Exploring Colorado’s Event Venues
A big part of my job is making connections and traveling to various venues and hotels across the country to scout them out for future corporate events and retreats. From the outside, it might seem like a vacation where I get to explore new places—don’t get me wrong, I love that part—but it’s also a lot of work and makes for some long days.
I was recently invited to visit and stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch during a site visit trip to Colorado. The hotel, the view, and the team were phenomenal. I especially want to thank Tanya Wallace, my salesperson, who provided excellent hospitality, food, and company.
Day 1
I had a very early start, hitting the road for the airport at 5 am! Coffee in hand, we took off, and let me just say, the views flying over the Rocky Mountains were spectacular. Make sure you have your camera out because you will not want to miss that.
I had the privilege of staying at the beautiful Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch hotel during our stay. Every detail of the hotel was meticulously thought out, making it the perfect location for guests visiting the region and for hosting events.
After check-in and freshening up, I made my way over to the Beaver Creek Lodge. I spent some time exploring the shops and then grabbed dinner and drinks at a fantastic sushi restaurant called Hooked.
Day 2
After breakfast and a site tour at the hotel, I headed to 4 Eagle Ranch, a private ranch in Vail Valley with pristine views and crisp mountain air. The ranch offers year-round events and activities, a variety of venue options, and delicious food and drinks.
The next stop on my site visit tour was Sage Outdoor Adventures, an outdoorsman’s paradise. Sage Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of outdoor activities, from whitewater rafting to ATV tours (which I opted for), fishing, and snowmobiling. I had such a blast sitting shotgun on one of the ATVs and definitely recommend it.
From there, I visited the Red Sky Golf Club, a top-ranked golf course in Colorado. The course is set in picturesque ranchland surrounded by mountain vistas, sage, and aspen tree groves, making it an ideal location for a company retreat or day activity.
By this point, I was quite hungry and ready for a delicious meal, but not before another site visit with Nova Guides to Camp Hale. Originally a U.S. Army training ground built in 1942, it is now a national monument offering a variety of summer and winter activities, bonfires, and accommodations for up to 1,000 people.
After my excursion through history, it was time to head back into town and meet with the Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch team for a dinner.
Day 3
After my breakfast meeting at the hotel, I drove over to Vail Village for a city walking tour and venue site visit. The picturesque town of Vail is situated at the base of Vail Mountain, home to the famous Vail Ski Resort. The town has something for everyone—outdoor enthusiasts, boutique shoppers, and resort lovers alike.
After lunch in Vail Village, I enjoyed a creekside walk to Betty Ford Gardens, the highest botanical gardens in the United States at 8,250 feet above sea level. The gardens offer a variety of venue options.
From there, I visited 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit, named the 2021 Craft Distillery of the Year. Named after the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army, the distillery offers tours, tastings, and multiple spirits available for purchase. It's a great site for a more private and intimate corporate event.
After a quick whiskey tasting, I made my way over to Chasing Rabbits, an elevated entertainment venue with a restaurant, a library lounge, an arcade, and a speakeasy. Opened in December 2022, the venue is decked out in fun, eclectic decor, truly offering limitless opportunities.
From there, it was time to hit the lanes—bowling lanes, that is—at Deca + Bol. Whether you’re interested in world-class flavors or hoping to hit a couple of spares at the bowling alley, Deca + Bol offers options for sit-down dinners, luncheons, screenings, cocktail parties, and more. Just be sure to brush up on your bowling skills beforehand.
I ended our very long day at Mirabelle Restaurant, located in a charming old ranch house right next to Beaver Creek. The food is supplied by their very own garden and on-site greenhouse, making for some fresh, delicious dishes. The restaurant has spaces available for small intimate dinners and larger gatherings, accommodating up to 150 guests. Dinner at Mirabelle was the best way to conclude my site-visiting trip to Colorado.
In the end, I visited over 15 different sites in just 3 days. Although the days might be long, visits like this are incredibly important to ensure that the events we put together for you go off without a hitch. I’ve seen every event space, made connections with all the staff, and thought through the different ways to make your event one to remember.
I want to give a huge thank you again to the Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, and Tanya Wallace for the hosted visit and hospitality, as well as all the salespeople I had the privilege of meeting with. I can’t wait to come back to put on one of your events!
