Guidebook for Aspen
Food Scene
Sometimes you need something more familiar... White House Tavern is owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group which is responsible for fantastic restaurants such as Houston's & Gulfstream. Must Try: French Dip Au Jus!!! You can thank us later!
TIP: As of our last visit, they do not accept reservations. Walk-ins only.
50 locals recommend
White House Tavern
302 E Hopkins AveSometimes you need something more familiar... White House Tavern is owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group which is responsible for fantastic restaurants such as Houston's & Gulfstream. Must Try: French Dip Au Jus!!! You can thank us later!
TIP: As of our last visit, they do not accept reservations. Walk-ins only.
Great downstairs casual and cozy spot near the movie theater for crepes and great French fare.
31 locals recommend
French Alpine Bistro - Crêperie du Village
400 E Hopkins AveGreat downstairs casual and cozy spot near the movie theater for crepes and great French fare.
The perfect Apres-Ski or midday lunch spot at the base of Aspen Mountain with a great view of the gondola. Fantastic people watching on the large outdoor patio. Faves: Burger, Truffle Fries, French Onion soup.
Tip: During high season, there may be a bit of a wait so come a little earlier.
26 locals recommend
Ajax Tavern
685 E Durant AveThe perfect Apres-Ski or midday lunch spot at the base of Aspen Mountain with a great view of the gondola. Fantastic people watching on the large outdoor patio. Faves: Burger, Truffle Fries, French Onion soup.
Tip: During high season, there may be a bit of a wait so come a little earlier.
New York Pizza
409 E Hyman AveGreat pizza open til 2:00 a.m.! Delivery available too!
Our favorite Italian restaurant in town! Great scene! Faves: Burrata salad, Linguine Diavola, Bucatini Amatriciana.
Tip: Small restaurant so make sure to make reservations well in advance.
21 locals recommend
Campo De Fiori
205 S Mill StOur favorite Italian restaurant in town! Great scene! Faves: Burrata salad, Linguine Diavola, Bucatini Amatriciana.
Tip: Small restaurant so make sure to make reservations well in advance.
Sushi from the Best in the Biz - Nobu! Expensive but great quality sushi! Faves: Everything is good.
Tip: Make reservations for the downstairs main dining room well in advance as they book up VERY quickly. The upstairs bar area is first-come, first-served seating but a different atmosphere than the main dining room.
53 locals recommend
Matsuhisa
303 E Main StSushi from the Best in the Biz - Nobu! Expensive but great quality sushi! Faves: Everything is good.
Tip: Make reservations for the downstairs main dining room well in advance as they book up VERY quickly. The upstairs bar area is first-come, first-served seating but a different atmosphere than the main dining room.
When walking through the heart of the city, be sure to stop in at this popular bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth with their delicious cookies, brownies or ice cream! The kids will love it! You can also order online for a quick and easy pick-up.
33 locals recommend
Paradise Bakery & Cafe
320 S Galena StWhen walking through the heart of the city, be sure to stop in at this popular bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth with their delicious cookies, brownies or ice cream! The kids will love it! You can also order online for a quick and easy pick-up.
If you are interested in some outdoor time in the beautiful Rockies, try taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride or cross-country ski to Pine Creek Cookhouse! It is truly a picturesque experience!
38 locals recommend
Pine Creek Cookhouse
12500 Castle Creek RdIf you are interested in some outdoor time in the beautiful Rockies, try taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride or cross-country ski to Pine Creek Cookhouse! It is truly a picturesque experience!
Serving up ioncredibly delicious sandwiches and salads. Great spot for lunch or dinner! Pick up some treats for your stay while there in their attached Farm Shop. When it's really busy, you can always order online for pick-up.
32 locals recommend
Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop
301 E Hopkins AveServing up ioncredibly delicious sandwiches and salads. Great spot for lunch or dinner! Pick up some treats for your stay while there in their attached Farm Shop. When it's really busy, you can always order online for pick-up.
Casa Tua
403 S Galena StWell-loved Italian restaurant with a private club on the 2nd level
Madame Ushi Aspen
Newcomer sushi spot
Request the sofa seating on the front porch for a good people-watching & romantic perch. If they have the Bison Bolognese on the menu, don't pass it up!
