Scouted Destination: Aspen
Since the ’70s, ski towns like Aspen have been synonymous with glitz, glamor, skiing, and sightseeing. Originating as a mining town, Aspen was once considered the playground for the ski bums and the destination for the rich and famous alike. Today, Aspen is as accessible as ever with something for every visitor. From downhill runs come winter to hiking and biking in summer, there is plenty to explore in the great outdoors. Around town, you’ll find a great shop or restaurant around every corner. And it’s not unusual to find internationally-renowned chefs hosting pop-up dining experiences during high season or to discover unique jewelry and art on a walk through the streets. In fact, Aspen is home to a strong community, where Après, music, food, fashion, art, philanthropy, and an entrepreneurial spirit thrive. In a place where the changing leaves are as colorful as the personalities, it is easy to see why creativity thrives.
Not looking to people-watch on the gondola plaza or rub elbows with other Aspen visitors? You can easily get off the grid in this mountain town. Whether you want to bike for the day, camp at the Bells, or hike the trail to Crested Butte, there are endless ways to unplug from the hustle and bustle and plug into the calm and beauty of mother nature.
In an expansion of our Volume 1 Scouted Destination collaboration with The Scout Guide Aspen, we highlight the Aspen essentials to experience, no matter the season.
WEAR
Etc. Aspen | 465 E Hopkins Ave | @shopetcaspen | The recently expanded ETC. Aspen is a one-stop shop for designer must-haves. Come for the jewelry – they have the best selection from fan-favorite designers like Brent Neal and Marla Aaron – and stay for the clothes, accessories, and fab styling.
Heirlooms | 144 Midland Ave, Basalt | @heirloomresale | From retro to trendy, Heirlooms delights with the best (and discerning) selection of consignment clothing, accessories, and home goods. Think: last season’s Chanel and antique lockboxes, vintage china to Golden Goose sneakers.
Kemo Sabe | 217 S Galena St, Aspen | @kemosabe | The luxury western outfitter is a cult classic for a reason. And it all started in Aspen. Shop – cocktail in hand – the gorgeous selection of buckles, knives, vintage jewelry, and western apparel, with the best handmade, hand-fitted hats, boots, and accessories, it’s a must-visit. Pro Tip: Make Kemo Sabe your first visit in town to get the most mileage out of your Aspen essentials; or, better yet,
Meridian | 525 E Cooper Ave, Aspen | @meridianjewelers | One of the premier jewelry and watch stores, Meridian delivers luxury and timeless pieces to Roaring Fork. Think: Cartier, Rolex, Repossi, and other favorite designers you simply have to have.
Midland Clothing Co. | 740 E Valley Road, Basalt | @midland_clothing | Midland Clothing Co. is a longtime Roaring Fork Valley favorite. Founded in 1989, the shop continues to curate trendy, fresh pieces for the whole family’s wardrobe.
Seven J Silver Co. | @sevenjsilver | Seven J Silver Co’s silversmith and owner, Kate Montabone, specializes in handcrafted sterling silver jewelry and accessories inspired by the cowboy and ranching lifestyle. Expect statement pieces to everyday essentials to add a much-needed touch of Western flair.
The Posh Peacock | 227 Midland Ave #16A, Basalt | @theposhpeacock.co | For casual yet cool clothes, The Posh Peacock delivers with designers like Nili Lotan, Xirena, Donni, and more. P.S. You’ll also find a well-curated collection of home goods, gifts, and accessories.
STAY
Frias Properties | 730 East Durant Avenue, Aspen | @friasaspen | Home to Aspen’s largest selection of vacation rentals, Frias offers more than 200 lodging options that range from budget-friendly hotel rooms to slope-side luxury condominiums and expansive private homes. With 48 years of experience, Frias also offers a wide selection of lodging at Aspen’s most coveted luxury resorts including the Ritz-Carlton Club at Aspen Highlands, Hyatt Grand Aspen, The Innsbruck, and the St. Regis Residence Club. Guests of Frias Properties enjoy great amenities like complimentary Aspen Airport transportation, health club passes, a full-service concierge desk, professional housekeeping, luxury bedding, 24/7 support, and more.
Hotel Jerome | 330 East Main Street | @hoteljeromeauberge | From cowboys to miners to 10th Mountain Division soldiers, Hotel Jerome has been the social hub of Aspen since its opening in 1889. In fact, it was the only Aspen hotel to keep its doors open even after the silver crash. Enjoy the coziest living room in all of Aspen to welcome you home for the weekend or week.
Limelight Aspen | 355 South Monarch Street, Aspen | @limelighthotel | The recently renovated Limelight Aspen features a fantastic pool, festive happy hour, and roof-top terrace so you can take in all the beauty Aspen has to offer.
St. Regis | 315 E Dean St, Aspen | @stregisaspen | Located at the base of Aspen Mountain between the gondola and lift, The St. Regis Aspen Resort features 179 alpine-chic rooms, cozy public spaces (including a library with working fireplaces), five dining options, and an award-winning spa.
