Travel Tips

Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado

Osprey Hotel, Beaver CreekPeter is broadcasting his radio show this Saturday from the Osprey Hotel and Resort in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Most people know that Beaver Creek and nearby Vail are skiing hotspots, but there’s plenty more to these ski towns than meets the eye.

So check out what the locals recommend in Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Nate Goldberg, Manager, Nordic Center at Beaver Creek

Sato Sushi
Aside from the great sushi, Goldberg likes the high-energy vibe of Sato, which serves fresh fish daily that’s flown in from both coasts as well as Japan. More so than being a Japanese restaurant, Sato touts itself as a sushi restaurant with Asian fusion and a contemporary vibe, which might be what makes it ones of the busiest in the neighborhood. 105 Edwards Village Boulevard, Edwards; 970-926-7684

Juniper Restaurant
Juniper restaurant ingredients“Contemporary American comfort fusion” is Juniper’s motto, which Goldberg suggests as a destination for “a nice evening out.” Their dishes are standard with a bit of a twist, such as yellowfin tuna tartare “Napoleon” with guacamole and mango/red pepper salsa as an appetizer or glazed duck breast with white sweet potato mash, blueberry chutney, grilled broccolini and fried leeks. 97 Main Street Suite E101, Edwards; 970-926-7001, www.juniperrestaurant.com

Bagali’s Italian Kitchen
Bagali’s is Goldberg’s favorite for pizza in and around Vail/Beaver Creek. The great New York-style pizza is what lures him there, but it’s “neuvo decor” and family-friendly vibe is what keeps him going back. 2161 N Frontage Road West, #12, Vail; 970-479-9242

Ceil Folz, President of Vail Valley Foundation

The Minturn Saloon
Minturn Saloon signMinturn is a “historic little town located between Vail and Beaver Creek” and one of Folz’s favorites. He loves the “hole-in-the-wall feel” of the restaurant, a favorite of John Wayne. She stands by the margaritas and Mexican food, touting Minturn’s as they “Valley’s best.” So its aptly-given motto is, ““If John Wayne didn’t drink it, we don’t make it.” 146 N Main Street, Minturn; 970-827-5954, www.minturnsaloon.com

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
‎
”In the summer, every Tuesday there is a free concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater that usually features either soon-to-make-it artists or those who already have.” Aside from the upside of it being free, it’s a great place to meet the locals, as Folz says thousands show up each week. 530 S Frontage Road, Vail; 970-476-2918

Julie DeStefano, Front Office Supervisor at The Osprey at Beaver Creek

Outdoor pool at the OspreyAs an outdoor fanatic, DeStefano recommends skiing and snowboarding on Beaver Creek Mountain, which is a versatile mountains for all ski levels. Snowshoeing in McCoy Park on the mountain is another favorite, as well as horseback riding and/or snowmobiling at Piney River Ranch.

Local ski bars
“Après-ski, which is enjoying a few drinks directly after skiing or snowboarding and sitting inside or out on the patio while the sun is still shining” is a popular activity among DeStefano and her colleagues at local ski bars. Listening to live music is a big part of this and some of DeStefano’s favorite spots are Red Lion, Garfinkels and The Cascade.

Beano’s Cabin on Beaver Creek Mountain
DeStafano enjoys having “a great diner and unique experience” at Beano’s Cabin, which serves a five-course meal of modern American cuisine. The new $85 deal is valid through March and includes a sleigh-drawn ride up the mountain to the restaurant. 970-949-9090, beavercreek.snow.com

Brian Nolan, Owner of Vail Chop House

Foxnut Sushi
Foxnut Sushi signIts claim to fame as an Asian fusion gem is what keeps customers coming. Sushi is always on the menu but other exciting entrees include wok seared diver scallops and wok charred NY strip. 45 West Thomas Place
Beaver Creek; 970-845-0700, www.bcfoxnut.com

Dish Restaurant
The premise of Dish is small, flavorful dishes, of which there are plenty. Some of its notable entree dishes include skin-on snapper with green bamboo rice and curried fish fume or local, sustainable Colorado lamb, braised all day in a fabulously delicate Indian broth with chickpeas. 56 Edwards Village Boulevard # 230
Edwards; 970 926-3433, www.eatdrinkdish.com

By Dara Bramson for PeterGreenberg.com.

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