6 locals recommend
Bear Den Aspen
301 E Hopkins AveRequest the sofa seating on the front porch for a good people-watching & romantic perch. If they have the Bison Bolognese on the menu, don't pass it up!
Betula Aspen
525 E Cooper AveDinner hotspot
Catch Steak Aspen
Another popular hotspot
Jing
413 E Main StGo-to for slightly more casual Asian cuisine with something for everyone
Las Montañas
Newer Mexican restaurant & bar that replaced the oh-so-beloved Jimmy's restaurant
Kenichi
533 E Hopkins AveDon't miss the Japanese toilets in the bathroom ;)
Mi Chola
411 E Main StMexican restaurant that replaced our long-time go-to, Cantina
Where the Alps meet the Rockies - traditional German, Swiss, Italian & Austrian Alpine fare
Almresi-Aspen
219 E Durant AveWhere the Alps meet the Rockies - traditional German, Swiss, Italian & Austrian Alpine fare
A New York fave now in Aspen! Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar is a good go-to for coffee and grab-n-go or light bites including their delicious pastries. This is a temporary location but the good news is... they will be opening a larger location right next to the house just past Paepcke Park on Main St where the old Main St Bakery used to be.
Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar
A New York fave now in Aspen! Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar is a good go-to for coffee and grab-n-go or light bites including their delicious pastries. This is a temporary location but the good news is... they will be opening a larger location right next to the house just past Paepcke Park on Main St where the old Main St Bakery used to be.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is iconic Aspen! Located inside the historic Hotel Jerome on Main Street, J-Bar is a must-see on your stay in Aspen. Faves: just an ice cold brew or any one their Specialty Cocktails.
24 locals recommend
J-Bar
330 E Main StThis is iconic Aspen! Located inside the historic Hotel Jerome on Main Street, J-Bar is a must-see on your stay in Aspen. Faves: just an ice cold brew or any one their Specialty Cocktails.
By far our favorite Apres-Ski bar in town! While this is more of an upscale see-or-be-seen, celebrity-spotting bar located inside the Little Nell Hotel, the scene is totally worth it! Live music on some days and DJ on others.
Tip: They recently changed their first-come/first-served seating policy in favor of a more upscale bottle service only reserved table section :( Total bummer! However, there are still a few high top tables and all of the bar stools and window benches are open. The neighboring living room is also served by the bar staff so those sofas are all additional seating options. During ski season, it is strongly suggested that you arrived prior to 3:00 p.m. as it starts getting harder to find a spot.
Chair 9
675 E Durant AveBy far our favorite Apres-Ski bar in town! While this is more of an upscale see-or-be-seen, celebrity-spotting bar located inside the Little Nell Hotel, the scene is totally worth it! Live music on some days and DJ on others.
Tip: They recently changed their first-come/first-served seating policy in favor of a more upscale bottle service only reserved table section :( Total bummer! However, there are still a few high top tables and all of the bar stools and window benches are open. The neighboring living room is also served by the bar staff so those sofas are all additional seating options. During ski season, it is strongly suggested that you arrived prior to 3:00 p.m. as it starts getting harder to find a spot.
No list of Aspen's hot spots would be complete without the exclusive Caribou Club... Unfortunately, you will need to be a member or know a member to get in to this iconic celeb haunt. Made up of several different dimly lit rooms, the fine dining restaurant turns into a bar/upscale nightclub later in the night. If you can get in, it is definitely worth a visit once in your life.
9 locals recommend
Caribou Club
411 E Hopkins AveNo list of Aspen's hot spots would be complete without the exclusive Caribou Club... Unfortunately, you will need to be a member or know a member to get in to this iconic celeb haunt. Made up of several different dimly lit rooms, the fine dining restaurant turns into a bar/upscale nightclub later in the night. If you can get in, it is definitely worth a visit once in your life.
