Last weekend Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals attended the Ski and Snowboard Expo at the convention center in Denver, Co.  The Expo was a good time with great deals, tons of giveaways, and many different types of vendors to help you get ready for the upcoming season.  We gave away a pair of skis everyday to three lucky winners thanks to Venture Sports.  After a busy weekend working at the ski and snowboard expo, I was glad to finally head back to Vail.

Sunday night after the expo it was time to get out of Denver.  As I was carpooling with fellow employees, we decided to grab dinner on the way out, and I knew of a place right off of I-70 that I have visited before that goes by the name of Kermitts Roadhouse.  When you pass the town of Genesis, you will embark on a very steep downhill portion of the road; at the bottom will be exit 244 and you will see the lonely Kermitts Roadhouse.

When you walk into Kermitts, the first thing you will notice is the copious amount of dollar bills covering every wall. They are famous for their green chili, so we all indulged in some!  As a green chili enthusiast, I will definitely give them a passing grade.  After our great meal, we decided to put a dollar bill on the wall and of course we had to represent RMVR.

If you find yourself visiting us in the mountains and need a quick delicious bite to eat, don’t be too shy to stumble into Kermitts Roadhouse.  While you are there, try to find our Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals dollar bill; it’s not to hard to find.

Most ski destinations experience an “off-season” twice a year in the months of May and October.  This is the time when locals choose to escape for an extended vacation, while lodging properties sit close to empty awaiting the season ahead.

As much as I love traveling, the off-season is an awesome time to live in the Rocky Mountains.  There are plenty of times in life when it’s hard to find an “escape.”  Vacations are thought to be that much needed escape, but rather often turn into a stressful experience that leaves you exhausted and your bank account hurting.  Take a vacation to your favorite ski destination in the off-season and you will find it easier to relax and much cheaper!

In the past month I’ve been fortunate to journey to the destinations of Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek.  Walk down Main Street or explore the villages of these towns right now and you’re pretty much the only person around.  It’s refreshing  to look around and notice that you have a place to yourself that is at other times of the year so busy with tourists you feel the need to get out.   I almost question why these months are considered to be the “off season” when the weather is just as lovely and sunny as ever and you have the freedom to do just about whatever you like without fighting the crowds.

Not to mention the off season specials the restaurants and shops offer.  In the off season the best restaurants around offer killer specials to get people in the door spending money.  In Vail, for example, Montauk and Billy’s Island Grill, two of Vail’s finest seafood restaurants are offering 50% off all entrees. Up the road in Beaver Creek, Toscanini is offering 30% off the entire check, while the Beaver Creek Chophouse is offering  a 3 course dinner special for just $33.00.  Step inside the ski shops and you’ll find last season’s gear at unbeatable prices.  Shopping and fine dining at half the cost – Thank you “off-season”.

This Saturday in Salt Lake City, Epic Brewing Company is teaming with Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective to host Beers for Bikes – An Epic Party.

Epic Brewing Company has been Utah’s first brewery since the prohibition, and is known for its high alcohol content with beers that fall into the categories classic, elevated and exponential series. In other words, there is something for everyone, no matter what kind of a beer drinker you are. From American-style lagers and wheat beers to hop-heavy and imperial ales, the brewery offers a variety of options to satisfy your beer-drinking needs. The party will be going down in the parking lot outside Epic Brewery, at 825 S. State St., Salt Lake City, UT.

In addition to premium beer sampling on Saturday, all proceeds from a $10 entrance fee and $1 beer tokens will go to the Salt Lake City Bike Collective, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable and enjoyable transportation. The entrance fee comes with a commemorative Epic tasting cup, and the tokens will buy attendees 3 oz samples of whatever you please, or whatever you can manage between 1 and 8 p.m. There will also be food samples from Sun & Moon Café, Poplar Street Pub, Vinto, and Cali’s Natural Foods. An Epic Bike Parade will take place before the celebration at noon, starting at Epic ride to Liberty Park and back. Attendees are encouraged to decorate and ride their bikes to the party!

The money raised will contribute to all the cool services that Salt Lake City Bike Collective has to offer. Some of these include refurbishing bikes for nominal resale or charity, funding the community bike shop where work stations and tool sets are available, recycling and art projects, and several bicycle courses for adults and children.  The collective also offers several volunteer opportunities, including the option to organize a bike drive and fulfill community service hours, all contributing to the effort in getting cars off the road, using recycled material as a resource, and get from A to B in a healthy way. With premium beer sampling thrown into the mix, it all sounds pretty awesome.

If you are planning to be in the area this weekend, and if you’re 21 of course, make sure you swing by Beers for Bikes – An Epic Party.  Stay posted with more updates in the Park City area, with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

This past weekend I headed into Denver to meet up with some of my college roommates. One of them lives in Denver so I see him on a pretty regular basis, but the other is currently living in Dallas, Texas and we hadn’t seen each other since early June. Quite a change considering his room has been across the hall from me the past 2 years. He was coming into town because his brother is a freshman at DU and it happened to be parents weekend. We all met up on Saturday afternoon and grabbed lunch at a local college restaurant that his brother often frequents.

