My husband really wants to see aspen, but neither of us are skiers. I was thinking maybe we would go at the end of August to see the town. I'm wondering what it's like there in the summer. Although i would love to see what it is like in the winter, I figure why pay high season rates when we don't ski. We really are all about relaxing, enjoying a beach or pool and good food.

Would love thoughts and opinions. TIA

I don't know if you would be interested in going as late in the year as we did, last week of Sept and first week of October; but it was great. We got fantastic rates at the hotel, had beautiful weather for hiking (Maroon Bells is a must see) and specials at all the restaurants. It was a terrific trip and I highly recommend it.

I love Colorado in the summer. There are so many outdoor activities available - kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cattle drive for a day, canoeing...the list goes on and on. Or, enjoying reading a book on a deck with the beautiful mountains in view and a stream nearby doesn't hurt either.

I think it's a great idea to take advantage of the discounted rates the hotels offer in summer/fall.

Have lunch at the Jerome Hotel.

Our first trip to CO was in the summer. We did a tour of three ski resorts, Vail, Telluride and Aspen. We loved Aspen in the summer - it is just beautiful! The town is an old mining village and it sits at the base of the mountain. Biking, white water rafting and hiking are all great activities. The restaurants are outstanding, too! There are also wine/food and music festivals in the summer. A benefit to visiting in the summer is that you can drive over the pass (Independence?) to get there. I would highly recommend a summer visit. We've since returned to ski but we had just as much fun in the summer.

BTW, emcash - have you gone to Nantucket yet for your summer visit? I hear that Dune is also good this year. The chef from American Seasons is now in charge. We plan to eat there in a couple of weeks.

Although there aren't any beaches (it's the Rockies, you know), Aspen is totally worth visiting in August... great time of year actually! Taking the bus to Maroon Bells and hiking through the wildflowers was one of the highlights of the 20 years I've lived in Colorado. It's one of the most photographed vistas in the state for good reason!

The town is lovely, small and walkable, and friendly. Great restaurants and bars abound. A good place to stay right in the center of things is the Aspen Mountain Chalet which does have a pool and is very economical considering its location. If you're into funky bars, take a short trip to Woody Creek Tavern, the favorite watering hole of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. Also drive up to the top or over Independence Pass and visit the ghost town of Independence on the way - spectacular scenery! Aspen is just a beautiful spot in a state of beautiful spots. No need to come in the winter, the summer will do just fine!

I realize there are no beaches in Aspen LOL, i was just giving an example of what we like to do. After I hit "post" i realized someone migth think i meant in CO. Thank you all for your suggestions.

marie F- we did- we were there in July. I havent written my TR yet (nor for our May trip to sandy lane in barbadoes!so far behind) But Dune was exceptional this yr. we went for cocktails one night and lunch on day and it was outstanding. Pearl was fantastic as well. We had a bit of disappointment in our dinners at Galley and the Boarding House. I will try to write a TR soon, but let me know if I can answer any questions.

I prefer mountain resorts in the summer over the winter as well. You get great rates and better weather and best of all: no crowds...

Just do it!!!

We just returned from Aspen and Rocky Mtn National Park for a week. Fabulous restaurants, majestic views, friendly people. You can always find a free concert, take gondola ride , hike Maroon Bells or anywhere (there are a ton of trails), bring hiking shoes and beware...the altitude is high! You can easily get out of breadth. Drove from Denver to Vail and had lunch. 2 hours to Aspen from there. Stayed at Sky Hotel. So,so value. There are others to choose from. Must have oatmeal pancakes at Poppycocks. Great art galleries and fun shops. Weather gorgeous. Have fun

Did a day in Aspen. Do go early to Maroon Bells. A bus takes you for $6. Take hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, water & lunch. You can spend a beautiful day there. We also visited the John Denver memorial there which was very nice.