Vail, Colorado is America’s biggest ski resort community. For some, like myself, it seems bigger than life! With 5,289 acres, 193 trails and 32 chairlifts, this mountain is a cloud nine to many! If the size doesn’t do it for you, try the visitor count; nearly 20,000 on a busy day! That number makes up the entire town I grew up in, and even includes the jean and jersey rocking skiers and riders! Yes, that look is still seen on the mountain, even in Vail!

Ok, on to the real talk…Vail and its happenings. I’ll start with dining, as this should be quick, and honest! I have had the best and worst dining and après experiences since visiting Vail, both Lionshead and Vail Village. From fine dining to village ‘fast food’, après or black boots, stilettos heels, and plastic ones with frozen bindings.

Remember, the Colorado ski season only lasts a solid 4 months. With that said, fine dining restaurants like Kelly Liken, Sweet Basil and Terra Bistro have one thing to accomplish in those 4 months, tons of table turns. Meaning, after that last bite of your $40 plate and last sip from that $18 glass of wine, your table is ready to be turned. So, be prepared, unless you are a true regular, though even we have been shooed along, to eat and run…fortunately the Vail nightlife awaits us. Bottom line, AMAZING food, but be on time and with the whole party or, ‘no soup for you’!

On the other side of that is the village ‘fast food’ and après spots! Here is where the Vail service shines. (Not to say ­the fine diners don’t receive top service, they do!) These waiters, young and old, will let you schmooze amongst the tables around you, partake in your drinking games, and let you feel at home with your fam morning, noon and night! At places like The Red Lion, Dos Amigos and Vendetta’s, you do not stop enjoying libations or apps. For one, it’s reasonably priced, so what’s the rush, and two the waiters know their tip is truly reflected of their service. Right? Oh yeah, rock your plastics all night, well until 9pm at Red Lion, just be easy on the stairs…bathrooms are always, down stairs!

So after dinner, head to the local nightlife stomping grounds. Our routine is usually this: Tap Room is first stop. Located at the base of the mountain in Vail Village, it is a nice starting point as it is farthest from the parking lots and buses so you begin to make your way back to those locations throughout the evening and it is at the center of Vail Village.

Grab a table, maybe even one made of a pacman game or a massage chair in the back bar, watch some sports and enjoy a drink! From there off to The Club, which conveniently is directly across the way and down stairs. This is what I call a true local spot. There is no shoving no matter how packed. The one bar still manages to serve everyone. The live music and dance floor is a must experience. And lastly, the foosball table will provide additional entertainment, as challengers are always a mix of new and old friends.

From there we head to what is now called Whiskey Jack, which is only around the corner and down stairs! I only recall the name because it is a mountain run! Since I have been legal, this location has seen at least three name changes. Fortunately the DJ booth, dance polls, pool table, and two bars have never gone with the name! This is the final call location! Hit up the table, floor or pull and your night is complete!

The only thing I would save time for is hitting up Vendetta’s for that late night slice! Give yourself time though as the 2:00am last call for Vail’s bus system on the Transportation Deck will not wait around for you!

Quick note, 2010 is supposed to begin Vail Mountain’s next colossal project, Ever Vail. Look into this project! Can I say it, AMAZING!

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