What's New | Visit Vail Valley Blog

Offer your hotel guests the ability to play IPod through in room TV wirelessly!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:48:23 -0400

Recommendations from Kevin Allen, High Country Computer Services, Inc.Hotel guest with stereo Bluetooth enabled devices (such as the new Apple iPhone OS 3.0) can now stream their audio selections through the in-room TV…wirelessly. And a single HDMI connection means one cable so installation is simple and inexpensive.

High Country Computer Services <http://highcountrycomptuerservices.com/> , located here in the Vail Valley is an authorized dealer of this exciting product.

To schedule a demonstration or for more information contact Kevin Allen at 970 393 2811.

One that should go to all Twitter users, but a blog entry would be nice - Avoid malicious links in Twitter, free browser plug-in

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:44:00 -0400

Recommendations from Kevin Allen, High Country Computer Services, Inc.Security software maker Finjan Inc. released a free browser plug-in on Tuesday to help users avoid clicking malicious links in Twitter that could lead to spyware and malware. The software is called SecureTwitter and is available as part of the Finjan SecureBrowsing plug-in <http://securebrowsing.finjan.com/> for Firefox and Internet Explorer.

The timing is good, as just today Panda Security put out a warning about malware links in Twitter’s Trending Topics < http://mashable.com/2009/06/21/twitter-trending-malware/> . Panda said to avoid “Twitterbest” and “Zasaden” in Twitter Search, as those are known to contain links that jump to malware sites.

Finjan CTO Yuval Ben-Itzhak said “Reading the recent reports about the proliferation of tweets containing criminal malware, we have taken immediate action to release the SecureTwitter plug-in which is powered by Finjan’s Secure Browsing as a free download to all users.”

Congratulations Platinum Service Program winners!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:26:08 -0400

VVP Reveals Top Service Award Winners for ’08-‘09On Thursday, June 25, the Beaver Creek Chophouse was the setting for Vail Valley Partnership’s Annual “Destination Experience – Platinum Service Program” Awards Luncheon. More than 100 people representing more than 60 local businesses celebrated their achievement of exceeding a 90% customer service satisfaction rating as measured by a series of mystery shopper evaluations during the ’08-’09 season.

Top winners were announced in each of four categories; Manor Vail Lodge (lodging), Slifer Designs (retail), La Tour (restaurant) and Cathy Thompson State Farm Insurance (services) took home special recognition plaques acknowledging excellence in their fields of endeavor.

This year, Slifer Designs was awarded the crystal vase, symbolizing the top honor for overall winner of the year with a service quality rating of 98.01%.

Michael Kurz, president/CEO of the VVP said, “The quality of effort these enterprises put forth is a testimony to the commitment, vision and understanding of the need to serve our customers at a high level, reinforce the efforts of great employees and staff and to set a high mark on the wall for others to strive to achieve. The number of winners this year is remarkable and presents hard evidence that our members really understand and have taken to heart what it takes to compete and win. Everyone benefits when this level of quality is maintained.”

With nearly 800 member businesses from Denver to Glenwood Springs the Vail Valley Partnership is the official resource and advocate for business and tourism. The organization creates regional economic vitality by partnering with local businesses and collaborating with key stakeholders throughout Eagle County.

The French Press Chef, Juan Cruz Anon

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:18:35 -0400

Recipe for Rocky Mountain ceviche featured in new cookbook

The French Press is pleased to announce that Chef Juan Cruz Anon's recipe for Rocky Mountain ceviche is featured in the new Junior League of Denver's cookbook, "Colorado Classique."

Chef Juan Cruz Anon trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

The French Press

Edwards, CO

970-926-4740

New Item

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:17:21 -0400

Evans Chaffee Construction Group chooses beneficiary of Kickball ClassicEvans Chaffee Construction Group (ECCG) has chosen the Vail Valley Charitable Fund as beneficiary of their 8th Annual ECCG Kickball Classic and Pancake Breakfast. While there were many deserving non-profits that applied as the beneficiary this year and the decision was extremely difficult, ECCG made their final decision based on their perception that the valley really needs help with the basic needs at this time such as food, medical help, etc. In addition to helping the VVCF and hence the valley's medical needs, ECCG will also be running a food drive for the Salvation Army at this event to increase their food bank. The event will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Eagle-Vail Pavilion and surrounding fields. Anyone interested in organizing a team should contact Evans Chaffee Construction Group. Corporate sponsors and volunteers are also needed; please call Katie Vernon at 970-845-0466 for information on event sponsorship benefits.

