By Juliet Levin By Juliet Levin | August 19, 2022 | Lifestyle Style & Beauty Food & Drink
From world-class drinks and dining, unparalleled outdoor adventures and luxury lodging and hotels, here is the best of Aspen.
Where To Eat
501 E. Dean St., chicarestaurant.com
CHICA brings Latin-America to the Roaring Fork Valley with its decadent dining scene and flavorful fare. Spearheaded by celebrity chef Lorena Garcia, the menu effortlessly fuses together savor and spice with bites like the Venezuelan braised short rib made with Huancaína mash, habanero relish and pea tendrils and the pan-roasted Ora king salmon mixed with crispy Bok Choy, ginger chili sauce and Nikkei glaze.
303 E. Main St., matsuhisarestaurants.com
Continuing the delectable essence of Chef Matsuhisa Nobu’s original Beverly Hills restaurant, Matsuhisa Aspen resides inside an old Main Street, 120-year-old Victorian house. The two-story restaurant offers an array of new-style Japanese cuisine and cocktails, along with an exclusive, exquisite and off-the-charts experience. Inspired by his classical training in Tokyo and worldly experience, Chef Nobu’s signature dishes such as yellowtail sashimi and black cod miso keep many customers coming back.
403 S. Galena St., 970.920.7277, casatualife.com
Casa Tua: a place where Northern Italy meets the Rocky Mountains and luxury living finds classic comfort. With both indoor and outdoor patios, an upstairs terrace and bar, and magnificent views of Ajax Mountain, this rustic restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience. Order the delectable lobster linguine or Mediterranean Branzino or ditch old-school Italy for a wagyu burger and tuna tartare. Casa Tua’s mouthwatering menu, dreamy decor and elegant ambience creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable meal or chic celebration.
413 E. Main St., 970.920.9988, jingaspen.com
Serving up traditional French techniques with fresh, local and Asian ingredients, Jing’s menu boasts bountiful bites of global fusion cuisine. Crowd favorites like the Porky-gingery Shanghai soup dumplings and curried Singapore rice noodles are sure to tantalize the tastebuds—and don’t forget to wash it all down with signature cocktails like the Blushing Geisha (think Hibiscus-infused sake, Absolute Citron and St. Germain) or hot sake flask.
The Wild Fig
315 E. Hyman Ave., 970.925.5160, thewildfig.com
Known as “The Fig,” this local institution sets a ridiculously high standard for authentic brasseries everywhere. In the kitchen you can find chef Pompeyo Lopez cooking up crowd favorites like “fish in a bag” with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, oyster mushrooms, olives, fennel, , Herbes de Provence and Pernod AQ or the Bucatini Amatriciana mixed with pancetta, onion, tomato, craked black pepper and pecorino. Whatever you choose—we promise you can’t go wrong!
Where To Stay
355 S. Monarch St., limelighthotels.com
Perched in the center of town, the Limelight Hotel Aspen offers an exquisite stay for all guests. Rooms are designed with the skier or hiker in mind (think optimal storage), and community spaces like the lobby lounge bring families together.
550 S. Spring St., 970.400.1110, marriott.com
The hotel and residences located slopeside on Aspen Mountain provide an exclusive ski-in, ski-out experience. The W Aspen offers 88 guest rooms and 11 W-branded fractional residences available for ownership or rental, upon availability. Affording an expansive view of Aspen Mountain, the 6,000-square-foot rooftop bar and pool is an oasis for both locals and visitors.
315 E. Dean St., 970.920.3300, marriott.com
The property offers 179 luxurious rooms, making it the largest hotel in town. With that size, The St. Regis offers more amenities to guests than a traditional lodge. Guests enjoy dining at two on-site restaurants, while the lobby’s Mountain Social lounge is a lively place to enjoy cocktails and lighter fare. Your dog is more than welcome. Room to Request: The 1,900-square-foot presidential suite, which comes with 24-hour butler service.
200 S. Aspen St., 970.989.3090, aspenstreetlodge.com
Whether you’re hosting an event or staying for the weekend, the Aspen Street Lodge has just the room for you. This intimate, residential style-living arrangement promotes fun for the whole family. Amenities include an array of spacious rooms, penthouse suites and incredible interior design.
