While summer days in the mountains are filled with high-energy adventure, the secret is that evenings can be the best part of the day. That’s when the magic begins – the temperatures cool and the pace slows down.
As the sun starts dipping behind the peaks, you can pull on a sweater or fleece, settle into a patio seat as restaurant decks begin to glow, or pack a picnic for an outdoor concert or movie under the stars. Maybe it’s a sunset happy hour at the top of the gondola, a full-moon hike, or simply lingering outside a little longer because the evening air feels too perfect to waste.
Here are the locals’ secrets to savoring a perfect summer night in the Vail Valley.
This is the quintessential Vail Tuesday. The secret to doing it like a local? A gourmet spread from The Grazing Fox. Pack their artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, find a spot on the grassy lawn of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, and enjoy free live music as the Gore Range glows in the background.
The gardens are most magical in the "golden hour" just before sunset. As the crowds head toward dinner, the alpine blooms and stone paths become a quiet sanctuary. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-concert stroll or a moment of zen after a high-energy day.
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If you find yourself in Beaver Creek on a Thursday evening, the village stage hosts a free live music series, with national touring artists, BC Unplugged. On Saturday evenings, Colorado acts take to the stage in the Colorado Showcase. And just down the walking path at Creekside Park, more live music on select dates throughout the summer. Listen to the music while the kids have fun on the playground.
For a more laid-back, community vibe, head to Avon at the base of Beaver Creek Resort. The pavilion at Nottingham Park hosts incredible evening performances with plenty of room for the kids to run. Grab your picnic blanket, stop by one of the food trucks, then settle in to take in the views across the lake, and enjoy the music.
Of course, a perfect night doesn’t always require venturing out. You can create your own magic right on the private deck of your Moving Mountains luxury home in Vail or Beaver Creek. Whether you’re gathering around the firepit or soaking in the hot tub, you’ll still have a front-row seat as the sky lights up at sunset, and the stars begin to shine.
