Help! Going to Aspen in early May. Can anyone recommend: sights/things to do (drives, parks, activities), good lunch places, and good fine dining dinner spots (the Little Nell is closed that week--ouch!). Other suggestions welcome; thanks!

Hmm. Early May is the off season in the mountain resort towns; you'll probably find that more than just the Little Nell is closed.

I'm not as familiar with Aspen as I am Summit County, but you may be able to visit Maroon Bells (drive/walk), depending on the elevation. If you get too high up, there will still be snow, so I'm not sure what other hiking you could do.

Glenwood Canyon, I-70 between Glenwood Springs and Vail, is beautiful. Independence Pass will probably still be closed. You could go to the hot springs in Glenwood Springs.

I second Glenwood Hot Springs. Depending on the snow conditions, you might visit Ashcroft, a preserved ghost town, not far from Aspen. And take a drive up the roads on the north side of Hwy 82 overlooking the town of Aspen and facing Aspen Mountain. There are some great views.

I thought of another place to visit if the snow is melted (doubtful in early May). It's called the Grottos. Take Highway 82 8-9 miles east (towards Independance Pass) .4 miles past 50 mile marker. It's hard to see from the road. Turn right on an unpaved road to the parking lot. From here, there is a little trail that leads to a waterfall. Follow the river. There is supposed to be ice caves there, but I didn't find them.

I live in Carbondale, Co, about 30 miles 'downvalley' from Aspen (to the west). Indeed, May is off (mud) season. We seem to be having an early spring, tho, and May is normally beautiful. As far as restaurants... The Red Onion, Little Annie's, and the Hickory House are the local's lunch standards. Fine dining in May? I don't know what will be open, but with the number of restaurants here, there are bound to be a number available. Sorry I can't help specifically there...
As for Glenwood Springs (42 miles to the west) the pool is a must! Huge, hot springs and cold water pool, with vapor caves (also a must) and spa (massages, herbals, etc) adjacent. For dinner in Glenwood I must mention the Bayou restaurant. Good Cajun food with a fun atmosphere. Most decidely INFORMAL. On the return trip to Aspen, on hwy 82 outside of Glenwood, the Sopris restaurant has long been a local's favorite for evening dining.
For a day's drive - off of west-bound hwy 82 turn left at Carbondale, heading up CO hwy 133 to the village of Redstone. One of my favorite drives in the state. Stunning scenery. (The Glenwood Canyon is also stunning, but stressed by being on the interstate.) Redsone is well worth a day's trip, with lunch at the Redsone Hotel, and a tour of the Redstone Castle (if open for tours). Many shops may be closed, but worth the views alone. Take the time to srive to the top of McClure Pass (about 10 miles more). Breathtaking!!! Do NOT forget the camera! If I had one day in the Aspen area, this would be my hands-down choice...
Let me know (via e-mail) if I may be of greater service.
And welcone to our valley...