While Denver boasts a wealth of attractions, the mountains are always calling, and summer is no exception. The Rockies come alive with vibrant greenery and wildflowers, providing a picture-perfect escape from the city’s hustle. Although westbound traffic on I-70 can be a drag year-round, it’s more manageable in summer. Once you arrive, you’ll find the season ideal for outdoor adventures, cool high-altitude air, and the perks of thinner crowds and off-season deals.
Beaver Creek Resort, sometimes overshadowed by high-profile Vail nearby, provides a refreshing contrast with its serene, laid-back vibe. Since its debut in 1980, it has emerged as an ideal for a chill summer getaway. Food lovers can delight in Michelin-recommended dining, while those with a taste for the arts can experience exceptional concerts and events.
Here’s my guide for how foodies can spend a summer weekend at Beaver Creek, exploring local culinary delights and cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Friday
Stroll (and shop) around the Village
Upon arrival, take some time to explore the compact Beaver Creek Village, which is easy to navigate on foot. Stroll through its charming streets, designed to evoke the elegance of European alpine villages but set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Shoppers looking to upgrade their mountain wear and outdoor gear will find plenty of options, including the Colorado-founded luxury clothing shop Gorsuch and storefronts for well-known brands like Patagonia and Burton.
For a bit of culture, visit the Gallery Row arcade, directly across from Beaver Creek Rink, where you can browse art from C. Anthony Gallery. The gallery sells and features works by a diverse range of contemporary artists, from celebrity photographer David Yarrow to Denver-based painter Britten.
Grab a casual bite with the locals
Next, drop by one of Beaver Creek’s oldest restaurants, the Coyote Cafe, affectionately known as the “Yote” by locals. This casual Mexican cantina has been serving up a variety of classic Mexican dishes, from chips and guacamole to fajitas and corn tortilla tacos, since 1983. The friendly service, reasonable prices, and extensive beer and margarita selections make it a favorite spot for the town’s Ski Patrol workers when they’re off-duty. Frequent visitors even have the chance to keep a mug at the bar.
Play games and snag free baked goods
Visit the nearby family-friendly Adventure Center at the base of the Centennial Express Lift #6. While activities like the bungee trampoline, small climbing wall, and gem panning are firmly geared to kids, adults can enjoy a round of mini golf in the alpine rock garden ($25 per ticket). If the Adventure Center is closed (open only on weekends from Labor Day through September 22nd), you can still enjoy free lawn games like cornhole and ping pong at the Village Green on Beaver Creek Rink, or relax in the shade with a book.
Experiencing BC’s Cookie Time is a right of passage, whether it’s winter or summer. To find the freshly baked chocolate chip treats, head to the Rink in the middle of the Village outside Citrea restaurant at 3pm. Note that during summer, the cookie distribution window is brief. Arrive a little bit early to ensure you don’t miss out, as the cookies are quickly handed out and disappear fast. (Yes, you can take multiple if supplies allow.)
Enjoy pre-show pintxos and flamenco
Aritza, a modern Spanish tapas and wine bar that opened last winter, sidesteps many of the common complaints about resort restaurants – namely, that they’re boring and offer little value. With its warm wooden decor and low brick arches reminiscent of a cozy wine cellar, the restaurant is both inviting and stylish. Executive Chef Frank Blea’s menu, centered on Basque classics, leans heavily on appetizers and small plates, making it easy to comfortably sample a variety of dishes.
While the tapas menu features finely executed familiar options, the pintxos selection is more intriguing. The portions are generous, each served on a substantial slice of bread. The Tomato and Eggplant pintxos is great for vegetarians and nightshade fans, with a chopped mixture drizzled in a slightly sweet and peppery sauce. For a tangy taste of the sea, try the Sardines pintxos, topped with capers and pickled peppers.
For an entree for the table, skip over well-known dishes like paella, and go for the more modestly sized Bacalao Al Pil Pil. This pan-fried salted cod is perfectly cooked and served on a cylindrical bed of spiced rice that you can use to soak up all of the fiery red sauce left on the plate.
