A Saturday in Aspen with Editor Brooke Casillas
An excellent winter destination, Aspen is simply stunning in the summertime as well, and with the latest volume of The Scout Guide Aspen launching last week, we thought this would be the perfect time to catch up with editor Brooke Casillas. Here, she walks us through a Saturday in her hometown:
8:00 a.m.: GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE!
Right after I wake up I always catch up on emails, Photoshop (in addition to being editor of The Scout Guide Aspen I’m a photographer, and right now I’m working on a fine art project and studio shots of a client’s new clothing line), social media (I’m particularly spending a lot of time on Pinterest these days since I’m planning a wedding), and my favorite blogs (I follow all the TSG cities). Getting some work done first thing in the morning makes me feel like I’m already ahead before I “officially” start my day, and my routine really doesn’t deviate whether it’s a weekend or weekday—every day is about getting inspiration and talking to clients.
10:00 a.m.: TAKE A HIKE
Time for a mid-morning workout with my dog, Pepper. Smuggler mountain is the local favorite for a quick hike with good reason: It’s an easy, hourlong hike up and down the mountain, and the view once you get up is amazing—you can take in Aspen mountain as well as the other three ski mountains.
11:15 a.m.: TO THE MARKET
I’m in need of a post-hike snack, so I swing by the farmer’s market (one of my favorite summer destinations) and grab a yummy croissant from Louis Swiss bakery, then walk around and get fruit and veggies for the week.
With winter being so long in Aspen, it is such a treat to walk around in the sun, and there are so many great vendors at our market. In addition to the local food producers, there are tons of cool makers selling clothing, jewelry, pottery, and more. Today I spotted a cute new cuff by Taylor and Tessier (below, right) that will look good with absolutely everything.
12:00 p.m.: SCOUTING
I’m ready to use my job as an excuse to go shopping. I’m going to a wedding this evening, so I’m on the lookout for something to add to my outfit, and a warm cashmere wrap from Souchi seems perfectly appropriate. I also need to buy my niece a birthday present, so I swing by the Aspen Art Museum because they have adorable and unique kids toys, clothes, and books, and I score: they have a little wooden camera that is the perfect present from a favorite photographer aunt.
12:45 p.m.: LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS
Just a couple of blocks away from the museum, Ajax Tavern is an obvious choice for lunch. A burger and rose at the base of the mountain on a beautiful day? Yes, please!
2:30 p.m.: A REAL CATCH
Before I hit the town for the evening, I like to go fly fishing with my super active fiancé. It’s so relaxing to get out on the river, which is a five-minute walk from my house, tops. Usually I fish, but today I ended up just reading a book on the bank while having a glass of wine. Either way it’s nice to be on the water!
6 p.m.: TIME TO CELEBRATE
As in so many other places, it’s wedding season here, and for good reason: Aspen is absolutely stunning in the summertime. Tonight we took the gondola up to the top of Aspen mountain to celebrate my friend tying the knot on the sundeck. The catering and service by The Little Nell was excellent as usual, and a gorgeous sunset served as a backdrop—the perfect end to the day, and the perfect place to begin a marriage!
12:30 a.m.: LIGHTS OUT
What a day. Hiking, shopping, dancing….There is always something amazing to do in this town, I need to rest up so I’m ready to start over tomorrow!
