Changing leaf colors during Thanksgiving season in Aspen.

Why You Should Spend Thanksgiving in Aspen

In ski town vernacular, “Thanksgiving” is synonymous with “opening day.” Even if Mother Nature needs an assist in the form of snow-making, most major Colorado resorts kick off ski season by starting operations on Thanksgiving Day. As a longtime food industry professional and ski town veteran, I bid farewell to celebrating holidays in 1995, when […]

Desserts around Aspen

To Die for Desserts around Aspen

I’m a self-diagnosed sugar addict.  In a perfect world, I’d start my day with a croissant smothered in Nutella and continue on through to any one of the delectable desserts I’m going to outline below. After almost a dozen years living in and around Aspen, I can safely call myself an expert in this subject. […]

fall drives around aspen

Best Color-filled Fall Drives Around Aspen

In the Roaring Fork Valley, once Labor Day weekend has come and gone, there’s no doubt that winter is on its way. Daytime temps can linger in the 70s, but in the Aspen evenings it’s not unusual to feel a familiar chill in the air. In fact, we’ve already had some snow up high which […]

Work Hard Play Hard in Aspen

Hosting a multi-day business event or conference can sometimes seem like a daunting task. With so many moving parts it can feel like you’re running in circles trying to wrangle your team to get involved in the festivities. Thankfully, there are places like Aspen. Truly serene and unique, Aspen offers a variety of things to […]

Picnic Ideas Aspen

Pack a Picnic in Aspen

In a town as small as Aspen, it might be hard to believe that there are over 30 parks. After living in Aspen for 12 years, I tried to name and count them all, but I came up short and had to double check the City of Aspen Parks Department’s website. With so much open […]

Floating in Aspen

Aspen Afloat: The Best Ways to Experience Local River Culture, Minus the Rapids

The Roaring Fork Valley is a region of hardcore whitewater enthusiasts, myself among them. And while the paddling community is always sad to see the water levels drop from full-bore hydraulics to mid-summer riffles, wave trains, and stretches of flat, there’s something to be said about a float trip. If you’re looking to experience Aspen’s […]

Aspen's Grottos Trail

Exploring Aspen’s Grottos Trail

If you live someplace like Aspen, it’s a serious undertaking to hike all of the region’s trails. Conversely, some of the shortest excursions might get short shrift- dismissed as tourist traps or too brief to count as actual hikes. I confess that until recently, I’d never visited Aspen’s famed Grottos Trail for both of the […]

Aspen & Buttermilk mountain view

Aspen’s Best Day Hike – Buttermilk Mountain

If you’re in Aspen for a summer visit, the sheer number of outdoor activities can feel daunting. Golf, whitewater rafting, gondola rides, mountain biking, concerts, theatre, yoga festivals, hikes, and many others that I have overlooked. One of my favorite things about Aspen, though, is there is time to fit One of my favorite things […]

Champagne toast

Where to Have your Bachelorette Party in Aspen

I love a good Bachelorette party in Aspen. My friends are active, athletic, yet still very fun-loving, so we always manage to strike a balance between partying and doing activities that actually make us feel good. Step One Step one for planning the perfect Bachelorette party in Aspen is always the hotel. It’s definitely key […]

Bottles of wine waiting to be enjoyed in Sun Valley Idaho.

Colorado Wines & Where to Get Them in Aspen

For over a century, the Rocky Mountains have given vintners the perfect climate and setting to grow world-class grapes. Though there are limited options in and around Aspen to enjoy Colorado wines (get with the program, Aspen!), we highly recommend sampling some of the incredible premium wines made right here in the Centennial State. Fortunately, […]

Dog Hiking in Aspen

The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Around Aspen

Canines rule in ski/mountain towns, and Aspen is no exception. If you’re visiting, you’ll find that clean, well-behaved dogs are welcome in many businesses, including hotels like the Limelight and sister property The Little Nell. There are literally dozens of dog-friendly hikes in the Aspen area, and I’ve highlighted some of my faves in this […]

apres hiking in aspen

Après Hiking in Aspen

As the ski mountains shut down, Aspen locals are ready to get back into hiking shape. Many locals (from kids to grandparents) plan annual hikes between Aspen and Crested Butte, an 11+ mile jaunt that also features 3,200 feet in elevation gain. So, yes, hiking shape is important around here! Favorite Hikes Favorite day hikes […]