First Timers Guide to Aspen
Curated By
Gianna Quattrini
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Aspen
Active Travel
Family Travel
Food & Wine
Shopping
Foodie
Entertainment
Curator’s statement
Aspen is one of those places I keep coming back to. To me, it's just as special in the Summer as it is in the Winter. Whether hiking to Maroon Bells, biking along the Rio Grande Trail or skiing one of the four beautiful mountains, Aspen is undeniably gorgeous. Fantastic hotels, shopping, food/wine and art galleries are all within a small, walkable downtown with lots to do.
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Aspen, Colorado
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Things to do in Aspen, Colorado
Bike along the Rio grande trail and stop at Woody Creek Tavern for lunch.
Hike the Yute, Maroon Bells or countless other strikingly beautiful trails.
Ski one of the four mountains- Buttermilk (best for beginners), Aspen Mountain, Snowmass or the Highlands.
Hit Cloud Nine at the Highlands for some indulgent, wild Apres action.
Visit Aspen’s Food + Wine Festival- Typically in June; It's a leading culinary event and incorporates lots of fun experiences.
Visit the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Aspen from Mid-June to early October - Saturdays from 8:30am- 2pm.
Jazz Fest occurs Labor Day weekend annually at the base of Snowmass Mountain. In 2016, I saw Stevie Wonder perform here which was legendary!
Pitkin County Dry Goods is a great local boutique to shop at where Kemo Sabe sells iconic luxury leather goods.
For the golfers - Visit one of their award winning courses.
Catch a show at Belly Up or Silver City.
Places to eat & drink in Aspen, Colorado
Poppycocks
Great, casual breakfast.
White House Tavern
From the Hillstone group - cozy + delicious in a beautiful historic building. Walk in only.
Kenichi
My favorite no frills Sushi in town.
Hickory House
Classic BBQ with all the meat and all the sides.
Brunelleschi's
Family friendly Italian.
Matsuhisa
Make your reservations early! From the Nobu team, delicious, upscale Japanese.
Campo de Fiori
High energy Italian in a fun, chic atmosphere.
Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop
Eatery and marketplace, love visiting for lunch.
Casa Tua
Cozy Italian restaurant.
Cache Cache
Upscale French-American with a serious wine list.
Paradise bakery
Go get one of their cookies, you won’t regret it.
Nightlife
Visit The Sterling for a lounge vibe or Hooch to grab a beer or a cocktail.
Travel Advisor
Gianna Quattrini
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Guide to Puglia & the Surrounding Region.