This weekend, there are a few festive happenings taking place in celebration of ghosts, alter egos, and sugary treats. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, and this will be my first time celebrating in the mountains. There is something that’s awesome about letting yourself become something else, exploring your creativity in getting there, and seeing what other people come up with too. I haven’t reached a definite conclusion for my costume yet, and I wouldn’t tell you if I did – check me out in Vail this weekend!

A few things are going on tonight:

In Avon, get your dance on for the dead, at Saltwater Cowboy where the Grateful Dead cover jam band Shakedown Street will be playing.  The music starts at 10, and there is a $10 cover charge. Loaded Joe’s will be hosting a costume contest in addition to Karaoke tonight. The party kicks off at 9:30, there is no cover charge, and you can tap the Rockies with Coors Light pitchers, for $8!

Further up the road in Beaver Creek, the Charter Academy is hosting its annual Halloween fundraiser, “Spirit’s Haunted Night Club – Ghosts from Colorado’s Past.” Taking place at Saddle Ridge tonight, this upscale masquerade will have dinner tastings, black martinis, and plenty of rounds of pool and cards games played. Individual tickets are $75, and a reserved table for 10 is $1200.

Also tonight, the Boulder band Salem will be playing in Edwards at the Main St. Grill, at 10 p.m.

Saturday is the night I plan to go all out. At the Sandbar, Denver funk/rock band Bop Skizzum will be playing music to emulate the founding fathers of funk. With beats any persona can get down to, like the styles of James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Michael Jackson, it should be a decent Halloween bash. There will be a costume contest with cash prizes and awards, highlighting the Best Costume, Sexiest Costume, and Best Couple Costume. Cover is $5.

Semana Lounge will be also reward best costume, with a focus on the theme “Villains and Vixens,” where DJ Lito will be spinning. Also, a party at Bol will be taking place at the Solaris. The bowling alley will offer drink specials, costume contest will be based on sexiest, scariest, and best costume overall.

For a more upscale gathering in Vail, The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch will be inaugurating their “Haunted Hallows Eve” party. Tickets are $35 per person, or $60 per costume-coordinated duo, and the festivities go on from 8 to 11 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, beer, Halloween-themed drinks and entertainment will all be available for this classy monster ball. A panel of resort judges will determine who will win prizes, based on various categories.

Don’t have a place to stay this weekend to take part in a Rocky Mountain Halloween? Call 1-888-364-7596, and book your weekend stay with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

It is now mid October, and it’s the time of year that I start thinking about all the Fall activities that I grew up with in Connecticut. Hayrides, pumpkin patches, pumpkin carving, apple picking, apple cider… all of those seasonal events that precede choosing a clever Halloween costume.

Perhaps I haven’t landed on a Halloween idea yet, because I need more activity to fill my Fall fix! With talk about Breckenridge in the office this weekend, I was just drawn to an announcement for the “Breckenridge Equestrian Center Fall Festival”, which is going on this Sunday.

A family-orientated event, there will be horse rides, carriage rides, face painting, and, my personal favorite, craft-making! In addition to kid-friendly activities, there will be plenty of hot chocolate, apple cider, baked goods and lunch items to munch on. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Breckenridge Equestrian Center, home of 30 + horses. Proceeds will go towards the Summit County 4-H program, and kids ages 8-18 will be working the event. How cute!

If you are craving authentic Fall activity like myself, come to Breckenridge this weekend, have some cider, pet some horses, and get your face painted. Don’t be alarmed if you see a group of 20 + year-olds that I have taken along with me – see you there!

For more updates on events or lodging in the mountains, stay posted with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

A Message to the American People: Don’t Stress

My fellow vacationers: you work hard year round. You provide for your family or work enough hours to make sure you are living the life you want. I know the economy is tough right now and the country seems like it’s bad and getting worse. But if we are all going to make it through the next few years, we need to make sure that we are pacing ourselves and not getting burnt out. We need to make this work ethic last. What we need to do now is get excited. We have a unique opportunity to work together as a country and pull ourselves back to the standards that we know Americans can achieve.

