Vail is a picturesque European-style village in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Pedestrian-friendly streets lined with cute shops and upscale restaurants along Gore Creek meander through a landscape of old-world Bavarian architecture, offering stunning views of untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. Although it’s just a mere 2-hour flight from Texas, it’s like stepping into a European fairytale. The crisp mountain air, vibrant fall colors, and an alpine village vibe made me forget I was still in the United States.
Let me take you through my journey to Vail, where every moment felt like a perfect escape from the Texas heat.
How to Get to Vail
Getting to Vail has never been easier, especially with the new nonstop flights from Dallas, Houston, Denver, and Chicago to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE). Once you arrive, hop on the Epic Mountain Express shuttle for a quick ride into town. With Vail’s convenient free bus system and walkable villages, you won’t need a car. Alternatively, you can fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Vail.
Best Time to Visit
Fall is the perfect time to visit Vail thanks to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to ski season in winter. This time of year, nature is in a slow, graceful transition, preparing for winter, making the scenery even more beautiful. Plus, Vail’s fall calendar is packed with exciting events like concerts, Oktoberfest, and the Freefall Bluegrass Festival in October.
Fall Dining Scene in Vail
Vail recently introduced four brand-new dining trails, each representing a different season, making it easy to sample the town’s unique culinary offerings. Fall is all about the Tyrolean Trail, highlighting the area’s Italian, German, Swiss, and Austrian influences. You can find a walking map of each trail on DiscoverVail.com. Whether it’s the cozy flavors of the Tyrolean Trail in fall, the hot chocolate trail in winter, the melty goodness of the spring trail, or the game food trail in summer, Vail’s dining scene is a treat for foodies.
Read more below for the list of fall dining trail options like Gorsuch Ski Cafe, Pepi’s, and Alpenrose.
Best Things To Do In Vail This Fall
Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Vail this fall; the most colorful time of the year.
Stroll The Vail Village
Stroll through Vail Village and savor a delightful array of dining options! As part of the Fall Dining Trail, Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant is a perfect place for a drink and live music. Located at the intersection of Bridge Street and Gore Creek Drive, Pepi’s outdoor deck is a vibrant social hub where locals and visitors gather to see and be seen.
The restaurant and bar offer an appealing selection of traditional European and Austrian delicacies, with Wienerschnitzel and Beef Stroganoff among the highlights.
We also came across the beautiful Lancelot Restaurant, renowned for its irresistible prime rib. Established in 1969, this iconic restaurant has become a beloved staple in Vail, known for its elegant yet cozy ambiance. Lancelot offers a unique dining experience with a menu that features not only their famous prime rib but also a selection of fresh seafood, delectable pastas, and gourmet desserts.
After satisfying your taste buds, explore unique shops and charming spots that make this village a perfect blend of flavor and fun! The trendy fall collection at Gorsuch caught our eye. It offers casual fashion, skiwear, accessories, a ski shop, demos, and gifts. We also saw the Covered Bridge, symbolizing Vail’s timeless charm.
The 10th Mountain Division Memorial offered a humbling reminder of the area’s history, while made-from-scratch Sundae satisfied our sweet cravings with handcrafted ice cream in creative flavors.
Our walk ended at Solaris Residences, right in the center of Vail Village. These resort-style luxury accommodations range from expansive five-bedroom mountain-view residences to cozy but lavish studio dens, all within the bustling hub of activity. Enjoy fine dining options, local libations, and Vail’s only sleek bowling center, which personifies the diverse and high-end ambiance.
Have Lunch with Llamas at Paragon Guides
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best ways to make the most of the fall season in Vail. Our guide, Joe, introduced us to our llama companions. We were advised to wear proper hiking shoes and bring layers, including a raincoat, as Vail’s weather can be unpredictable.
A hat, water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen were also on our packing list—essential items for a day out in the Colorado wilderness. Thanks to the llamas who carried everything for us!
We wandered through Maloit Park and paused at Cross Creek to take some photos of Vail’s spectacular views. You can choose the length and difficulty of your hike. We opted for a few miles, which was just right for us. However, you can go for as little as a mile or as long as 12 miles if you’re feeling adventurous.
And if you’re up for it, Paragon Guides even offers overnight camping tours where you can hike, spend the night under the stars, and enjoy the serene wilderness.
Savor the Autumn Flavors at Alpenrose
We decided to have an authentic Austrian dinner date at Alpenrose, yet another integral part of Vail’s Fall Dining Trail. We started our evening with boot shots—Schladerer Schnaps, to be exact. These schnaps originated in the Black Forest and blended apple and pear flavors. Next up was the Herzhaftes Käsefondue for two. This hearty cheese fondue was traditionally prepared with Emmentaler cheese, which gave it that rich, nutty flavor we couldn’t get enough of.
I opted for the Alpen Spritzer, a refreshing Aperol Spritz with a delightful twist to wash it all down. It was light and bubbly, just what I needed to balance our rich meal. On the other hand, Chief chose Alpenrose Gletscherwasser, a homemade blue lemonade that was non-alcoholic and refreshing.
Ramble on the Colorado Rockies with Nova Guides Jeep Group Tour
A highlight of our Vail trip was joining a Jeep Group Tour with Nova Guides, where we hiked at an impressive 12,000 feet. Local outfitters like Sage Outdoor Adventures and Nova Guides offer thrilling tours through the Colorado Rockies, featuring stunning tree-lined trails and panoramic valley views.
We were picked up early from our hotel and enjoyed a scenic 30-minute drive through Battle Mountain and Highway 24. At Camp Hale, we started our tour at 9,500 feet and climbed to breathtaking heights, spotting wildlife like beavers and visiting beautiful waterfalls along the way.
McAllister’s Grill at the Lodge at Camp Hale is perfect for a lunch break, offering classic cheeseburgers, chicken salad, fruit, and fries. Spend your afternoon at the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum in the Vail Transportation Center, where you’ll learn about the rich history of snow sports and Camp Hale’s role in WWII. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs!
We ended our day with a whiskey tasting at the 10th Mountain Whiskey Company in Vail Village, enjoying drinks like the Seibert Sipper and Earl’s Elixer while taking in the lovely creek views.
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Sip on Soul Warming Haute Chocolate at Four Seasons Resort
After the Jeep tour, we retreated to The Remedy Bar at Four Seasons Resort and Residences. This Vail ski resort is an iconic mountain getaway in the United States, offering luxurious accommodations, great food, and a wide range of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and golfing.
One of its specialties is Haute Chocolate, a decadent, soul-soothing drink that’s absolutely perfect for the cozy fall season. Enjoying a mug of this delightful treat by the crackling fireplace was pure bliss.
Purchase a Pair of Cowboy Boots at Kemo Sabe Vail
No trip to Vail Valley is complete without a stop at Kemo Sabe, a famous cowboy store. From iconic hats to stylish boots and statement buckles, they will take your mountain style to new heights in Vail.
Their exquisite collection features vintage and fine jewelry, artisan knives, custom hats, western boots, and a range of handcrafted accessories, all embodying the spirit of the American West. I couldn’t resist purchasing a pair of stylish cowboy boots to bring a bit of Colorado back home.
Enjoy a Mediterranean Dinner at Chasing Rabbits
Chasing Rabbits in Vail combines a restaurant, library lounge, arcade, and speakeasy into one unique spot. Each area offers something different—whether it’s a cozy meal, craft cocktails, fun games, or a hidden bar experience. The Mediterranean menu is a treat, with dishes like creamy Buttermilk Ricotta served with fresh bread and a sweet-savory Burrata Peach combo that perfectly balances flavors.
