For me, summer is sipping a cold drink while soaking up views of the water. Finding this nirvana can be difficult in landlocked Colorado but, recently, I found a tiny slice of heaven on Lake Dillon’s marina.

Pug Ryan’s Lakeside Tiki Bar isn’t much to look at. A large wooden deck with umbrella-covered tables attaches to a small gray building that suffices as a bar and kitchen. Adjacent to that rests a big, red-and-white tent that shades about 15 tables, which are set on what probably used to be a parking lot. But then again, you’re not supposed to be looking at the bar when your eyes can feast on sailboats skimming across the lake.

With some good tunes on the speakers and a Rum Runner or margarita in hand, the view becomes all the more compelling. If you’re in need of some sustenance, the Asian-influenced pork sandwich or the basic burger with chips are both more-than-satisfactory ways to fill the void.

Weather permitting, the bar is open every day from mid-May through September from 11:30 a.m. to sunset. I recommend grabbing a table on the deck around 4 p.m. and settling in for a long, lazy evening capped off by a beautiful sunset.

104 Village Place, Dillon, 970-468-2145

Image via ShutterStock