Lively music venue feature some of the hottest musicians/bands! Only 1 block from the condo. Check out their calendar in advance to buy your tickets: http://bellyupaspen.com/
78 locals recommend
Belly Up
450 S Galena StLively music venue feature some of the hottest musicians/bands! Only 1 block from the condo. Check out their calendar in advance to buy your tickets: http://bellyupaspen.com/
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar
301 E Hopkins AveEntertainment & Activities
World Class Skiing in the center of Aspen! It is often crowded with lots of tourists during peak season but definitely worth a visit. Tip: The face of the mountain can get a little icy & crowded towards the end of the day so use caution.
57 locals recommend
Aspen Mountain Ski Resort
601 E Dean StWorld Class Skiing in the center of Aspen! It is often crowded with lots of tourists during peak season but definitely worth a visit. Tip: The face of the mountain can get a little icy & crowded towards the end of the day so use caution.
Great skiing on one of Aspen's more beginner mountains. Great for kids! Powder Pandas Ski School is highly recommended!
30 locals recommend
Buttermilk Ski Resort
38700 CO-82Great skiing on one of Aspen's more beginner mountains. Great for kids! Powder Pandas Ski School is highly recommended!
More advanced mountain favored by many of the locals as it is lesser known and has fantastic bowl skiing. Cloud 9 Restaurant on the mountain has fabulous views!
37 locals recommend
Aspen Highlands Ski Resort
199 Prospector RdMore advanced mountain favored by many of the locals as it is lesser known and has fantastic bowl skiing. Cloud 9 Restaurant on the mountain has fabulous views!
If you are looking for a massive mountain that has it all, Snowmass is your place! By far our favorite place to ski! Great for kids also! Their revamped base village is a fantastic addition! Lots of isolated runs! Feeling adventurous? Take the Elk Camp Chair up to the top and take your skis off to hike up to Longshot, the nation's longest trail at 5.3 miles!! You may need to rest up after the exhausting hike but that run is exhilarating - nothing but you and the glades! And the views of Maroon Bells at the top are spectacular!
Tip: Go early so you can get a full day in. The free skier shuttle takes approx. 30-45 minutes from Aspen center.
50 locals recommend
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Carriage WayIf you are looking for a massive mountain that has it all, Snowmass is your place! By far our favorite place to ski! Great for kids also! Their revamped base village is a fantastic addition! Lots of isolated runs! Feeling adventurous? Take the Elk Camp Chair up to the top and take your skis off to hike up to Longshot, the nation's longest trail at 5.3 miles!! You may need to rest up after the exhausting hike but that run is exhilarating - nothing but you and the glades! And the views of Maroon Bells at the top are spectacular!
Tip: Go early so you can get a full day in. The free skier shuttle takes approx. 30-45 minutes from Aspen center.
Offering snowmobiling tours during the winter season & horseback riding in the summer (hour-long, half day and even overnight pack trips available). We did this as kids and they were some of our fondest memories of Aspen!
9 locals recommend
T-Lazy-7 Ranch and Snowmobiles
3129 Maroon Creek RdOffering snowmobiling tours during the winter season & horseback riding in the summer (hour-long, half day and even overnight pack trips available). We did this as kids and they were some of our fondest memories of Aspen!
The only movie theater in town and so perfectly located too!
17 locals recommend
Metropolitan Isis Theatre
406 E Hopkins AveThe only movie theater in town and so perfectly located too!
Aspen Whitewater Rafting
520 E Durant AveWhitewater Rafting down the Colorado River!
Aspen Food & Wine Classic
One of the highlights of the Aspen summer season
CYCLEBAR
535 E Hyman AvePure Barre
535 E Hyman AveHigher Terrain Fitness
Aspen Cross Country Center
39551 CO-82Aspen Golf and Tennis Club
39551 CO-82Offers indoor pool with waterslide and lazy river, climbing tower, indoor ice rink, Whoa Nelly sledding hill
15 locals recommend
Aspen Recreation Center
0861 Maroon Creek RdOffers indoor pool with waterslide and lazy river, climbing tower, indoor ice rink, Whoa Nelly sledding hill
The famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is worth the 45-min drive from Aspen.
192 locals recommend
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
401 N River StThe famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is worth the 45-min drive from Aspen.
Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves
709 E 6th StNatural Vapor Caves in Glenwood Springs
Aspen Bikes
They offer a wide variety of summer activities: rafting, kayaking, SUPs, hiking, biking, jeeping & sunset dinners.
