Labor Day Weekend is just as much a celebration of summer as it is an introduction to fall, so it’s perfect to combine some seasonal outdoor activities with fun food and drink. Head to Vail from Saturday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 1, to enjoy hiking, biking and yoga, all combined with great bites and sips on the side with Gourmet, Let’s Go! presented by Audi during the Gourmet on Gore weekend.
“We created Gourmet, Let’s Go! to provide programming for the ‘active foodie’ who likes to work up a sweat before indulging in our gourmet treats,” shares James Deighan, managing partner of Highline, the event organizer. “Our guests always enjoy views of the beautiful mountains surrounding this event, but we wanted to give them the chance to explore Vail’s outdoors the way we do, as locals. We offer hiking, biking and yoga — a few of our favorite pursuits here in Vail.”
But it’s not all work — there’s plenty of play, too. By partnering with local chefs and Vail restaurants, participants also experience a gourmet meal at the end of each Gourmet, Let’s Go! activity.
Gourmet, Let’s Go! will take place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Outdoor yoga is offered on both mornings at 9 a.m. Participants should bring their mat, water and sunscreen for Saturday’s yoga event on the Solaris lawn supported by Vail Athletic Club. Sunday take part in the complimentary Lolë Community Yoga Event complete with yoga, meditation, live music and wellness at Ford Park from 9 to 11 a.m.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, the Trail to Table Hike takes participants from Vail Village to some of Vail’s most beautiful on-mountain locations on a hike tailored to the group. The day starts at the base of Vail Mountain for breakfast bites and some stretching as you get ready to go.
“This is one of our favorite events of the summer,” says Bobby L’Heureux, co-owner of CO YOGA + Life® Magazine and a leader for the annual Trail to Table Hike. “It’s so fun to share some of Vail’s best hiking trails with a lot of visitors and with locals who come out to enjoy this active and delicious morning in the mountains.”
Guests will be divided into groups by route, as this event is friendly to all ability levels. After the hike, a gourmet lunch at The Fitz Bar & Restaurant paired with cocktails, tastings and insightful seminar by Ketel One Botanical will refuel the body while the comradery will refuel the spirit.
On Sunday, Sept. 1, Culinary Cruisers take to the streets. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. participants will cruise around Vail on a “gourmet” guided bike tour by Venture Sports Colorado guides that know the best places to cruise on a Sunday morning. Participants are invited to bring their own bike or rent one onsite ($24). The day starts with breakfast bites (to provide fuel) before setting off. After working up an appetite on a scenic, two-hour tour, guests will enjoy a cleverly integrated lunch at The Fitz Bar & Restaurant paired with Don Julio cocktails and education seminar.
Tickets for both the Trail to Table Hike and the Culinary Cruisers are $40 per person, inclusive of meals, guides and beverages. Space is limited for both events, so purchase tickets early. Visit www.gourmetongore.com to purchase tickets.
