970)477-1777.
Posted in Concierge Information, Uncategorized, Vail International Dance Festival, Vail Premier Lodging, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, vail lodging | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Photo By: Derek Lichtfuss
My college roommates dropped through Vail this past weekend, which was clearly a pleasant surprise. They quickly forced me to realize how truly fortunate I am to be living in the mountains for the summer months. Complaining of 100 degree days in Baltimore and D.C. was the first step to this realization. Step two was noticing that due to the lack of extreme humidity, my friend Tommy was not sweating bullets. Step three was the presence of sunshine on a regular basis. Step four? All of it involves the weather.
Aside from the occasional storm that rolls through the Valley, the weather in the summer here is practically unbeatable. A slight breeze constantly trickles through my screened in doors, brushing against my puffy blonde afro. I cannot say how happy I am to not endure the humidity rocking the Chesapeake Bay region. In Colorado a common motto is: “If you don’t like the weather, wait twenty minutes”.
On a typical day you can see for what seems to be an eternity, and notice nothing but ecstatic blue skies, and rays beaming off of the oddly (well, to me…) white-capped Rockies. Within the next twenty minutes, a squall will have crept up, threatened, and gone on its merry way.
Over the weekend, we decided to head back to the Colorado River Center, where RMVR has taken several company rafting trip — connections. During our three hour float, I must say that the sun came and went at least 20 times. We experience heat, rain, wind, clouds, and vibrant sunshine: the full range of meteorological emotions. The motto certainly proved true to us. I have yet to visit Colorado in the winter, but I would imagine the weather is much the same, just a bit colder.
For more information about current conditions, summer or winter, as well as lodging deals throughout Colorado among other destinations, please contact our concierge service. Or visit our website at http://rockymountainvacationrentals.com or call 1-888-866-2305.
Posted in Vail Lodging Report, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
I have had the pleasure of attending all but one of the Hot Summer Nights Free Concert Series on Tuesdays at the Ford Amphitheatre. This has to be the best deal going in the High Rockies. The Vail Valley Foundation, with the help of their sponsor Bud Light, has done a fantastic job recruiting bands that is appeasing to the eardrums of all listeners in attendance.
It is enthralling to see little tykes with their parents and extended families parked on a checkered picnic blanket, enjoying tasty beats from the lush green lawn seating. It certainly takes the edge off of the work hangover from Mondays. In my opinion, there is not a bad seat in the house. The acoustics are astonishing, and the seating offers a 180° view of the stage.
Each set is broken up into two parts, lasting about an hour and a half per side, dependant on the bands desired participation level. So far each band that I have seen was a certain crowd pleaser, showing their appreciation of Vailites by playing until dusk. By the end of the first set each week, the sun has stumbled just beyond the rolling mountains in Avon, and likely Edwards. It leaves a most incredible canvas painted with fluffy, luminescent clouds and an impalpable array of lush orange, blues, purples, and yellows.
True to form, the second set typically hits the ground running and is capable of luring most eyes away from natural wonder, directing back towards the man-made stage ahead. I couldn’t imagine leaving the amphitheatre on Tuesday nights with a feeling of melancholy.
So far we have seen Soulive, The Aggrolites, The Killdares, and Jonathon Tyler and the Northern Lights. A bit of advice to those who plan on attending: make sure you are parked in the parking garage by 6:10 or so. Not only is parking a royal pain after this time, but you will also miss the start of the show.
To those interested, there is another performance tonight by a group called Hoots & Hellmouth, who define their style as a blend of alt-country, rock, and gospel, filled with endless amounts of “attitude and energy”. If you have no plans, and are within driving distance of Vail Valley, you have no excuses.
For more information about local events and activities please visit our website at www.rockymountainvacationrentals.com.
We are: Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.
…It’s kind of our thing.
Posted in Local Vail Resources, Staying in Touch, Uncategorized, Vail Valley Events, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, vail lodging | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
By: Derek S. Lichtfuss
2 months ago I applied to an internship here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, without practically any knowledge of the Vail scene. 1 month ago I bought a plane ticket with a leftover gift certificate, and a little bit of help from my parents. 1 week ago it all clicked.
What a view of the Rockies from Churchill Wine Cellars located on 4 Eagle Ranch.
19 days ago I packed as much as I could into two suitcases (both under 50 lbs. to avoid the lovely airline service charge), hopped on a plane, and never looked back. What is that old saying about time flying and having fun? I can vouch for that…  Â
It finally makes sense to me that a college education isn’t just about how you did on your senior thesis, or brown nosing during office hours. Networking is most important, especially in a tight knit society. I learned a valuable lesson within a week of being here: ask and you shall receive. Be bold, everyone is here for the same reason; a passionate, enjoyable lifestyle.
