Fora Favorites: Our Essential Aspen Travel Guide

Ajax Tavern: Grab a table with a view and order up some of Ajax’s famous truffle fries. This casual spot is perfect for après, be it summer hiking or winter skiing.

Aspen Public House: Refreshing take on gastropub fare, with international influences and a lively local vibe.

Cache Cache: An Aspen classic for French-American staples and great outdoor dining in the summer.

Clark’s Oyster Bar: Named for its oysters but offers a much more extensive menu.

Element 47: Wine snobs take note, the cellar at the Little Nell’s signature restaurant is unrivaled, in Aspen and almost anywhere in the world (ditto for their food).

French Alpine Bistro: Cozy French restaurant in the heart of Aspen.  

Home Team BBQ: Carolina-style BBQ at the base of Buttermilk Mountain.

Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar: Their claim to fame is having the best Aperol Spritz you’ve ever had… Are you up for the taste test?

J-Bar: Hunter S. Thompson ran his campaign for Aspen sheriff from a corner in this historic bar. Its patrons may be less colorful these days, but the burgers and beers remain a major draw.

Local Coffee House: Brooklyn-esque coffee shop with local roasts.

Matsuhisa: Located in a Victorian house that’s 100+ years old, Matsuhisa is a sushi restaurant that doesn’t disappoint. It has two levels: downstairs offers more of a fine dining experience (make a reservation in advance).

Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop*: Modern grocery store where the show stopper is the charcuterie board.

Mawa’s Kitchen*: Understated gem with an intimate dining experience. 

Woody Creek Distillers: Swing into Woody Creek for tastings and craft cocktails from this esteemed local distillery.

*Identifies as BIPOC and/or woman-owned businesses

Covet Bright & Shiny Things: Eclectic little jewelry store featuring an work from an array of local artists.

Daniels Antiques: Luxury antiques and rarities.

Little Bird: Vintage store reshaping the narrative around consignment. Many of the pieces have never been worn (tags attached). Take some time to sort through the treasures to snag that special piece, including items from Chloe, Dries Van Noten and YSL. 

Maison Ullens: High-end, ready-to-wear label with a sister shop in Paris.

Arts & culture

Colorado has a knack for packing a lot of culture into its small towns, and Aspen is no exception. Visit the Aspen Art Museum for contemporary works, and then swing through Galerie Maximillian for a smaller, more hidden gem. For live performances, check out Theatre Aspen and the Wheeler Opera House. 

Get outside

Grottos Trail: If you opt for a sunrise hike, you’ll beat the crowds. 

Maroon Bells: Popular for a reason. Most opt to visit West Maroon Pass or Buckskin Pass, but a lesser-known spot is Willow Lake. 

Mount Aspen Nature Trail: Easy, beautiful loop at the top of Aspen Mountain. 

White River National Forest: The most-visited national forest in the nation, encompassing 2.3 million acres.