Greetings from awesome Aspen
 

I always recommend Aspen to Fodorites who wonder where to visit in Colorado. We are there now, and have been here many times over the years. We love the vibe here. It is much different than Vail (blech), as it is wide open country with amazing vistas.

People assume it is full of glitterati, because some Hollywood types have residences here. But we never see them. Instead, Aspen has a relaxed, laidback feel to it. You don't need to 'dress for dinner', unless you want to. I don't.

We are staying at the condo/hotel Aspen Square, right at the gondola. It's a great place. If you are reserving here, be aware that the view condos also have a busy street below them, with frequent buses going by. You definitely do not want a condo at street level. There are others which face the inner courtyard with pool. Just depends on your preferences. We have the view.

Favorite restaurants:
1. L'Hosteria
2. Wild Fig
3. Pyramid.

If you look at their menus, they aren't cheap, but are moderate for Aspen (or most other high-end resorts).

Just thought I'd post to recommend Aspen and those restaurants.

Today is our last full day of our 6 night visit.

<<<You don't need to 'dress for dinner', unless you want to. I don't.>>>

I've only been there once. I remember eating at Jimmy's (which we loved). Some people were wearing ski clothes (actual "I just got off the mountain" clothes), some were wearing winter clothes (jeans, sweaters and boots) and some were wearing dress-up clothes (little black dresses, diamonds and furs). And nobody cared what anyone else was wearing!!

Exactly, sf! We haven't been to Jimmy's this visit, but we do have tonight!

I do love Aspen as well and this is such a great time of year to visit! The best hike I ever took anywhere in Colorado was at Maroon Bells about 10 years ago, which is a short drive by bus from Aspen. You will find the most photographed vista of jagged peaks reflected in a lake and you'll recognize it immediately! In August, the wildflowers are at their peak and what a display of so many varieties! The walk was just a few miles through fields and forests with a babbling brook to keep us entertained. One particular kind of tall flower attracted hummingbirds swarms as thick as flies... such a sight! So many exquisite views everywhere you look here. It's a must see destination for all nature and luxury lovers alike!

"You will find the most photographed vista of jagged peaks reflected in a lake". I have that same photo at home, that I took several years ago! We love the Maroon Bells, too.

The potted flowers all over town are huge. I am always impressed how well annuals do at altitude. Beautiful.

There is so much to do around Aspen, you can never be bored. We love it.

(Don't tell anyone else how fabulous Aspen is. Shhhhhh. Haha.)

Wen is the best time of year to hike the Maroon Bells? (We hiked in Lake Tahoe today, and I mentioned this thread to my DH - got us thinking about a Colorado trip).

I'd say anytime from Mid-July through October. Being there when the aspen are turning would be especially nice.

This trip was really a nice time to visit, with the flowers blooming in town, and the green hillsides. I don't think you can go wrong in Aspen anytime. It is a special place IMHO

Others like fmpden and tekwriter might know more specifically.

We drove over Independence Pass today. Gorgeous. Sometimes terrifying.

Love Aspen! we were just there a few weeks ago and it was great. Such good food and wonderful hikes. The Maroon bells hike to crater Lake was fabulous. We had perfect weather in the high 70's. We liked L'Hosteria so much we ate there twice.

I think we would have returned to L'Hosteria, too, if we'd had the time.
We ate twice at Wild Fig, but it can be inconsistent: one night great, one night just ok.

I forgot to mention that we also like Mezzaluna.

And the Hotel Jerome restaurants.

Re: great condo-hotel in Aspen, we especially like The Gant. Not smack in the middle of town, but a pleasant short walk. What we prefer about The Gant, is that they have three price levels, depending on the condition of the condo. At Aspen Square, the three times we've stayed there, the condos cost the same but have extreme variation in style & newness. Always specify to Aspen Square that you want a newly-renovated condo. (And read my advice above, about condo's positions.)

Also love the Gant, esp. If you can get a deal! Don't forget to explore the Grottos on Independence Pass.

We just left this week before Food & Wine (usually go over the 4th). Restaurants were gearing up for their A-game with the F&W crowd. We had 2 great dinners at Wild Fig , Casa Tua (my favorite) and our big surprise was at Grey Lady -- their mussels were some of the best we've ever had anywhere. Great service, too. Tried Rustica for the first time -- very good and prices more reasonable than other Aspen restaurants that we dine. Wine list was excellent with reasonable pricing for Aspen.

Biggest disappointment was what used to be Brexi and now The Monarch. Pass pass pass. We ate there twice. First night it was ok and great service. The second dinner was not good and the new manager made it worse. He should not be in restaurant hospitality as he lacked the whole hospitality part of his job. What a jerk. Pass on that place. Too many others to choose from.

Grottos are beautiful and the water was running high when we were there. Will be back in a month!