Great Weekend Getaways - Mountain Magic

Discovering Edwards

By Christine Loomis

Founded in the late 1800s, Edwards was long a bedroom community for Vail and Beaver Creek resort employees. While ski area workers and others drawn to the small-town mountain ambiance still live here, the quiet town on the banks of the Eagle River is now a destination in its own right—even if many Coloradans don't yet know it.

Located almost in the geographical center of Eagle County , Edwards is within a few miles of Vail, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead, and just 30 minutes from Glenwood Springs, making it an ideal base from which to explore.

Once here, however, you may find yourself utterly content to stay.

The heart of town is Riverwalk, an enclave of restaurants and stores fronting the river. Some eclectic shops, especially Asian Village Antiques and Alpine Ambiance (need a moose toilet paper holder?) rival those in Vail. It's not all commercialism, though. Walk or bike the paved path along the dappled shore, or settle onto a bench and watch the world, or at least the merry Eagle River, go by.

If your morning doesn't include a latte and pastry (or crème brulée French toast) at The French Press, grab a sidewalk table for lunch at the Euro-inspired eatery and savor a roast turkey sandwich with pear and mango chutney. Or do as my family did—go for both. Then mosey to Gorsuch Outfitters and sign up to challenge crafty Colorado trout with a fly rod; Gorsuch has guided outings for experts and novices, women and kids.

Riverwalk Inn and Suites is the only in-town hotel, and home to one of Vail Valley 's best restaurants. Frites is classically French bistro in design with a superb menu highlighted by steak and seafood, and a friendly, upbeat air.

Do wander up a couple of blocks to Eat! Drink! for a broad selection of unusual cheeses and wine, to stay or to go.

Don't worry if you don't see it all in one visit. Once you discover the charm of Edwards, you'll be back.

Please note: This article is from our archives and some facts may have changed. Please contact your nearest AAA office and ask to speak to a travel counselor to update you on the latest travel information.

Christine Loomis is a freelance writer and editor in Lafayette, and a frequent contributor to EnCompass.