Now that the 2023 ski season will soon start let’s examine Beaver Creek, Colorado which lies just west of Vail Resort. In fact, there’s a free shuttle between the two resorts but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
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Pros.
First the pros. Beaver Creek is located only two hours from Denver provided traffic and weather cooperate. Second, it’s a huge resort with plenty of options for beginners and experts alike. Third, it does not have the crowds as Keystone or Breckinridge.
Cons.
Parking is problem if you don’t arrive early. If, however, you have a hotel reservation, most of the hotels have a free shuttle to the slopes. Second, affordable dining options are few so do your homework in advance and, whenever possible, make reservations in advance. Bob’s Place is a strong recommendation for informal dining or lunch or breakfast. For more upscale dining, try Mirabelle.
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For something more upscale, try Mirabelle.
Hotels.
It’s nothing to spend $350 to $1000 per night at a place such as Beaver Creek. However, as I was traveling with the kids who would struggle to tell the difference, I opted for the perfect solution; namely, the Comfort Inn Near Vail Beaver Creek. The rooms were clean and large and offered free breakfast and parking. More importantly, they offered a free 10-minute shuttle to the slopes. Done.
Conclusion.
I was glad we ventured to Beaver Creek and so will you. It’s a jewel box of a ski venue. In fact, it’s a smaller version of Vail.
Before the 2020 ski season suddenly ended,
we skied Keystone as a family for the first time after skiing Copper Mountain,
Loveland and Arapahoe Basin. I made a separate trip to Vail.
Keystone – River Run Village
Keystone
The abundance of
family friendly hotels in the area was impressive. Additionally, several,
including the one at which we stayed (Hyatt House), had amazing access to the
slopes without being ski-in and out. It’s truly a treat to be able to wake up to
an inclusive breakfast and walk to the slopes (in ski boots) rather than
getting up at 5pm in Denver for the 90-minute drive. If, however, you need to
day trip to and from Denver, it’s an uneventful 90-minute drive with normal
traffic. Leave early on the weekends to avoid traffic. The outdoor hot tub
overlooking the slopes was the cherry on top of our hotel experience. The kids
also liked the complementary gummies.
There was something for everyone, including two members of the family who did not ski. While we were on the slopes, they could hit the spa, ice skate or tube. There was a good mixture of blue and green runs which were all impeccably groomed. The bathrooms and restaurants (facilities) were well laid out. There are very few green runs which offer 3.5 miles of pristine groomed slope. There are blacks and bowls, the latter of which have no facilities. The River Run Village contains shops and restaurants with plenty of options.
Another fun dinner outing was TwoBelowZero in Frisco which is about ten minutes from Keystone. You board a sleigh for a scenic mule drawn ride through the woods to a large tent set for dinner. Comfort food follows along with plenty of hot chocolate and, for the adults, peppermint schnapps.
Frisco Dinner Sleigh Ride
Copper Mountain
Fifteen minutes west of Keystone is Copper Mountain. Long a favorite of Colorado locals Copper boasts long runs and scenic trails. While it does not have a gondola like Keystone, lift lines were relatively short. Please note that Copper is not part of the Epic system but rather the competing Icon system. What this means is that Copper is a great alternative if you want to ski on an Epic blackout period.
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin
While A-Basin is one of Colorado’s smaller ski venues, it enjoys
top-notch slopes and easy access to Denver. You won’t find high-end hotels and restaurants,
but you will experience excellent skiing and comfortable casual dining within a
manageable setting.
Loveland
Loveland enjoys the closest proximity to Denver being visible from Highway 70. However, its basic equipment could use an update. Notwithstanding, there are many things to like. Loveland has a lot of greens for beginners and blues once the kids feel ready for that next level. Loveland’s parking shuttle is very reliable. Best of all, once you are done you don’t need to navigate Loveland Pass (think weekend traffic jams) since you are already next to Highway 70.
Vail Village
Vail
Even in Colorado, Vail is iconic. The pros include wonderful, high-end restaurants, hotels and spas. Imagine yourself strolling through a real life Ralph Lauren catalog. There are less green and blue runs as compared with Keystone. As such, Vail is somewhat less family friendly. Notwithstanding, the slopes are impeccably groomed. Daily lift tickets at the window are north of $200 per day. Better to buy in advance a daily local Epic pass online for about half the price.
Steamboat lies 3-4 hours west of Denver, assuming normal traffic. Plan to leave Denver early and spend at least one overnight. Along with great skiing (including night skiing) there is a large and vibrant mountain town exceeding 10,000 people. So, what can a non-skier do?
