Since we had only two days in Vail (and we arrived late to the Village on Friday afternoon), I made a mad dash to my beautiful accommodations at the Sonnenalp Resort to get ready for the last evening performance of the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, and listen to the New York Philharmonic perform at Vail's Gerald Ford Amphitheater. I was so excited! Having been a musician all my life (I played Bach at the age of five and there was no turning back), I missed being able to just relax, sit back and enjoy a performance. The real irony: I haven't been to  New York Philharmonic performance in New York City in years…I guess I had to fly across the country to cross that off my list.

The Gerald Ford R. Amphitheater is just a ten minute walk from one end of the town, and in case you don't feel like walking, you can take the free public bus that runs like a cheerful airport monorail through the Village (Vail has the largest free public transportation in the United States). The venue houses 1,260 guests in its seated area, and additional thousand (give or take) people on its grassy hillside above the bright red seats. Listening to Gershwin, Ravel and other classical masters while gazing at the snow-capped mountains is one of those truly memorable experiences I will forever cherish. This is the way music is meant to be savored: in the summer, at some 8,000 feet above sea level with a picnic on the lawn and some great company. 

This is how I will always remember my first impression of Vail: a moveable, musical Alpine feast. 

If you're in town during the summer, take advantage of these can't miss activities:

Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival: I loved the chance to catch the New York Philharmonic at the Gerald Ford Amphitheater. All summer long, visitors can catch world class musicians and soloists as part of this rich watershed of musical activities. Frequent performers include the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and of course, the New York Philharmonic that we caught during the very last day of the summer festival. The Festival runs from June through August each year.

Farmer's Market & Cultural Performances: I loved being able to stroll around at Vail's Farmer's market on Sunday, a few hours before we drive back to Denver to catch our flight. The market — as you may expect — features local and organic product, and also regional wines from Colorado. I was impressed at the taste of the Alpine honey, which also promises to stave off allergies. Vail takes its Farmer's Market seriously, and has rock bands playing cool music to accompany your shopping. Kids enjoy outdoor trampolines and fun entertainment, and of course, dogs are welcome everywhere.

Running Down Trails, Past the Covered Bridges and Gore Creek: Gore Creek in Vail is the source of many a fun activity with kids and parents. You can do kayaking on Gore Creek, get deliciously splashed, or — as I recently found out — go white water stand up paddle boarding. Seriously! Gore Greek runs through vail and naturally, there are beautiful running paths along this bubbling, gurgling, creek. Did I do some running? You betcha! I did two miles and loved it. I didn't break a sweat or anything (we are at some 8,000 feet above sea level) and surprisingly, because of the cool breeze, I wasn't breathing too hard. When I ran along Gore Creek, I spotted several visitors sitting down and reading a book, or doing yoga. Who says you need to be at a beach to finish that novel?

Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola Up to Eagle's Nest: Riding the Gondola (a covered lift) was actually more fun than I thought it would be. You'll need to catch it from Lion's Head, which is at one end of Vail Village, and the cost is approximately $29 with lunch included (there are also options for just the Gondola ride alone). The Gondola ride is enjoyable, almost like a gentle rocking motion (the crazy thing is you get on the bahn AS it is moving). 

The Eagle Bahn takes you to the 10,340 feet high Eagle's Nest where you can indulge in views of the famed Mount of the Holy Cross, get free guided nature walks that expose you to the beauty of flowers like the scarlet paintbrush and the beauty and science behind the Aspen trees (apparently the chalky powder on the bark of the Aspen trees was used as a natural sun protectant). There are also horse riding opportunities, and plenty of paths to do mountain biking (bikes are allowed on the gondolas).

GERALD FORD AMPHITHEATER, BETTY FORD GARDENS & SCULPTURES

The Gerald Ford Amphitheater, where cultural events are held year long.

Signage for the Bravo! Vail Valley Festival. If you miss the banners, you probably need glasses.

Aspen tree sculptures in the Betty Ford Gardens. I wonder what machine they used to slice the trees so neatly in half.

Perching on a rock in front of the Gerald Ford Amphitheater. I love how warm the weather was (significantly overdressed here).

A funny thing happened on the way to the Vail Valley Music Festival…

Me in front of some flowers at the Betty Ford Gardens.

Leslie Koch of DowntownTraveler.com and I, enjoying our picnic and soaking in the terrific music performed by the New York Philharmonic during the final evening of Festival.

An iconic branch-looking mass of white. A garden sculpture at the Betty Ford Gardens.

Children's Garden at Betty Ford Gardens

GONDOLA RIDES, EAGLE'S NEST, MOUNTAIN BIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDES

I'm actually excited to go on the Eagle Bahn Gondola, despite my fear of heights.

The gondola's reflection on the paths and trees below.

The view from Eagle's Nest was like a scene from "The Sound of Music."

View of the Mount of the Holy Cross on the extreme left. The snow is supposed to make a "cross" symbol but it's a bit of a stretch to actually see it. I'm waiting for Julie Andrews to come out singing "The Hills Are Alive" here…

You can enjoy a horseback ride…

…savor the wildflowers on the hillside (don't pick one, you'll get a $250 fine!)...

..admire the spectacular poppies …

…bike on many of the mountain trails…

…pose for many momentous shots…

…or be forced to take momentous shots.

There are bikes and rentals everywhere.

You catch the gondola from Lion's Head, which is at one end of Vail.

Lion's Head, also, is bursting with flowers…

…and terrific company.

OUTDOOR SCULPTURES, MUSEUMS, AND ART

Vail at night is beautiful in and of itself (notice the ghostly glow of the aspen trees on the hill above).

But with the outdoor sculptures that give an eerie, luminous glow, it is even more beautiful.

This outdoor light sculpture in the center of Vail Village morphs colors and is a luminous wonder at night.

When I was visiting, there was a temporary outdoor sculpture installation in the village.

Flowers in front of the Vail Ski Museum.

The Ski Museum gives you an overview of the history of skiing, outfits and legends in the area.

Even the bus stop has beautiful tiled art work done by school kids.

Matt has a conversation with Einstein about his theories…

…and really wants an explanation on this whole relativity business.

COVERED BRIDGES, GORE CREEK & THE FARMER'S MARKET

Gore Creek offers an excellent venue for outdoor activities.

This is the place to visit to paint, read a book, or simply have a zen moment.

Gore Creek and Vail's covered bridge at night is one part mystical, another part period piece.

The Sunday Farmer's Market spanned the entire length of Vail Village.

There was locally grown organic produce, of course…

…and Winter Park Honey which helps build your immune levels against allergies…

…there were basket makers from Ghana (odd but wonderful)…

…and of course, the furry visitor.

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