Summer travel guide to Aspen, Colorado: Where to eat, where to stay and what to explore
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When most people think of Aspen, Colorado, they think of skiing, snowboarding, hot tubbing and lots of snow, but what most people don't realize is that Aspen is actually just as amazing a vacation destination in the summer -- maybe even BETTER than it is in the winter!
What do you do in a place like Aspen come warm weather? Well for one, you stand around and admire the beautiful scenery -- we're talking truly breathtaking, here. You hike, you bike, you ride horses, you eat great food and drink fabulous wine. It's spectacular.
Read on for our recommendations on where to stay and eat, as well as other fun vacation ideas!
WHERE TO STAY
Looking for total luxury on your trip to Aspen? The St. Regis is the place to be. With a beautiful pool, sprawling lobby and an amazing bar, the St. Regis is the epitome of #treatyoself. Plus, it's home to tons of cool events all summer long like the Food & Wine Classic.
Ready to do a little cooking demo for @foodandwine #fwclassic - @conantnyc
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If you're looking to be in the center of town, right in all the action, stay at Hotel Jerome. With a classic, old-school yet luxurious vibe, Hotel Jerome boasts proximity to just about everything and a very cool, authentic mountain experience.
WHERE TO EAT
Super healthy and delicious, Peach's Corner Café is where you should go for breakfast or lunch. Enjoy fresh, local fruits and veggies, specialty coffee and tea drinks like Matcha and a bright, sunny eating environment.
For fine American cuisine, Jimmy's is the place to be. With a super cool rooftop, an evening meal or drink at the restaurant and bar is an incredible, outdoor experience. Plus, for three days during the Food & Wine Classic, the coat closet turns into the world's smallest speakeasy -- check it out here!
You've probably heard of the famous Nobu restaurants frequented by celebrities, well Matsuhisa is owned by the same chef, is just as delicious and also just as trendy. If you're looking for sushi in the mountains, head this way.
WHERE TO GET YOUR HAIR DONE
There are a few places to get a decent blowout in the town of Aspen, but there's really only one spot in our opinion, and that's Salon Tullio. To give you an idea of just how great it is, it's where Yolanda Foster gets her hair done. Sitting back and sipping on some complimentary Sofia rosé from Francis Ford Coppola Winery was quite possibly our favorite Aspen activity, plus, your hair will look fantastic the rest of your trip.
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FUN THINGS TO DO
Take the gondola to the top of the mountain
In case you're views aren't amazing enough from your hotel room, take the Silver Queen Gondola up to the top of Aspen Mountain for just $22 where you can play lawn games, disc golf, hiking trails, Classic Music Saturdays and Bluegrass Sundays.
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Hiking, photography, just look at the pictures. They speak for themselves.
This is scary and beautiful. It's scary beautiful. Just do it -- but maybe not if you're afraid of heights.
Check out Aspen Brewing Company
Because beer, duh. Colorado is home to some of the best craft breweries in the world, so you can't not stop at one on your trip to Aspen!
There's a reason why so many celebs flock to Aspen year round, and it's not just because of the scenery or the good food. In the most unassuming way possible, the little town of Aspen is home to designer shopping like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gorsuch and so much more. Hope you brought your credit cards.
So what are you waiting for?! Book your trip to Aspen right now!
See photos of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen below:
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