Feature

This article was written before COVID-19. The experiences and adventures described might be closed or offer limited access at this time. Please check with local and state health protocols before planning to travel to this destination.

For as long as I can remember, my parents have taken my brother and me to Vail’s “Gourmet on Gore” every Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, it was canceled this year but I’m sure when this event is up and running again, the regulars and newbies will pour back onto Mainstreet. When we can be in crowds and show our faces again, my family will certainly be one of the first to book our reservations in Lion’s Head and snag as many “Gourmet on Gore tickets” as we can. There is so much to do in Vail during this time! I can’t wait to get back into this tradition! My brother and I love to climb down into the Gore River to watch the duck race and my parents always make sure to watch Philip Long sing live at his restaurant. We share so many happy memories and I want others to have similar experiences. Now, if you’re not sure what all this means–but it sounds fun–this article is for you!

Gourmet on Gore 2019

So, what is Gourmet on Gore?

Gourmet on Gore is a culinary festival. Popular Vail restaurants set up tents outside on Mainstreet and offer delicious samples of their foods and drinks! The samples are basically full meals. If you’re getting a burger you’re getting a whole burger, if you want tacos you’re probably getting two. If you’re getting wine, beer, or cocktails you’ll have a full serving. So if you’re over 21, you might as well buy a Gourmet on Gore wine glass to have with you all day as you sample, sample, sample!

Gourmet on Gore 2018

Please note that this is where those “tickets” come in, before chowing down you have to purchase the specific Gourmet on Gore currency to use at many of the booths. It’s simple, $1=$1, $5=$5. They do this so it’s easier for the restaurants to keep track of what they’ve made during Labor Day weekend. The restaurants do get actual money back. Also, there are some restaurants past Mainstreet that take cash or card, not these “tickets.”

Gourmet on Gore 2018

As you wander through the streets, Gourmet on Gore begins to turn into a Farmer’s Market! Local businesses and craftspeople sell clothing, accessories, jewelry, etc. Colorado artists sell their pieces and they even offer the option of shipping it to your home! There are also many more libations and food items throughout–if you’re even still hungry–and plenty of fresh produce to munch on.

 

What else is there to do?

I’m glad you asked! Vail offers so much throughout the summer-fall season. There is plenty to do no matter your age or family dynamic; here are some suggestions that are sure to fill your time here in Vail!

Families with small children will certainly enjoy the adventure park located on top of a mountain. A quick gondola trip in Lion’s Head–the town right next to Vail–will take you to Epic Discovery. There’s zip-lining, rock climbing, tubing,  obstacle courses, and an alpine slide! Families with teenagers and those young at heart will also find joy on this adventure mountain. Everyone should experience Epic Discovery at least once; go out of curiosity and come back for the fun.

Epic Discovery in Vail

Every member of your family, the young and old, will certainly enjoy watching the Vail Duck Race! This event is organized and sponsored by the Vail Rotary Club during Labor Day weekend. Anyone can purchase a rubber ducky and its corresponding number to be put into the Duck Race! You’ll find this booth in the same area as you would get your “tickets.” It is exactly what it sounds like, thousands of rubber duckies start at one end of the Gore River, and “race” less than a half a mile to the finish line. It is an amazing sight, by the end of the race all you can see is a giant pool of yellow. The first 12 ducks that finish–they have to feed into this wire cage in order to be counted as winners–are given back to the owner and these owners can win up to $1 million! The cash prizes certainly pique the parents’ interests, and what kid doesn’t want to see thousands of rubber duckies plunge down a river??

The Infamous Duck Race

My family would not approve of this article if I did not include Phil Long and his restaurant, the Vail Chophouse. As aforementioned, my parents always make sure to go there once during our trip. The food is delicious, and my brother and I enjoy the live music but we can never let our parents know that… Phil sings a lot of 70s-80s classics, from America to Steely Dan to Billy Joel. He sings for the old souls. An added bonus to the entertainment is Phil’s random magic tricks he takes around to his customer’s tables. And I cannot let you go to the Vail Chophouse without knowing another trick up Phil’s sleeve… If you’re going to tip him, you have to crumble the bill into a ball and shoot it into his jar from your table; here’s the catch, if you don’t make it, he’s going to make you take a shot of fireball with him. If you’re over 21 of course! If you’re underage, you’re out of luck.