The Little Nell | 675 East Durant Avenue, Aspen | @thelittlenell | The Little Nell is Aspen’s only 5-star, 5-diamond, ski-in and ski-out resort. Expect luxurious amenities, fine wine and dining, and a style that perfectly encapsulates Aspen’s unique culture in every detail.
PLAY
ACRA | @aspenco | Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) is a great local resource for taking advantage of Aspen’s prolific year-round offerings of adventure, arts + culture, shopping, and dining.
Aspen Outfitting Co. | 315 E. Dean Street, Aspen | @aspenoutfittingco | Since 1969, Aspen Outfitting Company has delivered the finest outdoor experiences for visitors and locals. Tap for the best of outdoor essentials and world-class guided experiences, from horseback riding to upland bird hunting, white water rafting to guided hikes, fly fishing to target shooting, and more.
Blazing Adventures | 555 E Durant Ave, Aspen | @blazingadv | Aspen’s original whitewater rafting company, Blazing Adventures offers over 40 years of experience to the adventurer. Since first opening Blazing Adventures has expanded adventure offerings to include fun (and safe) hiking, biking, jeeping, sunset dinners, SUPs, kayaking, and custom trips.
Maroon Bells | Travel & Transportation Tips | From meadows of vibrant wildflowers to airy groves of Aspen trees to summit-based alpine tundra, the Maroon Bells promise a variety of natural habitats and a diverse, vivid representation of the wild Elk Mountain range. With six scenic hiking trails, various camping sites, and biking paths, visitors can enjoy multiple ways to access Aspen’s natural marvels and endless mountain adventures any time of year. Find transportation and travel tips…
Ride Aspen | @ride_aspen | Ride Aspen is Aspen’s mobile bike shop offering tours, repairs, and rentals of eBike, Mountain Bike, Road Bike, and Cruiser Rentals. Opt for rentals delivered to you and tap for bike tours.
Snowmass Creek Outfitters | 3941 Capitol Creek Rd, Snowmass | @snowmasscreekoutfitters | Owned and operated by longtime locals with a passion for wilderness and livestock, Snowmass Creek Outfitters offers horseback and hunting experiences built for an authentic Aspen experience. Enjoy private ranch rides (think: fabulous views of Sopris and Snowmass Mountains across St. Benedict’s Monastery and the historic McCabe Ranch) and half-day rides with ample adventures. For those in search of even more adventure, inquire about Snowmass Creek Outfitters’ hunting experiences.
PICK-ME·UP
Boards + Baskets | 1150 CO-133 C1, Carbondale | @boardsandbaskets.co | Seasonal, organic, and always delicious, Boards + Baskets grazing boards delight for picnics and happy hours alike. A farm-to-basket (or board) experience, owner Alex Karlinski utilizes fresh, local ingredients and accommodates a variety of food intolerances and nutritional protocols.
Local Coffee House + Eatery | 614 East Cooper Avenue | @localcoffeeaspen | Stop in Local Coffee for fresh doughnuts, avocado toast, and an oat milk latte to fuel up pre-slope, shop, or spa. Pro Tip: Order the cronuts.
Tuesday Foods | @tuesdayfoods.co | Chef prepared, nutritionist approved, organic, healthy plant-based meal delivery right to your door in reusable glass and conscious compostable packaging.
APRÉS
Base Camp Bar & Grill | 73 Wood Road, Snowmass Village | @basecampsnowmass | Post-slope, head to Base Camp to refuel with a casual, delicious meal and adult beverages.
Here House | 614 E Cooper Ave, Aspen | @herehouse.club | Located just steps from Silver Queen Gondola, Here House is a private workspace and social clubhouse offering a handful of lucky locals in-house dining and community in a gorgeous, local-centric clubhouse year-round.
J-Bar | 330 E Main St, Aspen | Located within Hotel Jerome (and once the unofficial but de facto office for Hunter S. Thompson) J-Bar welcomes ski bums and socialites to cheers over craft beers, vintage-inspired cocktails, and Aspen’s best burgers.
Montagave | @montagave | Montagave combines four generations of old-world Tequila knowledge with wine barrels sourced from some of the finest Grand Cru producers in Bordeaux, France for a wonderfully layered sipping tequila. Dreamt up during a hometown wedding in Aspen, Montagave represents a collision of cultures and collaborative sipping.
Woody Creek Distillers | 60 Sunset Drive, Basalt | @woodycreekdistillers | A locally-owned distillery producing vodka, gin, rye, and bourbon, Woody Creek makes for a scenic spot to enjoy Colorado-crafted cocktails.
EAT
Bosq | 312 South Mill Street, Aspen | @bosqaspen | From Chef Barclay Dodge comes a flavor-driven, worldly New-American cuisine in an intimate, modern setting with a summer-worthy see-and-be-seen patio. Expect a seasonal tasting menu inspired by local bounty.
