Breckenridge or Aspen for September long weekend?
 

Surprising my wife with a trip to Colorado for next September anniversary. I plan on staying 3 nights in Vail but need 3 nights before we get there. I don’t mind driving.

I was looking at Breck or Aspen and this is our first time in Colorado. Breck seems to have the high altitude which sounds cool but also know there is a lot of hipe over Aspen. Since its September, we would like to (or she would like to) shop and stroll streets and have fine dining options and maybe a little hiking too.

Can anyone advise on a romantic weekend between these 2 locations?
Thanks so much in advance!
johnb

Well, she will have all the shopping she can handle at Vail. Aspen also, but with some nice side trips to Maroon Bells, or a soak in the pools in Glenwood.
Shopping at Breckenridge is nearby with the Silverthorne outlet shops.

Both Aspen and Breckenridge would be beautiful in September. Breckenridge has a few good restaurants and there are a lot of t shirt and souvenier-type shops but, IMO, Aspen has better restaurants and shopping (more high end than Breck).

Aspen also has a nice downtown pedestrian mall. Here's a link to an article about it. http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20...EKLY/110729832

Here's another link that will give you ideas about shopping, dining and hiking in Aspen.

It is about a two hour drive from Aspen to Vail (via highway 82 and I-70)

I love both, but for shopping and eating (both quantity and quality) I'd choose Aspen. GREAT eating (Breck is OK, but nothing memorable).

If I had to choose between the two I would choose Aspen. While both would offer nice fall scenery Aspen, I feel, takes the upper hand. It's absolutely gorgeous, many great restaurants, no need for a car as most is in the main town and pedestrian area. Plus, Aspen has a very nice bus system that is used by all. And, it's free but the driver appreciates a tip here and there. Bring extra money as there are many nice boutiques that will cause your cash to disappear!