Breckenridge Colorado Live Music

Guess what!? This Sunday Ozomatli will be in Breckenridge playing for FREE! It’s spring time here in the valley and that means a lot of free concerts. We just finished a series of Bud Light concerts in Vail but wait it’s not completely over. Now the Bud Light concert series has moved on to Breck and they have a great line up: Wailers, Devotchka, and Ozomatli to name a few.


Being a huge Ozo fan I’m super excited about them performing here in Colorado and for FREE. This band is high energy all the time, I don’t remember ever going to one of their concerts (yes I’ve been to several) and not danced the whole time they’re on stage. People that get to see them for the first time get hooked and become Ozo fans instantly. At least that’s been my experience with the people I’ve taken to the concert with me.


A little about the band (some info from their website): Ozomatli is an LA-based group with a great live presence, brewing a vital concoction of Latin salsa, urban hip-hop, and jazz-funk. Notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga— has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A. They were invited by the U.S. State Department to serve as official Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored international tours to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, tours that linked Ozomatli to a tradition of cultural diplomacy that also includes the esteemed likes of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong.


Ozomatli has spent 15 years working diligently to spread its message of peace, communication and understanding through music, with a long standing tradition of performing for children all over the world, from the schools of North St. Louis to the orphanages of Southeast Asia. 2011 has the band focused on “oZoKidZ”, a special family friendly set geared towards performing for children and adults alike. The band are currently in the studio with acclaimed producer Tony Berg, recording a children’s album for release in 2011, followed by a book, DVD and tour

Concert Info: Sunday, April 10 from 3 – 5pm
Where: Get to the base area at Peak

For more info on the concerts in the area click here: Concerts


There are tons of events and things to do here in the area. For more info on these events and all your lodging needs, contact one of the Friendly, Knowledegable, Locals here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals

For More Gigs in Breck visit the Breckenridge Colorado Events Calendar

Vail Colorado Vacation Activities

Yesterday a few of us had the opportunity to try out ski biking in Vail with Adventure Ridge. It was by far the coolest thing I’ve done here in Vail since I moved out here. The first run was fun, as we went through some greens, some blues and then we went through some moguls. Next run was even better because this time we got to go through trees…YEAH TREES…totally sick!!!! Not to mention that we had so much pow from all the snow we’ve been getting lately. I got some air on a few of the tree runs! You HAVE to try this out.

The second run was probably the best because all the way we just went through trees and it was dark so the head lamp came in handy. For those of you that haven’t tried this or are considering ski biking I say DO IT!!! Contact Adventure Ridge for details and have an awesome time.

Some tips:
-If you have ski boots bring those, the ski blade attachments won’t work on snowboard boots (if you don’t have ski boots Adventure Ridge has them)
-Bring a helmet (it’ll be easier to attach the head lamp then if you’re just wearing a beanie and also for safety and Adventure Ridge does not provide you with those)
- wear appropriate ski gear, it is a late afternoon/evening thing so it will be chilly
- Go through the trees…don’t miss out and definitely do the moguls.

For more tips and help with all your lodging needs when you’re in Vail contact one of our Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Spring Back to Vail 2011 photo by http://vail.com

Just like that Spring is fast approaching. What are you doing for your Spring Break? …I’m not thinking sun and beach… I’m going more for free concerts, last chance to get some skiing/boarding before the season is over, street parties, pond skimming championships. Doesn’t all that sound so much better than just sun and beach?  How do you get to do all this? Easy just come to Spring Back at Vail 2011!

Starting April 15 there will be tons of activities and concerts to celebrate the end of this great ski season we’ve had at Vail. Come early for an all-mountain film competition open to pros and amateurs. Best of all concerts are FREE and lift ticket deals and great lodging packages will be available and who better to help you get this party started and get your lodging needs in order than your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Curious about who will be playing at the concerts? Here are a few of the bands that will be playing:

• • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
  • Train
  • The Greyboy Allstars
  • Shpongle presents the Shpongletron Experience
  • Stephen Marley
  • Chris Velan
  • Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Alright I’m stoked about all this …I know if you read this blog you probably are too. What next…book your lodging with one Vail’s own Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals!

