Aspen

Aspen, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is a ski resort town and a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. It's also known for upscale restaurants, luxe boutiques, and landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889 during the area’s silver mining boom. The Wheeler-Stallard House is a local history museum set in a 19th-century, Queen Anne–style home, while the Aspen Art Museum displays contemporary artworks.

STAY

THE LITTLE NELL Conveniently located at the base of the ski lifts to Aspen Highlands, the Little Nell also features Element 47 and Ajax Tavern restaurants. The lobby is a cozy place to sit by the fire and read from one of the many books on display.

HOTEL JEROME Part of Auberge Resorts, the historic Hotel Jerome originally opened as the town's first hotel more than 120 years ago. Still housed in the original building, the resort now offers the indoor/outdoor Prospect Restaurant, cozy J Bar, a spa, and in-house ski rentals through Gorsuch.

ST. REGIS A sprawling resort at the base of the ski gondolas, this resort is also a favorite for foodies— Chefs Club, a partnership with Food & Wine, brings in the country's best chefs to host pop-up dining events with ever-changing menus.

THE SNOW LODGE The ever-popular Montauk Surf Lodge lands in Aspen each season. This year it features a pop-up from Café Dante, named the best bar in the world in 2019.

ASPEN MEADOWS A site-specific Bauhaus treasure designed by Herbert Bayer with mountain views. Plato’s Restaurant has a scenic outdoor terrace for a sunset apres-ski.

DINE | DRINK

CASA TUA The Aspen outpost of the Miami restaurant operates as a members-only club upstairs and restaurant downstairs serving Negronis and Northern Italian fare in what resembles a charming alpine ski chalet.

BETULA The second location for the St. Barth’s supper club from Laurent Cantineaux and architect and restaurateur Juan Carlos Pérez Febres. A native of Paris, Chef Cantineaux has worked with Michelin-starred chefs including Guy Savoy in Paris, Michel Troisgros in Roanne, and Daniel Boulud in New York. Post dinner, tables are cleared and a DJ takes over the dining room.

PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE Perhaps the most scenic spot during any season. Pine Creek Cookhouse serves farm-to-table fare in a remote cabin in the mountains- reachable by horse or skis.

ELEMENT 47 An upscale indoor/outdoor dining option in The Little Nell hotel. Trust Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy to perfectly pair wine to your entree.

AJAX GRILL A casual outdoor option with all American fare in The Little Nell hotel at the base of the ski lefts.

J BAR The cozy, antler adorned see-and-be-seen bar at Hotel Jerome— famous for their Bourbon Milkshake.

PROSPECT The indoor/outdoor restaurant at Hotel Jerome by Auberge Resorts with an all-day menu— the perfect place for aprés-ski.

POPPYCOCK’S The line wraps around the block for these pancakes the size of the plate at this breakfast spot.

WILD FIG We love the charming courtyard at this brasserie with a Mediterranean menu.

SPRING CAFE An organic, healthy option for breakfast or lunch in town with delicious salads.

MEAT & CHEESE As the name suggests, order the local cheese and house-made charcuterie board served with artisanal bread at this cozy spot with a marketplace in town. Great for groups!

CLOUD 9 ALPINE BISTRO Drink and dine at 10,000+ feet at this alpine bistro in the clouds, accessible by ski or snowboard only.

MATSUHISA Housed within a 120-year old Main Street Victorian house, Matsuhisa in downtown Aspen was the first location to open outside of Chef Nobu’s original Beverly Hills restaurant. You will find his classics here including the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Black Cod Miso, and the Whitefish Tiradito.

WOODY CREEK TAVERN A favorite haunt of writer and Aspen resident Hunter S. Thompson, but we do not recommend his daily routine. Warning- the fresh lime margaritas are deceptively strong.

ACTIVITIES

ASPEN ART MUSEUM Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the Aspen Art Museum is an impressively imposing building in the heart of town wrapped by a lattice screen made from a wood-covered mixture of paper and resin. Featuring contemporary works and a scenic outdoor cafe on the rooftop, which shares space with a sculpture garden.

WHEELER OPERA HOUSE Originally built in 1889 during the area’s silver mining boom, visit the historic Opera House for a tour or evening performance.

MAROON BELLS The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains, which, you guessed it— resemble twin maroon bells. This is our preferred hike for its scenic views and the possibility of seeing wildlife, including moose.

SKI Take your pick between Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Make sure to visit Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro at the top of Aspen Highlands for champagne with a view.

ROARING FORK RIVER Running through Aspen from Independence Pass until it reaches its confluence with the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, we recommend this spot for Fly Fishing.

SHOP

AGO PROJECTS Originally founded by Rodman Primack and Rudy F. Weissenberg in Mexico City, the design gallery has found a home in Aspen. Featuring works by interior, fashion, and jewelry designers including Floris Wubben, Reinaldo Sanguino, Chris Wolston, and Marlo Laz.

ASPEN OUTFITTING COMPANY Located in the St. Regis Resort, this company will outfit you for everything from fly fishing excursions to white water rafting.

KEMOSABE An Aspen institution, Kemosabe has a plethora of cowboy boots, hats, and the ever-popular fringe jackets seen on the streets of town.

GORSUCH Founded over 50 years ago, Gorsuch is our favorite place to find the latest ski outfits.

PITKIN COUNTY DRY GOODS A family-owned store since 1969 with casual designer clothing & accessories for men & women.

Text: Veronica H. Speck Photo: Slim Aarons, © Getty Images