6 locals recommend
Blazing Adventures Aspen
555 E Durant AveThey offer a wide variety of summer activities: rafting, kayaking, SUPs, hiking, biking, jeeping & sunset dinners.
Offers horseback riding from 1hr rides to overnight rides. They also offer horseback riding/fishing trips.
Independence Pass Outfitting Company
Offers horseback riding from 1hr rides to overnight rides. They also offer horseback riding/fishing trips.
They offer a variety of horseback riding adventures as well as hunting trips.
Snowmass Creek Outfitters
3941 Capitol Creek RdThey offer a variety of horseback riding adventures as well as hunting trips.
Great activity for the entire family that usually happens every Wednesday night from mid-June to mid-August. Gates open at 5pm for BBQ and rodeo begins at 7pm. They do sell out so get tickets in advance.
7 locals recommend
Snowmass Rodeo
2735 Brush Creek RdGreat activity for the entire family that usually happens every Wednesday night from mid-June to mid-August. Gates open at 5pm for BBQ and rodeo begins at 7pm. They do sell out so get tickets in advance.
Essentials
More centrally located than Clark's Market but can often feel more crowded.
93 locals recommend
City Market
711 E Cooper AveMore centrally located than Clark's Market but can often feel more crowded.
Large chain grocery store near the post office behind the Hotel Jerome.
19 locals recommend
Clark's Market and Pharmacy
300 Puppy Smith StLarge chain grocery store near the post office behind the Hotel Jerome.
In case you need your Whole Foods essentials, the closest location is about 21 miles away (approx. 30-min drive).
86 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
340 Reed StIn case you need your Whole Foods essentials, the closest location is about 21 miles away (approx. 30-min drive).
The ideal spot for all of your Pharmacy and Toiletry needs located right on Main Street near Hotel Jerome. They even have a liquor store inside.
32 locals recommend
Carl's Pharmacy
306 E Main StThe ideal spot for all of your Pharmacy and Toiletry needs located right on Main Street near Hotel Jerome. They even have a liquor store inside.
Missing an iPhone charger, headphones, or some other electronic, appliance or hardware item? Here's your store.
Miners Building True Value
319 E Main StMissing an iPhone charger, headphones, or some other electronic, appliance or hardware item? Here's your store.
FedEx Office Ship Center
Located right next to the gas station, in addition to all its shipping and printing services, this UPS store also offers luggage storage! If your flight arrives earlier than the check-in time or your flight is departing later than the check-out time, you can store your luggage here and still make the most of your day. Try calling the UPS store directly or using a site like usebounce (dot) com to book in advance.
The UPS Store
Located right next to the gas station, in addition to all its shipping and printing services, this UPS store also offers luggage storage! If your flight arrives earlier than the check-in time or your flight is departing later than the check-out time, you can store your luggage here and still make the most of your day. Try calling the UPS store directly or using a site like usebounce (dot) com to book in advance.
Shopping
For all of your quintessential Aspen-ite cowboy/cowgirl threads - boots, hats, belts, etc... Kurt Russell is quite the regular here!
9 locals recommend
Kemo Sabe Aspen
217 S Galena StFor all of your quintessential Aspen-ite cowboy/cowgirl threads - boots, hats, belts, etc... Kurt Russell is quite the regular here!
Moncler
432 E Hyman AveFor that high-fashion ski outfit you've been looking for!
While Aspen has yet to recruit Sephora to its all-star shopping line-up, the Cos Bar of Aspen fulfills that void. Here you'll find a wide selection of high-end cosmetics, skin care and perfume/cologne.
Cos Bar Aspen
309 S Galena StWhile Aspen has yet to recruit Sephora to its all-star shopping line-up, the Cos Bar of Aspen fulfills that void. Here you'll find a wide selection of high-end cosmetics, skin care and perfume/cologne.
This has got to be one of the most charming bookstores ever! It is tucked away on Main Street in a beautiful Victorian home just next to the Main Street Bakery. You will find a great children's book section, lots of Aspen's history, plenty of modern & classic reads that are well curated by the knowledgeable and helpful staff. Climb upstairs to the Pyramid Bistro and sip on a latte or nosh off something from their nutrient-dense lunch or dinner menu while flipping through your newest library addition in the cutest & coziest setting. Truly an Aspen must!