Don't miss the opportunity to advertise in the Vail Valley 365!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:10:16 -0400

2009 - 2010 issue coming soon!

Vail Valley 365, The Official Visitors Guide to the Vail Valley

Published annually September 2009

It's not too late to secure your ad! Reach 65,000 visitors to the Vail

Valley before and during their trip. Limited advertising space is available with exceptional value-added opportunities.

Contact Amy Cassidy at 970-328-1212 or amy@takeaimmarketing.net

Come to the Cabaret - Live Broadway Music!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:03:55 -0400

Hosted by the Marketplace on Meadow Drive in Vail

Come enjoy a light dinner, your favorite beverage and live entertainment with the best of Broadway music! We have a tasty selection of chilled and warm tapas, dinner and dessert crepes, gourmet pizzas, salads, cocktails, wine and more!

Performances are 8-10pm on the following evenings:

WED, July 1st

FRI, July 3rd

SUN, July 5th

MON, July 6th

WED, July 8th

FRI, July 10th

SAT, July 11th

SUN, July 12th

WED, July 15th

FRI, July 17th

SAT, July 18th

FRI, July 24th

SAT, July 25th

SUN, July 26th

WED, July 29th

THU, July 30th

FRI, July 31st

No cover charge. Reservations are not required!

Vail Cabaret Nights... where Vail Valley residents perform Broadway Music as a singing waiter or waitress.

Minturn Saloon voted best restaurant for groups

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:44:06 -0400

Margaritas, mexican food, nightly specials

Tom Whitehead Memorial Golf Tourney Draws 90 Junior Golfers

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:33:15 -0400

Region’s top junior golfers competed for points

Eagle Vail Golf Club, the Vail Valley’s only public mountain course, hosted the 2009 Colorado Junior Golf Association’s Tom Whitehead Memorial Junior Tournament on June 24. Sarah Moore of Greenwood Village, Colorado, finished first with a three stroke lead over Shannon Lubar of Littleton in the Girls’ 14-18 year olds. Benjamin Krueger, of Colorado Springs posted an impressive -1 to bring the Boys’ Championship flight to its knees. He was closely followed by Michael Lee of Greeley +1, Jake Jacobs of Thornton +2, Sam Schweitzer of Greenwood Village +2 and Samuel Rock from Superior, Colorado also with +2.

“We love to host Junior Golf Events, it’s really rewarding” said Ben Welsh, Eagle Vail’s PGA Head Golf Professional. “It is really fun to watch the amazing swings of some of these young golfers and to see in them the future of golf,” commented Welsh.
The Colorado Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is the youth tournament program of the Colorado Golf Association. Established in 1984, the CJGA is a non-profit organization that conducts, promotes and supports junior golf activities in Colorado for boys and girls, ages 18 and under. Eagle Vail Golf Club is one of the fantastic stops on this years CJGA schedule. Young golfers accumulate points along the way, competing for the overall Colorado Junior Championship honors.

Tom Whitehead enjoyed the Vail Valley and all the outdoor activities that it offers. He lost his life tragically in a horseback riding accident but his memory lives on through the Tom Whitehead Memorial Golf Tournament.

These junior programs are possible because the Colorado Junior Golf Association receives support annually from membership dues, fund-raising activities, and donations from parents, individuals and businesses.

Eagle Vail Golf Club Results:

Girls' 14-18 Flight
1. Sarah Moore, Greenwood Village, CO, 39-44-83 +11
2. Shannon Lubar, Littleton, CO, 41-45-86 +14
3. Michelle Harrison, Fort Collins, CO, 45-43-88 +16
3. Lindsay McGetrick, Highlands Ranch, CO, 44-44-88 +16
5. Carlie McAlister, Castle Rock, CO, 46-43-89 +17
5. Tayler Bull, Golden, CO, 46-43-89 +17

Boys' Championship Flight
1. Benjamin Krueger, Colorado Springs, CO, 35-36-71 -1
2. Michael Lee, Greeley, CO, 37-36-73 +1
3. Jake Jacobs, Thornton, CO, 38-36-74 +2
3. Sam Schweitzer, Greenwood Village, CO, 38-36-74 +2
3. Samuel Rock, Superior, CO, 36-38-74 +2

For more information or to book tee times, call 970-949-5267, or visit www.eaglevailgolfclub.com.