Vail, like most resort destinations, is not exactly cheap. It is, however, very affordable, especially after making many of those initial contacts around town.  Working multiple jobs is NOT a bad thing. I know it seems like a damper on your summer vacation, but plant one of your many roots in a social environment.   I currently work nights at a local hot spot, and it couldn’t be a better time. Vailites pay homage to local joints such as the Red Lion, the George, the Tap Room, Samana, Whiskey Jack’s, Vendetta’s and so on. Wear as many hats as possible.
Free Tuesday concerts at Ford Amphitheatre could not be a better way to get down with friends, co-workers, and complete strangers. Vail is home to all walks of life. Foreigners, hippies, business men, college kids, outdoor enthusiasts, musicians, artists, athletes…You name it, they’re here. Join a social league while you’re here; I currently play kickball on Sundays. What a perfect way to blow off some steam and enjoy the unbeatable mountain surroundings.Â
I learned quickly that the Vail Valley locals are passionate about their surroundings, having fun, and being friendly. Don’t be surprised if you wake up with a smile on your face every day, no matter how festive the night prior, or physical labor that’s on the daily schedule. Take the opportunity to take that extra deep breath, trust me, at a mile and a half above sea level you’ll need it!Â
I have been lucky enough to work with an amazing group of young, fun-loving individuals; who have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the adventures that the High Rockies have to offer.  There is certainly something to be said about a company that knows how to work hard, and play equally as hard.  Opportunities to meet and greet while interning here have been endless. I have had the ability to represent the company at multiple concierge events around town involving great people, delicious food, and free microbrews.Â
Be sure to check our website for our media updates including action footage, interviews, and photographs showing the best activities this place has to offer. It would surely be an understatement to call this a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Posted in Uncategorized, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel | No Comments »
Monday, June 7th, 2010
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Vail is home to the world’s highest botanical gardens. Standing at an elevation of 8,200 feet, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has been showcasing the beauty of the Rockies since 1986. With 3,000 species of high-altitude plants from the Rocky Mountains and other regions of the world, the gardens overflow with nature’s beauty. It’s no wonder the Gardens was named the winner of 2009 Garden Excellence award by American Public Gardens Association and Horticulture Magazine.
The Gardens was founded by the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation with a mission to “inspire a passion for plants in high altitude communities through beautification, conservation, education, and research programs.” There are six different gardens: the Mountain Perennial Garden, the Mountain Meditation Garden, the Alpine Rock Garden, the Schoolhouse Garden, Alpine Tundra Garden and the Children’s Garden. Each distinct garden has unique attractions and plants. There are also a variety of programs available for guests to enjoy. Mondays and Thursdays are garden volunteer days. Children’s learn and grow programs take place Wednesdays and horticulture therapy is on Tuesdays. For a small fee, guests can participate in yoga classes in the middle of the garden Mondays and Fridays. Guided tours and art demonstrations are also available throughout the week.
More than 100,000 visitors a year come to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to experience the flourishing and thriving bounty of Colorado. It’s open from dawn to dusk and admission is free. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get a little closer to nature. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to plan your next Vail vacation 1-888-866-2305
Tags: betty ford alpine garden, botanical. worlds highest, colorado, flowers, free activities, mountain, rockies, tulips, Vail
Posted in Concierge Information, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Summer is here and so is the golf season. If you’re in search of some tee time in the Rockies, now is the best time to get
started. With the early season come low rates and fewer crowds. Anyone can have the golf experience they’ve always dreamed of at a reasonable price.
The Vail Golf Club opened its 18-hole, par 71 course for the season on May 29. The 7,024 yard course is at an elevation of 8,200 feet, which means that swings will go 10 percent farther. The Vail Golf Club was ranked by Golf Digest among its “Top 100 Resort Course,” and it’s clear to see why. Located at the base of the Gore Mountain Range, stunning views of the Rockies and the White River National Forest surround the green and give golfers an experience unlike any other. Only in the Rocky Mountains can you feel on top of the world while golfing.