If it makes it any easier, healthcare reform has begun to kick-in to save you money (Just so we’re clear, healthcare reform will not cost the American public a dime until 2014 when more advanced regulation takes effect, and will actually save our economy money over the next decade).  We’re stressed, but equity markets are trending upwards. Jobs are being created by public programs and private sector companies alike. Those jobs are going to create a better, more technologically advanced infrastructure than we have ever seen if we do things right. So take comfort in that and don’t get too stressed out. And I know our political environment is as “interesting” as it has ever been, but remember that people elect politicians. Don’t ever forget that you, the people, are in control of this country.

Moreover, you are in control of your own life. You have the power to mitigate stress and to make yourself happy. Don’t get burnt out heading into the holiday season. Your country needs you now more than ever. I encourage each and every one of you to take some time to relax, take some time to feel again, take some time to enjoy your lives that you work so hard for. Take some time off, and come to the mountains and enjoy the fall and winter seasons that are upon us. These are the most beautiful times of the year for the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Telluride is in full swing with events from film festivals to concerts to outdoor markets. Breckenridge and Keystone are proudly displaying their eclectic spirit with that home town feel. Aspen and Snowmass are as interesting as they ever were, with the potential to spot Hollywood’s A-List at any moment and experience some of the most high end luxuries of mountain life. And, of course, Vail and Beaver Creek are constantly recognized for their world renowned beauty and splendor as some of the globe’s top resorts.

The leaves are falling, the sun shining, the air is crisp, and the people are friendly. No matter what happens today, that will still be true tomorrow. There is no reason to not treat yourselves to a little happiness, a little fun every now and then. It is your duty to your country to be happy and not stress about what you can’t control. So call up Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today at 1-888-866-2305 and start planning your escape today. They’ll even take some of the excess stress away by setting you up with complimentary ski rentals and a concierge to care of all your needs.

This past weekend I left my new home of Vail to check out the Colorado vs. Georgia football game in Boulder, Colorado. The two hour drive provided great views of the Rockies and the beautiful fall foliage. Since I’ve only been in Colorado for about a month, every trip is still a new adventure for me and I still find myself in awe of the natural beauty all around me.

Boulder itself was great. It actually reminded me a lot of Burlington, Vermont, my old college stomping grounds. The game was awesome; CU stole a win in the few last minutes. Afterwards we all hit the bars and I actually ran into a friend from college who happens to be a teacher in Denver these days. The festivities lasted all night and before I knew it, we were grabbing breakfast and heading back into the mountains. Overall, it was a great weekend, but I have to say I was starting to miss the beauty of Vail and Beaver Creek.

Make sure you call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1.888.866.2305 to plan your Colorado adventure today!

In celebration of 151 years since Breckenridge was founded, the town will be featuring distilleries from across Colorado, artisan spirit seminars, and fine local cuisine in Breck’s annual “Craft Distiller’s Still on the Hill Festival.” The festival looks back to the early years of Breckenridge, highlighting some history of the Prohibition, a poker run, and restaurant specials for $18.59, homage to the founding year of Breckenridge.

The dining for $18.59 special lasts from October 8^th to the 16^th at select local restaurants, and the weekend of the 15^th and 16^th will be when the additional festivities take place. On Friday, the 15^th at 4:00, you can get your free passbook at the Gold Pan Saloon and hop around town for the Pub Crawl and Poker Run. Put on your best poker face, and you can score a chance to win some of Colorado’s local crafted artisan spirits. The best five-card poker hands will be in the running for some authentic booze.

Saturday, hit up the Poker Showdown at Breckenridge Distillery from 1-3 p.m. It’s free to attend, but make sure you bring your poker hand from the night before. The top three poker hands will be awarded prizes, and cocktails will be awarded to all participating, as well as tours of the distillery. Any ties will be settled with a high card showdown on the barrel head.