Westside Cafe Grand Re-opening

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:34:34 -0400

Dinner Service has returned from "Spring Break"Please join us for our dinner service Grand Re-opening on Wednesday, June 24th between 4pm and 10pm. We'll be serving all your favorites at our everyday value pricing. Its an amazing evening; 20 Items under $9.99. Double points for royalty rewards members, great specials, and an unbelievable giveaway! Sign up to win a 3 day 2 night getaway in Amazing Las Vegas. Hope to see you there!

Vail Golf Club Update

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:13:49 -0400

June 26 - July 2, 2009

SPECIAL SEASON RATES CONTINUE

18 Holes Cost $40 for Vail Residents, $50 for Eagle County Residents or $60 for Guests, Book Online at vailgolfclub.net and Receive $10 Off Guest Rates

Golfers have until July 2 to enjoy 18 holes of play at the special season rate of $40 for Vail residents, $50 for Eagle County residents and $60 for guests who choose to walk the course or $25, $30 and $35 for nine holes. Beginning July 3, peak season rates will take effect costing $50 for Vail residents, $65 for Eagle County residents and $75 for guests who choose to play 18 holes and walk the course. Carts cost $19 for 18 holes or $12 for nine holes per person through the season. The golf club is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The driving range is open from dawn to dusk daily, with the exception of Wednesdays when it closes at 6 p.m. (Pictured above: Golfer Tees of From the New Tee Box No. 3.)

VAIL GOLF CLUB WELCOMES THE 2009 LACROSSE SHOOTOUT

Range Ball, Green Fee Specials for Guest Rates, Plus Restaurant Specials

SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE ALL SUMMER LONG

Amazing season pass deals are underway, including:

Vail residents can play for as little as $22.50 per round with the 20, 9 Hole Round Pass
Vail residents also can play both nine and 18 hole rounds for just $40 per round with the 10 Round Pass
Gold and Silver Passes are available for $1,600 and $800 for Vail Residents, or Eagle County residents can purchase a Silver Pass for $1,100
The new Young Adult Pass for ages 18-23 offers unlimited play for just $300 for Vail residents or $350 for non-Vail residents
The new Vail and Eagle Vail Golf Club transferable ten punch card includes five rounds at each course with no restricted days for $575 and includes green fees and carts.

IRRIGATION RENOVATION UPDATE Holes 3, 5 AND 6 Complete

Irrigation work continues to make progress with the completion of holes three, five and six. Additionally, the new tee box no. 3 is complete featuring three times larger tee area from the previous tee box. (Pictured Right: The new irrigation system at work on No. 6.)

Irrigation work is taking place as follows:

Approach to hole 2 through 7 tee box is nearly complete.
The mainline has been installed on holes 1-11, 18 and adjacent to the driving range. Work is underway on hole 12 and by the end of the next week, mainline installation is anticipated to be to 14 green. Work will then commence on 15 and 16.
Installation of the lateral irrigation lines is taking place on holes 4, 2 and 7 followed by work on 8 green beginning this weekend into early next week. Golfers may experience modified greens on these holes during lateral line installation.

During the renovation, golfers can expect a minimum of 17 to 18 holes available for play at all times. All schedules are subject to change. Work takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and a half day on Saturday. No work takes place on Sundays.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

No league Play Wednesday, July 1
League play will resume the following week as scheduled.
Art of Scoring, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 28
This week's clinic is designed for golfers who want an edge that will help them shoot lower scores with a focus on chipping and pitching. Instruction will cover basic techniques of both shots, trajectory control and club and shot selection. Cost is $100 with a class size of three to five. Sign up must be accompanied by a credit card number and you must give 48 hours notice if you will not be attending. The class will include light snacks and beverages.
Vail Junior Golf Camp- Session 2, 10 a.m. to Noon, June 30-July 2 - Ages 6 to 17
This is a First Tee of Eagle County Junior Golf Program for Intermediate Level (Birdie Level) golfers between the ages of 6 and 17. Cost is $85 per child, per session.
Senior Clinics, 11 to noon, Thursday, July 2
This week's clinic will include instruction about the basics of pitching and bunker play. Senior Clinics offer those ages 50 and older bi-monthly instruction. Next class will be July 16. Cost is $20 per person. Happy Valley Grill offers lunch entrees at 30 percent off to participants following the clinic and the Vail Golf Club pro shop offers 20 percent off of all merchandise to participants the day of the clinic.
Ladies' Clinic, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursday, July 2
This week's clinic will cover pitching and bunker play. Weekly Ladies' Clinics are limited to 16 women and offer a variety of instruction including short and long game, equipment needs and course management. Cost is $25 per person for a 75 minute lesson. Happy Valley Grill offers participants $3 glasses of wine following the clinic.
Coors Coaching Hour, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 2
This weekly program is limited to 25 people and includes unlimited range balls, two drink tickets and instruction from the Vail Golf Club professional staff. No signup required.