The Sustainable Art Sled photo by

The Town of Vail will be exhibiting wooden sleds decorated by local artists and will be on view in various locations throughout Vail Village. The first ever Invitational Art Sled Exhibition will promote sustainability, creativity, recreation and community. Want to buy one of the sleds on exhibit? Well you’re in luck! At the end of the exhibit the sleds will be sold in a silent auction and a portion of the proceeds will help fund art programs in Vail.


Exhibit opens this President’s Day weekend. They will be on exhibit in: Claggett Rey Gallery, Cogswell Gallery, Masters Gallery, Pismo Gallery, Vail Fine Art Gallery, Vail International Gallery, Vail Village Arts, Worth Interiors, The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and the Vail Public Library. For details on the visit Art in Vail.


Want to go sledding now huh? Well check out Ellefson Park in Vail. It’s Vail’s most popular sledding hill (from what I’ve heard). The park is not crowded at all, there are table settings for you to eat or take a break. Here are some easy directions: Take the West Vail exit from I-70. (If traveling on I-70 E, cross under the I-70 on Chamonix Road). In the round-about, take the Chamonix Road. Left on Chamonix Lane. Left on Arosa Drive. Right on Garmisch Drive.


Want to do even MORE stuff around Vail? Ask one of our friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for suggestions on even more things to do and all your lodging needs while you’re out here.

Come to Breckenridge to watch and see how snow sculptures are created! 2011 will mark the 21st annual Budweiser Snow Sculpture Championship in Breckenridge. Sculpting begins at 11:00 am on Tuesday January 25th, 2011 with a gunshot to start and sculpting ends on Saturday January 29th, 2011 at 10:00 am. Artists begin their sculpting around the River Walk Center grounds at 150 West Adams Avenue, Breckenridge, CO.

Friday January 28th is supposed to be the best day to attend this free event. Artists are preparing to stay up all night to detail their work. This year there are 15 teams from eight countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States.

The snow for the sculptures is made by the Breckenridge Ski Resort and dumped into trucks to be taken down to the site. Once the snow is on site it is blown into blocks and volunteers called “snow stompers” climb on the piles and stomp the snow and then more snow is blown on top. The snow sculptures are approximately 20 tons and each team’s sculpture is 10 feet wide, 10 feet long, by 12 feet high.  To create these amazing sculptures the artists are only allowed to use hand tools and power tools are not allowed.

Judging beings at 10:00 am on Saturday January 29th, 2011 and the award ceremony is at 3:30 pm on Sunday January 30th, at this time there will be an award for People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice, and the judges will pick their top three choices.

Why not spend the entire weekend witnessing how the sculptures evolve? Come check out this awesome free event in Breckenridge. For your lodging conveniences contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals atRocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

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!

Next Tuesday, the Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals staff is partnering with Venture Sports to do a scenic bike ride down Vail Pass. The guys at Venture Sports will drive us to the top of Vail Pass, and from there it’s about an hour-and-a-half trip downhill, passing through Vail Village and Lionshead.  Like it does for all its tours, Venture Sports will provide us with bikes, helmets and a repair kit and pump as a precaution. Everyone at the office is stoked to escape the office and spend the afternoon in the Colorado sunshine.

Venture Sports is a full-service ski and snowboard shop located in Avon, Colorado. It provides the entire Vail Valley with everything needed for a fun winter vacation on the slopes, and during summer, Venture Sports switches gears and focuses on bike rentals and bike tours. Rentals include comfort cruisers, full/front suspension mountain bikes, road bikes, kids’ bikes, tandem’s, child trailers and much more. For tours, Venture Sports offers three options: unguided Vail Pass, guided Vail Pass and guided Glenwood Canyon. The cost for the tours is $45, $75 and $110, respectively. Below is Venture Sports’ description of its tours, as posted on avonventuresports.com.

Vail Pass

This trips departs at 10 am & 12 pm Daily, and includes transportation to the top of Vail Pass, bike rental, repair kit and pump, and helmet. This trip can be as long or short as you would like, the paved path takes you from the top of Vail Pass through Vail and Lionshead Villages all the way back to our shop. All along the way riding through Aspen and Evergreen glades while listening to Gore Creek water rush by you.

