Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

It's no secret that Vail was the preferred vacation spot for former President Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty. In fact, Betty Ford became known by locals as the "First Lady of the Vail Valley" because of her efforts to help this mountain community flourish. In honor of her generosity, the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation created this beautiful botanical garden in her name. Visitors to the garden can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains while strolling through brightly colored flowerbeds. "We thought it would be nice but didn't expect much since the attraction is relatively new," one recent visitor tells TripAdvisor. "However, the garden was breathtaking. … Water features, multi-level gardens and suitable seating provide serenity and relaxation."

You'll find the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens nearby the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater at the foot of Vail Mountain. The garden is open every day from sun up to sundown during the spring, summer and fall. Admission is free, but you might want to bring along some souvenir money for the gift shop. You can learn more about the gardens by visiting the official website.