Just Back From

What’s New in Aspen This Summer

By Elise Bronzo

Old Western meets Fifth Avenue: Aspen is the chic cultural hub of the Colorado mountain towns, and with the pandemic-driven boon for experiences in the great outdoors, there is more to see and do than ever. Aspen is beautiful year-round and provides a bite-sized, balanced getaway where active adventure, spectacular nature and world-class art and culture meet. Here are some of our favorite spots—tried and true and new.Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance planning a customized trip to Aspen and matching you to the hotels and activities that are right for you.

Don’t Miss

We were able to take a private tour of the Herbert Bayer exhibition at the Aspen Institute, and it is a must visit for culture lovers and anyone who wants to better understand the unique history of this mountain town. The show is the most comprehensive collection of his works, which were inspired by the Bauhaus movement, his travels and life in Aspen. JAS Summer Jazz Series runs Fridays and Saturdays on the rooftop of the Aspen Art Museum’s café.

Where to Stay

Hotel Jerome was our home away from home in Aspen. Its new spa, Yarrow, opened in July and offers treatments specifically curated for the hotel’s high altitude (and its highly active clientele), harnessing local plants and minerals. For a privatized chalet experience in town, the new Aspen Street Lodge is a fabulous option. And of course, we always love slopefront, celeb-favored The Little Nell and the classically alpine St. Regis Aspen. Coming Soon: Aspen Meadows Resort is being renovated by Santander, which bodes well for the Bauhaus relic and is slated for completion by March of 2023

Where to Shop

Maison Ullens for contemporary fashions, Kemo Sabe for updated Western-wear and Daniel’s Antiques. (Indagare reviews coming soon!)

Where to Eat

Classics like Cache Cache, Matsuhisa and Steakhouse 316 remain our favorites in the area. We also love the house smoked salmon at Hotel Jerome, the lunch views on a sunny day from the freshly renovated Plato’s Restaurant and we are excited to report that the Clark’s Oyster Bar group opened a new Tex-Mex restaurant called Las Montañas just last week in town, with mountain views on the second floor.

Late Night

Of course, the Caribou Club still draws crowds but there are some new options too. This summer's hot spot seems to be the reimagined speakeasy Bad Harriet, underneath the historic Aspen Times building, which is open Wednesday through Saturdays until 1 a.m. Another nod to Colorado history is speakeasy-style Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar, affectionately known as “The Hooch,” below the Meat & Cheese Restaurant & Farm Shop.

The Perfect Sunday

From our Ambassador and Aspen resident, Lisa Baker: “Hike Midnight Mine Road on the backside of Ajax on Sunday and finish with lunch and live bluegrass music at The Sundeck. Afterwards, take the gondola back down. Or take the gondola both ways.”

Joy Ride

For direct routes to Aspen, we recommend West Coast travelers fly directly into Grand Junction and East Coast travelers into Eagle County Regional Airport. Those willing to drive from Denver will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful road trips in the U.S. through Independence Pass (weather permitting). Contact Indagare for assistance booking a trip to Aspen. Our travel specialists can match you with the right hotel for you, plan great meals and activities and arrange behind-the-scenes access.