Vail in the summer
 

I've never been to Vail but am looking at a vacation there this summer and I have a few questions.

- Where would be the best area for my wife and I to stay at? We're in our late 20's (for a few more months) and are looking to relax & explore for a few days.
- Is the Arrabelle (RockResort) a good location?
- Is Vail an area where you'll definitely need a car or can you walk/shuttle most places around town?

Thanks!

IF you are flying into Denver you should rent a car. In the summer the mountains are cool so you should be open to explore. I know in the winter for skiiers they have shuttle services between the ski towns in the Vail/breckonride area. I dont know if they operate in the summer.

My own personal bias...If you stay in Vail is drive to Maroon Bells and Aspen then over independence pass then to beauna vista then back to vail or up route 9 to breckonridge.

I would suggest hppoing between vail and breakonridge say staying 2 nights in each

VAlso....vail is a little more spread out where its lie everything is down one street. Breckonridge is more compact.

Vail is not just more spread out, it is much bigger than Breckenridge. There are many more stores, shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. However, if I am going to spend a couple of days somewhere, I personally prefer Breckenridge. There is enough to do and see in Breckenridge for a couple of days and it is all much more accessible. But be careful of the altitude, as Breckenridge is about 2000 feet higher than Vail and Vail is already several thousand feet higher than Denver. Drink lots of water and minimize your alcohol.

I don't have a recommendation for places to stay but will say I love stopping in Vail. They have a great farmer's market on Sunday. Parking can be a bit crazy if you are driving there though if you are staying in town, it won't that big of an issue. I got my best deal in Vail last summer when I got a $250 Marmot jacket for a deal busting $80 at one of the shops. My goal this summer is to drive through Vail, Leadville and onto Aspen via Independence Pass.