Travel Guide: Aspen, Colorado
Posted by Estela Cockrell Jun 19th 2025
Oh, that little town they call Aspen.....what can I say. It’s truly magical. Although it is packed with people in the summer, especially the 4th of July, the holidays and President’s Day weekend it still can be a quiet, calm and relaxing place to retreat. There is plenty to do in the Roaring Fork Valley for families, teens, and bestie purists.
My Aspen musts:
For face: S2P Travel Trio & Discovery Kit! Love the full size products if staying for longer - Bright & Shine, Be Glowy, Well & Glow (buh bye dry skin) Konjac Sponge, Gua Sha
For body: S2P Good + Glow Body Oil, Chocolate Sun With SPF, Suntegrity Sun Stick, Suntegrity 5 in 1 Tinted Moisturizer, Zinc It Up SPF facial mist, Sweat Cosmetics Twist Brush, Be Chill muscle rub, and Innersense hair masque for when my hair gets dry
Check out our DRY SKIN recs!
Makeup: Highlighter Trio, Fitglow Vegan Mascara, Alima Mineral Highlighter in Lumina, Creme Blush Stick (perfect for on the go!!), Ere Perez Chamomile Eye Palette, Fitglow Beauty Lip Color Serum, Au Naturale Lip Gloss in Slip
Can't leave anywhere without Hello Beauty! Collagen, Super ooo-omegas, our vegan protein, Brain Buzz + Yoga in Cup!
Fave places to stay:
1) A friends house (honestly aspen is the best to bunk together)
2) The Little Nell - so lux! An upscale, slopeside hotel offering direct ski access and a lively après-ski atmosphere. It’s the ultimate in mountain luxury.
3) The St. Regis - perfectly appointed. Known for its refined spa experience, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking alpine scenery. Elegance at every turn.
4) Viceroy - lux off the beaten path. (great value in summer and Kelly Wherstler interiors do not disappoint)
5) Hotel Jerome - A storied Aspen icon blending historic charm with lavish rooms and a stylish bar that’s a local favorite.
6) W Aspen - Where sleek architecture and dynamic energy collide—complete with a rooftop pool and bar for elevated après fun.
Places to Eat - most accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free:
LUNCH
White House Tavern, Sant Ambroeus, Element 47 at The Little Nell, Prospect at The Jerome. Spring Cafe has great and healthy meals. Brunelleschi's to make your own pizza.
DINNER
- Casa Tua - classy Italian with a warm vibe and seasonal dishes made from the best ingredients. Oh, and sometimes they have gluten-free pasta too!
- Steak 316 - the best steak in town! If you’re craving steak, this is the spot. Perfectly grilled, fancy-but-not-stuffy.
- Matsuhisa - Famous chef Nobu’s sushi joint that’s super allergy-friendly. Definitely grab a reservation—or hit up the upstairs early seating if you’ve got kids in tow.
- Aqualina - excellent Italian but only so/so on the food allergies. So be careful!!
- Betula
- Sterlings - late night
- Element 47 - This Michelin-starred spot nails seasonal, locally sourced dishes that feel both fancy and fresh.
- The Wild Fig - Cozy little place serving up tasty Mediterranean flavors that hit just right.
- Pine Creek Cookhouse - Dinner with a view? Yes, please. You get there by a fun sleigh ride through the mountains—talk about an experience!
- Ellina - Locals swear by their short ribs—seriously comforting and delicious.
- Clark’s - Casual seafood haven with killer crab rolls and fries. Great anytime—lunch, snack, or dinner.
- Aosta - (Italian)
- Sway (Thai)
- Montagna (Mexican)
- Zig Zag (comfort food)
- Wayan (Indonesian)
- Taikun Sushi (sushi)
- Jimoto (raman dumplings)
DRINKS
- Cache Cache - vibrant French bistro with a famous horseshoe bar, known for its creative seasonal cocktails and an extensive wine list.
- Ajax Tavern - classic après-ski spot right at the base of Aspen Mountain, known for its lively atmosphere, hearty food, and great cocktails.
- W Hotel - trendy rooftop bar offering stunning mountain views, creative cocktails, and a poolside chill zone.
- Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar - (casual) intimate and stylish, this bar is famous for its inventive, expertly mixed drinks.
- The J-Bar - located inside the historic Hotel Jerome, it offers timeless cocktails in a refined, elegant setting.
- Mezzaluna - upscale lounge with modern decor and a menu full of innovative drinks.
- Jimmy’s - local hangout featuring a solid drink menu and occasional live music in a laid-back setting.
- Aspen Public House (casual)
- Bad Harriets (very chic and stylish with specialty cocktails)
- Caribou (private)
- Casa Tua upstairs (private)
- AM7 (private and so intimate)
- Stranahan's Whiskey Lounge - pre dinner fave
Late Night
- Escobar (young and fun, dance in an old airplane)
- Sterling - bottle service and rotating djs
Activities
Hike, of course....love the Government trail from Snowmass down to Buttermilk, American Lake, or Lost Man. And hiking to Crested Butte or up to the top of Sopris Mountain!
For “workout hikes” Smugg (aka smuggler or ute trail are the best. Scenic or family hike - Maroon Bells hiking is fun and easy! Don’t miss going up to the top of Ajax (Aspen Mountain). About a 3000-foot elevation change a brisk walk.
Bike, a lot. I take my Townie everywhere. You can downhill. But, I personally cruise with the kids from town to Snowmass or Woody Creek or Basalt. Biking the Rio Grande trail. Bike to Woody Creek for margaritas at the tavern (maybe drink more than eat - those with celiac). The bike back to Aspen is uphill!
Floating the river or stand up paddle boarding the Roaring Fork is the best! We spend many family days on the river. We even take our lab! Nothing more fun!
Kemo Sabe - A beloved Aspen staple, Kemo Sabe blends Western flair with mountain style—think custom hats, quality boots, and one-of-a-kind pieces with personality.
Sundays at Music Tent in the summer are delightful. Bring a picnic blanket, snacks from Saturday's farmer market and your family will be set for a perfect cool aspen night. Parking can be bad, so I suggest biking to the music tent!
Thursday music on Snowmass Mountain at Fanny Hill or the authentic Carbondale Rodeo.
A drive to the Powers Art Center in Carbondale it's sooooo worth it!! Stop at Catherine’s store and tell Rhonda, Estela said Hi. Find some of the coolest, curated, most interesting wines from around the globe!
The Aspen Art Museum is not to be missed. A gem of architecture and contemporary art! Love Sundays here!
Shop the Hyman mall, and explore the traditional stores and the cool pop-ups.
Don't forget the Saturday Aspen Farmer’s Market filled with much unique organic produce perfect for dinner.
If you are there for a while. Take an art class at Anderson Ranch or catch a musical or play at Theatre Aspen.
Some of the best summer events:
Food and Wine
Small Town 4th of July
Labor Day Music Festival
Stand up paddle. Sometimes we do the preserve which is so fun and easy. You drop in at Wyldwood School but every year they talk about shutting that down - hopefully, they don't ever!. We also drop in Carbondale and pop out in Westbank in Glenwood.
