On the map, Avon
looks like just another small dot, sitting quietly to the west of Vail. But this town has been expanding to the tune
of 6,700 residents at last count; it also serves as gateway to Beaver Creek
Resort, one of Colorado’s best-known winter sports playgrounds.
Why stay at
Avon? For one thing, it’s easy - a mere 25 miles from Vail-Eagle County
Airport, which offers flights from such major carriers as American, Delta,
Continental, and United; Denver International Airport, the state’s main hub, is
two hours down the road. Reason number
two is location. Avon bills itself as
being in the heart of Vail Valley, and an easy drive to many of the sights,
including Vail and all its noted allure.
Families in particular often find that a vacation
rental
in Avon / Beaver Creek meets their needs for space, privacy, and freedom; if
you can’t fins what you are looking for, Vail, Edwards and Minturn are also options.
Its proximity to
great skiing notwithstanding, there are plenty of things to do in Avon that
don’t require a lift pass. Here are a
few things that make this town a family-friendly getaway:
Harry A. Nottingham Park’s 48 acres offer
skating, ice fishing, and pond hockey in the winter time. In the summertime, there’s a playground, sand
volleyball courts, the beach at Nottingham Lake, picnic and barbeque areas,
tennis, hiking paths, and a softball field.
Three “Pocket Parks” scattered throughout the
city serve as playgrounds for younger kids and preteens.
Summer or winter, kids and their folks can splash
around at Avon Recreational Center.
For adults, there’s a steam room, a Jacuzzi, and a lap pool for serious swimmers; kids can
enjoy a special splash pool, and all ages can have fun on the water slide, the
lazy river, and the climbing wall.
As another bonus,
Avon has a government-funded public transportation system that includes buses
and - during ski season - gondola rides.
Avon Station offers bus services throughout Vail Valley, including
routes to Eagle, Gypsum, Beaver, Leadville, and Vail.
Avon is one more
town in Northwestern Colorado that offers multiple vacationers multiple reasons
for a visit. Whether your family loves
to ski or has never hit the slopes (or if they hit the slopes unsuccessfully
and vowed never to do so again - it happens) Avon and the surrounding towns
combine attractions, activities, and unforgettable scenery that keeps people
coming back.