Guided Vail Pass

We will pick you and your family or friends up at your hotel or home and take you to the top of Vail Pass. While providing everything you get with our Vail Pass Scenic Ride you will also get a Guide who has vast knowledge of the surrounding area. A souvenir water bottle and gourmet snack will be provided for everyone as well. This tour departs at 10 am and is a half day tour.

Guided Glenwood Canyon

We will provide transportation to and from Glenwood Canyon for this breath taking full day ride. As with all of our tours you will have a comfort cruiser with a repair kit and pump and helmet. A gourmet lunch will be provided as well as a souvenir water bottle. You will also have the company of a CPR and First Aid certified guide with the history and knowledge of the canyon. Be sure to bring your camera on this ride, you will enjoy riding next to the Colorado River and the sky scrapers of rock the climb to the sky.
This trip departs at 9 am with a prior reservation.

For more information regarding Venture Sports, the Vail Valley or on finding lodging in Colorado, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. And stay tuned for details on how our bike trip was!

Photo from zipadventures.com

A couple weeks ago, my coworkers and I paid a visit to Zip Adventures for some fun in the Colorado Rockies. We went zip lining through the Alkali Canyon, soaring 200 feet above the floor at 30 mph. It was a rush, to say the least.

The day started off great. We had perfect weather, perfect temperatures and a perfect crew. We arrived at 4 Eagle Ranch and were outfitted with harnesses, helmets and a few carabiners. Then we hopped on the back of what looked like an old army truck and the guides drove us to the area we would be zip lining at. When we arrived at the top, we saw wires crisscrossing through the canyons walls, outlining what we would soon be whizzing across.

After introductions and a brief history of the canyon, it was time to take the stand. One by one, we walked onto the wooden ramp as the guide hooked our carabiners to the wire. I was one of the last to go, and waiting for my turn was nerve wracking. When it finally was my turn, I ignored my fear, took a deep breath and went for it. As soon as I was in the air whizzing across the canyon, all my nerves disappeared. Everyone else felt the same way. After leaping on that first zip line, we were all completely comfortable doing the rest. Once we knew what zip lining across a canyon held by a harness was like, all doubts and fears were replaced by excitement and rushes of adrenaline. It was amazing!

The cost to do six zip lines is $125 per person, and it includes all safety equipment, water and snacks. Tours can take up to 12 people in each group and usually last between 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Photo by Nova Guides

I rode an ATV today for the first time ever, and it was absolutely amazing! It’s by far the most fun I’ve had on four wheels, and one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. You just can’t beat the rush of going 40 mph up elevations of 12,500 feet on an ATV while surrounded by pine trees, mountain peaks and rivers. It was something I’ll never forget.

My co-workers and I went with Nova Guides. The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable and the business headquarters (The Lodge) were beautiful. But what made the tour so great was the unbeatable location. Located at the center of historic Camp Hale, there were views of four different mountain ranges, the continental divide and beautiful valleys. You can do ATVing everywhere, but you can’t get Colorado’s beautiful alpine scenery anywhere else.

The Beaver Creek Hiking Center opens this Saturday, June 12. Specializing in guided hikes and mountain biking tours, the Hiking Center caters to all levels of experience and all ages. You can choose to take a leisurely hike through the valley to a lake or, for those who dare, tackle a 14er (14,000-foot-tall mountain). The professional guides at the Hiking Center will take you to whatever part of Colorado you want to see. There really is no better way to admire the majesty and beauty of the Rockies than to be in the middle of them.

All the equipemnt you could ever need for an enjoyable hike is provided, including Salomon packs and boots, Leki hiking poles, rain gear, bottled water and granola bars. The Hiking Center is located in the Summer Adventure Center on the Starbucks level of Beaver Creek Plaza (in the adult ski school building). Lift tickets for the Chairlift can also be purchased here. The Chairlift runs daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo by Zach Mahone

We are less than a week away from the start of the Hot Summer Nights free concert series in Vail. A favorite of locals, these Tuesday night concerts are the epitome of summer. Nothing beats rocking out to live music at an outdoor amphitheater with the Rockies in the background. It’s the perfect gathering of good people, great music and an unbeatable venue. Here are the scheduled performers:

Soulive – June 15
The Aggrolites – June 22
The Killdares – June 29
Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights -  July 6
Hoots & Hellmouth – July 13
Laura Reed & Deep Pocket – July 20
BreakEFX – Hot Summer Nights of Dance – August 10
Toad the Wet Sprocket – August 17
Message In A Bottle: The Police Tribute - August 24

Shows start at 6:30 p.m.

