If you are staying in Breckenridge or nearby, you must add Vail to your list of places to visit! This adorable European-style town is located an hour northwest of Breckenridge and is about an hour's drive through scenic mountains and beautiful views.
At first, we were hesitant to go because we were unsure about the road conditions. It had snowed heavily the night before, and we weren't experienced with driving on snow-covered roads. However, after having breakfast, we decided to take the chance and go anyway. We made a day of it, and I'm glad we did because it was definitely worth it. The drive from Breckenridge to Vail is on Highway 70, a popular route with clear, snow-free roads. Once we arrived at Vail, we went to the parking garage.
Parking
There are two main spots for parking, the lot and the parking garage. I suggest parking in the Gateway At Vail Parking Garage; this will help keep your car thawed if it snows. It is also a closer walk to the center of the village.
What to see in Vail
There are many stunningly designed buildings in Vail, with brick-paved roads, walkways, and European-style architecture that looks like it is straight out of a movie.
We began our journey at Solaris Plaza near the ice rink, exploring the shops and savoring the aromas of Vail's delectable cuisine. We continued our way across Gore Creek on the International Bridge.
Don't forget to take a selfie with the Albert Einstein Statue.
While exploring the many dining options in Vail, we stumbled upon Pazzo's Pizzeria, a true gem that served the most delicious pizza I have ever tasted. We also ordered a Garden pasta that was refreshing and a largo calzone.
Lionshead Village
After exploring Vail Village, we jumped on the in-town bus to Lionshead Village. Lionshead is a smaller European-style village in Vail. Getting to Lionshead Village is about a 10 - 15 minute walk, but there is also a free shuttle that runs the route every few minutes.
We left the bus and started to stroll through the village. We came upon the Arrabella Hotel, which has an astonishing archway. We continued on to grab a bite at Rimini Gelato & Chocolate. I enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows and a delightful lemon cookie.
Ice Skating in Vail
Afterward, we rented some skates and headed to the Vail Ice Rink. This was a fun yet cold experience. When we went ice skating, it cost us $20 per person. They had walkers available for those who were not experienced skaters. I recommend giving it a try, as we had a lot of fun. It even started snowing while we were skating, which made the experience even more incredible.
After a fun field day, we started returning to the parking garage. We were advised to head back down the mountain and reach our final destinations before sunset. Driving on unknown roads that may become icy is not recommended. Overall, we had the best experience exploring Vail and would suggest visiting!
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