The tasting of spirits, of course, will continue on later Saturday. From 4-6 p.m., The Beaver Run Resort will host Still on the Hill Tasting, where Colorado’s distilleries will present sprits as an informal, walk-around event. It is $10 at the door to get a taste of all the delightful spirits.

So, with 151 years of celebrating Breckenridge, remembering the early years of Prohibition,  and indulging in local spirits while saving on lodging for the Fall season, make a weekend of getting up to Breck. Check out lodging deals with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and talk to one of our local sales agents at 1-888-364-7596. Bottoms up!

This weekend I made my first trip to Breckenridge with some friends. We were hanging out by the pool in Vail when we decided we should mix it up and head to our friend’s Breckenridge house. We stopped at the grocery store to pick up some food to grill and we were on our way. The drive alone was amazing; all the Aspens are bright yellow at this time in the season and make the mountains look like they are on fire. Once we arrived at the house we decided to head out on a nature walk. While we didn’t come across any wildlife, there were a few spots where we had to cross a stream on some makeshift bridges. After a while we were all pretty hungry and decided to head back to the house for some food.

The night could not have been more perfect. After our delicious meal of pork, steak, and chicken we all grabbed some drinks and headed into the hot tub. If there is a better view of a mountain from a hot tub, I have yet to find it. We hung out in the hot tub all night gazing at the stars and the slopes directly in front of us. On the way out of Breckenridge we decided to stop at Daylight Donuts for breakfast. It was amazing; great prices, great service, and amazing food. I recommend stopping by whenever you are in Breckenridge. Our one friend who knew the area the best took us to a peak overlooking Dillon Reserve; the view was unbelievable. The chipmunks there are so tame that if you put some food in your hand they will literally walk right into your hand and take it.

Even though I spent less than 24 hours in Breckenridge, I had an amazing time and can’t wait to head back. To book your stay in Breckenridge make sure you call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1.888.866.2305.  You won’t regret it.

This post brought to you by Andrew.

This weekend was an encouraging reminder of the fact that I am proud to call Colorado my home. I’ve lived in a few places – New England, New Orleans, the DC metro area – and I’ve made it possible to travel in and out of the country. Every place that you go to, or community you become a part of, becomes a place that represents the unique meaning to the story of your life.

As I become older, one birthday at a time, the places I live and see become more emotionally involved in the greater picture of my experience. Like falling for that special someone, or craving the comfort of feeling nurtured by my mother, places become an infatuating addiction, and a soothing bowl of soup. When you’ve lived somewhere long enough to know most faces that work in the community, and when those faces know you, you’ve established a belonging.

I always felt a mother-like feature with every return I made to New Orleans. Something was comfortable about the sweet smell of jasmine, warmth of the delta, and the subtle tones of saxophone and brass, lingering from some nearby block around the bend. Like Colorado, the people of New Orleans are friendly, and absolutely invigorated to be alive. When the city was challenged, and feeling pain, it reminded me of the first time I saw my mother cry. Mom sprained her ankle down the stairs, and I ran to the neighbor’s house confused, vulnerable, in tears. In the case of New Orleans, it was not possible to consider a permanent relocation after the storm. I had to be there for her.

I still think about NOLA pretty often, but my time in Colorado has been the start of another blooming relationship. The diversity of landscape, the power of open space, and the community of Coloradans make up for an eclectic ecosystem of belonging to a place. I often compare living in Louisiana to living in Colorado – for the attitude that exists in each part of the country. In New Orleans, the city motto is “Laissez les bon temps rouler,” meaning “let the good times roll.” I believe that this is present in Colorado as well, but the richness in culture from a melting pot like New Orleans transfers to a richness in appreciating all forms of life. There is a rich culture out here too, but in addition to our relationship with local people and art, we feel a connection to the land.