Photo from beavercreek.com

July will be sizzling in Beaver Creek. The town has planned a variety of events to be enjoyed during the beloved hot summer days of Colorado. All are family friendly and most are completely free! There’s no better way to spend a weekend than at a festival surrounded by good people, delicious food and amazing shopping!

Culinary Demonstrations

Weekly

Chefs from local restaurants will cook their favorite dishes in front of the public at the Bon Appétit tent in Beaver Creek Plaza. Don’t miss the chance to learn how to cook like a pro!

Arts Festival

July 31 – August 1

A showcase of local artists’ work and antique vendors from across the U.S., the Arts Festival is a great opportunity to meet and chat with artists, purchase unique pieces and spend a weekend in the sunshine surrounded by art and the mountains. Admission is free and a variety of food vendors will be set up.

Rocky Mountain Antiques Festival

July 23 – 25

Some of the nation’s finest antique vendors will flood Beaver Creek Village Plaza with their unique collections of furniture, rugs, silver, dishes, artwork, jewelry, glassware and more. This isn’t just another boring antique show. It’s one of the best! Admission is free.

Beaver Creek Rodeo

July 1, 8, 15, 22

An event for the whole family, the Beaver Creek Rodeo is definitely worth going to see. Below is a description of the events, as posted on www.beavercreek.com :

Bareback Bronc Riding (6:15pm) - To win this event, the cowboy must hang on to the bucking bronco with just one hand and endure 8 long seconds of whiplash, whirling, and twirling.

Calf Scramble Kids (6:30pm) - The first five buckaroos to capture ribbons from the tails of a group of friendly calves win prizes!

Team Roping (6:45pm) – Two cowboys, a header and a heeler work together to catch a steer as fast as possible, earning points for their skill and speed.

Mutton Bustin’ (7:00pm) - The youngest cowboys and cowgirls show their stuff in this Rodeo favorite. The buckaroo who holds onto his or her wild-n-wooly sheep the longest brings home a trophy!

Barrel Racing (7:15pm) - Elegant riding and precise timing are the keys to winning this intense competition which consists of sprinting into the arena and tightly turning around three barrels.

Burro Racing (7:30pm) – For Moms and Dads – create teams of 3 to test your donkey handling and riding abilities!

Bull Riding (7:45pm) - In this dangerous event, bull riders must overcome 2,000 lbs of angry animal angst for 8 exciting seconds.

Tickets are $10 for seniors, $17 for adults, $10 for youth and children 12 and younger are free.

This past weekend I went to the Teva Mountain Games, my first one ever. After being in Vail for two weeks, this was definitely the highlight of my stay. The events, the crowds and the atmosphere were mind blowing. Friday I was able to take a couple hours off work to head down to the Village for a sneak peak of what was going on. I had enough time to catch the freestyle female kayakers and the men’s world cup bouldering qualifiers. I was amazed. The strength and stamina of the athletes blew my mind!

I had never seen live competitions of either of these sports so my eyes were glued. The kayakers did crazy flips and turns and jumps that I didn’t believe were possible in a kayak. There was even a 16-year-old girl competing! These women were amazing at what they did. But what truly blew my mind was the bouldering. The strength of these competitors and the resilience was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. And as a fan of rock climbing, I know all too well how hard it is to go up a wall. But these guys made it look so easy! It was incredible and definitely my favorite event of the weekend.

Friday was a nice introduction to what was to come, but the real festivities happened on Saturday. The streets were teeming with people, white tents were set up everywhere and the smell of BBQ and beer was intoxicating. Everyone was happy and carefree, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was a perfect day to be outside with friends. This time I got to see the dogs jumping events and some more of the bouldering. Most of my time was spent just lying on a field munching on a pulled pork sandwich while enjoying the summer sun and the awesome atmosphere.  After all, that’s what weekends are for.

