Photos by Becca Howard
Although Aspen is seen as an ideal location for winter sports, many people don’t realize that the preferred time of travel is in the fall or summer–when the crowds have thinned. Colorado Collective recently spent time in Aspen discovering how to enjoy Aspen like a local, no matter what the season might be. This beautiful community tucked inside the Roaring Fork Valley is a wonderful weekend getaway any time of the year. For your next trip to Aspen, keep these highly recommended spots in mind:
DOWNHILL RED SNAPPER AT THE ST. REGIS
The St. Regis is known for its Bloody Mary’s, and each hotel takes a unique spin on this favorite cocktail. The St. Regis Aspen’s cocktail, the Downhill Red Snapper, is made with Woody Creek Vodka infused with basil and dill, then garnished with 2 olives and a pickle. Anyone can enjoy a cocktail in the hotel’s Shadow Mountain Lounge–so whether you had a long day on the bike or the slopes, it’s a recommended stop for an Après Diem.
315 East Dean St.
Aspen, CO 81611
970-920-3300
www.StRegisAspen.com
ASPEN SATURDAY MARKET
The Aspen Saturday Market is a must visit from June through October, but many of the vendors have studios or storefronts you can visit year round. One of our favorite jewelry makers, Taylor and Tessier’s studio is a must visit.
MEAT & CHEESE RESTAURANT AND FARM SHOP
If you are looking to enjoy local provisions, the recommended spot in town is Meat & Cheese. Wendy Mitchell, owner and cheesemaker extraordinaire, launched Avalanche Cheese Company in 2008 after 20 years in the restaurant business. In Fall 2014 Avalanche Cheese Company expanded to create its Aspen restaurant. Meat & Cheese is a great place for local eats like sustainably raised meats and seasonable produce. Dine in, or buy food at the Farm Shop to prepare at home.
319 E. Hopkins Ave.
Aspen, CO 81611
970-710-7120
www.MeatandCheeseAspen.com
WOODY CREEK DISTILLERS
Woody Creek Distillers is becoming a household name in Aspen and nation wide. Sourcing and growing locally is important to the owners, and you will often see the team harvesting potatoes starting in September from their farms located throughout the valley. The company goes as far as making sure their waste is turned into compost or feed for livestock. Woody Creek started out producing potato vodka, their signature spirit, but have now branched out to whiskey. While touring the facility, you will discover they are also playing with a rum and brandy. Exciting times are happening at Woody Creek.
60 Sunset Dr.
Basalt, CO 81621
970-279-5110
www.WoodyCreekDistillers.com
ASPEN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT STUDIES
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), was founded by Elizabeth Paepcke in 1968, and inspires life-long commitment to the earth by educating on environmental responsibility, conservation and restoring the balance of natural communities and advancing the ethic that the earth should be respected and nurtured. ACES is a non-profit with four locations in the Roaring Fork Valley that provide educational programming year round. One of their standout programs is the artist-in-residence program at the Catto Center at Toklat. One artist – an Oaxaca weaver by the name of Elena Gonzalez Ruiz – has been there for 20 years. Open during the summer months, visiting Toklat alone is worth the trip to Aspen.
11247 Castle Creek Rd
Aspen, CO 81611
970-925-9157
www.AspenNature.org/locations/toklat/about
JUSTICE SNOW’S RESTAURANT AND BAR
Justice Snow’s was voted one of America’s Favorite Bars – thanks to Food & Wine Magazine – and rightly so. With more than 200 cocktails to choose from, you’ll never try one that will disappoint. A beautiful bar located in the historic Wheeler House building, it’s a must visit for food and libations.
328 E Hyman Ave.
Aspen, CO 81611
970-429-8192
www.justicesnows.com
