Aspen in the summer

Without a doubt, the hiking/biking trails in the mountains provide some of the most amazing overlooks in the west, as you pass through shimmering forests of Aspen trees. There really is no place quite like it.

Although I missed my chance to actually try my hand at it, the fly fishing opportunities abound and look fantastic.

Finally, if your timing is right, check out great performances during the Aspen Music Festival.

Quick Tips:

Check out the Pine Creek Cookhouse just outside of town for great food without the bustling crowds of downtown. In the winter, cross country ski or take a horse drawn sleigh ride to the restaurant.

When dining in town, it is a must to sit at the bar and get the same food on the half price "bar menu".

In the summer, if you climb Mount Aspen, get a free water and ride down on the tram.

Finally, don't forget to get an ice cream treat and hot free cookies at the local parlor downtown. Just find the crowd, and you know you will have arrived.

For the adventurous, try parachute base jumping or hot ballooning.

It is also only an amazing 20 minute drive to the continental divide as well.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking around downtown is required - parking is a premium.

Designated streets are blocked off for non-motorized traffic, which make getting around on bicycles very convenient.

You will feel the hills though, no matter how gradual they appear.

Motorized bikes are available for rent, and looked to be enjoyed by those who had them.

The bus to downtown from the airport is easy enough to save a taxi fare, which is expensive like everything else in this town.

A car ride or bus trip to the Maroon Bells or outlying area is a must if you will be there more than a weekend.

Some great ice cream and frozen yogurt. Peanut Butter/Chocolate tops my list!

Whatever you choose, do NOT forget the cookies.

You'll see lines in the evening following dinner. You won't mind though, because they hand out free sample cookies to those waiting in line, as you listen to music students from the summer festival entertain the crowd.

In Aspen, always sit at the bar and get the half price menu.

In this case, enjoy some of the largest prawns you'll ever see.

The chopped spinach salad was the best thing we had there.

For $20, you can also do the salad bar, which looked fantastic.

Great breakfasts, particularly the omlettes and french toast.

A charming country bakery setting with cookie jars lining the wall.

I preferred the seating outside though, under the beautiful Aspen sky and cute little courtyard just adjacent to the building.

Cheesepockets are a MUST with any meal there.

The BEST wild game I have ever had - and I have had a lot.

Venison tenderloins with a cheese and berry topping melted in my mouth. The salty meat/aromatic cheese/sweet berry combination was a truly unique experience. You could not buy meat as good in quality as this if you wanted to - they have an exclusive reserve.

The rainbow trout with yams is fantastic as well.

And the super friendly staff and chefs work hard to make it a memorable event as well.

Amazing!

Breathtaking view!

God's Country!

The Highest Mountaintop!

and a bit chilly and windy.

Don't bother taking the dirt foot paths to see what's around the other side of the mountain. It's a deceptively long hike and not worth it. Pass is only open during the summer.

Despite Aspen's remoteness, the quality of the opera productions during the summer music festival are world class.

You will see high caliber singers who take center stage at New York's Metropolitan Opera during the regular season. The orchestra and conducting are just as great.

The summer student program is one of the best in the country. I was fortunate to see a fine production of "Dialogue of the Carmelites" this past summer, conducted by James Conlon of Opera Paris.

The restored Wheeler Opera House is very impressive, reminiscent of the Old West's struggle to import European culture beyond the Mississippi River.

A great way to experience high culture at high elevation!