As the gateway to the world-famous Beaver Creek Resort, Avon boasts exceptional skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Yet it also shines in the summer with hiking trails, watersports on the lake, golf courses, art galleries, historic sites, and much more.
In This Article
Avon strikes a perfect balance between small-town charm and big-resort amenities. Families appreciate the inclusive, laidback setting with free public events and activities. Thrill-seekers take advantage of the extensive outdoor recreation right on Avon’s doorstep. And foodies indulge in the dining scene, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. With convenient lodging options, it’s easy to make Avon your home base while exploring all that Eagle County offers.
TL;DR
- Avon is a vibrant, year-round mountain resort town known for its authentic character and wealth of outdoor activities
- Visitors can experience world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter or partake in summer adventures like watersports, hiking, biking, golf, and more
- The town offers a variety of shops, art galleries, historical sites, events, and dining options to complement its spectacular natural surroundings
Overview of Avon, Colorado
Avon, Colorado, is located in Eagle County along the Eagle River, about 15 minutes from Vail and under an hour from Denver International Airport. As home to Beaver Creek Resort, the town is the gateway to premier skiing and snowboarding. Yet Avon also shines in its own right as a tourist destination, especially in the greener months.
At the heart of town lies Nottingham Park, featuring expansive lawns, the Harry A. Nottingham Pavilion event center, and Avon’s famously lovely lake and beach. The Main Street pedestrian mall offers shopping, dining, and free events and activities throughout the year. The trails along the Eagle River provide access to adventure sports and serene nature walks. Cultural attractions like the Lake Street art galleries and the Avon Recreation Center’s performing arts theatre round out the town’s offerings.
Local Experiences and Culture
Beyond the wealth of outdoor recreation, Avon also delivers authentic local experiences and cultural events that connect visitors with the heart of the community. Mark the calendar for annual favorites like the Salute to the USA July 4th celebration at Nottingham Park or the October Oktoberfest, which brings Bavarian flair to Beaver Creek Village.
The town also hosts free weekly events to enjoy local performing arts, such as the Nottingham Music Festival and AvonLIVE! concert series. You can also discover local crafts and goods at the summer Avon Farmers Market and winter Holiday Makers Market. To dive deeper into Avon’s ranching roots, check out exhibits at the Colorado Snowsports Museum or take an agricultural tour at the nearby 4 Eagle Ranch.
Outdoor Adventures
Of course, immersing in the spectacular natural surroundings ranks at the top of most visitors’ Avon itineraries. Beaver Creek Resort offers world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding across the European-style village and nearby slopes in winter. Summer opens up options like hiking and biking the area’s extensive trail network, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or pedal boating on Nottingham Lake, and fly fishing along the Eagle River.
Avon provides easy access to these adventures, with outfitter shops renting out bikes, fishing gear, paddleboards, and other equipment right in town. Between the ski resort and public lands like the White River National Forest, the possibilities for outdoor recreation are endless. Novice families can sign up for a rafting trip down mellow rapids, while experts attempt backcountry hikes deep into the rugged Gore and Sawatch Ranges that surround Avon.
Shopping and Dining
Avon serves up an eclectic dining scene fueled by fresh local ingredients, from casual cafes to high-end restaurants to everything in between. The pedestrian Main Street Mall offers diverse cuisines like Mexican, Italian, sushi, and Asian fusion. For fine dining, visitors can indulge at restaurants like Vin 48 Food and Wine Bar or Rimini inside The Westin Riverfront Resort.
Avon also hosts its share of shops and markets for hunting local goods. Boutiques and brand-name stores fill the Main Street Mall, while the Farmers Market offers locally grown produce and handmade crafts. Beyond downtown, shoppers can explore Riverfront Village for even more retail therapy.
Nightlife and Accommodations
At night, adults can kick back at one of Avon’s low-key bars and lounges, like Loaded Joe’s, Bob’s Place, or the speakeasy-themed prohibition-style bar in the Sheraton Mountain Vista. The adjacent Beaver Creek Village also provides some options for larger nightlife venues.
In terms of accommodations, Avon contains a nice mix of hotels and inns like The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa and the boutique-chic Pines Lodge. Condo rentals also offer a great lodging option, especially for families seeking a bit more space plus amenities like kitchens. Most properties sit conveniently around town, allowing visitors to park their car and get everywhere by foot or using the free Avon transit bus.
Planning Your Visit
While Avon shines year-round, winter and summer represent peak tourist seasons. For skiing and snowboarding, visit between December and April to take advantage of the fresh powder at Beaver Creek. Summer is ideal for hiking, biking, golfing, water sports, and the like during the warmer months of June through September.
That said, shoulder seasons hold their own appeal, too. Spring offers wildflowers and rushing rivers for rafting, while fall’s golden aspens set the stage for a stunning color show. Whenever visiting, use resources like the Avon visitor guide to craft an itinerary mixing must-do activities with more under-the-radar finds. Allocating 2-3 days allows enough time to both relax and see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Beyond ski slopes and hiking trails, Avon visitors can also explore Eagle County history and cultural exhibits during their stay. The Colorado Snowsports Museum traces the evolution of winter recreation in the Rockies, from the 10th Mountain Division training for alpine warfare to the birth of Colorado’s ski industry. The Lake Street art galleries offer a taste of local creativity with rotating exhibits from regional artists and sculptors.
The Avon branch of the Eagle Valley Library provides a free museum pass to the Vilar Performing Arts Center, where Broadway musicals, dance performances, live music, and more hit the stage year-round. And just over in Edwards, the Walking Mountains Science Center delves into natural science and sustainability through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
Sports and Recreation
Golfers can play a round or two on Avon’s scenic courses, including the private Beaver Creek courses and the public EagleVail Golf Club. Nottingham Park contains tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, playing fields, and more for visitors’ recreational pleasure. Adults can join a yoga class at the Avon Rec Center, while kids burn energy at the playground and spray park.
Of course, water lovers will flock straight to Nottingham Lake. Here, tourists can sunbathe on the sandy beach, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or pedal boat on the water, and even try catching fresh trout for dinner. Anglers will also enjoy casting their lines from the public Fishing Pier on Lake Street or wading into the Gold Medal waters of the Eagle River flowing right through town.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Avon?
The peak tourist seasons are winter (December-April) for skiing and snowboarding at Beaver Creek Resort, and summer (June-September) for enjoying hiking, biking, golf, watersports, and warmer weather activities. However, shoulder seasons in spring and fall also have their own appeal.
What outdoor activities are popular in Avon?
Top outdoor activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, golf, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and fly fishing. Guided rafting trips down the Eagle River are also available.
Where are the best places to go shopping in Avon?
The pedestrian Main Street Mall, Riverfront Village, Chapel Square Shopping Center, Beaver Creek Village, and seasonal farmers markets are top shopping destinations.
What dining options does Avon offer?
Avon has a nice variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine-dining restaurants. The Main Street Mall, Riverfront Village, and Beaver Creek Village host the greatest concentration and diversity of cuisine.
What cultural attractions does Avon contain?
Top cultural attractions include the Lake Street art galleries, Colorado Snowsports Museum, Avon Rec Center theater performances, and exhibits at the Avon Library and Walking Mountains Science Center.