The wine list is extensive, but if you’re in the mood for something festive without the high alcohol content, the non-alcoholic white sangria is a refreshing choice.
The restaurant’s Flamenco Fridays offer an opportunity to get a little entertainment with your meal, with local Vail Valley group Dwende Flamenco performing. The dance and music are beautiful, but the rhythmic footwork of the dancer echoes off the space’s plentiful hard surfaces, so those with sensitive ears will want to consider heading out before the hour-long performance begins at 6:30pm.
Note for deal-hunters: Aritza is currently a VPAC Restaurant Partner. Show your ticket on a show night to receive a 25% discount off your check.
See a big name act in an intimate setting
Catch a show at the stunning Vilar Performing Arts Center. It’s a treat to sit in one of the velvety blue upholstered seats of the main theater, which has a striking lyre-shaped, wood-paneled design inspired by a Munich opera house. Despite its 605 person capacity and mountain location, the venue attracts major performers like Mike Birbiglia and Bernadette Peters, who love its excellent acoustics and cozy vibe. While summer performances are winding down, the VPAC hosts shows year-round, with upcoming acts like Cheap Trick and Eli Young Band.
The eclectic programming also includes smaller shows in the May Gallery, highlighting up-and-coming artists like the recent performance by Juno Prize-winning Afro-Cuban jazz group OKAN.
Saturday
Grab a quick morning bite
The early hours of the day are sleepy in the Village during summertime. But simple breakfast options and coffee or tea can be found at both the European-styled Rimini Cafe or the high altitude roaster Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea.
Reach new heights
Kick off the day’s adventures with a ride up the mountain. From June 15 through September 2, the Scenic Lift is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Choose between a gondola or one of the open lifts to enjoy panoramic views of Beaver Creek Village and the majestic Sawatch Range peaks as you ascend. If you have a bike, you can bring that up for an extra fee. (Tickets are $59 for adults, and combo deals are available.)
Experienced hikers eager to get in their cardio can skip the lift and head up the Overlook Trail. This 6.2-mile route is a challenging assent with a 2,162 ft elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours to hike.
Step into nature
From the Centennial Lift drop-off point, you’ll find several trails catering to different hiking preferences. For a relaxed walk, consider the Spruce Saddle Loop. This easy 0.5-mile loop begins in the trees but quickly opens up into a meadow with breathtaking mountain views and vibrant wildflowers. While the hike typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete, don’t be afraid of lingering to capture some photos of the stunning scenery.
If hiking isn’t your style but you enjoy disc golf, bring your equipment to try out the 18-hole course. While players sometimes note that the T pads need some work, you can’t beat the setting.
Lunch with a view
Many groups and families choose to pack a picnic, but for those prioritizing convenience, the Spruce Saddle Lodge serves up American grill classics in a cafeteria-style setting. Though the prices are steep, sitting at one of the outdoor tables lets you enjoy those $26 classic burgers with a view you won’t forget. To stay hydrated at elevation (and spare yourself the sting of buying a $6 bottle of water), bring your own reusable vessel and take advantage of the free water filling station inside the cafe.
Groove to some live tunes
After descending the mountain (either via the lift or a hiking trail), enjoy live music on the main Village Green stage at the Rink. The free Colorado Showcase series runs every Saturday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm through September 14th. This series features a diverse lineup of Centennial State artists, with recent acts including the all-female Americana band the Queen Bees and Denver’s indie rock quartet Walden.
Enjoy French fare in a turn-of-the-century ranch house
Located on the edge of the Resort, a visit to Mirabelle is a relaxing capstone to the day. The restaurant is located in a converted ranch house owned by Chef Daniel Joly, who has lived on-site with his family for the last 25 years. It received Michelin Recommended status in 2023.
Throughout the house, the main spaces feature white tablecloths and stately polished wood chairs, all bathed in the warm glow of wall sconces. But if the weather is nice, choose to sit on the large patio where you can hear the babbling creek that runs adjacent to the property. (Bring a jacket – the cool mountain breeze can make it chilly once the sun goes down.)