Phil Long at The Vail Chophouse

Any other recommendations?

Considering my brother and I have come to Vail since we were kids, we’ve come up with some of our own traditions. I strongly encourage you to do the same, no matter your age! Vail feels like a town in and of itself, time doesn’t exist and it always feels the same, it’s comforting in that way. As I continue to grow up I know I’ll always have a childhood memory or two waiting for me in Vail.

So, these traditions… My brother and I must get candy and ice cream from Fuzzwig’s Candy Factory at least once. I always get razzles, my brother loves Push Pops and chocolate. This candy shop is a child’s dream and a dentist’s worst nightmare. There’s candy, soda, ice cream, fancy chocolates, and toys from wall to wall. Sweet tooths and savory taste buds will certainly find something to feed their cravings.

Fuzzwig’s Candy Factory

While on the subject of sweets, I make sure to head to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory during my weekend as well. I always get a caramel apple, sliced, please. There are lots of other toppings available for caramel apple lovers, and the artisan chocolates are “to die for,” as my mom would say.

After having dessert before dinner, some of the best restaurants with the best views are located along the Gore River. Up the Creek offers outdoor seating and there is open space for small kids and dogs to run around in as you enjoy another meal and another glass of wine.

Up the Creek’s Outdoor Seating

But where do I sleep?

If you’re planning on going to Gourmet on Gore, you’ll want to make hotel reservations ASAP. They are planning to have the festival again in 2021, depending on the state of the world, feel free to start booking in the winter/spring! There is a wide range of hotel pricing, from boujee to chain hotels and there are plenty of options to fit anyone’s budgets.

The most expensive option is the Four Seasons, the location is exquisite and the amenities are unreal. You’re close enough to Mainstreet to walk but not too close to hear the hustle and bustle of the town. This option is a whopping $759/night; if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, this is it! Vail’s Mountain Haus and the Lodge at Vail are smack in the middle of Vail, and also some of the most moderate options. Ranging from $200-$300/night. The Sitzmark Lodge is my family’s favorite, it’s right on Mainstreet and is less than $200/night; but it books up fast so we haven’t been able to stay there for the best 3 years! Be wary of the demand some of these hotels may have, pay attention to the location.

The Four Seasons in Vail

The Village of Lion’s Head tends to have more open hotel options, and it’s another fun town to explore. It could be a 5-15 minute walk to Vail’s Mainstreet depending on where your hotel is. The price range is about the same as Vail, the most expensive hotel is about $780/night, Destination Resorts at Vail. The cheapest option is about $230/night, Antlers at Vail. Both are short walks to Vail. There also always seems to be a wedding during Labor Day weekend in Lion’s Head Village…that’s always some fun people watching.

Antlers in Vail…But it’s in Lion’s Head

I hope you get to experience Gourmet on Gore sometime soon, it is such a unique experience and there is plenty to do in Vail and Lion’s Head. These recommendations are merely suggestions, create your own memories, and explore your own hidden treasures!

Vail Mountain

 

How To

Packing for a trip to Denver can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re going during the “buffer seasons.” This refers to the extreme ups and downs of Colorado weather by the hour, honestly. Especially the few weeks between summer and fall, winter and spring, and spring and summer. Basically anytime the seasons are changing, don’t assume the weather in Denver is…stable.

However, not all hope is lost. As a Colorado native with plenty of experience with bipolar weather, here is some advice on how to pack for your trips to Denver! If you take anything from this, make sure it’s to always pack layers. No matter the time of year or whatever the weather may be, this general month-to-month breakdown should help lighten the load. Well, if you’re packing plenty of layers your load will be much heavier…you know what I mean.

Denver in September

September is usually pretty cold in the mornings and it often warms up in the afternoons. 40-50 degrees in the morning and sometimes at or above 70 degrees by the afternoon. Therefore, layers. Don’t bother packing shorts, but t-shirts are acceptable so long as you have a light sweater to go over it. If you want to be extra prepared, include a snow and/or rain jacket to your suitcase.

