Marci + Larry Leith

by Kaitlin Emig

Ifirst got to know Marci and Larry Leith by working as a barista at the new Yeti’s Coffee in Edwards. I enjoyed their optimistic attitudes, caring spirit for all their employees and general buzz on life. Literally, as owners of the three coffee shops in the Valley, one might wonder, is it all the espresso that has them jiving, or are they really that cheerful?

The power couple describes themselves as entrepreneurs within the restaurant industry. Together, they tackle new business ventures, raising a family and being grateful for their life in the Vail Valley. “We often appreciate how wonderful it is to live where we live,” says Marci Leith. “We have incredible mountains, rivers, forests, the bluest of blue skies, amazing places to eat, unique art, a variety of music and concerts that come to the Valley each year, I could go on and on. You name it, Vail has it,” she says.

Larry Leith first worked in the Valley as a professional athlete in his 20s. He was a mogul skier and managed Gorsuch Ski Shop. During the late 90s, he founded the Tokyo Joe’s restaurant chain, originally based in Denver, with the last of his savings. “When we got married, we knew we wanted to spend time in Vail, so we bought a little place in East Vail about 22 years ago, and that led to us moving up here full time about 10 years ago,” Marci Leith comments.

The Leiths have four children. The oldest three are enjoying their adventurous lives away from home, while the young- est attends school locally. Together, they enjoy skiing and riding as a family.

Marci Leith believes abundance shows up often through small things that happen daily in our lives. “We can appreciate the little coincidences that make life just a bit easier, like pulling up to the roundabout and being able to easily merge in and out,” she says like a true local.

She also adds that abundance comes in belly laughs with a coworker or customer over something unexpected that turns into something funny and makes your whole day go easier and brighter. “Also, when your kiddo looks over at you in the car and says they love you, or they just reach over and hold your hand. Abundance is being up early and watching the sunrise over the mountain and feeling the first warm rays of the sunshine gently touching your face. Compound these with amazing hikes, biking and incredible blue sky powder days, and life is about as good as it can get,” she believes.

Marci Leith isn’t looking forward to the -15-degree winter days but believes those days make us appreciate all the beautiful days we do have. “Vail turns winter into a series of celebrations, so there is always something to look forward to. I love that about living here,” she adds. +

December

Eagle Country Christmas

Eagle, CO • December 2023

'Tis the season to experience an enchanting, festive Eagle. Capture Santa photos, ride a horse-drawn carriage through historic downtown, savor free cocoa and cookies, enjoy live musical performances, watch the Christmas tree light up in Heritage Park, browse holiday gifts and more. cityofeagle.org

Teton Gravity Research: Legend Has it Beaver Creek, CO • December 1, 2023

Teton Gravity Research unveils its latest action-packed ski and snowboard film

Legend Has It . Catch it at VPAC on Dec. 1, with double screenings, giveaways from top brands and a chance to win a Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition. Explore ski lore's incredible stories that shape our winter experiences, brought to life by TGR's 28 years of adventure. vilarpac.org

Xfinity Birds of Prey World Cup Race

Beaver Creek, CO • December 1-3, 2023

This renowned race is top ranked among athletes and coaches alike for its legendary, scenic location. The intimidating Birds of Prey course is set to challenge top athletes around the world, featuring Men’s Alpine Super G, Downhill and Giant Slalom competitions. bcworldcup.com

Home for the Holidays Celebration

Gypsum, CO • December 7, 2023

A joyful, free, family-oriented holiday event awaits. Celebrate the holidays with reindeer, Santa meet-and-greets, carols, crafts, a gingerbread contest, town hall/library park lighting and more. townofgymsum.com

Vail Film Festival

Vail, CO • December 7-10, 2023

The infamous Vail Film Festival is on deck and scheduled to showcase shorts, documentaries, feature films and student films. The event is produced by the nonprofit Colorado Film Institute, which celebrates independent films and filmmakers. Enjoy the shows! vailfilmfestival.com

