Amazing Aspen Adventure

Our Local Expert Says:

Superior accommodations and service.

Description:

Located just 17 paces (yes, it's been measured) from the base terminal of the Silver Queen Gondola, the ski-in, ski-out Little Nell boasts the virtues of an intimate country inn as well as the personalized service and amenities of a grand hotel. No two guest rooms are alike, but each has a gas fireplace, Belgian-wool carpeting, down-filled lounge chairs or sofa, oversized bed with down comforter, and marble-finished bathroom with two vanities, separate shower and tub, and high-end toiletries. Some suites have separate Jacuzzi tubs and steam showers. All rooms have a view of either the town or the mountain. The hotel's signature (and dog-friendly!) Montagna restaurant serves "farmhouse cooking" by acclaimed chef Ryan Hardy in an artsy atmosphere with large windows looking toward the hotel courtyard and Aspen Mountain. Both the famed living room and the bar were designed by David Easton, an interior designer of renown. The adjoining bar offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

Description:

A morning paper and patience are essential at this breakfast nook. It is always busy and some waiting is usually involved while trying to snare a table. During ski season it is especially busy, so plan accordingly if you are in a hurry to carve fresh tracks. The breakfast menu is jammed with options ranging from crepes and waffles, to lighter fare such as fresh fruit and bowls of granola. The lunch menu features great spinach salads, hearty soups and sandwiches.

Our Local Expert Says:

Ask questions: the explanation of technical production and perfection is fascinating!

Description:

There are simply some places you would not want to experience the "you break it, you buy it" rule. Pismo Fine Art Glass is one of those places. Specializing in art glass creations, this gallery has developed a devoted following of collectors for almost 20 years. You will find everything from decorative collectibles like paperweights and vases to fine art pieces made with optical glass. It has four Colorado locations: Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek and Denver.

Description:

Take a journey way down memory lane at this gallery. This is one of the largest exhibitors of vintage posters and lithography, with most of the collection dating from the 1880s to the 1940s. Work from French favorite, Henri Toulouse-Latrec, adorns the walls. You will also find pieces from the ever-popular Jules Cheret. It is a great place to wander about and explore the visual history of poster advertising. Collectors can easily spend thousands of dollars on one piece.

Description:

This restaurant's French cuisine is so authentic that rumor has it some customers leave asking directions to the Louvre. The menu emphasizes light fare, a rarity for most French restaurants, and includes a nice mix of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, including the Grilled Polenta. Its salads are creative and feature such "hmm-this-is-certainly-different" type selections like Roasted Duck mixed with Spring Greens. The interior has an elegant feel. If visiting in the summer definitely opt for its outdoor patio. This is a local favorite and reservations are urged.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lots of fabulous art pieces to admire, even if you aren’t in the market to buy.

Description:

Art goes hand in hand with the elegant lifestyle associated with Aspen. The small but refined gallery has a global array of paintings and other art pieces available, with a focus on contemporary artisans from Europe, Asia, Russia, Cuba and more. Those seriously looking to purchase will find rare originals as well as prints of famous artists new and old. Highlights include thought provoking works from the avant-garde and post-impressionism eras.

Description:

This restaurant is so Italian that one almost feels compelled to furnish a passport just to enter. It is a refreshing change to step into an Italian restaurant that does not consider a red-and-white checkered tablecloth as a decorative mandate. Instead, the dining area exudes a Tuscan charm with muted pastel stucco walls, designer Italian chairs and lights that resemble illuminated wasps nests. It offers the only carpaccio bar in town which features mouth treats like smoked buffalo, seared ahi and Beluga caviar. The main menu taunts the tongue with authentic dishes such as the Breaded Veal Cutlet and the Roasted Cornish Hen. All pasta and focaccia bread are made fresh daily.

Our Local Expert Says:

Superior accommodations and service.

Description:

Located just 17 paces (yes, it's been measured) from the base terminal of the Silver Queen Gondola, the ski-in, ski-out Little Nell boasts the virtues of an intimate country inn as well as the personalized service and amenities of a grand hotel. No two guest rooms are alike, but each has a gas fireplace, Belgian-wool carpeting, down-filled lounge chairs or sofa, oversized bed with down comforter, and marble-finished bathroom with two vanities, separate shower and tub, and high-end toiletries. Some suites have separate Jacuzzi tubs and steam showers. All rooms have a view of either the town or the mountain. The hotel's signature (and dog-friendly!) Montagna restaurant serves "farmhouse cooking" by acclaimed chef Ryan Hardy in an artsy atmosphere with large windows looking toward the hotel courtyard and Aspen Mountain. Both the famed living room and the bar were designed by David Easton, an interior designer of renown. The adjoining bar offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

Description:

This unique bistro, which is located in a converted Victorian home, allows you to sip latte with Dosteovsky, nibble on salad with Whitman, and enjoy dessert with Conrad. Twelve tables share a cramped, yet deceptively cozy space in three separate rooms with the word-filled shelves of Explore Books. Outdoor rooftop seating, when available, provides outstanding views of Aspen Mountain. The menu, which is ever-changing, has a definite organic bent. Its quesadilla, for instance, features baby spinach and melted soy, and the Ranchero Burrito comes packed with tofu on a whole wheat tortilla. Specialty items include Pumpkin Gnocchi and Pad Thai.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bring your A-game to Aspen Mountain—the whole town will be watching as you rip down the slopes.

Description:

Aspen Mountain is truly a local mountain--several runs end right on the streets of downtown Aspen. A modest 8 lifts service 76 trails and most of the terrain is geared towards strong intermediate and expert skiers and riders. Three restaurants are directly on the mountain so you don't have to slow down to curb your hunger. Those who want to showcase their skills are advised to challenge the Little Nell run, whose terminus is directly in downtown Aspen. If you impress the locals, take a bow and get back on the mountain!

Description:

Rocky Mountain Artisan cuisine is a specialty of the Montagna in the Little Nell. Serving traditional American breakfast, including cereals, omelets and pastries, juices, soups, salads, assortments of vegetables and meats are available, giving you plenty to choose from. And don't forget the exotic French, Swiss, Dutch and Italian cheeses and desserts after your meals or the wines from the large selection. You can choose from the Master Sommelier Richard Bett's private cellar consisting of over 20,000 wine bottles.

Description:

For any first time visitor who wants to experience the glitz and glamour of Aspen, this is the spot. For two years in a row it has been voted as Aspen's "best place to see and be seen". The interior somehow manages to blend cozy with contemporary in a minimalist manner. If you need culinary direction, opt for one of its signature dishes such as the Bamboo Salmon or the Ruby Red Trout. Sushi lovers can choose from over 30 items. The sake list, the largest in the mountains, offers 12 varieties. Reservations are strongly recommended.