Aspen is a beautiful place to visit and there's so much to do! (Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com)
Aspen is the country’s glitziest ski town. Nestled below the peaks of some of the greatest ski mountains Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, its tucked away locale is what has given Aspen its exclusivity since the silver rush.
While the resort town is known as a travel destination frequented by the rich and famous, many visitors know Aspen for its extensive mix of arts programs, cultural events, family activities and cosmopolitan nightlife. The Colorado mountain town will host this year’s Winter X Games, has its own Fashion Week, Songwriters Festival, and Film Festival. But Aspen is so much more than that.
Aspen has a variety of restaurants, shopping, lodging and nightlife that caters to a range of budgets and experiences. I love Aspen because behind that glitz and glam is a Norman Rockwell-esque town where nobody locks their doors, you can find a playground on nearly every corner, families ride bikes together and friends get together for dinner in cozy restaurants.
In fact, if the cold is not your thing then visit in July. Summer is my favorite season in Aspen. I just love visiting the picturesque Maroon Bells, playing in the parks, and eating at Main Street Bakery and Little Annie’s.
Check Hotels.com to find great deals on a variety of Lodging in Aspen Ski Area, Colorado.
January 26-29, 2012
The Winter X Games are completely FREE to the public! Be there as more than 200 of the world’s best athletes in Skiing, Snowboarding and Snowmobile throw down in four days of competition for the most coveted medals in action sports.
March 11-14, 2012
With celebs stomping around in haute couture, and storefronts like Prada, Moncler and Loro Piana, it’s fitting that it hosts the ski industry’s only fashion week. You can attend runway shows featuring models donning the latest mountain fashions from helmets to fur-trimmed footwear to retro ski jumpsuits — you may even spot the occasional St. Bernard – and party après-show at exclusive events. Stay at the St. Regis Aspen Resort, which recently underwent a $40 million renovation.
7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival
March 21-25, 2012
Produced by Songwriter Hall of Fame member John Oates and the Wheeler Opera House, the third annual 7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival is the nation’s most intimate musical weekend where legendary writers perform side by side with the next great generation of songwriting talent.
Featuring 13 performances, ranging from Appalachian Americana through to top Alt-Rock and Pop, this year’s festival is so big that they have added an extra day. Festival co-founder and Wheeler Opera House Executive Director Gram Slaton said, “When there’s so much great talent that wants to be part of what you’re offering, you make room.”
April 10-15, 2012
Recently named by indieWIRE as one of the world’s top-50 leading film festivals, Aspen Shortsfest is widely recognized as a premier North American showcase for short film and video. More than 80 short films, representing two-dozen countries and exploring many more, will be shown in this year’s International Competition.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival
June 22 – July 7, 2012
This festival is a ten-day event that includes four nights of headline concerts from world-class musicians like Sheryl Crow and Jennifer Hudson. Warm days and cool Colorado nights make this an amazing excuse for any music lover to take a vacation.
Have you been to Aspen? What’s your favorite activity to do while you’re visiting?