617 E. Cooper Ave., 970.925.1000, aspensquarehotel.com
Full hotel-style services, cozy wood-burning fireplaces and convenient fully equipped kitchens, oh my! Its courtyard features a heated pool and two hot tubs. All the rooms are individually owned, ensuring that each maintains a unique design and appeal. The 500-square-foot studios comfortably sleep two people and feature a kitchen, while larger condominiums offer even more room. Access to the gondola across the street makes this location the perfect ski lodge. Room to Request: Recently renovated top-floor studios with outstanding mountain views in any direction.
Where To Relax
315 E. Dean St., remede.com
Enjoy a well-deserved day at the St. Regis Aspen’s Remède Spa. Offering a variety of luxurious treatments, Remède’s accommodations ensure a relaxing experience for all clients. If you’re looking to ease muscle aches or joint pain, try the Rocky Mountain Vibes Massage or look into the Organic Chakra Therapy for a serene and sensory experience.
330 E. Main St., aubergeresorts.com
The Hotel Jerome serves as more than just lodging; since its construction in 1889, it has served as the de facto town hall, a place to meet associates, see celebrities, and eat and drink at one of its top-notch restaurants. For the ultimate wellness retreat, stop by the Yarrow Spa with an array of treatments grounded in natural elements and botanicals found in The Rocky Mountains.
408 S. Mill St., 970.925.4002, o2life.com
Aspen native Brittany Van Domelen runs this jack-of-all-trades wellness center designed for women on the go. Yoga, pilates, spa, stylist center and fitness classes are all designed for holistic healing and lavish living. O2’s spa includes elevated services including the Buddha Swedish massage, lash and brow enhancement services and micro-needling. Pampering at O2 is a customizable preference; browse O2’s boutique and loungewear selection with O2’s team of stylists or take an invigorating cardio pilates class at the studio.
426 E. Main St., Ste 1A, 970.429.8909, theneurospa.com
Relax and rejuvenate at Aspen’s Neurospa. Offering a wide selection of treatments for the brain, body and beauty, Neurospa is dedicated to providing customers with relaxation and rejuvenation that is tailored to your needs.
Where To Shop
611 E. Durant Ave., aspenx.com
Intertwining performance, innovation and fashion, the brand raises the bar for ski performance wear with its unique collaborations and custom experiences. Shop the ASPENX collection and hit the slopes in style.
465 East Hopkins Ave, 970.544.9946, [email protected]
Step inside this one-stop-shop for all of your designer dreams. Bringing some Birmingham, Alabama magic to the Roaring Fork Valley, ETC… boasts an array of clothing, accessories, handbags and, jewels and more. With designers like Emily Wheeler, Rodarte, Golden Goose and more on the shelves, what more could you want?
Liv Aspen
402 S. Galena St., 970.925.3161, livaspen.com
From O2 to brand new, this rebranded boutique effortlessly steps up Aspen’s shopping scene. Indulge in your fancy fashion cravings with designers including Herno, Vince, Belstaff, Elisabeth Weinstock, Cinq à Sept and more. Did we mention it also has a space for men? That’s right! Inspired by its sister shop and providing men with the latest and greatest, Liv’s menswear boutique is open—and it smells like leather. Complete with leather barstools and televisions with sports games on replay, this store definitely screams a masculine and rugged style.
406 S. Galena St., 970.429.4549, henrybeguelin.it
Just earlier this year, Henry Beguelin made its greatly anticipated return to Aspen, and oh boy are we lucky. Sitting in the heart of downtown, the bespoke boutique boasts handbags, shoes, home decor, furniture and accessories that are all handmade one by one in Milano by generations of true master artisans. With no detail overlooked, each and every product embodies the low-tech concept, avoiding all chemical treatments and embracing traditional skills. Shop from fan favorites like the sprayed sneaker, woven crossbody bags, embellished leather belts and more.
520 E. Cooper Ave., pitkincountydrygoods.com
Calling home to Aspen for over 50 years, Pitkin County Dry Goods knows how to keep their customers coming back. The shop’s long-tenured staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the products. With a multi-brand mix of contemporary and designer clothing and accessories, the family-owned fashion store strives to help Aspen stand out — fiercely, fashionably and forward-thinking.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
330 E. Main St., aubergeresorts.com
Forget five o’clock, it’s always happy hour at Bad Harriet. Toast to tradition with Bad Harriet’s basic-ally amazing martini. Enjoy the eclectic ambience of the Hotel Jerome speakeasy and relish in the carefully-crafted cocktail menu complete with unique flavors. Inspired by powerful women throughout history and named after Jerome’s wife, Bad Harriet is both a tasty and timeless experience.