Strawberry Park Hot
Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Here we were mid-March with tons of snow around us soaking in 105 degree spring water. It’s a 20-minute ride from our hotel. If you value your car’s suspension, I recommend taking a shuttle tour up the rather rough mountain road. Additionally, I would recommend Sweet Pea Tours shuttle. Their shuttle vans have larger windows and slower drivers. Plan on bringing a swimsuit and towel. Our driver had bottled water. He picked us up directly from our hotel.
The Best Restaurant
Peanut Butter and Bacon Sandwich
The best restaurant in Steamboat is Café Diva. Walkable location. Cozy and informal interior. Reservations are recommended. Start with the “Peanut Butter and Bacon Sandwiches” which is Asian braised pork belly, Thai peanut sauce, raisin nut toast, Sriracha and pea shoots. Even if you don’t have room, order the Venison Short Loin in cabernet veal demi-glace next. Amazing. We never made it to dessert so I can’t offer any recommendations.
Venison Short Loin
The Best Spa
For those so inclined, The Steamboat Grand Spa at the Steamboat Grand hotel is the best spa around.
Cape Cod is a peninsula in eastern Massachusetts, known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and fresh seafood. It’s a popular summer and fall destination for people from all over the world, but there’s plenty to do year-round. We stayed in the charming town of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, which is an easy 90-minute drive south of Boston. Many thanks to our wonderful host at the 19 Squanto Road, South Yarmouth MA property (vacationcapecod.com/vacation-rentals/rental/yengl/). While we were only 3 people, the house easily slept 8.
Here are some of the best things to see and do on Cape Cod:
Beaches
Cape Cod has over 400 miles of coastline, so there’s no shortage of beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular beaches include:
Nauset Beach in Eastham: A long, sandy beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Marconi Beach in Wellfleet: A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Race Point Beach in Provincetown: A secluded beach with dramatic sand dunes and sweeping views of the ocean.
Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown: A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Towns
Each town on Cape Cod has its own unique charm. Here are a few of the most popular:
Provincetown: A vibrant town at the tip of the Cape, known for its art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Chatham: A charming town with a picturesque harbor and beautiful beaches. The Chatham Inn is a great lunch spot. I recommend the lobster bisque in particular.
Falmouth: A family-friendly town with a variety of attractions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Falmouth Arts Center.
Hyannis: The largest town on Cape Cod, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Kennedy Compound is close by.
Things to do
In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the beaches, there are many other things to do on Cape Cod:
Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore: A protected area that encompasses over 40 miles of coastline. Visitors can hike, bike, swim, fish, and camp in the seashore.
Take a whale watching tour: Cape Cod is a great place to see whales, including humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales.
Visit the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum: Learn about the Pilgrims and their landing in Provincetown in 1620.
Visit a cranberry bog: Cape Cod is known for its cranberry production. Visitors can tour cranberry bogs and learn about the harvesting process.
Enjoy the fresh seafood: Cape Cod has a thriving seafood industry. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants all over the Cape.
Best Places to Eat
The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House in Yarmouth Port: This classic Cape Cod seafood restaurant has been serving up fresh seafood dishes for over 50 years. The menu features everything from clam chowder and lobster rolls to fried clams and baked scallops.
Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon in Hyannis: This casual clam shack is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The menu features all of your New England favorites, including fried clams, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.
Mattakeese Wharf Seafood Restaurant in Barnstable: This restaurant offers stunning views of the Barnstable Harbor and a delicious menu of fresh seafood dishes. The menu features everything from lobster rolls and fried clams to grilled fish and seafood pasta dishes.
The Red Inn in Provincetown: This historic hotel and restaurant is known for its elegant dining room and its delicious menu of New England cuisine. The menu features everything from lobster bisque and grilled scallops to rack of lamb and filet mignon.
Kookoos Restaurant in Hyannis: This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving up delicious regional food. The menu features everything from seafood dishes and steaks.
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Yarmouth, Massachusetts is a town known for its history, sports, and recreation. Here are some attractions in Yarmouth related to these topics:
Historical Attractions
Winslow Crocker House: Built in 1780, this Georgian-style, historic home offers seasonal, bi-monthly tours with a guide. It is located at 250 MA-6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.
Whydah Pirate Museum: This museum displays artifacts recovered from an 18th-century vessel used for piracy and the slave trade. It is located at 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673.
Sporting attractions
Bass River Sports World Inc: This recreation center offers mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages and other family-focused activities. It is located at 934 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
Skull Island at Bass River Sports World: This recreation center offers mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages and other family-focused activities. It is located at 934 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
Flax Pond Recreation Area: This recreation area offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. It is located at 31 Dupont Ave, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: This pirate-themed mini-golf chain has 18-hole, landscaped courses set among waterfalls and caves. It is located at 728 Main St, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
