Epicurean Excursions
Shop Local. It’s not a new concept. Beginning with the proliferation of big box stores, through the advent and explosion of online shopping, it’s the call to recognize and support the locally owned businesses that are the backbone of a community, and what make it unique. It has never been more important for people to help the local business they love not only survive but thrive. So, take this opportunity to discover, or rediscover some of the Valley’s home-grown enterprises worthy of your patronage. Many have a robust online presence with ordering platforms for your convenience, but if you are up for an outing, here are some epicurean excursions you might enjoy.
The Bookworm of Edwards
Escaping into a book is always a good idea, and the Valley is lucky enough to have a vibrant local bookseller in its midst. Located in The Riverwalk shopping area, the Bookworm of Edwards is a community gem. For those who still like to discover their next book by perusing dust jackets, you’ll find a selection of employee picks—a collection of recommended reads from people in the know! If you’re looking for the perfect gift, you’ll find an everchanging selection of good ideas, from clever tea towels to silly socks. Or you might consider gifting a soup subscription to warm the soul! It’s true, The Bookworm is a culinary adventure as well, with delicious cafe fare. Try the Treasure Island smoothie, the Giving Tree toast, or the Green Eggs and Ham crepe. Their soup subscription program serves up rolls and soup for four to eight with flavors like carrot curry coconut, ham and split pea or chicken noodle. Many soups are vegetarian and gluten free, and the vegan tomato basil is always available. 970-926-7323 Bookwormofedwards.com
Summertime Farmers Markets
These free family friendly markets take place on weekends throughout the summer months and offer a great open-air stroll through multiple locations in the Valley. Beyond the opportunity to pick up fresh produce, meats and cheeses from farmers bringing their goods to market, it’s a chance to shop locally created artwork, crafts and gourmet provisions while interacting with the artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs that created them. Be sure to come hungry, because a wide array of food is freshly prepared by street vendors, food trucks and local restaurants bringing their fare to the streets!
On Saturdays there are two options. The Minturn Market is the Vail Valley’s original outdoor market. Vendors are nestled in and around Minturn’s quaint historic downtown. It runs Saturdays from early July through the first weekend in September from 9am-2pm. Hosted by
the Town of Minturn, you can find out more online at Minturn.org. The second option happening on Saturdays has been a part of the Edwards community since 2005—The Edwards Corner Farmer’s Markets. Their hours are from 9am-1pm. Visit Edwardscornerfarmersmarket.com for dates and details.
Summer 2021 The Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show is Celebrating 20 years in Vail. Now over 140 tents are on hand for 16 Sundays of summer. Take a stroll down Vail’s Meadow Drive from late June through the first weekend of October from 10am-3:30pm. Pick up everything from local honey or infused oils to fused glass pottery and woven baskets. They have also added an online virtual market to allow customers to connect with the vendors in the comfort of their homes. Many offer shipping to anywhere in the US. Visit Vailfarmersmarket.com
Vines at Vail Winery
Vines at Vail Winery, a modest boutique winery situated in Wolcott, brings in the finest grapes from California’s Central Valley and creates an opportunity to sample world-class, locally crafted wines in the heart of the Vail Valley.
Owner and winemaker, Patrick Chirichillo grew up in an Italian family of winemakers. He not only learned the mechanics of traditional home production but discovered very early his life’s passion for creating distinctive wines. Sample the fruits of Chirichillo’s passion project along Highway 131 at the 4 Eagle Ranch. Add a visit to the winery after enjoying one of the many ranch activities or enjoy a special trip to the casual rustic setting and sample remarkable wines. Try by the glass or indulging in a tasting flight inside their Barrel Room and discover a full array of rosé, white and red varietals as well as some deliciously crafted blends. Try the Grenache Rosé, fruity but not too sweet, or their boldest Vail Ink, a deep red Syrah and Petite Sirah blend.
The tasting room is open daily from mid-April through mid-October, Fridays and Saturdays through November, with private tastings by appointment only in winter. They do provide some nibbles to help cleanse the palate, or they can cater your next special event in facilities that accommodate up to 50 people.
Roll out the Barrel
The Crush is an annual hands-on event open to all, complete with grape stomping “Lucy’s”. It’s followed by The Squeeze that turns the product into wine that is then aged in oak barrels. Share winemaking with friends and purchase a barrel or a portion of one. Create a custom label to commemorate the event! Learn about the winemaking process and create a memory of a lifetime. Contact them at 970-949-WINE (9463)
or VinesAtVailWinery.com.