Destinations
ASPEN
Some may say that winter is prime time to be in Aspen, and though they certainly wouldn’t be wrong, it’s my personal opinion that summer is the Colorado town’s shining season. For starters, there’s the perfect weather. The air is clear, the skies are spectacularly blue, and the temperatures hover between the high 70s and low 80s. (The temperatures alone are reason enough to get this Texas girl on a plane headed north.) Throw in the town’s endless outdoor experiences (hiking, biking, paddle boarding, fishing…), kid-friendly activities, fabulous shopping (Hermès has entered the picture!), and outstanding culinary offerings…well, there you have all the makings of an idyllic summer getaway.
Planning a summer stop in Aspen? Read on for a guide filled with all the tips and tricks – from where to stay and what to do, to the best kid-friendly activities and can’t-miss restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY
MOLLIE
Aspen welcomes a new hotel to the scene this year: Mollie. Located just a short walk from Downtown, this hotel is the perfect place to spend your stay. With just over 65 rooms, the hotel is spacious but not oversized. It has a luxuriously cozy vibe that will make you want to put your feet up and hang awhile. Even if you aren’t planning to stay there, you should still consider a visit to the restaurant. The food is delicious (note: it’s a great place to hit up for breakfast or lunch!) and the cocktails are even better.
THE LITTLE NELL
This hotel is always first on my list when friends ask where they should stay in Aspen. It checks all of the boxes – great service, great location, and beautiful accommodations. The Little Nell manages that perfect balance of feeling luxurious without being fancy, maintaining that come-as-you-are vibe that is synonymous with Colorado ski towns. It’s worth noting that Ajax Tavern (one of two restaurants located on site) has one of the best burgers in all of Aspen.
RENT A HOUSE
If you’re planning a longer stay in Aspen, I highly recommend seeking out a rental home. It’s much more cost-effective than a hotel and offers more flexibility. VRBO has some spectacular homes in the area, whether you’re looking for something cozy and close to town or an over-the-top chalet to accommodate a large group. It’s worth noting that a number of the homes are “agent-to-agent” only so finding an agent who specializes in rentals can be highly beneficial. Hot tip: Call Grayson Stover. She has all the scoop and access to great home you won’t find online.
WHERE TO EAT
SWEDISH HILL
This is the best new addition to Aspen. Sitting atop the Aspen Art Museum, Swedish Hill is the kind of place you’ll visit twice-per-day. First thing in the am, go for coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches; and when lunch hour hits, the restaurant offers an assortment of salads along with the most delicious sandwiches in town. Hot tip: the chicken salad sandwich (which has crushed potato chips layered in) is truly mind-blowing. Don’t forget to grab one of the sprinkle cookies on the way out.
LAS MONTAÑAS
Famed Austin-based hospitality group McGuire-Moorman-Lambert answered every Texan’s prayer with this recently-opened Tex-Mex concept. With a great patio, a bar that’s open late, and a menu filled with crowd-pleasing classics – think: chips + queso, fajitas, homemade tortillas – it’s no surprise that this hot spot has a waiting list at the door. Take it from me: it’s worth the wait. Tip: Order the Caesar salad. It’s a surprise hit and tastes even better with a margarita.
CASA TUA
If I was really forced to pick a favorite Aspen restaurant, this would be it. What’s not to love? With a vibe that is elegant and intimate, the restaurant is a go-to for a post-hike (no need to change out of your leggings and sneakers) lunch with girlfriends or a romantic dinner for two. The menu features classic Italian dishes, including delicious antipasti, house-made pastas and steak and fish dishes. Don’t miss: Miky’s Salad (my go-to nearly every day for lunch), the Trofie pasta, and the Branzino for two.
PARADISE BAKERY
You’ll find all the usual suspects at this bakery, including coffee, muffins, and truly delicious cookies, but it’s the homemade gelato that has me coming back multiple times per week. It’s truly the best gelato I have ever had and that’s no small statement. The lines are always out the door, but don’t let that deter you because this double-scoop is totally worth waiting for.