October

October is fairly consistent, there might be more chilly days here and there. This is when natives swap their t-shirts for sweaters and Birkenstock’s for Sorels. Again, keep in mind those layers but know that even if the temperatures do rise, there will still be a faint chill in the air. Include hats and gloves to be safe, and you’ll definitely need a heavy jacket this time of year as well. For shoes, either insulated tennis shoes (that you don’t mind getting wet) and/or snow boots!

November

Similar to October, but there will likely be more snow. However, as soon as the snow sticks to the ground, it will probably be gone the next day. As soon as there is snow during the fall in Colorado, the sun is still blazing and it ends up melting away fairly quickly. In case you’ve forgotten already, pack your layers and I’d recommend some hats and gloves and a heavy jacket again, you’ll definitely want your snow boots as well.

December

A total toss-up, there could be blizzards and maybe not. If anything, pack like you would for October and November. The few activities you’re able to do outside will definitely require snow pants and some other heavy-duty snow accessories. Don’t bother much with layering around this time, it will likely be cold most of the day. Not that you’ll need to wear your snow jacket all day, but long sleeves/sweaters and jeans are a must. It’s officially sweater weather!

January

Absolutely freezing, similar to December but this month you may end up wearing a snow jacket all day. The sun peaks through every so often, but not enough to completely melt the snow. Also, the sun sets much sooner so the days seem much shorter and colder. Throw in some movies and hot chocolate into your suitcase, you won’t be doing much outside!

February

February honestly tricks everyone into thinking warmer weather is coming–oh, but just wait for March–so it’s crucial to start thinking about layering again. There is still snow, but there is also a bit more sun. So with that, by the end of February the ground is “sloshy.” There is so much snow melting but it has nowhere to go so it ends up as gross, black slush all over the roads and sidewalks. Be sure to wear waterproof shoes, you still may need those snow boots….

March

March is the worst. For the weather at least. Let’s pack a bag for Denver in March. Now this is important, and I cannot stress this enough, layers. As well as rain boots, rain jacket, long pants, long sleeves, a light sweater/cardigans, hats, gloves, and your sanity. March is cold and wet and sludgy and weird. BUT  the mountains are breathtaking because the mountains are finally visible and they’re still covered in snow. The view is worth the hassle.

April-July

If the weather is every somewhat consistent in Colorado, it’s during the summer. Most days are hot and dry, the forecast is hardly every below 60 degrees and sometimes they reach close to 100. 75-90 degrees is a solid range. The transition from spring to summer may bring some rain, so if you’re staying around that time throw in a rain jacket and an umbrella just in case. Once June is in full swing it is finally time to bring out those shorts, tank tops, and Birkenstock’s again! Be sure to pack those sunglasses and sunscreen too. Denver is the “Mile-High City,” we’re 5,280 feet above sea level, you’re more likely to get a worse sunburn here faster. If you’re prepared for the sun, you’ll be just fine.

Thanks so much for reading, I hope you found some of this information helpful. Enjoy your stay in Denver! Remember, even though the weather may not be consistent, our mountains and dispensaries sure are!

 

 

Informative

As soon as COVID-19 is over, let’s all meet at The Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. The Irish know how to party, and that is exactly what we must do. Day drinking is encouraged, and if you’re not drunkenly singing in the streets at some point, everyone will know you’re a tourist. This will guide you to the best, most authentic way to experience Dublin, even if you only have one day! Of course it will be a bit cheeky, I’d be shunning my Irish heritage if it wasn’t. And yes, we’ll make sure you’ve had a Guinness or two and know all the words to “Seven Drunken Nights” by the end of this venture.

Here are just a few suggestions on what to eat and where to explore on your day in Dublin. It is important to note that you won’t be coming across those “traditional” Irish foods, such as shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage, because that is actually what the impoverished Irish ate during the plague. Dublin has delicious bar food and if you’re ordering any kind of beef, know it will have to be well done; that is the only way they cook beef!

To start the day, you’ll need breakfast. You can’t day drink on an empty stomach, the party has to last all day, after all.

