The town of Avon is located in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in Eagle County, Colorado, just 10 miles west of Vail and 100 miles west of Denver. Although Avon is now known as the gateway to the highly acclaimed Beaver Creek Resort, it was once a simple frontier town that saw its first non-Native settlers in the mid 1800’s. Avon received its name from George A. Townsend, a pioneer who established a homestead of 160 acres and referred to the area as “Avondale,” later shortening the name to Avon. In Townsend’s time, Avon’s primary economic mainstay was cattle-raising to feed the miners in Red Cliff, but by the early 1900’s, other forms of agriculture developed—particularly head lettuce—which was shipped as far as the East Coast in railcars packed with ice. Avon remained relatively small and most of its land was owned by one family—the Nottinghams—throughout the first half of the 20th century. It wasn’t until nearby Vail rose in prominence as a mecca for skiers that developers began to take interest in Avon ranch land. During the 70’s, a branch of the Nottinghams began to sell their holdings to various companies, and the town of Avon was incorporated in 1978.

Today Avon continues to grow with a population of approximately 7,000 people, and is a popular relocation destination not only for the natural beauty of its surroundings, but also for its friendly atmosphere and active community. Avon is treasured by residents and visitors alike for the many year-round recreational activities the town has to offer, including everything from boating and fishing in Nottingham Lake to skiing down the slopes at Beaver Creek courtesy of Avon’s Riverfront high-speed gondola. And in times of inclement weather, Avon’s Recreation Center brings the outside inside with an indoor waterslide, lap pool, and lazy river, as well as fitness equipment and various classes. In addition to all the exciting outdoor activities available, Avon residents enjoy a variety of festivals and special events throughout the year, such as Avon’s Annual Egg Hunt, the Salute to the USA fireworks display, and Lakeside Cinema, which provides free family movies in the park. World-class arts and entertainment is right next door in Beaver Creek’s many high-end art galleries and venues such as the Vilar Performing Arts Center, which hosts musical artists from all over the world.

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