My birthday was Saturday, and I drove back to Boulder to see another network of friends that I care about and my old stomping ground for some familiar service at the bars downtown.  I couldn’t have asked for a better turnout, considering how many people went out of their way to celebrate. On Sunday morning, I had the urge to drive up to the Flagstaff summit, take in the open air, and admire the view facing west. Before moving to Vail, I did this often – counting down the days that I would be out there, up in those mountains.

When comparing the Rocky Mountains to another kind of relationship, I think it would have to be that helpless attraction to being totally immersed, to being close to an individual that you desire.  The drive back up highlighted my complex relationship with Colorado – I have a family in Boulder, a developing family in Vail, and I am helplessly falling for the Rockies.

I am proud to consider this place my home, and strongly encourage traveling out here to see why. Whether it’s for skiing, rafting, or hiking while the Aspens have turned to gold, I’m pretty certain that a vacation to Colorado will inspire emotion, and be careful – you might just fall in love.

This post was brought to you by Nika.

Since moving out to Colorado last week, I have been looking forward to exploring the state. Vail, Beaver Creek, and Keystone are all beautiful, but I want to take advantage of all Colorado has to offer. This past Sunday, my roommates and I were debating how to spend yet another beautiful day. After a few minutes we all agreed to take a road trip through Independence Pass to Aspen. The foliage throughout Independence Pass was truly amazing; the colors of the leaves were so vivid, the reflection off of Twin Lakes insanely bright, and the rivers exceptionally clear. We had to stop multiple times on the way so we could take pictures of the scenery. We were all in such awe of everything around us, especially since it was the first time any of us had driven through the pass.

The town of Aspen itself couldn’t have been more beautiful. Sitting at the base of the mountains, the town was action packed since Ruggerfest was in full swing. We actually ran into one of our coworkers who was participating in Ruggerfest. It was my first trip to Aspen and it didn’t disappoint. There are a multitude of restaurants and shops along with friendly locals willing to help you out with directions or recommend their favorite Mexican joint. As the sun began to set on our perfect day, we decided to set sail back to Beaver Creek, all of our minds drifting back to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Aspen.

To take advantage of Aspen and all of its surrounding beauty (including Independence Pass) call Rocky Mountains Vacation Rentals at 1.888.866.2305 to book your lodging today.

This post was brought to you by Andrew, a member of the Business Development Team, primarily concerned with marketing, the website, and Google Analytics. Having grown up in Long Island and then escaping up to Vermont for college, it’s no surprise that Andrew ventured out to Colorado for the purpose of “getting away.” Andrew spends most of his free time with friends, snowboarding, being outside, and going for runs. He is passionate about making the most of each day, and can most effectively be summed up as “hard-working,” as he values the concept of getting the job done. In addition to playing lacrosse for the University of Vermont, he graduated recently with a degree in both History and Marketing Business Administration.

If the promise of winter slowly approaching isn’t enough inspiration for outdoor adventure, The North Face Never Stop Exploring Series certainly should be.  The series will be making a stop in Breckenridge, October 9^th at 7:00pm. Breckenridge residents and visitors are welcomed to come through, with tickets being offered from no charge to $20.

Seven athletes from the North Face Global Athlete Team will tell their epic tales across the nation in 29 cities throughout the series. The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of technically advanced and authentic outdoor apparel, will present “Journey Through the Arctic Refuge,” featuring Kit DesLauriers and her remarkable story about exploring the 19.6 million acre Arctic Refuge. The story will highlight Kit and her team’s challenges facing the greatest wilderness in North America, sledding across tundra, and skiing off the highest peaks in the region. At the same time, the explorers took note of their unique surroundings: a fragile region that may never be the same if vulnerable to oil drilling.

Kit DesLauriers, mother of two and first to climb “the Seven Summits,” the highest peaks in every continent, is a ski mountaineer with the two time recognition as World Freeskiing Champion (2004 and 2005), as well as having several first descents to her name. Before Kit became a skier of the world’s tallest mountains, she lived around Telluride, CO,  where she volunteered for San Miguel County Search and Rescue Team, worked as a professional ski patroller for Telluride Ski Resort, and became highly trained in technical and helicopter rescue. I feel honored just being close to where Kit’s adventurous endeavors started to take shape!