It’s June. The sun is out, the mountains are green and flip flops are back in season. Summer is officially here. Locals have traded in their skis and snowboards for mountain bikes and paddles, and the white landscape has melted to reveal lush greens. For those who have flocked to Colorado for some summer fun, here’s a list of top things to do that will turn you into an adrenaline junkie and leave you begging for more!

White Water Rafting

The snow is melting and the river is flooding. The rapids are perfect for rafting and with the multitude of rivers, all skill levels are welcome. Prepare for thrills Colorado-style, and you will most definitely get wet!

Mountain Biking

The amount of trails available to bikers is ridiculous! You will never go lacking and the level of trails range from leisurely paved trails to off-road, ascending mountain trails that will kick your butt. Whichever you prefer, you will find it here.

Zip Lining

For those more daring, you can zip line through the valleys, above the trees and rivers and get one of the best views of the Rockies. And let’s not forget the adrenaline rush of going 30 mph while being 200 feet in the air!

Kayaking

Kayaking is a versatile sport. It can involve paddling through intense Class V rapids or simply drifting on a calm river. Lessons are available and extremely recommended for going on rapid rivers. It’s the thrill of a lifetime if you know what you’re doing!

Hiking

Like the bike trails, hiking trails are everywhere in the valley. You can choose from all kinds of scenery and skill levels, from wildflower dotted landscapes to waterfalls and beautiful alpine views. Hiking is the best way to see Colorado’s natural beauty.

Rock Climbing

Where there are mountains, there’s rock climbing. As long as you’re not afraid of heights, anyone can try this fun and challenging sport. The view from the top makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a fun activity for all ages. See Colorado from a horse’s point of view and bring the whole family out. When it comes to kids, you can’t go wrong with horses. You won’t regret it.

Jeep Tours
See the backcountry from behind the wheel of a Jeep or Hummer. You will see Colorado’s stunning landscapes and wildlife without having to exert yourself hiking or biking. This is good for a family with children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach the spectacular mountaintop spots.

Fishing

Never tried fly fishing before? Now is your chance. Go to the best holes in the valley and see if the trout are biting. Many companies also offer private trips, so if you and the boys want some male bonding time this would be the ideal activity.

Golfing

Golf is one of the top summer activities in the area. People come from all over the country to tee off among the Rockies and experience the first-class courses available.

If you’re coming to Colorado and are looking for lodging or need to plan your trip itinerary, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. Their concierge services can help with all your needs. 1-888-866-2305

The 37^th annual Telluride Bluegrass is less than a month away. Falling on the same day as the Summer Solstice, the festival will mark the beginning of summer and the start of a season packed with music festivals and outdoor recreation.

Jerry Douglas & Elvis Costello Photo by Benko Photographics

With all the festivals in the area, the Telluride Bluegrass fills its own niche. It has a loyal following, many who have been coming to the festival for decades and will continue to do so until they become too old to make the trip. The festival has created a new genre of music, Telluride Bluegrass, and performers and audiences come back every year to be part of this beloved festival in the heart of the mountains.

The four-day Telluride Bluegrass is all about music, good company and priceless memories. The soul of bluegrass music blends with the soothing mountain wind to create an almost spiritual experience. Scheduled performers include Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Court Yard Hounds, Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Del McCoury Band, Hot Rize, Josh Ritter, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Imelda May and many more. Live performances will be going on all day for the duration of the festival. There will also be intimate workshops, songwriting contests, late-night concerts throughout the town venues and personal, intimate jam sessions all around the campground.  This event is for lovers of bluegrass to congregate, share amazing memories and appreciate the music and festival that brings them together each year.

The four-day pass costs $185, and single-day passes are also available for $60. If you need help finding lodging in the area for the duration of the festival, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals 1-888-866-2305

You’ve spent a hot summer day hiking, biking or rafting. After physically exerting your body all day, you go back to your rental house for a well-deserved nap. Before you know it, the sun is down, you’re refreshed and ready to hit the town. But where to go? No worries, I’m here to help. For your reading pleasure and enlightenment, I’ve compiled a list of my coworkers’ favorite places to grab a couple drinks, meet interesting people and dance the night away. Enjoy!

