Now that the town and valley are opening safely, here’s how to spend a perfect 24 hours like a local.
PHOTO BY MATT POWER
I’ve lived in Aspen my entire life, so it’s easy to say every day is perfect. Between the 300 days of sunshine per year, unbeatable views of the mountains and exquisite dining options, there isn’t much to complain about—it’s easy to fall in love with this town. If you’re visiting for a quick weekend escape, we’ve assembled a day to remember.
MORNING
Start the day like an Aspenite at Local Coffee House (localcoffeeaspen.com). Local is the perfect place to combine food and culture. Satisfy that caffeine craving while enjoying the bohemian decor and the adjacent art gallery. In true Aspen fashion, spend the rest of the morning exploring the outdoors. For a dramatic view of the entire town, hike the Ute Trail situated on Aspen Mountain. If strenuous exercise isn’t in the cards for this trip, rent a paddleboard and take in the peaceful scenery while floating on Stillwater River. Other options include Snowmass (aspensnowmass.com) activities, such as mountain biking at Snowmass Bike Park or rock climbing at Lost Forest.
AFTERNOON
Alfresco is the way to go by reserving a patio table at the White House Tavern (aspenwhitehouse.com). From light summer salads to delicious sandwiches and local-approved fries, it’s impossible to go wrong with anything on the menu. Spend the afternoon shopping downtown and perusing the unique art galleries found on practically every street corner. Stop in Kemo Sabe (kemosabe.com) for an iconic and customizable hat, and for a personal and memorable touch, get it branded with your choice of initials. Be sure to check out Royal Street Fine Art (rsfaa.com) afterward to see the work of awe-inspiring local artists.
EVENING
Take in what’s sure to be a stunning sunset above Ajax from the W Hotel (marriott.com/whotels/aspen) rooftop. Select a predinner drink at the rooftop bar from its impressive cocktail menu and get ready for a true Aspen nightlife experience. There’s arguably no better or more authentic spot for Italian cuisine than Campo De Fiori (campodefiori.com). Between the charming decor and the heavenly penne vodka, Campo is the perfect culinary experience to cap off the day. Aspen nightlife has a famous and scandalous history, and for good reason. For the full local experience, a night of cocktails and dancing at one of Aspen’s lively nightclubs is a must. Hit Escobar (escobaraspen.com) for a night to remember.
Photography by: Matt Power