WHITE HOUSE TAVERN
If you’re looking for comfort food, this is where you’ll find it. The Hillstone-owned restaurant has all the favorites you know and love from the hospitality group – think: the Macho salad, Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the Dip Duo, and, of course, their epic cheeseburger. It’s worth noting that the restaurant is always jam-packed and they don’t take reservations so you either need to be an early bird (i.e. 5:00 pm) or plan to wait. I like to put my name on the list and walk around town with a cocktail until they buzz me to let me know my table is ready.
MEAT & CHEESE
With a menu that includes everything from sandwiches and hearty salads to tacos and dumplings, this casual eatery is always a crowd-pleaser. And while the restaurant is delicious, it’s actually the specialty food shop inside that makes this place a shining star. I love browsing around the shelves, always discovering a new-to-me favorite. Hot tip: if you’re entertaining at home, stop by and pick up fresh pizza dough and all of the ingredients, along with ready-to-go cheese boards.
CLARK’S OYSTER BAR
Open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, this restaurant oozes charm and – most importantly – serves delicious food. The seafood is what brings you in – fresh oysters, caviar, lobster rolls, and more. Don’t sleep on the carbs: the shoestring fries and homemade sourdough bread are not to be missed.
CACHE CACHE
A longtime favorite by locals and visitors alike, this restaurant is a must-go for an elegant – and delicious! dinner. The perfectly-sized (in my opinion) menu has something for everyone – from lighter, vegetable-focused dishes and fresh fish (the crispy trout is a must-order!) to come-hungry NY Strips topped off with French Fries. Don’t miss: the Salmon Tartare appetizer. Ask for extra potato chips – trust me.
STEAKHOUSE 316
This restaurant has that come-and-stay-awhile vibe that makes every table in the joint a good one. It’s super cozy (and even more after a martini or two), making it an ideal spot for a date night or lively choice for a big group. The menu is what one might expect from a steakhouse (various cuts of steak, delicious fish, and hearty sides) but certainly not forgettable. Hot tip: do not leave without order a side of onion rings.
JUS
Located inside The Ute Building, this tiny juice bar is easy to miss – and you certainly don’t want to because it’s delicious. Serving fresh-pressed juices, milks, and smoothies along with a small assortment of sandwiches and salads, this counter-room-only spot is great for a quick breakfast or snack, or to fuel up post-hike. Hot tip: call and place your order ahead of time to avoid the line.
other favorites…
the monarch, ajax tavern, butcher block, the bear’s den, betula, and acquolina
WHAT TO DO
GET A FACIAL AT KNOCKOUT BEAUTY
Need a little pampering after all of that hiking? Head over to Knockout Beauty for one of their signature facials. Located inside O2 Aspen, Knockout Beauty offers a curated selection of facials, each one customized to the individual. Their product lineup is outstanding and features all the heavy hitters like MBR, Environ, Augustinus Bader, and more.
SNOWMASS RODEO
Open every Wednesday night from June – August, visiting the Snowmass Rodeo has become a tradition of ours. With lots of activities for kids, it’s the perfect family outing. Book a driver as there is limited parking available.
T-SHIRT • JEANS • SUNGLASSES • CUSTOM BOOTS • VINTAGE BELT
VISIT SNOWMASS
If you have kids with you then this place is going to be their favorite place. Take the gondola up and enjoy a day of hiking, biking, fishing, rock-climbing and more! There’s no shortage of activities that will keep littles busy. The highlight of the day will most certainly be the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. The 8-minute ride down the mountain is a thrill for both kids and adults alike.
WINDBREAKER- • LEGGINGS • HAT
FLOAT THE RIVER
This is my idea of a perfect lazy Sunday: rent paddle boards and spend the afternoon floating along the North Star Nature Preserve. It’s a super mellow float and the view is truly spectacular.
SWIM SHORTS • RASHGUARD
GO TO A CONCERT AT BELLY UP
Located in the heart of Aspen, Belly Up is a must for those looking to enjoy live music. Known for its intimate setting, the small venue has attracted some big names – think: John Legend, Widespread Panic, Snoop Dog, and Vampire Weekend, to name just a few.
