Best of Beaver Creek by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady  Most people go to Beaver Creek Colorado to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or do something that takes advantage of the spectacular setting and great outdoors.
Me, I'd rather sit by a fire sipping hot chocolate, get a massage in my room, or shopping in the upscale stores around the central ice-skating rink. As a indoor writer, I feel highly qualified to tell you about the best of Beaver Creek. Because I am not blinded by the snow. BEST HOTEL Location is everything. And Beaver Creek Lodge is right in the center of it all. Even if you aren't into skiing, they have an indoor/outdoor pool, a great bar and restaurant, Rocks, and you can get to several shops without even leaving the building. www.beavercreeklodge.net BEST BAR Rocks is really rocking. Great drinks, cozy setting and waiters who seem to be UN representatives. Even if they greet you with, "Hi, my name is Alex," they do it with a sophisticated accent. BEST PLACE TO TRY GAME  I am not talking about casino gaming--I mean the outdoor stuff like elk, buffalo, venison and other animals that roam in the mountains. Take a sleigh ride up to BEANO’S CABIN. You will get a four course meal (sleigh ride included) for what is a reasonable price in the neighborhood.
 
BEST SPA I heard rave reviews about the therapists from SPA STRUCK. A pregnant friend had a neonatal massage and loved it. I enjoyed a massage in my room from one of their therapists. BEST SHOPPING FEATURE They have heated sidewalks in Beaver Creek. It is really consistent with the basic philosophy of the area--nothing is too good for our guests. EASIEST WAY TO GET TO THE LIFTS. Can you believe escalators? I guess that is so you can save all your energy for the downhill skiing. BEST CHOCOLATE DESSERT The chocolate lava cake at Rocks. The chocolate melts in your mouth after gushing out of the molten center. The creamy vanilla ice-cream has a snowlike effect--and it also melts quickly. BEST COMFORT FOOD Try the Kobe beef meatloaf at Rocks. Best fusion of exotic and familiar BEST FREEBIE At 3:30 each day, visitors to the area are offered free chocolate chip cookies--the recipe chosen is that of the winner of the chocolate chip cookie contest held each March. BEST FREEBIE IN A HOTEL Beaver Creek Lodge offers its guests free cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal and peanut butter are the usual flavors) at 3pm. Beaver Creek Lodge is close enough to the lifts that you can enjoy both.) www.beavercreeklodge.net BEST CHOCOLATE STORE Rimini has incredible chocolates that you can "choose-it-yourself" by picking a dark, milk or white chocolate shell. Then add on a ganache plus your favorite flavorings and toppings. Sort of like Stone Creek Ice Cream.. only in chocolate. www.rimini.com BEST GELATO STORE I spent a lot of time in this place. Chocolatea and gelato-each made fresh every morning by pastry chef Heather. They generously offer free tastes. I still could not make up my mind. The fruit gelatos are made with an amazing amount of fresh fruit and are lactose free. www.rimini.com BEST WAY TO GET AROUND This is another freebie. There are free buses and shuttles to take you to restaurants, resorts and shopping. BEST TIME TO GO TO BEAVER CREEK. Snow people will say during the winter. I was surprized how much I enjoyed looking at the beautiful snow from my window, taking the lift up to BEANO’S CABIN for lunch to meet my ski buddies, and taking a sleigh ride up to the picturesque setting BEANO’S CABIN BEST CHEF Aaron Bennett is my pick for "chef to watch." His meals are magic, his food pairings and creative preparations will be fondly remembered by my palate. He is the brains (or should I say apron) behind Rocks but is extraordinary at catering. Madelyn Miller is a food and travel writer who generally prefers the indoors. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.chocolateatlas.com , www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeAtlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com | 