Summer Days in Aspen: Where the Mountains Meet Style
View from the top of Aspen mountain
Aspen is not just for winter time skiing. A July Aspen Institute convening brought me to this Colorado mountain gem, and I added a day on both ends of the trip to soak up everything that summer in Aspen has to offer. Between scenic hikes, neighborhood walks to observe impeccable modern home design, and a food scene that rivals bigger cities, Aspen proved to be more than just a conference stop. Crisp mountain air and temperate summer weather make it a perfect place to explore the charming downtown streets, unwind at a café, and admire the surrounding peaks.
Where to stay
Aspen is expensive! So if you’re planning to stay in town in a hotel (vs. in Snowmass or at a rental), be prepared to spend. Downtown Aspen is packed with amazing places to stay, from upscale and well-known to independent hotels that are as charming as they are luxurious. Here are some options from lower-end condo rental to high end luxury splurge.
The Aspen Meadows Resort, home to the Aspen Institute, is a great option if you are looking for space to reflect in nature and don’t mind the ~25 minute walk into town. The sprawling campus has modern rooms, hot tub and sauna by the pool, nearby hiking trails, art installations throughout the campus, and a restaurant with sweeping mountain views.
A quaint and well-located choice with a lovely interior courtyard is Annabelle Inn, not cheap but relatively inexpensive compared to other nearby hotels.
A few blocks down from the Annabelle are The Mollie, modern style and inviting lobby (photos below), and the very pricy historic Hotel Jerome, with an outstanding patio restaurant, Prospect Courtyard - worth having lunch here or a drink at the bar if the cost of the actual room is beyond your budget..
Lift One Condominiums is an option if you’re on a budget, can share costs with friends or family, and need additional space or the option to cook your own meals. We had an imperfect stay here - limited front desk hours and beds not as comfortable as a hotel bed in our condo rooms, but when affordability is key and being downtown vs. a twenty minute drive away is important, these condos are preferable to a further away stay in the more affordable Snowmass or Basalt areas.
Places to eat
While enjoying patio views of the Silver Queen Gondola, have a healthy and delicious lunch at Ajax Tavern within The Little Nell hotel.
Another great option for a light lunch on a lovely patio is Sant Ambroeus, with a delightful hamachi crudo featuring a unique punch from Aleppo peppers and pistachios.
Try dinner at The Wild Fig - the mediterranean sample platter and greek salad are top notch appetizers to sample while there.
Grab items for a picnic lunch from Meat and Cheese.
If you can splurge on it, try the one restaurant in Aspen with a Michelin star, Bosq, featured on the show Dirt Colorado.
We had a drink in the basement at Hooch, recommended if you like loud music and dancing (or people watching while others dance).
Things to do
First get oriented by taking the Highlights of Aspen Tour, which includes the Wheeler Opera House, Aspen Art Museum, Aspen Mountain, Mill Street Fountain, and Wagner Park. Or, alternatively, get into the neighborhood on the Aspen Off the Beaten Path tour.
Take the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of the Aspen mountain, enjoy the awe-inspiring views, take a hike, and have a casual buffet-style lunch at the Sundeck. Pack a sweater to be prepared for the much cooler weather on top of the mountain.
Visit the Aspen Art Museum - admission is free and there are tours, workshops, musical performances, and even wine tasting events at the museum.
Check out one of the many public parks throughout the city, especially if you came with kids who need a break from the hotel. City planners incorporated many green spaces into the town’s design, so you’ll happen upon one every few blocks while walking around.
Go thrifting at the Aspen Thrift Shop. With the abundant wealth and high cost of living in this area, you’ll encounter rare finds with tags still on them here! And it’s run by a nonprofit that offers grants and scholarships to local students.
Stop at the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails ranger station to get resources - helpful maps and guidance for hiking.
Experience nature and art through the many galleries in downtown Aspen (some good, some meh) or simply walk around and take in sculptures, flowers and modern design.
Get out into the neighborhoods in and around downtown Aspen to see incredible home design (if not on the ‘off the beaten path’ tour, you can certainly do this exploring on your own.
Getting around
Walk! The beauty of this little town is its walkability. Take a Roaring Fork bus, especially if you are coming from Snowmass and want to avoid an expensive rideshare fee. Rent an e-bike or Car to Go. And as an alternative to Uber and Lift, Aspen has a free rideshare service called the Downtowner, allowing you to ride for free (it’s just recommended that you tip your driver).