Casa Tua | 403 South Galena Street | @casatualife | Rustic yet impossibly elegant, Casa Tua offers Dolomite-meets-Alpine style featuring fresh, local ingredients. Expect bison and venison come winter and trout and porcini mushrooms during the summer, plus impeccable wine selections and hospitality.
Clark’s Aspen | 517 E Hyman Ave, Aspen | @clarksoysterbar | The Austin favorite heads West to delight in the historic & beloved former Little Annie’s location. Enjoy year-round oyster & caviar selections, freshly baked sourdough, overflowing lobster rolls, delicious burgers, steaming bowls of chowder & cioppino, and more.
Las Montanas | 205 S Mill St #306, Aspen | @lastmontanasaspen | In addition to serious mountain views (it’s a second-story restaurant), Las Montañas serves up Mexican food highlighting Tex-Mex classics like tabletop sizzling fajitas and house-made tortillas with cocktail and agave spirits.
Slice of Italy | 69 Wood Run Road #1210, Snowmass Village | @slicesnowmass | Slice of Italy is a locally-owned, local favorite serving up Italian cuisine inspired by traditional Dolomites culture.
The White House Tavern | 302 East Hopkins Avenue | @thewhitehousetavern | For unpretentious menus (think stellar sandwiches) with legendary cocktails, The White House Tavern delights and is a definitive local favorite.
WED
Eks Events | 100 Obermeyer Pl #106, Aspen | @eksevents | EKS Events, led by Elizabeth Slossberg, is a full-service wedding planning and event design firm based in Aspen, Colorado. Featured in Vogue, Brides, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Martha Stewart, the EKS Events team is highly sought after for their magical weddings and events in Aspen and beyond.
Go West Event Rentals | @gowesteventrentals | With tipis, horse trailer bars, a Piaggio bar (with rosé on tap, of course), swings, and more, Go West Event Rentals delivers the perfect dose of Western spirit to events.
McCabe Ranch | 70 McCabe Ranch Rd, Snowmass | @mccaberanch | Steeped in heritage and committed to deep family roots, and formed by the generations that continue to create lasting memories, McCabe Ranch is a special and stunning place to host.
LIVE
Alecia Wellen Coaching | @aleciawellencoaching | Alicia Wellen is a co-active coach and Reiki Master for curious, determined, clients committed to growth, success, and fulfilled potential. Often working with leaders and high achievers at inflection points, Alicia Wellen aids clients in knitting together exterior achievement and interior fulfillment.
Brooke Casillas Photography | @brookecasillasphotography | Brook Casillas is a wonderfully talented photographer located in Aspen, Co that dedicates her prolific talent to fine art, interiors, portraits, and places. Her stunning work is available for purchase and makes for the perfect Aspen memento.
Gray Aspen | 100 Obermeyer Place STE 106, Aspen | @grayaspen | Sarah Gercke Cyr of Gray Aspen embodies the best of Aspen style, creating meaningful homes, luxury cashmeres, and curating the best from both worlds. Expect effortless looks, classic and timeless styling, and an emphasis on details.
Heather Sinclair | @aspenheather1 | Heather Sinclaire is a seasoned real estate agent with over two decades of experience and over $1 billion in sales. As Managing Partner of The Agency Aspen, Heather’s drive, efficiency and expertise have proven to be invaluable assets to her colleagues and clients.
Juniper Gift Co. | @junipergiftco | 465 N Mill St #18, Aspen | Juniper Gift Co. specializes in discerningly curated gift baskets with handcrafted goodies for every occasion and recipient.
Kristin Dittmar Design | 121 S Galena St Suite 201, Aspen | @kristindittmardesign | Kristin Dittmar Design is a renowned interior design firm known for merging natural textures and modern-mountain aesthetics to create understated luxury in projects from award-winning historic log homes to full-scale restaurant remodels.
Mandy Welgos | @mandywelgos | Not only Aspen’s leading broker in total volume of sales, but one of the Top 100 Sotheby’s Agents worldwide, Mandy Welgos is a savvy, seasoned broker with rave reviews from discerning clientele.
MHK Architecture | @mhkcolorado | The nationally renowned architecture firm, MHK Architecture, has made its mark on Aspen, designing some of its most beautiful homes and buildings. Known for its fun-loving culture and commitment to excellence, the firm embodies architectural excellence.
Roaring Fork Oral Surgery | 406 S Hyland Park Dr # B, Glenwood Springs | Led by Dr. Colin Galbraith, Roaring Fork Oral Surgery offers comprehensive, comfortable, kind oral care across every aspect of the surgical experience.
TACAW | 400 Robinson St, Basalt | @tacaw_org | The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) presents exceptional performing arts, cultural events, andthought-provoking programming that sustain a connected, engaged, and inspired community.
For more local favorites, insight, and tips follow along with The Scout Guide Aspen on Instagram.
