Vail

In 1939, construction began on Highway 6 to extend it from Denver to Gore Valley. The town was named after Charlie Vail, the project engineer for the construction. During World War II, Vail was used to train army personnel in back country survival. Many of the men who were trained here returned to call Vail there home. Pete Seibert, Bill "Sarge" Brown and Bob Parker were three veterans that had a dream of making Vail a ski resort. In 1954, Earl Eaton, a uranium prospector, teamed up with Pete Seibert to bring this dream to fruition. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1966. Gerald Ford owned a home in Vail and when he became president in 1974, Vail gained worldwide recognition.

Winter in Vail offers skiing, snow shoeing, and snowboarding.

Summer in Vail is teeming with hiking, biking, rafting, jeeping, a wide range of musical events and hot air ballooning.

Restaurants:

• The Left Bank Restaurant is a premiere French restaurant serving French and Mediterranean cuisine with specialties of such as rack of lamb and seafood. 183 Gore Creek Drive (cross street is Willow Bridge Road), Vail CO (970) 476-3696
• Sapphire Restaurant and Oyster Bar has something for every taste and budget. Executive Chef and Partner, Peter Millette, combines European and Asian influences to create a truly sublime dining experience. Sapphire boasts Vail's only "raw bar" that serves the freshest oysters and seafood. 223 Gore Creek Drive, Vail CO (970) 476-2828
• Pepi's Restaurant and Bar serves Austrian continental cuisine, as well as wild game gourmet. 231 Gore Creek Drive, Vail CO (970) 476-5626
• Alpenrose Restaurant offers a menu of rich and fine continental cuisine in a elegant, romantic and family friendly ambience. 100 E. Meadow Drive, Vail CO (970) 476-3194
• Restaurant Kelly Liken has a versatile menu that changes with the seasons to bring you the freshest ingredients the season has to offer in an elegant setting. 12 Vail Road (near E. Meadow Drive) Vail, CO (970) 479-0175