It starts before the village wakes up.
Breakfast at The Little Diner — Vail's legendary counter spot in Lionshead, where everything is made from scratch and the German pancake is worth the wait. Grab a stool at the bar, watch the kitchen move, and let the morning slow down for a minute. There is nowhere else like it.
Then coffee. Two Arrows is the move — smooth lattes made with single-origin beans, the kind that actually fuel a full afternoon in the mountains.
And then the valley calls.
An afternoon on Gore Creek with Minturn Anglers — Gold Medal water running right through Vail, Brown and Rainbow Trout if you know where to look. Rent a bike from Kind Bikes and ride through the valley—the kind of afternoon that reminds you why Vail feels like home. Lace up for the Berry Picker Trail, one of those hikes that earns its views. Tee off at Vail Golf Club— the backdrop never gets old. And a few sets at Vail Tennis Center with the best mountain views of any court in the valley.
Sunday mornings belong to the Vail Farmers Market. East Meadow Drive, over 150 vendors, and that unhurried pace that only a Vail Sunday morning delivers. We look forward to it every single week.
Start your morning with a fresh juice from Little Bee or Inner Light, then fill your market bag with the best seasonal produce. Peaches and heirloom tomatoes are at the top of my list.
Don't leave without picking up fresh burrata and a crusty baguette. Then stop by Vail Meat Co. for farm-fresh eggs and whatever cut of meat catches your eye. I made their ribeye last week, and it was incredible.
Be sure to grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade or treat yourself to a lobster roll from Left Bank.
Before you head home, visit our favorite local artist, Gus Gruner. And if you're hosting a dinner party—or just need the perfect gift—stop by Penni Olive and see my friend Erica. She has the cutest napkins and the sweetest entertaining essentials.
Saddle up at Vail Stables for a trail ride through the valley—one of those experiences that never gets old, no matter how many times you do it.
But horseback riding is just the beginning. Vail Stables also hosts goat yoga, happy hour, and unforgettable events—we even hosted our annual Shindig there. It's truly one of Vail's hidden gems, with some of the most beautiful views in the valley.
Pack a picnic and head to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens—wildflowers, mountain air, and the kind of quiet that reminds you just how special Vail really is.
Before you leave, don't miss the charming Little Schoolhouse Gift Shop, filled with the sweetest gifts, many of which support our local community. And while you're there, stop in to discover our collection of handmade charms—a little piece of Vail to take home with you.
A slice at Vendetta's. Since 1983, right in the heart of Vail Village. Hand-thrown pizza, a cold drink, and a patio made for long afternoons. Some things never need to change.
And to close it all—dinner at Sweet Basil. Our table, our people, the perfect ending to a day in Vail.
There are so many incredible restaurants in town, but a few more of our favorites deserve an honorable mention: La Nonna, Matsuhisa, Yama, El Segundo, and Mountain Standard. You really can't go wrong with any of them.
This is the life we get to live here. We never take it for granted.
— Hilary & Kevin Magner
