Summer might be winding down, but there’s still plenty of sun to soak up in September, especially in Edwards, Colorado. Edwards, a local’s town near the well-known ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek, has a vibrant culinary scene and numerous great patios to enjoy fantastic food before the final leaves fall. The sunshine stretches slightly longer at lower elevation and in a broader part of the valley, making Edwards the perfect place to enjoy a longer patio season.
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Vail Valley. Aspen leaves change from green to yellow to orange, creating a vibrant palette that spreads across the hillsides. Mornings are crisp, but by mid-day, the sun has warmed the air, making late morning through early evening the best time to head to a patio. Luckily, Edwards is filled with beautiful spaces to enjoy a meal outside.
Some of the best sunny patios in the area:
The sunniest patio for breakfast is found at Hovey & Harrison | Cafe, Bakery & Market. Grab a coffee and sweet treat from the large display case of rotating baked goods and breads. Head outside to comfy chairs, cozy blankets, and gas fire pits outside their huge glass wall of windows. With a peaceful fountain and large rock-cut benches, there are plenty of organic sitting areas to post up in front of the popular restaurant. The cafe menu offers breakfast and lunch and features seasonally inspired food sourced from small, family-run farms throughout the Western Slope of Colorado.
Craftsman Brew Co.’s new space in Edwards has a large sheltered deck on the side of the restaurant. Try one of the signature sandwiches or a large plate for a heartier appetite. Favorites include the Schmidt Mac, an upscale take on the classic cheeseburger, or the Crispy Avocado sandwich, with lightly battered avocado and served with crisp cucumber, pickled beets, and a creamy green goddess dressing, which is a satisfying vegetarian option. Unique small plates such as duck croquette or wood-fired queso are the perfect starter to a meal or paired with a beverage. A rotating beer selection includes beer brewed from the restaurant and numerous other craft beers from around the region. Whether you stop by for lunch, a happy hour cocktail from 3:30-5pm, or sit down for a full dinner, their outside patio, and their food, shouldn’t be missed.
Main Street Grill has prime patio seating in the heart of Riverwalk. Their south-facing patio outside the restaurant receives plenty of sunshine into the late afternoon, while their northside patio offers great river views. Additionally, their kitchen serves classic creole and cajun dishes alongside casual American fare. An extensive menu includes Louisiana staples such as spicy shrimp creole and Andouille sausage jambalaya, and juicy burgers, tasty sandwiches, crispy wings, and fresh fish dishes.
One of the best patios in Edwards hides in an unlikely spot. Across the street from The Inn at Riverwalk, the patio at Ed’z overlooks the Edwards Preserve, a protected piece of land along the Eagle River. Facing west with unobstructed views of the open space, this deck is a great place to watch the sunset. Their menu features hearty portions of home-cooked food. Fill up on over-sized plates of wood-fired Rotisserie Chicken, Short Rib Pot Roast, or Ed’z Mom’s Meatloaf with your choices of sides, such as charred broccolini or creamy mashed potatoes.
Once the sun ducks behind the hillside, the temperature quickly drops. Several restaurants are prepared for the changing temperatures and have sliding glass walls, allowing for an indoor-outdoor experience.
Mountain Fish House’s unique design is perfect when you’re unsure if you want to be inside or out. A two-sided wooden bartop at the front of the restaurant has a sizeable rolling glass garage door that’s open in nice weather, allowing diners to be both inside and out simultaneously. When the weather cools, the door descends onto the bartop. It’s the perfect place to post up for fresh seafood dishes such as crab cakes, fish & chips, and clam chowder, as well as daily happy hour specials from 3:30-5:30 pm. Other specialties include lobster rolls served three ways, crispy fried crab tater tots with homemade tartar sauce, and a daily selection of oysters. Seafood is sourced from local fishermen on the east and west coast, bringing the freshest fish to the Vail Valley. Sip on a specialty cocktail or glass of wine while you enjoy the Valley’s best seafood with all the flavor and none of the fuss.
Drunken Goat’s spacious patio enjoys long hours of sunlight. Aspen trees surround the space while string lights hang overhead. A glass garage door, which takes up an entire restaurant wall, stays rolled up in pleasant weather. When the weather cools, tables next to the door are bright and airy for the feel of being outside with the comfort of indoor heat. Drunken Goat offers a large selection of cheeses to create a charcuterie board, wine by the glass, small plates, fresh salads, and exciting bruschetta combinations. Check out live music on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-7 pm, or grab lunch or dinner Monday through Saturday.
Where to stay in Edwards
The Inn at Riverwalk is the ideal location for your mountain vacation - it’s close to the adventure yet away from it all. As the only independent hotel in the heart of Edwards, The Inn offers guests an authentic mountain stay. Wake up to the Eagle River rambling out the back door, and explore local restaurants, shops, and services out the front door. The Inn is the preferred choice for your mountain getaway, with dog-friendly rooms, a riverside pool and hot tub, and a complimentary gear garage stocked with games, pool toys, and more.
Start your day with a hot cup of complimentary coffee or tea from the 24/7 Lavazza Coffee Bar while enjoying a mountain or river view from your room. Spacious one- and two-bedroom rooms or condos feature modern amenities, plush, feather-topped mattresses, and luxurious bath products for a stay that feels like home. With various room types to accommodate couples, families, and their furry best buds, The Inn at Riverwalk offers guests a home base for adventure and a peaceful place to rest their heads.
Book your stay at The Inn today.