That evening we all met up for dinner at a local Italian restaurant that had been recommended to my friend’s dad. To say the food was phenomenal would be an understatement. It was great to catch up with everyone and we spent a few hours reminiscing about old college times and what we are all up to these days. The 3 of us hit a few different bars afterwards and it felt just like old times. I ended up staying in Denver until Monday and while I had a blast, I definitely felt Vail calling me back. I missed the fresh air, beautiful views, and all the friendly locals.

To make your reservations for a trip to Denver or anywhere in the Rocky Mountains call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1.888.866.2305.

Last week was a busy one at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. As the season quickly approaches us, there is plenty for all of us to do to stay busy around here, as many of you probably are throughout the country. The word on snow today is that we’ll see some around 1 p.m. Signs of white have been visible in the mountains, restaurants and resorts are hiring for seasonal staff, and packages have been arriving for my co-workers with new snow gear. It’s like the start of the holidays before the start of the holidays in the mountains. I guess that’s just the way we roll!

With all that said, upcoming events and the anticipation for a busy next several months have been keeping everyone at RMVR on their toes. After some professional sales training with Doug Kennedy, expert in hospitality and founder of the Kennedy Training Network, our sales agents have been diving right into training for operating the online booking tool, Inntopia. A user-friendly tool to book lodging and services from our website, travel planning will be further accessible, convenient, and diverse for our valued customers. Requests and planning for Vail Gay Ski Week this March has been keeping us busy with web design, marketing plans, and reaching out to media. Additionally, RMVR has been making hires and expanding office space.

And the kick off to another week begins today! Thankfully, living in a place like Vail automatically throws you into continuous vacation living in between work. With a little bit of yoga by the lake in Frisco, and a little bit of fall hiking to overlook the Vail Valley that will soon be bustling with skiers and snowfall, I was quickly able to regain all the good energy needed for more work to be done.  Here’s to a good week, good coffee, and great vacations! Book with us at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, stay posted with updated RMVR news, and throw yourself into the excitement of Rocky Mountain living. Cheers!

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.

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.

Breckenridge, Colorado – a mountain where I grew up learning to ski and snowboard.  A resort community that to me represents the epitome of what a “ski town” should be.  Ask any local where the staple spots are for tasty, quick eats in Breckenridge, and they will tell you about Crêpes À La Cart.

Crêpes À La Cart is a popular, hard to miss Crêpe stand on Main Street in the heart of downtown Breckenridge.  The menu is very comprehensive, full of sweet and savory Crêpes  and can be overwhelming for a first timer.  Fear not;  you’ll have plenty of time to decide which one to try while waiting in line.   Just know that regardless of which way you go, you’ll be pleased with your choice.  I personally recommend the Monte Christo Crêpe, which consists of chicken, ham, substitute brie cheese, raspberry sauce, and honey Dijon mustard; a taste sensation, to say the least.

Crêpes À La Cart requires patience.  On average, I wait anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour for one  Crêpe.  One of their Crêpe artists recently told me that during peak times in the winter, people will wait as long as 3 hours for a Crêpe!  That popular; that good.  Unfortunately, Crêpes À La Cart only has three locations (Denver, Breckenridge and New Orleans) at this time, although franchise opportunities are available.

Yes, it may be weird that I’m blogging about Crêpes, but  had you have  been with me the six weeks I spent backpacking Europe, you would understand that my obsession runs deep.   Crêpes originated in France and the name comes from the Latin word meaning crisp.  A different batter is used depending on whether you’re going for savory or sweet, once again adding to the many variations available.

Breckenridge might only be 5.3 square miles in total area, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in activities, culture, and, of course, scenery.  Nestled between the Ten Mile Range and the Continental Divide, Breckenridge is home to the highest lift in North America, so be sure to take it to the top in any season.  When you do experience the magic of Breckenridge, I can only hope that your experience is complimented by a Crêpe from Crêpes À La Cart.

Happy eating!

Cali

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!

Just as the summer winds down, children start going back to school, and the Aspen trees show a golden leaf or two, one of my favorite events in Vail comes to town: Vail’s Gourmet on the Gore.  Hosted in classic Vail Village, with Gore Creek  meandering through, Gourmet on the Gore is an open-air tasting of food, wine, beer and spirits.  This year they’re also pairing food, wine, beer and spirits with live Jazz music.

This year Gourmet on the Gore will be Labor Day weekend, with events happening on Saturday, September 4th and Sunday September 5th.  Vail Valley restaurants will offer specialty dishes in portions that allow you to taste and sample as you stroll through the Village.  Tents offering pairings of wine, beer and spirits will also be mixed in with the food tents.

Both Saturday, September 4th  and Sunday, September 5th, the tastings are open to the public from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  Admission is free and includes the live Jazz music.

Grab a friend and come join me in celebrating the winding down of another wonderful summer in Vail at Vail’s Gourmet on the Gore.

Brought to you by Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.  To make plan your next trip to the Vail Valley, please contact us at 1-888-866-2305.