The insider guide to the best of Aspen
- Written By: vabeau
- Fashion Editor: Danya Magid
- May 05, 2026
A premiere year-round vacation destination, the village-feel city of Aspen sits 8,000 ft above sea level, nestled within the picturesque and sprawling Colorado mountain landscape. With endless fine dining options, fabulous shopping, spectacular art galleries and a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy, Aspen has long-been a coveted haven for nature enthusiasts, celebrities and the global elite.
Aspen offers its visitors seasonal cultural experiences, curated food, film, music, art, dance and ideas festivals and a wide variety of outdoor activities for varying levels of nature-lovers and / or exercise-enthusiasts. Between Aspen and nearby Snowmass, there is a diversity of world-class mountains and runs available in the winter for advanced, intermediate and beginning skiers and snowboarders alike.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are wonderful wintertime alternatives for those in search of more low-key physical excursions set amidst the pristine, snow-covered beauty of Aspen and its glorious surroundings. In spring, summer and fall, Aspen’s guests can enjoy: leisurely strolls through town, along riverbeds, beside babbling brooks and through nature preserves; golfing; fly-fishing; biking; river-rafting; hiking; and more. For unique, must-consider seasonal offerings, check out the Snowmass Balloon Festival and Aspen Paragliding. Patrons of the performing arts will revel in The Aspen Music Festival, the many speaker and performance engagements held at The Wheeler Opera House and the graceful dancers of the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Truly, the options are almost endless!
The ultimate in hospitality, complimentary cross-town shuttles take passengers exactly where they want to go with ease! Additionally, comfortable buses run at regular intervals all along the Roaring Fork region to make seeing and interacting with the area simple and stress-free. Be sure to visit the Aspen Chamber of Commerce for an up-to-date calendar of local happenings when booking your trip!
For those preferring to fulfill their daily exercise routines indoors, 02 Aspen offers an extensive list of fitness, yoga and Reformer pilates classes. And for the ultimate in post-workout self-care, book a relaxing spa treatment or two! Interested in Pure Barre?—Pure Barre Aspen offers a free class for first-timers. And if spinning is in your wheelhouse (pun intended), Cycle Bar is the place to go!
For beautiful landscapes and mountain exploration (to include hiking, mountain biking and snow sports, take the Silver Queen Gondolas up Ajax mountain right in Aspen. The food deck (and bar) there is always lively and during the warmer seasons, there are often activities for kids and live music, both adding to the energy and fun
GOLDBERGH
Sophia Bodywarmer
MASSIMO DUTTI
Flowing Navy Blue Trench Coat with Belt
LPA
Bona Shearling Jacket
KEMO SABE
Dark Brown Beaver Hat
Aspen never disappoints those who possess a passion for fashion…enticing window displays invite shoppers inside the many upscale retail establishments located throughout town. For women’s designer clothing and accessories, Nuages features high-end brands like Chrome Hearts, Azzedine Alaia, Marni, Giambattista Valli and Roland Mouret. Of course, Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Prada and the like also have stores in Aspen. For top-notch ski wear, Performance Ski features luxury and performance European ski wear brands like Authier 1910, Aztech, Kjus and Amundsen Sports which will coin you the chicest bunny on the slopes. For the latest, greatest and very best in beauty, explore Cos Bar which carries products for skin, hair, bath and body, cosmetics, tools, accessories and even hard-to-find niche fragrances. Needing to satisfy a craving for a little bling?—stop by one of many jewelry shops in town; Maja DuBrul is a great example of where artisan fine jewelry pieces can be found. To “blend” with the Aspen locals and exude an authentic Rocky Mountain vibe, run—don’t walk—to Kemosabe for a touch of “western” and Native American glam, and and peruse the Elliott Yeary Gallery for simply incredible one-of-a-kind collectibles,
For the fine art lover, Aspen hosts a slew of galleries, exhibiting both local and globally renowned painters, sculptors, and collections. Wind River Gallery features original works by some of America’s leading contemporary artists, with emphasis of Western American Art. Valley Fine Art curates collections by both living and historical artists, including one of the greatest compilations in the United States of vintage photographs by legendary Native American photographer Edward S. Curtis. If modern and contemporary fine art is more your taste, Baldwin Gallery exhibits museum quality works in a variety of mediums to discerning clients and collectors. Some of the many artists are / works featured are by Eric Fischl, Peter Halley, James Turrell, Rebecca Horn, Marilyn Minter and Anna Gaskell. For breathtaking black and white photography of animals in the wild juxtaposed against dramatic naturescapes, Guadalupe Laiz’s gallery is a must. Here, visitors can have an opportunity to speak with Guadalupe, the artist herself. To view exceptionally unique pieces and garner some knowledge on Hunter S. Thompson and his colorful, controversial connection to Aspen, spend some time at the Fat City gallery.
Aspen is also known as a premiere foodie hub, featuring some of the most outstanding restaurants and dining options in the United States. Pine Creek Cookhouse, a quaint cabin nestled in the forest, accessible only by horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoe, or cross-country skis in the wintertime, is not to be missed for its romantic ambience and first-class gourmet fare. While getting on the list may prove challenging, the exclusive, 31-year-old members-only Caribou Club is a must-visit for après ski, dinner, drinks and dancing. For some of the best sushi in the nation, secure a reservation at Matsuhisa, located within a converted 120-year old Victorian house in downtown Aspen. Here, diners are guaranteed to marvel at the artfully presented plates and finely curated flavors that reflect Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s new-style Japanese cuisine. Cache Cache, a modern American restaurant is perhaps the hottest spot in town for a dinner out. The lively yet unpretentious atmosphere, hip, yet sophisticated vibe, sleek bar scene, stellar service and delicious food are simply unparalleled.
Other highly notable Aspen establishments include The Little Nell for brunch, lunch, dinner and après ski, Ajax Tavern for a Wagyu cheeseburger, truffle fries and après ski and for a more casual dining experience with the family, grab a beef, chicken, tuna or falafel burger and decadent shakes at CP Burger. Here, after eating, the kids can ice-skate at the next-door outdoor rink that becomes Aspen’s only mini-golf course in the summer. The bustling White House Tavern, owned and operated by the Hillstone Group, quite possibly has the most coveted tables in town for lunch. Popular menu items include the House-Smoked Salmon, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Macho Salad and Deviled Eggs. The Hotel Jerome—an Aspen Landmark since 1889–should not be missed. Known as “the place where all great stories were born and are told,” The Jerome is the only Aspen hotel to survive the silver crash, and is where Hunter S. Thompson held court during his run for sheriff. Whether relishing in a tour through the handsome property, savoring a meal at one of the several wonderful restaurants there or enjoying a refreshing Moscow Mule at J Bar, one can’t experience Aspen or feel it’s history without visiting The Jerome!
Additionally, indulging in daily treats from Paradise Bakery is basically mandatory! Located right in the heart of town, the quaint spot always has a line outside. The line moves quickly, though, and while waiting, patrons are certain to enjoy people-watching and casually chatting with others before ordering scrumptious baked goods, coffee and tea drinks and homemade gelato. During the summertime music festival, this location is the best for hearing music students play on their time off with open instrument cases that invite appreciative onlookers to toss in a dollar or two.
For some post-dinner fun and festivity and to get a different taste of Aspen’s nightlife, there is typically a diverse and impressive slate of live bands that play at The Belly Up, listed by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the “Best Clubs in America”.