WEEKLY TIP FROM THE VAIL GOLF CLUB PROFESSIONALS

This week's tip is from Vail Golf Club Professional Jeanne Sutherland

Rotation

Recently, I saw an episode of Playing Lessons From the Pros on The Golf Channel with Padraig Harrington. There was a great segment in the show when Padraig related what he thinks about when he works on his swing. His answer was "rotation." From the top of his back swing, everything is rotating until the end of his swing. This is a very important concept for most of the golfers I see on the lesson tee. Here is why:

If you took lessons from a buddy when you learned to play, your buddy might have told you to keep your head down or to stay behind the ball. Both of these cues often cause golfers to quit rotating through impact and their momentum becomes stuck and usually travels up. Watch the pros and you will find that as they get into impact, their chests are turning to the target. There is no hesitation, there is no staying behind the ball and there is no "up" in there swing. There is simply rotation. A better cue from your buddy would be to keep your eye on the ball, which allows you to see the club into the ball at impact, but also allows your head to continue to rotate following impact. As for staying behind the ball, the great old players used to talk of "covering" the ball with your chest. That is what they felt as they struck the ball. It is impossible for anyone to cover the ball when behind it at impact. You must be moving through it. So even in the good old days, the best players didn't stay behind the ball but instead were over it at impact.

When you go out to hit balls, try a few simple drills to help you feel rotation. First, swing the club as you would a baseball bat and feel how your arms follow your chest as you turn. The next drill is to stand a few inches from a wall. Without a club, make a mock swing. Can you get your right butt cheek to touch the wall on the backswing and your left butt cheek to touch it on the through swing? If so, you have done a great job of rotating through the shot. If your left butt cheek gets further from the wall, you probably went up through your shot instead of rotating. Body and arm rotation are keys to power, consistency and balance. It is also a great way to avoid injury because your momentum is used to hit the ball and released instead of becoming jammed and being absorbed into your shoulders or hips.

We hope these ideas help you to understand a bit more about the golf swing. For a better understanding of your personal swing, we suggest a lesson with one of our PGA Professionals at the Vail Golf Club. For details, click here

OUTDOOR GOLF SWING ANALYSIS LESSONS AVAILABLE Book a lesson and utilize the golf club's golf swing analysis program. Set up outside, the swing analysis program utilizes multiple cameras, plus sound and light to capture a golfer's swing in real-time and slow motion, and then records it digitally. Swing analysis lessons are available by appointment only and can be booked by calling 479-2260.

HAPPY VALLEY GRILL WEEKLY SPECIAL

Burger and a Beer for $10.96
$2 Draft Beers for Lacrosse Players
$3 Glass of House Wine with a Lesson from Vail Golf Club professionals

This week's special at Vail and Beaver Creek Chophouse

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:02:09 -0400

Lunch and dinner specials

Gourmet on Gore

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:28:31 -0400

Save the date & call for restaurant participation

WHAT: The 4th annual Gourmet on Gore is an open-air tasting of food, wine and spirits. This popular event will pair world-class wines and spirits with the best food from throughout the Vail Valley.

Vail Valley restaurants will offer specialty dishes, in taste-size portions, which will then be paired with the wide assortment of wine and spirits being poured. With wines from France, Italy, Australia and South America, as well as domestically from California and the Northwest, the Celebration will showcase varieties from Sauvignon Blanc to Super Tuscans and vodkas to rums with everything in between.

Winemakers and sommeliers will be on hand to discuss their wine selections and educate the public on the tasting process.

WHERE: The heart of Vail Village between Gore Creek Drive and Bridge Street.

WHEN: The busy Labor Day Weekend, September 4-6, 2009.

COST: Gourmet on Gore is free admission to the public. Wine tasting portions are priced in $1 increments.

CALLING ALL VAIL VALLEY RESTAURANTS: All Vail Valley restaurants are invited to participate in the annual festival. Participating restaurants retain all food sales from the event. For more information and to receive your restaurant exhibitor form, please email natalie@gohighline.com or call (970) 476-6797. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

MORE INFO: Visit www.gourmetongore.com or call 970-476-6797.

Weddings thriving at Cordillera

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:15:34 -0400

Couples increasingly find resort the perfect matrimonial destination

North America’s premiere residential mountain community is

hosting more weddings this year than ever before.

