Looking for a Labor Day getaway? You won't have to go far to visit one of the Travel Channel's top holiday destinations.
The Travel Channel compiled a list of the best places to spend Labor Day weekend this year, and one Colorado town made the list. Vail, which the list acknowledges is traditionally thought of as a mecca for snow skiers, offers a variety of warmer-weather activities that are perfect for an early-September retreat.
What can visitors do in Vail before ski season? The Travel Channel suggests exploring the area's wildflowers, hiking trails, and exploring waterways. It also points to four unique adventures Labor Day visitors might want to check out.
Wildflowers, wildlife and wild views. You can find it all here on the mountain. pic.twitter.com/swKMgi7sYZ
— Vail (@vailmtn) August 3, 2020
The list highlights the "adrenaline-pumping" opportunities at Epic Discovery, which offers a mountain rollercoaster, summer tubing, gondola rides, ziplines, and a ropes course. For those who want a more rustic adventure, the Travel Channel suggests a llama trek with a local guide. A Vail Valley Food Tour offers a delicious walking tour of the town with the foodie in mind, providing an in-depth taste of local history, art, and gourmet food. The list also points to unique local lodging, such as the recently renovated Grand Hyatt Vail. (Note: Some activities and amenities may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.)
Vail joins Seattle, Cancun, and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on the Travel Channel's list of top travel destinations for Labor Day.
In the past, Vail has touted itself as a Labor Day getaway spot with several popular annual events. The Vail Rotary Club, which holds a rubber duck race each year on Labor Day weekend, is planning a scaled-back event this year due to COVID-19. Normally, the event puts 12,000 numbered rubber ducks in Gore Creek, each one adopted by a race participant. The first duck to cross the finish line wins $5,000 for its adopter. This year, 100 numbered ducks comprising nearly 10,000 possible winning combinations, will float toward the finish line to see who will win the grand prize. The event will be live streamed to minimize crowds on site.
The annual Duck Race is a popular Labor Day event in Vail. Courtesy Rotary Club of Vail.
The annual culinary festival Gourmet on Gore has been canceled this year due to COVID-19.
To see how Vail is planning for the upcoming ski season amid COVID-19 concerns, click here.
What do you think about Vail's ranking as the top Labor Day destination? Comment below.