1. The George
Decorated in the style of a British pub, prepare to walk into a dark, unique place where British memorabilia is at every corner. Come here for a Guinness or for the soft, comfy couches and amazing lounge chairs. The George is separated into three rooms: the bar, the restaurant and the game/lounge room. If you’ve got a few quarters on you, play some foosball or pool while you sip your refreshing, cold beer or fruity cocktail. There’s usually pretty good drink specials on the menu that cater to all kinds of drinkers. The laid back atmosphere of The George is perfect for a chilled night with good friends. Come as you are and enjoy a local favorite.

2. Samana Lounge
This is the best club in town with the best live music, bringing in great DJs and bands weekly. There’s no food here, but the friendly bartenders and fun atmosphere will keep you coming back. It’s a great place to go dancing and to listen to popular music. As one of the more posh places in Vail, you’re going to want to dress to impress. If you have a large party, you may want to “buy” a table and get bottle service.

3. The Tap Room
This is a great place to go to watch a sports game and drink a few beers. The Tap Room definitely has the sports bar vibe, and with plenty of big screen TVs at every corner, you won’t miss the next big game. A lot of locals come here after work to unwind and grab a few drinks with friends. There are always good food specials and Monday night is the amazing endless wings night. During the off-season, it’s just $5!!

Some places also participate in the Friday Afternoon Club (FAC). It’s basically a big party on the deck of the particular restaurant or bar with amazing drink specials and an unbeatable atmosphere oftentimes coupled with live music. The Wolcott Yacht Club, Avondale Restaurant and Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Lionshead gondola are the most popular.

Water, water everywhere but no ocean waves to surf. Have no fear. Thanks to Stand Up Paddling (SUP), the surf culture can be enjoyed on any body of water, including on the rivers of the Rocky Mountains. The sport, which originated in Hawaii, is similar to surfing because you can ride waves, but with SUP you can surf on flat water or river rapids. Like the name suggests, SUP involves standing up on a board and using a long paddle for moving and steering. The sport uses its own specially-designed style of board, and most are between 9 feet and 12 feet.

Stand Up Paddling on a river. Photo by Taylor Robertson

SUP has been around since at least the 1960s, but it has just started becoming mainstream in the last decade. The popularity of the sport has reached the Teva Mountain Games and, for the first time, it’s in the 2010 competition lineup. The two different events, the Sprint and the Cross, will take place on Vail’s Gore Creek. Saturday’s First Ascent SUP Surf Sprint involves paddling a 3-mile stretch as fast as you can. The fastest SUPer wins. For Sunday’s First Ascent SUP Surf Cross, protective gear is a must! This race is about survival of the fittest. Paddlers will have to cross 200 yards worth of class II and III rapids. There will be plenty of close calls and falls into the icy water. The first to make it across wins.

Teva will also have a free SUP clinic led by a C4 Waterman team member and SUP professional Charlie MacArthur for those interested in trying out the sport for the first time. Demo boards and wet suits will be available for participants. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to see what all the craze is about!

If you’re still looking for a place to stay during the Games, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals 1-866-348-5129

Many people come to the mountains to get away from it all, but that doesn’t mean they get away from their exercise routines. Runners, hikers and bikers who adamantly continue their training even while on vacation must slowly transition from exercising at sea level to a higher altitude.

In general, the higher the altitude the longer it takes the body to adapt. At high altitudes there is a decreased availability of oxygen, so the heart must work harder. This increases endurance in athletes, but those not accustomed to the reduction of oxygen can suffer serious consequences, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Altitude sickness usually is the culprit of headaches, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath. Luckily, this can easily be avoided just by being prepared and knowing when to take a break.

Things to Do:
1. Ascend and descend gradually.
2. Stay hydrated.
3. Spend the first day at a lower altitude than during the rest of the trip.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine before or after exercising.
5. Take long, deep breaths at intervals.

Always listen to your body. If you feel weak and sick, don’t exert yourself or go higher. A day of rest can easily get you acclimated, but for some it may take longer. Only you know your limits. You can have an amazing, active vacation in the Rockies as long as you take the proper precautions.