Herbstreet

Located on the Grand Canal Dock–Herbstreet is a modern cafe that offers homestyle-cooking made from sustainable produce, and the decor is designed to have a low impact on the environment! They offer outdoor seating and the menu has a wide range of breakfast options. From classic pancakes to a full Irish breakfast, tourists and locals are bound to find a plate that fills their hungry tums. Let’s not forget about the drink menu, there’s more options here than the actual food! Crafty beers and ciders, bubbles and rose, white, red, and fortified wines, and of course BOOZE. They also have teas, coffees, and soft drinks, but why bother with those? Enjoy it all with a waterfront view. A great way to start the day in Dublin!

After taking a gander through Pearse Square Park and perhaps a tour through the National Gallery of Ireland (and/or the museums of archaeology and natural history!), I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite and the mimosas have begun to wear off. Let’s get lunch!

The Porterhouse Central

A traditional pub offering local ales and comfort food. They have their very own brewery and pride themselves on using simple, pure ingredients in their brews. If you’re eighteen or older, enjoy a can or two of their IPAs and stouts. Oh, and the food is good too. The Porterhouse Central has your classic bar food: wings, burgers, wraps, and fries galore. But let’s admit it, you’re not going there just for the food.

After lunch at The Porterhouse Central, you’re right by Trinity College! It is one of the most gorgeous college campuses, the architecture is immaculate. It’s 47 acres adorn with Georgian buildings, it is absolutely breathtaking. I encourage you to stumble through the grounds as you head to the Irish Whiskey Museum or The Irish Rock n’ Roll Museum. Dublin is full of random museums, make sure you go to at least one! They’re absolutely everywhere, you’re sure to bump into one, or two, or three.

Once you’ve explored the most random museums and Georgian architecture you can endure, it’s about time for dinner and more drink!

Badass Cafe

Traditional pub with highly modern interior offering drinks (a must), and a bistro-style international menu and  music! They’re also the oldest restaurant located in the area of Temple Bar. Time to start learning some Irish bar songs as you enjoy “ass kicking burgers,” or “kick-ass pizzas,” or “kickin’ mains.” They even have a delicious selection of sides fittingly titled “The Hangover Cure.” Now I’m sure you’re wondering what’s on their drink menu. Let me inform you–because this is still an informative–that this place has some BADASS cocktails, such as the Badass Black Russians and Badass Strawberry Daiquiris. Delicious.

It is not an adequate day in Dublin if you don’t finish it off at THE Temple Bar. The self-proclaimed Legendary  pub, with daily Irish music! They say it best on their website, The Temple Bar is truly “A very sincere and heartfelt welcome to the authentic home of Irish Cultural heritage.” They have been around since 1840 and is famous for it’s “traditional ambience, unrivalled vitality and for [their] celebrated charm and conviviality.” There is always music playing and drunkards drinking. The best part about this place is you can enjoy The Temple Bar experience from anywhere, they have a live earth cam set inside and outside the bar! You can (and must) enjoy the world that exists inside The Temple Bar as soon as COVID is over. Grab a Guinness and some earbuds–or fly to Dublin for a measly $800!–and experience true  Irish culture.

 

 

 

Personal

I love to read when I travel, and travel when I read. I always look forward to my annual “book binge” in the summertime, the only actual part of the year I have time to enjoy dozens of books. However, there is nothing like traveling physically and traveling mentally at the same time. It’s extremely satisfying to buy a book at the airport, read it on the plane, and finish it while on a vacation. The book began the journey with you, and it became a part of the journey itself.

I recently got into “beach reads” while on a recent trip to Florida. These are usually romance novels taking place somewhere dreamy and warm. I usually go for psychological thrillers and murder mysteries, but this past summer I yearned for something a bit different. I noticed a contrast in how I viewed and experienced my vacation depending on what book I read… As aforementioned, I’m a big fan of mystery novels, the intensity, and twists make my blood pump and heart race, I love a book I can’t put it down. However, what I discovered in the stillness and satisfaction of a beach read–while on a beach, how perfect–is that I enjoyed every page as it came and every day as they passed. I was calm. I was still fully invested in the stories, as I would be in a thriller, but it was different, the “can’t-put-it-downess,” was similar but distinct. And my young traveler’s heart felt different as well.