The event will take place at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, at 150 W. Adams, beginning at 7:00pm. Before the presentation, a VIP Reception will be held at the North Face Breckenridge on Main St., where food, beer, and wine will be provided by Briar Rose, and attendants will have the opportunity to personally speak with Kit. The VIP reception will benefit Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC), and tickets are available to anyone for $20. Guaranteed seating for the presentation is $8, and first come first serve may receive free tickets at the door.

To book your lodging for the weekend in Breckenridge and receive the live version of Kit’s story, call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. Experience the serenity of Breckenridge in the Fall, and get inspired from a monumental journey across the vast Arctic Refuge!

This post was brought to you by Nika, a member of the Business Development Team, focusing on Public Relations. Her work mainly entails writing the press releases, establishing media contacts, reaching out to the community, and devising a PR plan for the upcoming year. Nika enjoys traveling anywhere, but can’t get enough of the open space that Colorado has to offer. A New England native and Tulane grad, Nika ended up in Boulder, CO for a change of pace and has since fallen for the free spirit, natural beauty, and clean air. In her free time, she enjoys getting lost outdoors, making quirky earrings out of broken jewelry, cooking vegetarian meals, and looks forward to another ski season. Nika is passionate about discovering new places and culture, and would use the word “mischevious” to describe herself, because she is curious, eager, and sometimes sneaky. Nika graduated from Tulane University, with a degree in French and Communication.

As this Monday approaches, Vail Restaurant Month begins with “Market to Table” week. Adding to the info posted a week ago, here is more on Vail Restaurant Month: The week of September 27^th to October 3^rd is themed “Health, Wellness, & Outdoors Week.” Being a strong supporter of delicious, healthy,  AND sustainable dining, I can appreciate the all of the events that will be taking place.

In addition to the daily special at Sapphire Restaurant with a new Grand Marnier cocktail each night, Health, Wellness & Outdoors Week kicks off with Sweet Basil’s hosting of “Make the Sustainable Menu Choice.” Executive Chef Paul Anders will feature healthy fish options farm raised locally in a clean, efficient manner. Though farm raised fish has been given a bad stigma, the featured menu will demonstrate how, when produced the right way,  local and farm raised fish are healthy and environmentally safe. There will be a $39 prix fixe menu available.

If you’re interested in being further educated on eating seafood sustainably, Chef Paul Anders will be doing a walk-through on the basics of butchering and preparing fish at home. Dedicated to green initiatives, Anders will share information on sustainable and environmental responsibility – while instructing how to filet a fish with your own hands. This will take place before the fixed menu at Sweet Basil, from 5:30-7 pm on September 27^th, and on October 1^st as well.

At Terra Bistro, Executive Chef Kevin Nelson will present a Gourmet Nutrition Class at the Vail Mountain Lodge.  With a combination of the chef’s knowledge on nutrition and experienced taste with flavor, the class will be an informative presentation on creating delicious food that does the body good. There is a class size limit of 25, so make sure to sign up soon if interested! It will be from 12:00 to 2 p.m. “Colorado Wild Mushroom Dinner” will also take place Monday at La Tour, featuring a three course meal with the hearty ingredients of local and wild mushrooms. Rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and Vitamins D, B, and C, the dinner will be a pleasant exposure to more local healthy resources. Chef Paul Ferzacca will be preparing the menu, fixed at $39.

Kids will also get to participate in the week’s celebration of food and health, while getting their hands a little dirty.  On Wednesday, September 29^th, Vail Restaurant Month and Vail Resorts will collaborate with Eagle County School District and host “Little Foodies in the Kitchen: ‘Winners and Dinners.’” Fifth grade winners from a cooking competition will assist a different chef each week to prepare a healthy meal. The participating restaurants include the Mariott, Cucina, and Tavern on the Square, and following cooking session, the movies Ratatouille and No Reservations will be shown in hotel ballrooms from 6-9 pm.