The Teva Mountain Games bring more than 2,000 professional and amateur athletes to Vail to compete in kayaking, bouldering, climbing, fly fishing, mountain biking, stand up paddling, road cycling, running and rafting events. But people won’t be the only contenders at the event. Dogs will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents and win notoriety at the Games.

Dogs will have the chance to compete in three events: Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, Big Air Wave and Doggy Dash. The events measure speed, height and length. The Speed Retrieve, the newest of the competitions, is a game of speed. A toy duck is placed at one end of the pool and the dog must jump in from the dock and fetch it. The judges measure the time it takes the dog to reach the duck. The Extreme Vertical measures the height of a dog’s jump. This is accomplished by positioning the dog on a 10-foot-high platform above the water and making him jump to get his toy. The Big Air Wave is all about distance. The dog runs down the dock and jumps into the water after his toy. The distance is measured up to where the dog hit the water. The final event, the Doggy Dash, involves owner and dog running through an obstacle course as fast as they can.

For the first time in the history of the Teva Mountain Games, the Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Big Air Wave will be Zone Qualifiers for the 2010 DockDogs World Championships. The winners of each event will automatically be invited to the championship for that particular discipline. This goes to prove the intense competition at the Games, for people and dogs.

The dog events will take place throughout the weekend. A complete schedule of events is available. Online registration is $20 to $25, depending on the event. It is open until 5 p.m. Friday, June 4.

If you need help finding pet-friendly lodging or planning other activities to do with your dog while you’re here, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by calling 1-866-348-5129. They will help you plan your entire Vail weekend.

Why come to Colorado over summer? Why NOT come to Colorado over summer? With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder the local joke is people come for the winter but stay for the summer. From adrenaline junkies to families to those in search of tranquility, there is something for everyone. Kayaking, white-water rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, fishing, paragliding, mountain biking, caving and hiking are just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in the summer. With so many options, you’ll be scrambling to try and do everything!

White water rafting in Colorado. Photo by Performance Tours

When the snow melts, the water sports aficionados come out to play. Kayaking and white-water rafting businesses open their doors once again to welcome a new season of people eager to get out on the water. White-water kayaking requires skill and experience, but rafting is available to all ages and skill levels and it’s great to do with a large group of people. Some companies offer the chance to combine rafting with other activities, such as horseback riding or rock climbing. So if you’re pressed for time, this is a great opportunity! With a handful of rivers to choose from, each with a different level of rapids, you have the option to do mild (class I-II) or wild (class IV-V) trips, depending on your skill level. The Arkansas River, the most popular in Colorado, offers some of the best white-water rafting in the nation. The Colorado River offers a more relaxing alternative for those with small children. Whichever river you choose, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful canyon and mountain scenery. Nothing beats a day on the river surrounded by the Rockies!

Hot air ballooning in the Rockies. Photo by Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides

For those who prefer a less energetic activity, the area offers hot air balloon rides through the glorious Rockies. Imagine being in the air surrounded by snow-capped giants, getting an aerial view of Colorado’s beauty. Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides, located in the middle of Colorado in the South Park Valley, boasts the highest altitude hot air ballooning in the country. Their hour-long flights depart at sunrise and guests get views of the Continental Divide, Mt. Elbert, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Pikes Peak and South Park Valley while eating a hot breakfast and sipping champagne as classical music softly plays in the background. It’s no wonder NBC Today ranked hot air ballooning number 18 of 50 things to do in your lifetime.

Caving in Glenwood Caverns

Maybe being on the water or up in the air isn’t for you. Well, how about going underground? You will have the chance to go caving in Glenwood Caverns, the largest show cave open to the public in Colorado. Glenwood Caverns offers three kinds of tours: walking tour, adventure tour and wild tour. Don’t like tight places? That’s OK. Sign up for a walking tour. You’ll still get to see the beauty of an underground cave but without having to squeeze through any tight spaces. Besides the caves, you will also go to a cliffside balcony where panoramic views of Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River will surround you. For the daring and non-claustrophobic, the wild tour is the way to go. You will venture to rarely visited parts of the caves, but be prepared to crawl, squeeze and get down and dirty. You will be on your belly and squeezing through crevices as small as 18 inches during the 3-hour tour. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Many companies do group discounts. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for help planning, booking and organizing your next Colorado vacation! 1-866-348-5129

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