Explore Refresh

October 2025

Since we are just days away from Halloween, and soon the winter holidays will be upon us, we decided to take a trip into the mountains for an off season escape. We can see the snow-capped mountain peaks from Denver, but thought it would be fun to get up close to experience the changing weather and get some fresh mountain air. The beautiful drive was just about an hour and forty minutes. We stopped in Frisco for gas and the air felt crisp from the dusting of snow on the surrounding mountains. My daughter said snow makes her think of Christmas and started singing carols. We just let her, her enthusiasm so welcome, because much of the ride she was being a moody teenager. Once we got to Vail, we parked in the free off season parking lot, grabbed our backpacks and headed into the village.

Right away we came to sign posts for the Gore Valley Trail that runs along the Gore Creek which runs through town. Our goal was to get some exercise, be in nature and then have a nice lunch. We strolled along the dirt path, noticing the clear water flowing gently over rocks, and breathing in the chilly air. The kids discovered frost on fallen leaves, having fun noticing the wonders of nature. We continued along the trail into town, and to the Pirate Ship Playground. It was super cool! Both kids climbed and explored the ship from the mast, to the high lookout deck, while other families were having fun as well. I found a pocket of sunshine to keep me warm, as the creek flowed by.

We continued along the paved path which led us near the ski slopes. The sun was shining, snowy mountain peaks were towering in the distance, with pine trees all around and a few aspens were holding onto their yellow leaves. The slopes aren’t open yet, but there was some snow that the kids played in for a little while along the way. We saw people out hiking and walking their dogs.

With explorer hearts we made our way up a path, and hearing a stream getting closer, our son was the first to spot a hidden forest area along the creek. The sunlight filtered through the towering pine trees, creating a magical and peaceful respite. We sat by the water and watched and listened, allowing ourselves to relax and breathe. Well, my son scrambled along the creek the whole time, discovering interesting boulders, rocks, and sticks. Once we were starting to get hungry, we made our way back to the trail. We came upon a friendly couple with their dog who decided my son’s stick was actually meant for him! He took it right out of my son’s hand. We all laughed.

Heading back toward the alpine village we already knew where we wanted to eat. My daughter suggested German food, and there just so happens to be a restaurant that has been here for 60 years, called Pepi’s. The nice couple with the stick-stealing dog even said it was good choice. Technically, it’s Austrian, with some American on the menu, as well. They had very authentic dishes and the ambience reminded me of my time in Salzburg. We sat on the patio under a colorful umbrella in the sunshine and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. We loved it so much that we ordered desserts to share. It was so delicious.

After lunch we wandered around town, popping into the shops, enjoying each other’s company. I loved the charming, detailed architecture, and family friendly atmosphere. It wasn’t incredibly busy, which I imagine was because it was off season, which was nice for us. Noticing that there was a winter weather advisory on the highway, we thought it best to head home to get ready for another week of school and work. We wouldn’t want to get trapped there, but, come to think of it, I couldn’t think of a more beautiful place to be stay if we did get snowed in!

Sometimes, that’s all it takes, a day trip, a change of scenery, some exploratory time in nature, and a good meal to reset and feel refreshed.