Curator’s statement
Aspen is gorgeous, all year round. October in Aspen is particularly special, and here's why. Fall foliage in the Colorado mountains is absolutely stunning. Colorado is known for having about 300 days of sunshine every year, so think blue skies, mountains and all the leaves turning color. If you like the outdoors at all — hiking, horseback riding, fishing or just leaf-peeping — this is your spot! Top that with amazing hotels and restaurants, off-season pricing and fewer people. Pretty easy to get to — last time I flew right into Aspen (so nice), and on the way home I decided to drive to Denver and fly directly home from there. In the early fall, you don't really have to worry about snow and the drive is breathtaking. You will also pass Vail and Boulder en route to Denver. Here are the best ways to enjoy October in Aspen.
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Things to do
Go hiking! The weather will be perfect for hiking, but don't forget to pack layers. It could feel like summer during the day, and when the sun goes down, it can be pretty chilly. Check out the different hikes in and around Aspen.
Check out Aspen Saturday Market. Nothing like a cute mountain town with its own farmers market! Every Saturday 8:30-2 until early-mid October.
Get yourself some boots or a new hat at the Kemo Sabe Flagship store.
Go to a museum and learn about the history of Aspen, like the Wheeler / Stallard Museum or the Holden / Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum.
Sit outside in the hot tub at your hotel and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Shop! Aspen has excellent shopping. Walk around the really cute village and enjoy both local and designer shops.
Places to eat & drink
There is no shortage of good food or drinks in Aspen, that is for sure!
Felix Roasting Co. Grab a coffee and a croissant and sit in this bright and cheery little cafe. Bustling with grab and go, but also a really nice place to relax in the morning.
Apres anything at The Little Nell. Get a burger for sure, and don't skip the truffle fries!
Sit outside for lunch in the sun (it seems to be sunny a lot) at The White House Tavern. I recommend the kale salad and an Aperol spritz!
Meat & Cheese: You can't go wrong here! We were sharing, so we could try a lot, and it is all good! We were here for lunch, and the Vietnamese chicken noodle salad, the kale salad (its a trend with me) and the pastrami sandwich were all amazing!
Stop over to The Mollie for a handcrafted cocktail. My favorite was the Sun Dog. Blanco tequila, St George green chili vodka, chamomile, pineapple, lime juice. SOOO good!
You are not going to want to pass up a stop at Paradise Bakery. Indulge your sweet tooth in one of their AMAZING cookies or enjoy some of the best ice cream. Right in the heart of town, after walking by a few times, it will be hard to resist!
If you want a very special experience for dinner, treat yourself to either the "Journey through Colorado" or a "Taste of the Land." Both of these are offered at Prospect restaurant, at the Hotel Jerome. This is either a four- or seven-course tasting menu that incorporates the surrounding mountains, rivers, pastures and ranches. Using only local ingredients, it offers a true appreciation of where you are, and the creativity that goes into designing each bite.
If you love an espresso martini, as I do, Aspen will not let you down! Stop into Casa Tua, The St. Regis, or French Alpine Bistro — preferably not all on the same night!
Jus Aspen: This is a favorite of mine. Everything is fresh, from juices to smoothies, salads and healthy sandwiches and wraps. Great for on the go if you are out leaving for a hike in the morning or heading in your car back to Denver. I highly recommend!
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Dahlia Swerdloff
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Aspen. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Gabrielle Brechner's guide, Aspen Boutique Hotels.