went through Colorado Whitewater Rafting, and the guides did an excellent job offering instructions and safety tips before the ride. My 7-year-old niece was the youngest child on the trip, and she was seated down between the seats to ensure her safety.
After whitewater rafting, we again had lunch in Beaver Creek Village. The Dusty Boot Steakhouse & Saloon serves awesome burgers, tacos and ribs. Then we hung out in the village, which offers trampoline bungee jumping, putt-putt golf and rock climbing. It was too windy for us to ride the chairlift, but, weather permitting, you can take the Centennial Express Chairlift (free for kids 5 to 12 years old) up the mountain for spectacular views.
More Fun Ahead Vail Village is just a hop, skip and a jump from Beaver Creek (we
took a shuttle from the hotel). It’s a fun place to spend the day exploring the boutiques and art galleries.
Some of the dads in our group chose to go on a guided fl y-fi shing trip through Gore Creek Fly Fisherman. Believe me, we only scratched the surface of things to do in Beaver Creek. There’s golf, horseback riding, tennis, ice-skating (outdoors, even in summer!) and gem panning (fool’s gold, anyone?).
My advice? Plan it out. Reservations are a must for many of the activities, such as fl y-fi shing, whitewater rafting and guided mountain bike tours. And be sure to take a break and eat fresh- baked cookies, served free every day at 3 p.m. in Beaver Creek
Take in the magnifi cent views from the Centennial Express Chairlift, which offers rides up and down the mountain.
Village. Whatever you decide, the fresh mountain air and cooler temps make it an ideal summer vacation for those hoping to avoid Florida’s summer heat.
Ride 'em, Cowboy! Dust off your cowboy boots, and tack on some spurs, as the
Beaver Creek Rodeo returns starting Thursday, June 28. Next time I go to Beaver Creek in the summer, I’m defi nitely planning the trip around the rodeo dates. Located in Avon behind Chapel Square, with free shuttle service from the covered bridge in Beaver Creek Village, the rodeo features classic events, such as bronco riding, calf scrambles, team roping, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding and burro racing. The best part is your kids can be part of the action. Come early for pony rides, face painting, mechanical bull rides and barbecue offered by Vail Valley restaurants.
2012 Dates (Thursday nights): June 28
July 5, 12, 19 August 2, 9, 16
For more info, visit
www.beavercreek.com or call (970) 754-4636.
Sofi a (age 6 months; now 6) and Jake (age 10; now 16) hike the Cinch Trail into Beaver Creek Village.
PLAYGROUND Summer 2012 47
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