Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

The Scene: You'll see it all in Aspen: Hollywood celebs in cowboy boots elbowed up to the J-Bar, glamorous wives of Saudi royalty shopping for $500 jeans, and tanned European ski instructors leading parades of children down the slopes. But don't let the surreal flash keep you from enjoying the warmth and sincerity of the town; for all the glitz, Aspen is still full of fascinating and friendly locals.

Historic Hotels: Along with such luxurious properties as the St. Regis Resort in Aspen and the hip Sky Hotel, there are plenty of other, more-sentimental lodging choices in the valley. Thanks to moneyed preservationists the Roaring Fork Valley is home to several of Colorado's finest historic hotels including the Victorian Hotel Jerome in Aspen, the Medici-inspired Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, and the elegant Redstone Inn in Redstone.

The Maroon Bells: If you're looking for postcard Colorado, you'll find it in the 14,000-foot Maroon Bell peaks. Visit on a quiet autumn morning when the aspen are turning and the steep-faced pyramid peaks reflect a dusting of snow in Maroon Lake, and don't be surprised if you hum a John Denver tune.

Fine Fare: From Matsuhisa sushi to lobster strudel, Aspen, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs have just about any dish you can imagine due to the world-class chefs drawn to the region's blizzard of tourist dollars. It's possible to dine like a king (and pay a king's ransom), but there are also tasty and affordable options to be found.

Hot Springs: You'll find modern spas galore in Aspen, but the authentic and natural treat can be found down valley at Glenwood Springs where the 90°F mineral-water pool has been a therapeutic retreat since the Ute Indians knew it as Yampah or "healing waters."