The Runaway Grooms Concert

Beaver Creek, CO • December 8, 2023

Rock on with the Colorado-based jazz, rock and folk band. Comparable to the Grateful Dead, the Atlanta Rhythm Section and the Allman Brothers, The Runaway Grooms are headed to VPAC to celebrate their new album titled This Road. vilarpac.org

Vail Valley Plant-Based Living Potluck

Edwards, CO • December 8, 2023

The goal of this gathering is to advocate for human health, the well-being of animals and sustainability and to have fun. Bring a dish that serves eight people to support other community members interested in following a whole food dietary routine. vvpbl.org

Dine with the Dogs at Henry’s Hut

Vail, CO • December 17, 2023- March 31, 2024

Join Helly Hansen for a pre-lunch adventure to mingle with Vail Ski Patrol and their skilled avalanche dogs. Get a glimpse of dog training and engage in Q&A sessions with patrollers. Swing by Henry’s Hut from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Sunday for this exciting rendezvous! vail.com

Vail Skating Festival’s Ice Spectacular

Vail, CO • December 23, 2023

Enjoy a 70-minute, high-energy ice show with captivating music for family members of all ages. Don't miss the exclusive Colorado performance by Nathan Chen this year! discovervail.com

10th Mountain Legacy Parades

Vail, CO • December 29, 2023; January 12, 2024; February 24, 2024

Presented by Town of Vail and Colorado Snowsports Museum, these parades commemorate the founders of Vail Mountain. Watch the parade from the bottom of Gondola One while enjoying take-out hot chocolate. vail.com

Janurary

Rocky Mountain SkiFest

Avon, CO • January 2024

Shred for a cause in collaboration with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The two-day event features an exclusive concert and a ski day with the intention of discovering solutions that will safeguard the lives of children. rrockymtnskifest.com

Winter Culinary Weekend

Beaver Creek, CO • January 2024

Nestled at the foot of a World Cup mountain, enjoy cooking demos, wine events and gourmet dinners, balanced with skiing thrills. Dine and savor the Snowshoe Lunch or Après-Ski Burgers, plus participate in Ski.Eat.Ski's indulgent mountain conquest. Embrace the food-filled weekend without sacrificing your turns. beavercreek.com

Snow Race Series

Beaver Creek, CO • January-March 2024

Embrace the ultimate winter challenge! The Beaver Creek Running Series: Snowshoe Edition welcomes newcomers and pros alike to explore Beaver Creek on snowshoes. Pick from 5K or 10K courses, and race on Sundays from January through March. Registration goes from 8:30-9:30 a.m., and the race starts at 10 a.m. Win prizes and savor a post-race feast! beavercreek.com

February

Talons Challenge

Beaver Creek, CO • February 24-25, 2024

Conquer the thrill of skiing Beaver Creek's 14 toughest black and double black runs! Enjoy world-class swag bags and collect prizes, patches and even a "master of the mountain" trophy for completing both days. Celebrate and give your legs a break at the Village's post-event party with live music and fabulous giveaways. beavercreek.com

Vail Mountain Winter Uphill

Vail, CO • February 2024

Gear up for the annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race, open to skiers, snowboarders and winter runners. Experience Vail like never before; ascend 2,200 feet from Lionshead Village to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. vailrec.com

Colorado Symphony Featuring Conductor Eun Sun Kim and Pianist Inon

Barnatan

Beaver Creek, CO • February 8, 2024

Enjoy an evening of classical music at VPAC. Eun Sun Kim, the music director of the San Francisco Opera, will be there, creating history as the first woman to serve as music director of one of America’s largest opera companies. vilarpac.org

March

Vail Yeti Hockey

Vail, CO • March 9, 2024

Finish the Yeti season strong with their final game at Dobson Arena in Vail! Your town. Your team. vailyetihockey.com

Project FUNway

Vail, CO • March 23, 2024

Celebrate the Education Foundation of Eagle County with Project FUNway. Prepare for a mesmerizing fashion spectacle that captivates all generations. Unveil a world of inventive and unparalleled "anything but fabric" designs in this extraordinary fundraising fashion show. Each runway ensemble is an exclusive masterpiece. projectfunway.org

Shamrock Shuffle

Vail, CO • March 2024

Honor the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by running on the snow while wearing green! The event features two race categories: snowshoes and running (with or without traction devices).