Back on the topic of fish, Gore Creek Flyfisherman is hosting a seminar on Thursday, September 30th to October 3rd from 10:30am  to 1pm daily.  A special menu will follow, and the extra special promo of $50 off any half day wade or float trip, or $75 off any full day will be offered.  Friday, the seminar “Essentials for Happy Hiking” will take place at Patagonia, where Vail Mountain Rescue will present for about 30 minutes, followed by Q&A. Following the presentations and seminar, all will be welcomed to Blue Moose Pizza, sweet deals of $4 /slice + soda, or $5/ slice + beer!

Weekend specials include “Dine and Unwind” at Wildflower, “Extreme Dining” at Restaurant Kelly Liken, a host dinner with NY Times writer and author of “Recipes for Health,” Martha Rose Shulman, and a bicycling and running event featuring Michelob Ultra to wrap up events on Sunday. You can get more information on restaurant month from their website.

If you  plan to pass through the Vail Valley for Health, Wellness, & Outdoors week, book your lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and allow us complete your vacation plans with a comfortable home to return to. Stay posted on more details regarding Vail Restaurant Month during the colorful fall season, and call us at 1-888-866-2305!

This post was brought to you by Nika, a part of the Business Development Team, focusing on Public Relations. Her work mainly entails writing the press releases, establishing media contacts, reaching out to the community, and devising a PR plan for the upcoming year. Nika enjoys traveling anywhere, but can’t get enough of the open space that Colorado has to offer. A New England native and Tulane grad, Nika ended up in Boulder, CO for a change of pace and has since fallen for the free spirit, natural beauty, and clean air. In her free time, she enjoys getting lost outdoors, making quirky earrings out of broken jewelry, cooking vegetarian meals, and looks forward to another ski season. Nika is passionate about discovering new places and culture, and would use the word “mischevious” to describe herself, because she is curious, eager, and sometimes sneaky. Nika graduated from Tulane University, with a degree in French and Communication.

A month ago I decided it was time to uproot from my home on Long Island and move out west. My college roommate had spent the summer working for Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals in Vail, Colorado and had nothing but great things to say not only about the people he worked with, but also about Vail itself. He told me all about his experiences hiking in Breckenridge, going out in Aspen and camping in Beaver Creek. With his help, I was able to secure an internship with the Business Development Team at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. While I’ve only been here a week, I’ve loved every minute of it, from my friendly coworkers to the beautiful surroundings of the Rocky Mountains. This weekend I’m going hiking with friends and I’m counting down the days until I can hit the mountain with my snowboard.

Don’t miss out on all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305 to book your vacation today! Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage or book your winter getaway early for peace of mind.

This post was brought to you by Andrew, a member of the Business Development Team, primarily concerned with marketing, the website, and Google Analytics. Having grown up in Long Island and then escaping up to Vermont for college, it’s no surprise that Andrew ventured out to Colorado for the purpose of “getting away.” Andrew spends most of his free time with friends, snowboarding, being outside, and going for runs. He is passionate about making the most of each day, and can most effectively be summed up as “hard-working,” as he values the concept of getting the job done. In addition to playing lacrosse for the University of Vermont, he graduated recently with a degree in both History and Marketing Business Administration.

Having been a server at various restaurants over the past four years, I am an avid consumer of quality food paired with well-crafted drinks. In spirit of the off-season this year in colorful Vail, several local chefs and establishments are hosting events September 20^th – October 17^th, during what’s being called “Restaurant Month.”