14 locals recommend
Explore Booksellers
221 E Main StThis has got to be one of the most charming bookstores ever! It is tucked away on Main Street in a beautiful Victorian home just next to the Main Street Bakery. You will find a great children's book section, lots of Aspen's history, plenty of modern & classic reads that are well curated by the knowledgeable and helpful staff. Climb upstairs to the Pyramid Bistro and sip on a latte or nosh off something from their nutrient-dense lunch or dinner menu while flipping through your newest library addition in the cutest & coziest setting. Truly an Aspen must!
Fantastic Aspen boutique that carries a wide range of brands for men and women! One of my faves! It doesn't hurt that they always serve an amazing assortment of fudge and cookies by their register! Although, during the pandemic I think they may have done away with with the free treats :(
Pitkin County Dry Goods
Fantastic Aspen boutique that carries a wide range of brands for men and women! One of my faves! It doesn't hurt that they always serve an amazing assortment of fudge and cookies by their register! Although, during the pandemic I think they may have done away with with the free treats :(
Nick Fouquet
Newcomer and high-end custom hat boutique
Prada Aspen
312 S Galena StNo shortage of designer stores in Aspen!
Louis Vuitton Aspen
206 S Mill StYou can always find a gift here that you know they'll love!
Gucci
204 S Galena StDesigner stores need no introduction...
Kith Aspen
Aspen Sports - Cooper Ave.
408 E Cooper AveUte Mountaineer
210 S Galena StFulfilling all your backcountry needs whether summer or winter
Farmers Market on Saturdays early June through early October 8:30am-2pm at Galena St & Hopkins
Aspen Saturday Market
Farmers Market on Saturdays early June through early October 8:30am-2pm at Galena St & Hopkins
Getting Around
Tip: Book in advance for airport transfer just to be safe. Drive from the airport to the condo is approx. 15 minutes.
High Mountain Taxi
217 Eldon Wilson RdTip: Book in advance for airport transfer just to be safe. Drive from the airport to the condo is approx. 15 minutes.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
233 Airport RdCar rental at the airport.
Tip: Book in advance.
National Car Rental
233 Airport RdCar rental at the airport.
Tip: Book in advance.
The free skier shuttles are fantastic as they provide easy access to all 4 mountains. There are several stops throughout the city - the 2 largest being the transportation hub across from Paepcke Park on Main St and the transit center on Durant & Galena.
7 locals recommend
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority
0051 Service Center RdThe free skier shuttles are fantastic as they provide easy access to all 4 mountains. There are several stops throughout the city - the 2 largest being the transportation hub across from Paepcke Park on Main St and the transit center on Durant & Galena.
Hertz
233 Airport RdCar rental at the airport. Tip: book in advance.
Parks & Nature
Maroon Bells
https://www.stayaspensnowmass.com/activities/visit-maroon-bells
Big open grassy (or snowy) park right next to the house. A nice spot to picnic in the warmer months. There is also a bike rental station there.
Paepcke Park
Big open grassy (or snowy) park right next to the house. A nice spot to picnic in the warmer months. There is also a bike rental station there.
Wagner Park
350 E Durant AvePlayground for kids and a huge open field
Our favorite park for kids with an adventurous playground surrounded by stunning scenery. The river that flows through forms a large slowed area that is a magical spot for children to splash through and explore.
Herron Park
Our favorite park for kids with an adventurous playground surrounded by stunning scenery. The river that flows through forms a large slowed area that is a magical spot for children to splash through and explore.
Beautiful nature sanctuary surrounding the river with hiking/biking paths passing through. You can walk/bike from Herron Park to the John Denver Sanctuary on the Rio Grande Trails. Great walk with kids too!
17 locals recommend
The John Denver Sanctuary
470 Rio Grande PlBeautiful nature sanctuary surrounding the river with hiking/biking paths passing through. You can walk/bike from Herron Park to the John Denver Sanctuary on the Rio Grande Trails. Great walk with kids too!