Heading into wedding season, June through September, when a large

majority of American weddings take place, The Lodge & Spa at

Cordillera is seeing triple the number of bookings over past years.

And The Club at Cordillera, with three private clubhouses available

for weddings, is booked to capacity.

“We’re slammed for the entire year,” says Kirsten Goodman, sales and

catering manager for The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, listing the

resort’s picturesque mountain locations, renowned luxury and service

and profound sense of privacy as several reasons for success. “And

this place, with the inspiring views, really sells itself. Couples

feel at Cordillera, the sky’s the limit.”

Nestled high above the Vail Valley within more than 7,000 acres of

Colorado High Country ranch land, Cordillera is North America’s premiere residential mountain community, the epitome of casual mountain living with a twist of refinement.

Recently named “No.1 hotel for service and cuisine in Colorado” by

Conde Nast Traveler, The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera is an ideal wedding

destination with a variety of ceremony and reception venues, including

a charming Cordillera Gazebo, a beautifully landscaped lawn and a

private pool area — all with stunning views of the Vail Valley and the

snowcapped peaks of the Gore and Sawatch ranges.

The Lodge offers the amenities of a AAA Four Diamond hotel — an award-

winning restaurant, a 20,000-square-foot Spa and an elegant ballroom

that can seat up to 200 people, for example — in a relatively intimate, mountain chateau setting. With just 56 rooms, the entire hotel, or a wing of rooms, can be booked by families seeking the utmost in privacy.

The Club at Cordillera, meanwhile, with ceremony and reception venues

at Timber Hearth Grille, The Summit clubhouse and The Trailhead

clubhouse, offers couples with up to 400 guests and family members the

experience of enjoying a wedding as a part of a special club.

And with only one wedding per day booked at any of Cordillera’s

venues, add the luxury of flexibility on wedding day.

“While anyone can book these facilities, each one of them has the feel

of a private club,” says Kirstin Shepherd, catering and sales manager

for The Club at Cordillera, adding about half of all weddings at the

Club involve member families.

“The venue at Cordillera was a dream come true for a wedding location

because of the view, the flowers, the friendly staff at Timber

Hearth,” adds Barb Sexton, the mother of Cora Wheeler, a recent

Cordillera bride. “We especially appreciated that everyone was

enthused about our celebration, which made our experience the best.”

Both the Lodge and the Club offer extensive hospitality options,

including the menus and staffs of the award-winning Mirador and Timber

Hearth Grille restaurants, horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides by

Bearcat Stables, world-class recreational opportunities and luxurious

bridal suites. Each can be custom tailored to make any wedding a

unique, unforgettable event.

“It all happened with such casual elegance, and Cordillera made it

easy,” says Anita Grantham of Phoenix, a visitor to the resort

community who scheduled her recent wedding to future husband JB at

Cordillera after attending a friend’s wedding there. “We felt at home.

They make you feel like you own the place.”

For more information, visit www.cordilleracolorado.com.

West Vail Liquor Mart offers margarita tasting

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:39:08 -0400

Enjoy a Milagro margarita on June 26 from 4-6pm

Doesn't a Margarita Sound Good? West Vail Liquor Mart is hosting a Milagro Margarita Tasting on Friday, June 26 from 4:00-6:00pm at West Vail Liquor Mart.

Milagro Margarita Recipe:

1 part Milagro tequila

1 part chilled water

½ part Milagro Agave Nectar

1 part juice from fresh lime

Combine ingredients with ice and shake.Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Salt and lime garnish optional.

Milagro Tequila is our June Spirit of the Month: Free Milagro Agave Nectar 375ml with any Milagro purchase* Silver 750 ml $21.99 Reposado 750ml $24.99 Añejo 750ml $27.99

What's New | Visit Vail Valley Blog

Offer your hotel guests the ability to play IPod through in room TV wirelessly!

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One that should go to all Twitter users, but a blog entry would be nice - Avoid malicious links in Twitter, free browser plug-in

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Congratulations Platinum Service Program winners!

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The French Press Chef, Juan Cruz Anon

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New Item

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Don't miss the opportunity to advertise in the Vail Valley 365!

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Come to the Cabaret - Live Broadway Music!

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Minturn Saloon voted best restaurant for groups

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Tom Whitehead Memorial Golf Tourney Draws 90 Junior Golfers

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Westside Cafe Grand Re-opening

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Vail Golf Club Update

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This week's special at Vail and Beaver Creek Chophouse

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Gourmet on Gore

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Weddings thriving at Cordillera

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West Vail Liquor Mart offers margarita tasting

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