Vail, CO :

marble counter tops and a large soaking tub. The decor was what you might call mountain-style, with light pine furnishings and neutral colored fabrics. The bellman explained that the property is scheduled to undergo renovations and that air-conditioning will be added to all the rooms. The project should be completed by the summer of 2008. This will be a big plus since it was hot in the hallways and the guest rooms during the day and it took a while for them to cool down at night. I recommend having breakfast on the veranda of the Goose Mountain Grill, then taking a 10-minute trail walk to the village for some Starbucks coffee. Listening to the live piano music in the lobby lounge at night was a delight, too. Summertime rates start at $139 and it's a good idea to call ahead and inquire about any specials. It could save you a bundle. The Pines Lodge, 141 Scott Hill Road, Beaver Creek, CO, 81620, Tel: 866-605-ROCK.

THE BEAVER CREEK VILLAGE
Just after checking into The Pines Lodge, I had the opportunity to spend a few hours exploring The Beaver Creek village and experienced first-hand their "not-exactly-roughing-it" lifestyle.

Everything you need is at your fingertips. The European alpine architecture makes for a pleasant surrounding for adults to explore the retail shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants. The resort is also geared toward kids and offers many fun activities, which include a day camp, children's theatre, miniature golf and ice skating.

During the summer, there are some great sales going on. All Mountain Sports and Base Mountain Sports had Spyder ski jackets at 40% off. Gotthelf's Jewelers has a great selection of David Yurman, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Franck Muller. If you're looking to pick up some Beaver Creek souvenirs, then The General Store is a great place to find gifts, T-shirts and coffee mugs. Be sure to get your coffee mugs triple wrapped if you're flying home and be careful putting them in the overhead bins on the aircraft.

If you're hungry for some lunch, try Coyote Café, which is located right next to The Beaver Creek Hiking Center. They serve Mexican food, burgers, sandwiches and salads. I had the chicken fajita outside on the patio, which was delightful. You could also try Foxnut Restaurant (Tel: 970-845-0700) where they serve sushi and Asian food. Sit at the sushi bar for faster service and try the spicy tuna and salmon hand rolls.

TOSCANINI RESTAURANT
One evening, I dined at Toscanini. It's an easy place to find because it's located in the Beaver Creek Village next to the ice rink. The restaurant has a lively bar that makes great martinis.

The menu is Italian and offers an array of wood-baked pizzas and home-style Italian pastas. I especially enjoyed the baked bread and olive oil that our server brought out for the table. The caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, roasted peppers and basil oil was delicious and just $8. The whole-wheat fettuccine scuri pasta entrée came highly recommended and cost $22.

Toscanini has been a recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past eight years. The restaurant specializes in Italian wines and I'd highly recommend the Gaji Barolo or the Brunello offerings. The dress code is casual and prices range from $16 to $30. Reservations are recommended by calling in advance: 970-754-5590.

NATURE HIKE
The following morning, I walked down the trail behind The Pines Lodge to the Beaver Creek Hiking Center. The staff can outfit you from head to toe with everything you'll need to go hiking. Planning is everything when you're hiking in the mountains. Safety first. Bring layered clothing including a waterproof windbreaker, backpack, bottled water and sunscreen. If you forget some, rub birch tree bark on your skin. It's just as effective. Band-Aids will come in handy, too. Your feet can rub up against the top of your boot on the way down the mountain, which can really cause discomfort.

Our destination was Beaver Lake. Just below Beano's Cabin, we began our ascent up the Beaver Lake Trail. The hike is approximately five miles and you'll reach an elevation of 9,500 feet. Along the way, you'll have a chance to encounter wildlife like golden eagles and foxes. The Aspen groves towering overhead like cathedrals will cause you to pause and reflect.

Various species of wildflowers are blooming along the trail. If you're lucky, you'll come across a wild strawberry patch. On the way back, cut across onto Elk Trail. This will take you through some spectacular terrain and you'll have a chance to spot birds of prey. The hike ends at the Spruce Saddle Lodge where you can rest and have ....