This idea was crafted over the past few years by frequent Vail visitor and owner of I Openers, Ilene Rapkin. This year, the series of events will kick off its debut September 20^th, and will be featuring “Market to Table Week,” “Health, Wellness, & Outdoors Week,” “Vail LoveFest,” and “Family Week.” Each themed week will provide gourmet food by star chefs, wine and beer tastings, health, wellness, and spa packages, chef demos, and author readings and book signings. Eighteen participating restaurants will put on the show.  Here is a rundown of the first Restaurant Month week, “Market to Table Week”:

Every night at Sapphire Restaurant and Oyster Bar, there will be Grand Marnier cocktail specials to accompany colorful fall creations by Executive chef and Partner, Peter Milette. Appetizers, contests, and promotions will be featured during the cocktail tastings, and a Fall dinner tasting menu will be offered nightly, from 6 to close. On the topic of drinks, Alpine Wine and Spirits will put on “Tasting Tuesdays,” where there will be special themed tastings of wine, champagne, and spirits. Quench your thirst at their specialized location inside City Market at 2109 N. Frontage Rd.

Restaurants that will feature market to table concepts include La Tour, Vail Chophouse, and Vail Blue Moose. Chef Paul Ferzacca of La Tour will create a three-course dinner, using fresh produce from the restaurant’s organic garden and Colorado’s Grant Family Organic Farms. These dinners will take place from 6-10:00 pm on September 20^th and September 26^th, so come enjoy a culinary delight for $39. The Vail Chophouse and Vail Blue Moose will also be highlighting healthy foods on the menu and healthy choices, both on September 21^st and September 26^th.

Larkspur Bar will kick off their Wednesday Guest Bartender Series, a program designed to invite local nonprofit organizations to support fundraising for the community. A guest bartender will donate their time, socialize with guests, endorse the event, and perhaps pour a few brews to help create tips.  They will also create proceeds from a silent auction consisting of donated items. This will take place each Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Other events throughout the weekend will include “Vail Chophouse and Stella, the Perfect Combination,” “Celebrate the Bounty of Colorado’s Harvest Dinner,” “Where Does My Food Come From?,” “Tea on the Meadow,” and a chef’s cooking demo catered by Amuse Bouche. More details are posted on the Vail Restaurant Month website.

To indulge in this savory series throughout the beginning of Fall, book your lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and plan a colorful stay in the Valley. Stay posted for more updates on Restaurant Month, and call us at 1-888-866-2305 for more advice on where to dig into a delicious meal!

1)      Indian Summer
Beginning in September, the weather cools down and the days stay comfortably warm without the risk of heat exhaustion, allowing for the perfect weather for fishing, hiking, biking or getting in any last-minute summer activities before the snow falls.

2)      Crisp, clean air
You can literally smell and feel the season beginning to change.  Go outside at least once every day for the sole purpose of breathing in the air; it’s refreshing, revitalizing, and the perfect hint of winter hiding just around the corner.

3)      Outdoor fire pits
When the sun goes down earlier in the evenings, and the weather is cool, it’s time for fire pits and bonfires.  Snuggle up in your most comfortable jacket and boots, and always bring blankets to share with friends and family.  The smell of fall and burning wood is an unbeatable combination and the perfect atmosphere to relax in at the end of any day.

4)      Hayrides
Hayrides are available almost anywhere in Colorado, the perfect form of entertainment to enjoy with friends, family, or a special somebody.  Hayrides almost always mean hot cocoa, apple cider or pumpkin spiced beer, the most festive of beverages and the warmest form of nostalgia you’ll ever have flow through your veins.

5)      The changing of the leaves
This might be the most obvious reason Fall is unbeatable in Colorado, but there’s a reason for it.  You can literally watch the Aspens change from green to yellow, as the mountains become ablaze with brilliant hues of red, orange, gold and brown.  It’s nature’s one last fling before going into hibernation, and on some days, it looks like the whole mountain is on fire.

Don’t miss out on fall in Colorado—Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today at 1-888-866-2305 to reserve lodging in any of our locations, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen/Snowmass, Keystone, Breckenridge, Telluride or Steamboat Springs.