Become a chef for a day at the Lodge at Vail

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Culinarily inept? Well, if you are, you’re not alone (and you’re in good company … with me). The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, has exactly the solution for those of us who believe cooking dinner involves a phone call. The Colorado Cookin’ package will make you a chef for a day, as Executive Chef Rahm Fama takes you through the local farmers’ market and into the Cucina Rustica restaurant’s kitchen for the insights you’ll need to become a pro.

This deal is on through September 21, 2009 and comes with two nights (Saturday stay is required) and some great Sunday activities – from a tour of the Vail Farmers’ Market to a four-course brunch at The Wildflower and a cooking class led by the top chef himself. It starts at $274 a night, and extra days can be tacked on at $149 each.

Hell, it’s enough to make me consider stepping into the kitchen.

The Arrabelle has a built-in solution for golfers’ wives

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Golf addict? Instead of hoping for a 6 AM tee time at your local 18, get on a plane (flights are cheap, we may have mentioned a few times on Gadling), and take off for Vail, Colorado. The Arrabelle at Vail Square has put together a cool package – “Drive and Revive” – for golfers … with a little something for non-duffers who may be traveling with you.

Drop $399 a night to stay at this RockResort, and you’ll get more than just an upscale roof over your head. The personal concierge service will generally make your life easier when you’re on the road (wish I could dig this up at home …). Also, you’ll get a round of golf at the Red Sky Ranch Golf Club for every night you stay. In Vail for four nights – that’s four rounds of golf. You can get out there daily with no worries.

Well, there is one concern. If you have your wife or girlfriend with you, disappearing to the links for the better part of every day won’t go over well. The Arrabelle has built in a solution for you. Each night comes with a $150 spa credit. With massages and facials in play, you won’t get too much resistance when you pack up to go chase a little white ball for a few hours.

You won’t be missed.

Go back to a simpler day at Beaver Creek Resort Summer Camp

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Once upon a time, you’d take off in the summer with a sleeping bag, a fishing pole and a pocket knife. Summer camp offered all the soft challenges you could imagine (such as stomaching awful food), but you always had a blast. No responsibilities weighed you down. Today, though, those days are gone. You worry about paying the mortgage, getting to work on time and keeping your kids entertained.

If only you could go back … if only for a little while.

Vail Beaver Creek Resort Properties has the answer: “Camp Not Exactly Roughing It.” Blend the excitement and freedom of summer camp from your childhood with cocktails and cuisine that is far from revolting, and you have the perfect adult getaway (especially if you get some mile-high action en route).

Oh, and you’ll stay in one of Beaver Creek’s resorts or condos instead of a dumpy cabin or (blech) tent.

This program runs from June 13 to September 7, 2009. So, be ready to do all the hiking your legs will handle. Play a little frisbee golf or learn to fly fish. You’ll also get two lift tickets up Beaver Creek mountain (enjoy the view) and breakfast for two ever day. Horseback riding, ziplining, bungee trampoline, mountain bike rentals and hot air balloon trips are also available. You can get in on this action for $262 a night, for a minimum of three nights.