Following the race, join the celebration hosted at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse. vailrec.com

April

Spring Back to Vail

Vail, CO • April 2024

Celebrate the end of the ski season at this annual event. Enjoy the infamous World Pond Skimming competition, a free live concert, après parties through dark and much more. springbacktovail.com

Taste of Vail

Vail, CO • April 3-6, 2024

Over the course of four days, experience the country’s only event that brings in dozens of invited chefs, winemakers and restaurateurs. Awaken your taste buds at seminars and events held throughout town. Sign up today, and celebrate the ever-evolving food and beverage culture of Vail. tasteofvail.com

May

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Beaver Creek, CO • May 2024

Stay cool at this classic event. Sit back with your favorite brew in one hand and a barbeque dish in the other while enjoying the best music this Valley has to offer. Bask in an evening of fun for the whole family. And, do not forget about the Backyard BBQ competition! beavercreek.com

Dynafit Vail Trail Running Series

Vail Valley, CO • May-September 2024

For 25 years, this iconic competition has taken runners on trails, down streams, up mountains, into forests and throughout our Valley. This running series promises to be enjoyed by the beginner and and to challenge the veteran. Expect experienced volunteers, wellmarked routes and a post-race celebration. vailrec.com

Vail Comedy Festival

Vail, CO • May 2024 vailcomedyfestival.com

Vail Village will brim with laughter and captivating street magic. The festival offers over 20 diverse, dopamine-filled events for all. Enjoy free family entertainment sponsored by RocketFizz, conveniently close to the Covered Bridge.

VAIL

Chasing Rabbits

An experiential dining and entertainment space created to delight and intrigue a new generation of Vail’s guests and residents.

141 East Meadow Drive, #104, Vail chasingrabbitsvail.com

DECA+BOL

Unique restaurant featuring a menu of elevated global dishes, plus a bowling alley.

141 East Meadow Drive, #113, Vail decabolvail.com

Eat Dank Food. Private chef services tailored to foodies. Dank = High Quality. 570.561.4835 eatdankfood.com

El Segundo Vail

Hip restaurant whipping up casual Mexican, Asian and American dishes, plus an extensive tequila list.

223 Gore Creek Drive, Vail 970.763.5470 elsegundovail.com

Graze & Torreys

An elevated and completely customizable private chef and catering company based in the Vail Valley, focusing on locally-sourced, seasonal and organic food with bold flavors. From small gatherings to large wedding parties, chef Alyssa will make it unique, memorable and delicious. 614.570.2836 grazeandtorreys.com

Montauk Seafood Grill

Warm, intimate restaurant and bar offering refined surf 'n' turf and an extensive wine list. 549 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail 970.476.2601 montaukvail.com

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere.

122 E. Meadow Drive, Vail 970.476.9026 pazzospizza.com

Root & Flower

Modern bar offering craft cocktails and a curated selection of wines by the glass, plus a changing menu of New American bites.

288 Bridge St., Vail 970.470.4189 rootandflowervail.com

The Grazing Fox + Picnic Vail

Antipasto platters, grazing tables and luxury lunch boxes; mountain-inspired picnics. Delivering East Vail to Edwards 970.279.1342 thegrazingfox.com picnicvail.com

Taylor Made Chef Co.

Bespoke culinary experiences in your home. Private chef services featuring eclectic menus, catering and much more!

Servicing the Vail Valley and beyond. 970.401.2731 taylormadechef.com

Two Arrows Coffee | Bar

Craft coffee and cocktails with fresh local provisions in the heart of Vail Village.

