AdventureVail

As kids start to go back to school and the days get a little shorter, we’re faced with the reality that summer is coming to an end. But what’s great about the Vail Valley is that one of the best parts of the year has arrived (I know, we say that about every season in Vail). The next couple of months are so wonderful because along with the anticipation of ski season, we get to enjoy the beauty of the leaves changing and still get to take part in all the things we love about summer. The mountain biking, hiking and trail running are incredible with the gold color of the aspens changing. The fly fishing will be “going off” in the coming weeks. The temperatures are a little cooler which makes for great camping weather. All of this and things are a bit less busy as the summer vacation season comes to an end so getting a tee time is not a problem. The next couple of months are going to be fun in the Vail Valley…and after that, it’s SKI SEASON!

Activities and Events- Friday

Friday, July 8

Adult Half Day Nature Hikes, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
8:30 a.m., Fridays, ongoing until Sept. 2
Nature Center naturalists guide participants on a half-day hike to enjoy the flora and fauna of Vail’s wilderness. Costs are $30 for Vail residents, $35 for all others. 970-479-2291. www.vailrec.com

Yoga in the Gardens, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; Cost $12 per session
All ability levels welcome, held in the Alpine Plaza at the base of the waterfall. Bring a yoga mat or large towel. Instructor is Maria DeSimone. If you have questions or to sign up, e-mail muck2lotus@yahoo.com.

New! Gore Creek Mini Golf Golf Season Opening, LionsHead
Situated at the base of the Born Free Express Lift (#8) across from the LionsHead ticket office, Gore Creek Mini Golf opens Friday at Vail Mountain and is perfect for the whole family. The course provides putting fun for all ages on nine, par three holes and each hole will feature an interpretive animal theme that spotlights local Vail Valley animal species and provides educational background and information. Gore Creek Mini Golf will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is $10 per person.10 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily; $10 per round, all ages and all levels welcome.

Art in Nature for Kids, “Candle-Making & Batik Flags,” Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fridays, ongoing until Aug. 19
Students, ages 5 and older, of all skill levels learn how to blend art with nature including sketching, acrylics, printmaking, paper making and more. Reservations required. Cost is $45 and includes materials. This program is a collaboration with the Art Center of Gypsum and Town of Vail Art in Public Places. 970-479-2291. www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm

Learn to Think Like a Trout, Fly Fishing for Adults, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays, July 15 to August 19
A non-guided stream ecology and fly fishing class that includes the study of the local watershed and entomology, followed by basic techniques of fly fishing. Cost is $90 and includes equipment. Reservations are encouraged. 970-479-2291.
www.vailrec.com

Music in the Gardens:  Don Liuzzi, Percussionist, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
1 p.m., Free; Presented by Bravo Vail Valley Music Festival
Currently a percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1989, Don Liuzzi was a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony percussion section from 1982 to 1989. While in Pittsburgh, he taught percussion and conducted the percussion ensemble at Duquesne University, was assistant conductor of the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra and appeared on PBS’ nationally syndicated Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, performing marimba and percussion solos. For more information, email info@BettyFordAlpineGardens.org  

Friday Afternoon Club (FAC), Vail Mountain, featuring Boneless
5 p.m. Fridays, June 24 through Sept. 2
Guests and locals alike kick off the weekend with Vail’s Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) at Adventure Ridge, high atop Vail Mountain. FAC on the Talon’s Deck features the best views in the valley and amazing sunsets, free live music and activities, food and drink specials, and more. The featured band this week is “Boneless.” Boneless is known for keeping the party rocking with styles ranging from Americana, to bluegrass, to jam band.  Their one of a kind sound will please any and every audience. www.vail.com

S’mores and More: Family Campfire Program, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
7 to 8:30 p.m., Fridays, ongoing until mid-August
A warm campfire, exciting stories of woodland adventures and the sweet smell of burning marshmallows define this family program at the Vail Nature Center.  Costs are $5 per child, $10 per adult or $30 for a family of five. www.vailrec.com

Philadelphia Orchestra, Fiery Ivories and Arabian Nights, Ford Amphitheater
6 p.m.; Tickets: $85 (premium reserved), $63 (regular reserved), $24 (general admission)
Rossen Milanov and Hugh Wolff, Conductors; Yuja Wang, Piano.  Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30 by Rachmaninoff; Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov.
www.vailmusic.org or 1-877-812-5700.