Once I became invested in this specific author, Elin Hilderbrand, I couldn’t stop the rest of the summer. She writes the most amazing stories, the places and the characters are so detailed it feels like I am witnessing a whole world, a whole life, unfold in front of me. Even when I got home, far away from the beach, I still felt the soft calmness of the quiet ocean rushing up the sand to touch my toes, the kiss of the breeze and the sun on my nose. I was transported completely into the worlds Hilderbrand created. It was a blessing to have her books as an escape this year. COVID has prevented most, if not all, of us from fulfilling our wanderlust. But we can still travel, in a way, I can open a book and be on Nantucket or St. John. I can travel anywhere at any time, a global pandemic can never take that away.

I have never been to St. John, but it feels like I have. I am extremely grateful for the fated moment I picked up my first Elin Hilderbrand novel at an airport book store. 28 Summers is the only book that has ever made me cry, I may have started it in Florida and finished it back at home but the whole time my mind was on Nantucket, experiencing a life I couldn’t have experienced otherwise. I love to read when I travel, and the only traveling I can do right now is through books. My heart and soul are in St. John, a place I have never been to, but it’s an island I want to one-day call home solely because I saw an enticing cover at an airport bookstore. Since then, she’s all I’ve been reading. A new book of hers, the final to a trilogy, was recently delivered to my apartment, now I’m headed back to St. John.

 

 

Travelogue

In June 2019 my family took me and my boyfriend around Europe to celebrate our high school graduation. By far, my favorite place we ventured was Montepulciano in Tuscany, Italy. It felt like walking through a town stopped in time. The main street is cobblestoned and goes up and up and up past castle-like buildings. This small city sits on a hill and is surrounded by valleys as far as the eye can see. The moment we drove into this town to get to our AirBnB, I felt something incredibly deep in my soul. It felt like this place had been waiting for me, I had a sense of belonging, though I was in a foreign place. From that minute on, my spirit continued to lift higher than those Tuscan hills.

After a while of unpacking in our quant townhome, we all got a craving for a good meal with a great view. As we wandered up the streets looking for the perfect place for dinner, the buildings suddenly parted and opened to the most gorgeous view…I swear it was a literal glimpse into heaven. It was golden hour and the sun was soft, the rays illuminated the rolling valleys and it was like standing in a dream. I have never seen anything like it. The five of us stood there for at least twenty minutes, entranced by the place we would call home for the next three days.

To top the night off, we found a small restaurant with outdoor seating, the balcony showcased the view as if we were looking at a painting. There were fresh flowers and vines tangled along all four walls and the rails of the balcony. We watched the sunset and filled our tummies with delectable Italian food and filled our souls with great conversation.

The next day we decided to explore Tuscany a bit more, we drove to another city on a hill. I don’t remember the name but it was much smaller than Montepulciano. As soon as we got there we noticed very quickly that we were the only ones around… Everything looked closed and we couldn’t figure out why. Was it a holiday or some special celebration? I still don’t understand why the whole town felt like a ghost town that day. We continued to wander and stumbled across the one restaurant that looked open, and it was packed! I guess that’s where everyone was! There were at least 30 people packed into this small restaurant (ah, remember the time before COVID?), and most were speaking in loud Italian. Everyone was enjoying pasta and wine and I can recall there being so much laughter amongst everyone. People were talking to one another across tables, it was like one big family.

We were instantly welcomed and recommended their specialty dishes, so of course, that’s what we ordered. It was the most amazing pasta I have ever had, it felt like I was eating true Italian food; as if my bowl of pasta came from a recipe that has been passed down for generations from Italian grandmother to Italian grandmother. The noodles were perfectly al dente, the sauce was creamy and flavorful, the meat and cheeses blended beautifully with the sauces and noodles. Every bite was better than the last, and it was obvious how much the men working there took pride in their dishes. They continued to come over and ask us how we were doing, they patted us on the back and gave us huge grins when we told them how much we were loving their food. The food was impeccable but what made the whole experience even better was the people. The old and the young gathered into this charming space with the intention to not only eat but chat across tables and welcome the notion of the new and the regular walking into their familiar establishment.

I realized something in Tuscany, and throughout Europe: they love family. Meals around one big table are the best place to create a sense of community. Italians especially take pride in their cuisine, it’s like sharing a piece of their heart, their families, their history. The fact that they are so open to everyone, even some American tourists, goes to show how much they value that sense of home everywhere they go. As someone who felt at home in this small town, I wholeheartedly appreciate that the people were as–if not more–stunning and welcoming as that first sunset I got to witness while in Tuscany.

