HOME OF THE RICH AND THE FAMOUS

Aspen, Colorado is the original Western ski town--the one that set the pattern for others. This prestigious Colorado mountain town boasts some of the best skiing in the world, but it's also a great place to visit in the summer. Its unique blend of history, culture, festivals, sports, food and music make it a world-class ski resort.

For those of us who aren't rich or famous (like me), it even has second-hand boutique stores where the rich and famous sell their clothes after they've worn them once or twice. It's a great place to find designer clothes at bargain prices.

One of the most fun and memorable events I've attended in this star-studded town is the ASPEN FOOD AND WINE CLASSIC. I watched cooking demonstrations by famous chefs, such as Julia Child, and I sampled gourmet food and wines.

Quick Tips:

People-watching in Aspen is a free form of entertainment. Other things in this Rocky Mountain resort that are free are concerts on the lawn, musicians on the mall, dance performances, lecture series, gallery exhibitions, and historic walking tours. Art lovers can browse through any of Aspen's 35 plus galleries, plus the esteemed Aspen Art Museum.

Best Way To Get Around:

Aspen is 180 miles or 3-1/2 hours via I-70 west to Glenwood Springs, connecting to Highway 82 East, direct to Aspen. For a ride on Colorado Mountain Express, call (800) 525-6363.

Hotel Jerome opened in 1889 in the heart of downtown Aspen at the height of Colorado''s silver boom. It was built by Jerome B. Wheeler with the intention of rivaling the grandest hotels in the world. The hotel, which continues to host the rich and famous, capitalizes on its unique history with the slogan "If you haven''t been to the Jerome, you haven''t been to Aspen."

For the lowest rates of the season, come in July and August when you can get half price rates.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this "grand old lady" is a stunning tribute to the elegance and charm of a bygone era.

Located eight miles west of Aspen, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village offers creative art classes for all ages. It also displays works by famous artisans throughout the summer.

Nationally known artists lead these workshops in crafts and visual arts.

Attending this Classic event is something I'll always remember. I got to taste and see the cooking of master chefs Julia Child, Marcella Hazan, Jacques Pepin, and Patricia Wells, plus demonstrations by cookbook authors and chefs from many famous restaurants. I think I must have gained many pounds.

This event is not just about learning new cooking techniques. It is the gathering of the "who's who" in food and wine every year. For fans of gastronomy, it's a culinary school presented in one weekend. For wine lovers, it's a chance to sample some of the world's most famous wines under the Grand Tasting Tent.

The stars of the Classic-which has been called "the largest and best small party in the country"-are great chefs and wine authorities from around the world. The attendees range from restaurant owners scouting for new entrees and additions to their wine lists to homemakers seeking new recipes for their dinner parties.

All gather together in large festive tents located in the heart of Aspen during the second weekend in June to hear the renowned chefs share their secrets and to taste and sip some of the best food and wine in the country.

Visitors to the Classic enjoy samples of food delicacies and vintage wines from many nations. Represented among the world's fair of exhibitors in the Grand Tasting Tent have been Spain, Italy, Singapore, Greece, and many other nations.

It is hosted annually by FOOD & WINE magazine. At the end of each day, participants are invited to dine out with the winemakers. The winemakers offered us a different wine with each course.

Surprisingly, Aspen has four second hand boutique and thrift shops running from the 100 block to the 400 block of S. Mill Street. This is where the rich and famous sell their discards.

Gracy's at 107 S. Mill Street is one of the first of these consignment shops in Aspen. My friends had told me to be sure and visit this shop when I went to Aspen. I did and I was surprised at the name brand clothes and accessories on display at great prices.

I didn't need any cocktail dresses, formals or furs, but I did find lots of quality sportswear at bargain prices. Be sure and walk down this consignment row if you like bargains on clothes.

Another second hand clothing shop, Susie's Limited, is at 623 E. Hopkins Ave.