225 Wall St., Vail 970.763.5101 twoarrowscoffee.com

EAGLE-VAIL + AVON

Foods of Vail

Small food store and catering outfit offering gourmet prepared foods, plus olive oils and cheeses.

82 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., #100, Avon 970.949.0282 foodsofvail.com

Hygge Life Shop & Café

Home décor shop with a cozy craft coffee bar and a collection of Scandinavian home goods, accessories and gifts. 41149 US-6, Avon 970.331.5745 hyggelife.com

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere.

82 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon 970.949.9900 pazzospizza.com

Vin48

Stylish spot for wine by the glass or bottle and creative American fare in a cozy setting with patio. 48 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon 970.748.9463 vin48.com

Beaver Creek

Splendido at the Chateau

Michelin recognized fine dining restaurant nestled in Beaver Creek. Offering wonderful Rocky Mountain dining exquisite service and inspired cuisine.

17 Chateau Lane, Beaver Creek splendidorestaurant.com

Minturn

Minturn Saloon

Recently renovated, this historic restaurant and bar focuses on friendly service and fresh ingredients. Stop in for ice-cold beer, delicious house margaritas and a menu of inspired Mexican cuisine.

146 Main St., Minturn minturnsaloon.com

Sunrise Minturn

Mountain café with local ingredients, coffee, breakfast and lunch.

132 Main St., Minturn 970.827.5353 sunriseminturn.com

Edwards

Craftsman Brew Co.

Modern, chef-driven sandwich and beer bar.

0105 Edwards Village Blvd., Edwards 970.855.2718 craftsmanbrewco.com

Drunken Goat

A cheese shop, wine bar and gathering place for delicious charcuterie, bruschetta, paninis, salads and soups, along with gourmet market offerings and an amazing patio.

56 Edwards Village Blvd., #104, Edwards 970.926.1393 drunkengoatco.com

Il Mago

Artisan pizza and hand-rolled pastas, along with light bites like charcuterie, burrata and oysters. A specially curated wine list features mostly Italian options along with a range of unique varietals.

56 Edwards Village Blvd. #112, Edwards @ilmagopizza

Lauren’s Kitchen Grab n’ Go & Catering

Fresh-made comfort food with dietary-restrictive options available.

275 Main St., C106, Edwards laurenskitchenedwards.com

Riverwalk Theater + Edwards Supply Company

Locally owned movie theater featuring craft beer, BBQ sandwiches, coffee, pizza, soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, popcorn, candy and snacks.

34253 US-6, Edwards 970.855.2182 riverwalktheater.com

Village Bagel

Fresh, hand-rolled bagels made the old fashioned way. Schmears, savory bagel sandwiches and homemade pizza available.

34500 US-6 B7, Edwards 970.855.2940 villagebagel.co

EAGLE

El Segundo Eagle

Hip restaurant whipping up casual Mexican, Asian and American dishes, plus an extensive tequila list.

1020 Capitol St., Eagle 970.328.6220 elsegundoeagle.com

Inner Light Juice

Juice bar with a mission to serve organic nourishment that provides healing and balance to body, mind, soul and planet.

115 E. 2nd St., Eagle 970.705.4188 innerlightjuice.com

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere.

50 Chambers Ave., Unit C, Eagle 970.337.9900 pazzospizza.com

Wild Sage

A healthy approach to casual dining, vegetarian and vegan friendly menu with craft cocktails, local draft beer and an amazing wine list in the heart of Eagle Ranch. 1143 Capitol St., #104A, Eagle 970.705.1689 wildsageeagle.com

GYPSUM

Village Bagel

Fresh, hand-rolled bagels made the old fashioned way. Schmears, savory bagel sandwiches and homemade pizza available.

150 Cooley Mesa Rd., Gypsum 970.855.2940 villagebagel.co

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be. And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be fair, 'Tis a gift to wake and breathe the morning air. And each day we walk on the path that we choose, 'Tis a gift we pray we never shall lose.