A Perfect Summer Weekend
Views from Avon CO
Living in a place that gets really hot in the summer I am always searching for quick, easy summer escapes. Also, for me anything resembling camping does not constitute an "escape". Nowadays I want scenery, comfort, good food and some culture.
Usually the desire to escape the heat results in a weekend in Prescott or Flagstaff. In years past Sedona might have made the list, but nowadays it is unbearably crowded all summer long and not worth the endless, inch at a time, crawl on a 2-lane to get there (only to find a bunch of candle, macrame and crystal people there when you arrive). San Diego is the classic Arizona escape, but is also pricey and jammed in summer.
I have found that a summer break in winter ski towns frequently works well. For example Park City Utah is great in summer. And, flights to Salt Lake from Phoenix are typically quick and fairly inexpensive. And, once you arrive you can find amazing summer rates in Park City's magnificent 4 and 5 star resorts.
Denver used to be on my summer respite list, but the avalanche of people moving to Denver, coupled with the phenomenon of Cannabis Vacationers (CV's) has resulted in skyrocketing summer hotel rates. Oddly, since CV's tend to arrive by car in order to transport their dope home, planes have lots of capacity and airfares to Denver have been competitive.
So here's Roadboy's advice:
1. Fly to Denver
2. Rent a car
3. Take I-70 West.
4. Stop in Denver for an afternoon
5. Visit LoDo and Denver's various cultural amenities.
6. Maybe have a nice meal there.
7. Then get back on I-70 and continue driving west (while it is still light).
8. Take in the amazing scenery along the way.
9. In just a couple of hours you'll be in the cool pines of Vail or Avon.
10. Enjoy!
Since Vail and Avon have opted to prohibit marijuana dispensaries, the CV'ers pass right on by on their way to resort destinations that feature dispensaries.
1. Fly to Denver
2. Rent a car
3. Take I-70 West.
4. Stop in Denver for an afternoon
5. Visit LoDo and Denver's various cultural amenities.
6. Maybe have a nice meal there.
7. Then get back on I-70 and continue driving west (while it is still light).
8. Take in the amazing scenery along the way.
9. In just a couple of hours you'll be in the cool pines of Vail or Avon.
10. Enjoy!
Since Vail and Avon have opted to prohibit marijuana dispensaries, the CV'ers pass right on by on their way to resort destinations that feature dispensaries.
With all its hotel inventory designed for winter skiers, you will find a lot of capacity available in summer with Vail and Avon's 4-5 start resorts frequently offering very attractive summer rates (especially midweek).
You can enjoy clean, dry 80° mountain air by day, and sleep to the sound of the roaring Eagle River by night.
You can enjoy clean, dry 80° mountain air by day, and sleep to the sound of the roaring Eagle River by night.
The Eagle River
This week I stayed at Avon's luxe Sheraton for only $159/nt and have seen summer rates there flirt with $100/nt. My room included a full kitchen, washer dryer, Bose wave radio, a fully jetted spa tub and a balcony with a gas fired BBQ. Like most of the premium resorts it offers a great fitness area, outdoor pool and spa and a rooftop game room for kids.
The nearby Westin is a bit plusher with views directly overlooking Eagle River. From either property it was an easy walk to a Starbucks, cafes and the path that runs along the banks of Eagle River.
Part of Avon's Public Art
(Enduring Navajo by Martha Pettigrew)
The town of Avon is immaculate, filled with art and parks (even a little lake).
Avon joins my list of perfect summer getaways. Plan your trip Here.
Roadboy's Travels © 2015
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