How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Aspen

A small town with a big-time reputation as a great getaway for the jet-setting crowd, Aspen offers wonderful skiing, fantastic scenery and a host of excellent restaurants and lodgings. Those coming in the warmer months will have an unforgettable stay as well, with countless hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking options replacing skiing and snowboarding as the outdoor adventures of choice. Start planning your perfect weekend in Aspen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Housed in a historic brick building not far from downtown on North Mill Street, the Aspen Art Museum is an appealing gallery that features contemporary work by nationally-renowned as well as up-and-coming local artists.
2. Have a night out enjoying Aspen's impressive live music and nightlife scene. An old-time favorite is the Red Onion on East Cooper Avenue, which has entertained locals and tourists since the late 19th Century. If you're looking for hip and trendy, drop by Sygyzy on East Hyman Avenue.
3. When visiting for a skiing weekend, choose carefully from the four area resorts. Beginners will fit in best at Buttermilk, with its many easy slopes; intermediate skiers will find their best runs at Snowmass; and top-notch skiers should head for Aspen Mountain or Aspen Highlands.
4. Splurge for a mile-high shopping spree in a town known for its upscale boutiques and galleries. East Cooper Avenue is an excellent starting point, with cool shops that include cowboy clothing, off-beat art galleries and groovy gift stores.
5. Make a short stop at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, housed in a Queene Anne edifice. There, you can take a brief but captivating tour of Aspen’s history. The home is located on West Bleeker Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday.
6. By all means, non-winter weekenders should explore other outdoor adventures. Several nearby rivers (including the Colorado) boast awesome white-water trips; a number of stables furnish wonderful horseback riding in the area’s stunning countryside; and golfing options include the Aspen Golf Course, a long course about a mile west of downtown.
7. Get a taste of local life by dining at the Woody Creek Tavern on Upper River Road. A down-to-earth oasis in a fairly gentrified town, the tavern is funky and fun. It serves excellent steaks, fish and specialty drinks.

Tips & Warnings

• Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is four miles northwest of town and served by such airline ‘connectors’ as America West Express and United Express.
• For a quieter visit to Aspen, consider a spring or fall getaway.