Listicle

Although Covid-19 has hit some of our favorite restaurants and cafes pretty hard, the new, innovative ways these places are opening up during these unprecedented circumstances proves how important these businesses are to our communities. Especially cafes near campus, they haven’t seen their regulars or the bustle of students in months! Therefore, I implore you to try someplace new or head back to your favorite coffee joint sometime soon. Even if you can’t sit down and stay for hours like we used to, know that you are supporting a business that has messed the heck out of you.

LA BELLE ROSETTE

Right across from the Newman Center, there is a quaint and oh so welcoming espresso and wine bar known as La Belle Rosette. As a theatre major, it’s where I spent a lot of time last year because of it’s proximity to the Newman Center and now that they’re back open–for pick up and take away orders only, for now–I can finally indulge in their hazelnut coffees and spicy chai teas. They have a wide variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, and citrus lemonades in the mornings/afternoons. La Belle also offers fresh baked goods throughout the day, they’ll even warm them up for you! There’s nothing like a coffee and a lemon bar at 2PM while cramming for a midterm. In the evenings, La Belle turns into a wine bar, and I can promise you that as soon as I can experience that, I will! Oh, and bring your own mug/glass, they’ll give you a discount and you’re saving the environment! (;

BEANS

Smack dab in the middle of campus, Beans is DU’s hidden gem. On the corner of the hospitality building, near Nagel, is a coffee shop run by and for DU students. Although it’s on campus, they do not accept your student ID/meal plan as a form of payment. They have a wide variety of coffee, syrups, and teas all for under $8! Beans has breakfast and lunch offered throughout the day, they have delectable local breakfast burritos. Before COVID, there were always students working in its small space, and the smell of coffee counteracted the stress swirling in the room. I swear, there’s nothing like the comforting aroma of caffeine when a paper is due by midnight. Beans has perfected the co-ed cup of coffee, they’re offering outside seating now, grab a mug and go!

CORVUS

A short drive on South Broadway will take you to the local roaster cafe known as Corvus. Their space is perfect for those Instagrammable pics but the coffee is what makes you want to come back. They currently have limited seating but call ahead to see what is available, you can always take your drink to go and visit the several thrift stores on Broadway! One more tidbit about Corvus is their team members actually visit the Latin American and African coffee farms they source from every year, so they can develop relationships with their own farmers. Every sip of coffee tastes better when you know the beans were sourced from a place of mutual respect and care!

Review

Tokio

2907 Huron St #103, Denver, CO 80202

Book Tokio In Denver - CM Happy Hour tickets, Denver | TiE

Walking into Tokio, I knew immediately from the ambiance and the smells cascading the air, I would have an unforgettable meal. The lighting was warm and the decor was welcoming and classy. The walls were decorated with Japenese art pieces and lanterns hovered over a few select tables. The service was exceptional, the waiter we had felt like a friend and had great recommendations for us. When I say their ramen is authentic and delicious, I mean it. They offer tonkatsu, miso, shoyu, and many other wide varieties of ramen. All bowls are under $20, which is a steal considering how much food is piled into each one! Every bowl comes with a heaping amount of noodles, broth, and special toppings depending on your order; from those delicate ramen eggs, pickled bamboo stalks, various veggies, pork, chicken, and fish cakes, and much much more, everyone is sure to find the ramen that satisfies their craving. I know I did! Not only do they have delectable ramen, but Tokio also has a fresh sushi bar (well priced and wide variety, rolls range from $2-$24), and classic Japanese appetizers such as edamame, gyoza, shu mei, and more. To top it all off, they have several flavors of mochi and a Japanese layered cake they get from a local bakery for dessert!

Dining review: At Tokio in Denver, a taste of Japan – The Denver Post

My boyfriend and I ordered the spicy edamame and gyoza, two bowls of ramen, and green tea and mango mochi the night we went. And we had everything down to the last bite! We had a great time sitting at the sushi bar, we got to watch them make our food which was a fun and unique experience. I enjoyed everything we ordered and I felt comfortable and welcomed in the restaurant itself. I will be suggesting Tokio to friends and family from here on out, I think Tokio is a place everyone should experience!