525 E. Cooper Ave., betulaaspen.com
Calling all rum-loving regulars to Betula for a smooth yet savory burst of energy. Made with tonka bean cardamom, infused sailor jerry rum, coffee liquor, fresh espresso, togarashi cacao and hellfire bitters, order the Betula Rhumtini for a refreshing fix and martini twist. Open for bites, booze and 360 views, Betula’s French Pan-American bar and restaurant offers the ideal setting to embrace Aspen’s high-life. Whether you’re dining at a table for dinner, stopping by the bar-lounge for a quick sip or relaxing on the rooftop, the options are endless at Betula. From bubbles to beer and from Mezcal to martinis, the bars at Betula are a contemporary cocktail wonderland.
W Wet Deck
550 S Spring Street, 970.431.0800, marriott.com
Enjoy the summer sun with a swim in the heated pool and hot tub, or sip on cocktails by the gorgeous poolside cabanas. With fire pits, a full bar and restaurant, and magnificent views of the Rockies, this public rooftop is the ideal happy hour setting.
Where To Hit The Town
411 E. Hopkins Ave., caribouclub.com
Infamous for its world-class dining, prestigious service and top-shelf wine and spirits selection, Aspen’s iconic Caribou Club ensures an unforgettable night — if you are a member or guest, that is. Access to the exclusive Club ensures a delectable dining experience complete with various rooms to relish in, cocktails to sip on, and a DJ to kick off the dance floor. Whether you’re in for an elegant evening and sipping on a glass of red or ready to hit the nightclub with a flute of bubbly in hand, Caribou Club is the place to celebrate all of life’s luxuries.
450 S. Galena St., 970.544.9800, bellyupaspen.com
Ask about live music in Aspen and Belly Up is always the answer. The 450-person venue is known for bringing both legendary and emerging acts to its intimate setting, where the crowd can banter with musicians, dance under rock stars’ six-strings, and request reserved seating for a VIP experience, complete with dedicated waitstaff and direct stage views.
301 E. Hopkins Ave.
Newly opened for Aspen’s nightlife, this chic club is equipped with a full bar, different DJ’s each night and more. Show off your moves on the dance floor, or sip-back and relax in the plush seating lounge.
210 S. Galena St., 970.429.8252, silvercityaspen.com
Check out Aspen’s newest mountain saloon and music hub, Silver City. Grab your boots and get a taste of tradition at the casual, comfortable and Colorado-inspired Saloon. Enjoy a crafted cocktail, whiskey or beer, or even munch on an appetizer in between sets. Taking a modern twist on the Wild West, Silver City offers the ideal setting for evening drinks, live music and good company.
Cultural Experiences
637 E. Hyman Ave., aspenartmuseum.org
Featuring a constant rotation of world-renowned exhibitions and artists, the Aspen Art Museum remains an international hub for arts and culture. Get a glimpse at the works of famous artists like Andy Warhol or appreciate the creations of local artists.
110 E. Hallam St., Ste. 118, 970.429.2777, redbrickaspen.com
Home to respected nonprofits and revered artists, the Red Brick Center for the Arts, owned by the City of Aspen and housed in one of the town’s original school buildings in the West End, serves as a dynamic hub where art, philanthropy, education, collaboration and inspiration collide. The Red Brick Center for the Arts offers affordable studio space (and two art galleries) to artists working professionally in the field, whether it’s ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting or jewelry design.
110 East Hallam St., 970.925.9313, theatreaspen.org
Some Broadway actors spend their summers with Theatre Aspen, which brings big-city talent to a small-town tent. Musicals, dramas and even one-person plays come to life in Hurst Theatre, where sometimes the actors engage the audience itself.
110 E. Hallam St., 970.920.4996, jazzaspensnowmass.org
Fit for all musical gurus, Jazz Aspen kicks off 32nd festival season this Labor Day weekend with its annual JAS Aspen Snowmass Experience. Passes are on sale now, and if you want the ultimate experience, go VIP and indulge in the included dinner. VIP access also includes an exclusive show on the rooftop of the Aspen Art Museum.
Photography by: By Prescott Horn/Unsplash
