First Timers Guide to Aspen

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Advisor - Gianna Quattrini
Curated By

Gianna Quattrini

  • Aspen

  • Active Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Shopping

  • Foodie

  • Entertainment

A snow covered valley.
Curator’s statement

Aspen is one of those places I keep coming back to. To me, it's just as special in the Summer as it is in the Winter. Whether hiking to Maroon Bells, biking along the Rio Grande Trail or skiing one of the four beautiful mountains, Aspen is undeniably gorgeous. Fantastic hotels, shopping, food/wine and art galleries are all within a small, walkable downtown with lots to do.

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Where to stay in Aspen, Colorado

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Things to do in Aspen, Colorado

Santa Claus in its red trolley ride with reindeers at the back amidst snow covered mountains.
  • Bike along the Rio grande trail and stop at Woody Creek Tavern for lunch.

  • Hike the Yute, Maroon Bells or countless other strikingly beautiful trails.

  • Ski one of the four mountains- Buttermilk (best for beginners), Aspen Mountain, Snowmass or the Highlands.

  • Hit Cloud Nine at the Highlands for some indulgent, wild Apres action.

  • Visit Aspen’s Food + Wine Festival- Typically in June; It's a leading culinary event and incorporates lots of fun experiences.

  • Visit the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Aspen from Mid-June to early October - Saturdays from 8:30am- 2pm.

  • Jazz Fest occurs Labor Day weekend annually at the base of Snowmass Mountain. In 2016, I saw Stevie Wonder perform here which was legendary!

  • Pitkin County Dry Goods is a great local boutique to shop at where Kemo Sabe sells iconic luxury leather goods.

  • For the golfers - Visit one of their award winning courses.

  • Catch a show at Belly Up or Silver City.

Places to eat & drink in Aspen, Colorado

Table with food and drinks.

Poppycocks

Great, casual breakfast.

White House Tavern

From the Hillstone group - cozy + delicious in a beautiful historic building. Walk in only.

Kenichi

My favorite no frills Sushi in town.

Hickory House

Classic BBQ with all the meat and all the sides.

Brunelleschi's

Family friendly Italian.

Matsuhisa

Make your reservations early! From the Nobu team, delicious, upscale Japanese.

Campo de Fiori

High energy Italian in a fun, chic atmosphere.

Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop

Eatery and marketplace, love visiting for lunch.

Casa Tua

Cozy Italian restaurant.

Cache Cache

Upscale French-American with a serious wine list.

Paradise bakery

Go get one of their cookies, you won’t regret it.

Clarks Oyster Bar

Raw bar & seafood restaurant with an assortment of draft beers, cocktails and a great vibe. While seafood may not be top of mind in Aspen, Clarks is a great option!

Las Montanas

Solid Mexican in downtown Aspen with an awesome ambiance.

Mi Chola

One of Aspen’s favorite cantinas, for a well-deserved margarita and tacos.

Nightlife

Visit The Sterling for a lounge vibe or Hooch to grab a beer or a cocktail.

Need to know

No need for a rental if staying downtown as most things are walkable. That being said, friendly reminder that Uber is not super reliable in Aspen! Book transportation with Smiddys or High Mountain Taxi. The downtown shuttle bus is also a great option for getting from downtown to the other mountains. Aspen airport is notoriously difficult to fly into/out of. Prepare for delays!

Advisor - Gianna Quattrini

Travel Advisor

Gianna Quattrini

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Guide to Puglia & the Surrounding Region.