The Vail Golf Club’s early season specials are one of the best in the Valley. It’s $30 to walk nine holes and $45 to walk 18 holes. For golfers with carts, it’s $42 for nine holes and $64 for 18 holes. Hurry and come play before prices rise for the high season! Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for help planning your Vail escape 1-888-866-2305
Tags: colorado, course, gold digest, golf, hole, specials, tee of, top course, Vail
Posted in Concierge Information, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Loaded Joe's after dark. Photo from loadedjoes.com
Loaded Joe’s is a local favorite. A coffeehouse by day and a cocktail lounge by night, Joe’s has been the premier chill out spot for locals since its opening in January 2004 in Avon. This place truly has something for everyone. During the day, you can relax on a comfy couch, read a book, stare out the window at the gorgeous mountains, talk with friends over coffee or simply enjoy some good food. The place is decorated like a living room, so you can unwind and feel at home. When the sun goes down, the action at Joe’s gets kicked up a notch. Live entertainment, karaoke, open mic, dancing, movie screenings and trivia contests are some of the events that happen throughout the week. A schedule of what’s happening is available.
This place is more than a coffeehouse and a bar; it’s a way of being. Go to Loaded Joe’s for some good coffee, strong cocktails, rocking music and great people. If you need any other ideas about places to go while in the Vail Valley, contact Rocky MountainVacation Rentals’ concierge service.
Care to lounge around? Photo from loadedjoes.com
Tags: bar, cocktails, coffe, dancing, espresso, karaoke, latte, live entertainment, loaded joes, movie night, trivia night
Posted in Concierge Information, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's good in Avon, colorado | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
The Teva Mountain Games are the nation’s largest mountain sport event. Celebrating mountain lifestyle, outdoor competitions and events and music concerts- the 2010 Teva Mountain Games hosted form June 3 to June 6 in the Vail Valley are gone be an incredible event you should not miss.
Top professional and also amateur athletes from all around the world will compete in eight different sports in overall 24 different disciplines for over $ 100,000 in prize money. The eight sports are biking, climbing, dogs competing, running, fishing, kayaking, rafting and stand up paddling.
As of today, the 2010 Teva Mountain Games will start off on Thursday June 3 at 10am with the Bud Light Lime Steep Creek Championship which will be presented by Thule at the Homestake Creek, Red Cliff. Homestake Creek is dropping 480 feet per mile which makes this competition one of the most popular and interesting not only to race but also to watch. If you want to compete in the quarter mile creek race register fast- there is only a limited number of starter places for the first round- so make sure you get in there! The ten fastest female and the ten fastest male will then compete in a second round and the fastest time will determine the winners.
Registration for the race on race day opens at 8am at the Homestake Creek – Red Cliff. At 8.30am there will be the possibility to practice in the Steep Creek. At 9.30am the time trail will start. So if you are only there to watch the challenging race- try to make it there by 9.30am to see all competitors. And then at 10am the Steep Creek Championship will kick off. Check regularly the Teva Mountain Games website to see if there were any changes in the schedule!
The Steep Creek Championship is gone be a popular and promising competition since there will be professional athletes from all around the world to win the $ 2000 Price money for the first man and for the first woman. The second man and woman can each win $ 1000 and the third will get $ 500. The 2009 winners of the Steep Creek championship are Mike Dawson from New Zealand and Nikki Kelly.
To round the first day and the first competition of the 2010 Teva mountain games up- there will be a free concert in the heart of Vail Village. Starting at 7pm at Checkpoint Charlie there is gone be the first half of the Bud Light Mountains of Music show where DJs and Band will rock the village.
Try to make it to Vail to the first great day of the 2010 Teva Mountain Games. If you need some great lodging deal to stay for the whole games check this out!
Tags: Blog Vail, colorado, Colorado Skiing, fun, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, rocky mountains, Summer, Teva Mountain Games, Things to do, Travel, Vacation, Vail, Vail Blog, Vail CO, Vail Colorado, Vail events, vail valley, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, winter
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Colorado Events, Breckenridge Events, Concierge Information, Local Vail Resources, Staying in Touch, Teva Mountain Games, Vail Lodging Report, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, breckenridge, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
Kayaking can take my travels beyone the whitewater rapids of Colorado!
Tubing has always been one of my favorite past times for summer (along with a cold beer, a foot- long brat, and a Rockies’ team win at Coors Field), but a shiny new gem has caught my eye: kayaking. One of the most popular competitions at the Teva Mountain Games (June 3-6 this year), I know it is harder than it looks but I think I can do it. Having never even sat inside of a kayak, I thought it would be a smart move to learn a few things, and I couldn’t have picked a better place than Vail to do it!
After some web browsing, I’ve made a plan of action that I intend to take over the next few weeks, just in time for the Teva Mountain Games! I’ll let you know how it goes!
Step 1: Learn about kayaks. Did you know that there are over 7 types of kayaks?