HIKE TO WOODY CREEK TAVERN
Who doesn’t love a reward at the end of a long workout? That’s what you’ll get after a hike (or e-bike!) to Woody Creek Tavern. Find the Rio Grande Trail and follow the signs from there. The trail itself is simple and it’s a fairly easy hike or bike, suitable for all levels. Depending on where you start in Aspen, it’s about seven-miles (one way), making that ice-cold margarita awaiting you at the end, a well-deserved treat.
PERUSE THE SATURDAY MARKET
From mid-June to early October, spend your Saturday morning at the Aspen Farmer’s Market. With so much to see – from fresh produce to other unique products (including the chicest straw hats!) made by local artisans – it can easily take up an entire morning.
shop ’til you drop…
There’s no shortage of shopping in this town. There’s a long list of designer destinations (think: Prada, Dior, and Gucci, to name just a few) along with some fabulous smaller boutiques that are worth a stop. My personal hit list: Miron Crosby, Max, Humanity, Etc., Nuages, and Paris Underground.
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
KIDZ HIKE
This day camp is the perfect activity for nature–loving kiddos ages 3-7. They’ll learn the fundamentals of hiking along with how to interact with nature and basic survival skills.
CAMP ASPEN SNOWMASS
With a climbing wall, a ropes course, a stocked pond for fishing, and so much more, this day camp is everyone’s favorite. Kiddos are dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 3 pm. They’ll be happy and, of course, totally wiped out.
SNOWY PINEAPPLE
Located at the corner of Mill and Hopkins, this wooden stand is certainly nothing fancy but it’s where you’ll find the best shaved ice in town. The servings are enormous (read: two hands necessary) and therefore take a long time to actually eat, entertaining your kid for at least 20 minutes.
BREATHTAKER ALPINE ROLLER COASTER
Located at Elk Camp in Snowmass Village, this roller coaster is essentially a two-person, luge-like sled that zips you down the mountain, through the forest. The entire ride is about 10 minutes, and the speed of each “sled” is self-regulated with a brake, allowing parents to control speed for younger kids who may not be quite ready for a super fast ride just yet. My three-and-a-half-year-old thought this was such a blast. Tip: Grab lunch at Elk Camp and then head over to the roller coaster. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
CHILDREN’S STORYTIME
The Pitkin County Library offers all kinds of activities for kids – from lap-time reading to art and more. One of our favorites has been the weekly story time which takes place every Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 am – 11:00 am. It’s quick and a great way to break up the morning, before you head to lunch.
ASPEN AQUATIC CENTER
Located at the Rec Center, this became one of my son’s favorite places. With a two-story water slide, a lazy river, a climbing tower, and an ice rink (!), there is no shortage of activities for kiddos.
ACES SUMMER CAMP
Offered weekly from mid-June through mid-August, this day camp features a mix of environmental science education and outdoor exploration.
ROCK BOTTOM RANCH
This 113-acre wildlife preserve and education ranch is located just 15-minutes outside of Aspen. During the summer, they offer farm tours for all ages along with educational experiences, including “Farm Animal Connections,” “Inside the Beehive,” and egg collections on Fridays.
WHAT TO WEAR
DAY
The active Aspen lifestyle bodes well for an all-day uniform consisting of activewear – pullovers, leggings, and sneakers. I spent the majority of my days wearing Beyond Yoga’s matching sets, Lululemon shorts, and sneakers.
SUNGLASSES • HAT • SHIRT • LEGGINGS • SNEAKERS
NIGHT
What I love about Aspen is that no matter what time of day it is, the overall vibe remains casual. This means that when the sun goes down, you have a choice whether you want to dress up or not. After being in activewear all day, I’m always ready for a change. The majority of my nighttime looks consist of dresses worn with sandals or some sort of cropped pant or denim with a light sweater. I rarely wear a pair of heels in Aspen during the summer. It does cool down at night so don’t forget to pack a wrap or two.
THE FRANKIE SHOP TOP • THE FRANKIE SHOP SKIRT • SAINT LAURENT SUNGLASSES • HERMÈS SANDALS
WHAT TO PACK