The traditional French fare at Mirabelle is solid and reliable, though some dishes could use a touch more seasoning. If the soup du jour is the Tomato Lobster, you’ll be treated to a smooth bisque with a subtle peppery kick. Meanwhile, the Dover Sole Meuniere, a long-time favorite, is comforting and features a filet drizzled with brown butter sauce, served with silky mashed potatoes (hidden beneath a crisp potato tuile filled with sautéed baby spinach). It is the one dish on the menu that Joly has said hasn’t changed or been rotated off since he took over the restaurant.
Don’t skip dessert — it’s where the meal makes its most lasting impression. The Textures of Green Apple steals the spotlight with its inventive play on the fruit. Expect a delightful array of different preparations, from tangy curds to airy foams, each showcasing or complimenting the fruit in a way that’s both memorable and delicious.
Though the plating might feel a bit nostalgic for the ’90s, the waitstaff’s accommodating and attentive service will never go out of style. This isn’t the place for avant-garde cuisine; instead, it embraces classic French techniques and flavors. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate time-honored dishes and a refined and seamless dining experience.
Sunday
Begin the day with a charming breakfast
Wake up early and stop by the small town of Edwards, CO. A 13-minute drive west of Beaver Creek lands you in the heart of town, where shopping centers fan out from a central roundabout. Hovey and Harrison, a cheery café and bakery with an alt-country soundtrack, offers a pleasant spot to sip your morning coffee, especially out on the shaded outdoor patio. For food, the Asparagus Tartine is a toad-in-the-hole beauty, featuring well-toasted bread topped with fresh veggies, watercress, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Stroll an alpine garden followed by lunch
If you’re not in a rush to return to Denver, make a final stop in Vail to visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Spanning about 2.5 acres, this garden is a compact oasis that makes the most of its space. The garden is meticulously maintained and features three distinct areas, most notably the Rocky Mountain Ecosystem, which includes multi-level sections with shaded spots for quiet contemplation. Admission is free, though a $20 donation is recommended to support the garden’s upkeep.
Afterward, knock out another visit to a Michelin-recommended spot in the Vail Valley: Sweet Basil. Established in 1977, this restaurant offers New American cuisine. Sit at the bar and enjoy light fare from the top half of their lunch menu, like their Tortelloni en Brodo.
For a more casual meal, head to The Blü Cow, a family-owned spot that’s been in business for just under six decades. Enjoy quick service, affordable prices, and the simple pleasure of biting into a snappy Swiss Dog — cut down the middle and slathered with mustard — within minutes of ordering.
Where to Stay
The Pines Lodge offers 60 smartly-designed contemporary rooms, some with mountain views, and provides luxury amenities like comfortable beds, a 24-hour front desk, an outdoor heated pool, and a Jacuzzi. Every room is also stocked with a Helly Hensen day pack that you can borrow to take on an outdoor adventure with you during your stay. (I forgot my pack at home and actually used this on my Spruce Saddle Loop hike!)
Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Village, it features on-site dining at Grouse Mountain Grill and upscale options like the Michelin-recommended Splendido At The Chateau, just a 2-minute walk away. Summer rates average from $200 to $300 per night. Valet parking is available for $35 per night per vehicle, with no self-service options.
Getting There and Around
Traveling from Denver to Beaver Creek takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. To avoid the worst of the outbound congestion on a summer weekend, try to leave before 10:30 am on Friday mornings.
Once you arrive, getting around is straightforward. The Village itself is highly walkable, with easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Many hotels, including The Pines Lodge, offer complimentary shuttles that can do drop-offs and pick-ups around the resort and into nearby Avon, though it’s best to book these rides in advance.
If you are driving within the Village the Villa Montane Parking Garage is centrally located directly across from the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC). Summer parking is free, though overnight parking is not permitted. The garage typically remains open to around 12 midnight if there are evening shows or restaurants with extended hours, but ask at the security gate before parking.
Disclosure: I was hosted by Beaver Creek Resort and received complimentary lodging, activities, and meals within Beaver Creek. All opinions expressed are independent and my own.