Some are made for quiet, fishing trips, while others are made to navigate whitewater rivers! I think I will start out easy on a recreational kayak- until I find my sea legs! While researching, I found that there is a serious lack of safety education when it comes to recreational kayaks. This will be my next step because I value my ability to enjoy the great outdoors, especially in the Vail Valley area! With companies such as
Step 2: Attend a kayak safety course. Knowing what safety gear I need could help me avoid sticky situations! There are many procedures that I need to know and be able to execute such as we exiting, t-rescues, and self-rescues that will all be covered through the right training courses. The internet may be useful, but it doesn’t quite match the feeling of getting water up your nose while you are locked into a floating boat! Use this website for teaching children about boat and kayak safety.
Life vests are a simple safety tool, but can mean the difference between life and death.
Step 3: Take a class. At first, I wanted to jump in, but after plenty of reading and realization that I can’t tackle white water on my first day, I’ve decided that a class with certified professionals is my best option. They provide the equipment, knowledge, and training I need to be on my way. It may not be tomorrow, but I will start out my kayaking adventure right! In most cases, safety is the main focus of beginner classes, followed by skill and then actual water time. As demonstrated in this video, anything can happen while you kayak! Watch this shocking video of what happened to some ocean kayakers! Kayakers are terrifyingly surprised during their trip…
Step 4: Get on the water! After I become confident in my skills, it’s time to play! I can’t wait to explore the area’s natural playground where river meets adventure! Hopefully, if I love it enough, then someday I, too, will be competing in the Teva Mountain Games!
Step 5: Watch and admire the pros! I appreciate every athletic competition more, whether it’s basketball, softball, or even tennis, after not only learning about how difficult it is, but by trying it out! My admiration grew after realizing that navigating a thin, light weight craft through raging waters doesn’t happen overnight. Hopefully, while attending the Teva Mountain Games I will be able to pull aside some pro’s and learn what their experiences were to get here! Good luck to all of the Kayaking athletes who are competing in the 2010 Teva Mountain Games!
Learn to Kayak in Colorado, take your skill around the world!
Tags: blog, boat, colorado, compete, event, Events, fishing, free, heat, how to start, kayak, kayakers, learn, learn kayak vail, life vest, local, navigate, outdoor, plan, pro kayaker, quiet, rapids, river, rocky mountains, Safety, safety course, sport, sporting, Summer, summer activity, surprise, take a class, Teva Mountain Games, Things to do, Travel, tubing, Vacation, Vail, Vail Blog, Vail CO, Vail Colorado, Vail events, Vail Happenings, vail lodging, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, water, whitewater
Posted in Teva Mountain Games, Vail Ski Vacations, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | 2 Comments »
Monday, April 26th, 2010
Flying in Colorado
For some people traveling is something that happens year round, while others wait all year for that one special vacation. My personal philosophy is that the key to happiness is always having something to look forward to; for me that being a vacation. I thought I’d share of my personal travel tips- they are easy and will help you plan the perfect escape!
- When booking airfare domestically I always hop to Kayak.com first. It compares the prices airlines have listed, as well as prices being offered on 3rd party travel provider sites such as orbitz, so you know you’re getting the best deal around. Or, save some hassle and let a complimentary concierge take care of your flights for you!
- If your travel dates are flexible, use Bing when searching so that you can compare historical prices for the flight you’re looking for to help you know when a good time to buy is.
- Research special events happening in your destination before booking travel. I’ve found that the best way to save money while on vacation is to take advantage of local free events and activities.
- Plan ahead, but don’t plan too much. An itinerary can help keep the vacation flowing, but can also take away from the travel experience. Sometimes the best memories of a vacation are those experiences that come to you.
- Make an educated lodging decision. Are you looking to eat all or your meals out, or trying to save money by cooking at home during your stay? Most travelers automatically assume a hotel is the cheapest way to go, without considering the money they could be saving by booking a vacation rental fully equipped with a kitchen.
- Ask a local. Locals will always be a better informer than a guide book or review you read on the internet. Ask around when trying to find the best pizza, or most happening nightlife. Locals are in the know with events and specials and are usually happy to help lost tourists have a good time.
Happy travels!
Tags: Blog Vail, colorado, colorado travel, discounted lodging, eat in, Events, Group Travel, itinerary, kitchen, local guides, planning, rocky mountains, save, Ski, Summer, travling, Vacation, vacation rentals, Vail, Vail Blog, Vail Luxury Rentals, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings
Posted in Concierge Information, Vail Lodging Report, Vail Luxury Rentals, Vail Premier Lodging, Vail Ski Vacations, Vail Valley Events, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | 4 Comments »
