Aspen, CO

We visited Aspen in early October - it was beautiful. The weather was mild (30s - 60s) and the leaves were changing, and it's before much of the town shuts down for off season.

Travel

We flew into Denver airport and rented a car to drive to Aspen. The drive took about 3 hours, but took us through the scenic Independence Pass. While in Aspen, the rental car was not needed.

Accommodations

The Little Nell 675 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611

Booked through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. We received an upgrade to a mountainside suite and breakfast credit at Element 47. Everything was great, we experienced impeccable service from recognizing our anniversary weekend with amenities and handwritten notes to the to the complimentary mini bar and 7am newspaper delivery.

Activities

Bike the Rio Grande Trail

Rented an e-bike for a morning ride and found the Rio Grande Trail that goes for 42 miles. Beautiful ride along the river where locals and tourists alike enjoy the beautiful fall weather. About 10 miles in, you will roll up on Woody Creek Tavern, where it was suggested to enjoy a cold beer.

Bike ride from Aspen to Maroon Bells

We rented e-bikes from Aspen Bikes for a half day. Follow a nice bikeway out of the city of Aspen that leads directly to Maroon Bells. If the weather is chilly, be sure to dress in layers - it's chilly in the morning, then as the sun comes up mid-morning it becomes very comfortable. The 23-mile round trip took us about 2.5 hours.

Shopping

Aspen is well known for it's high-end shopping. From Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada to regional specialty stores like Kemo Sabe, New West Knife Works and Pitkin County Dry Goods, there are plenty of spots to upgrade your closet. We spent several occasions walking in and out of the stores in downtown Aspen.

Dining

Clarks Oyster Bar 517 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611

A well-known Aspen establishment and spot for celebrity sightings. We went here for lunch; the atmosphere was busy and casual, and the food was great. Menu highlights include the oysters with freshly shaved horseradish, the BLT and the black angus burger with shoestring fries.

Bosq 312 S Mill St, Aspen, CO 81611

This restaurant has just received a Michelin star. The menu is tasting style, we did the 4-course and 5-course tastings and received several additional courses courtesy of the Chef. Menu highlights include the smoked trout roe cracker, Colorado elk loin and roasted duck.

Matisuhisa 303 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611

An Aspen hotspot, we dined in the downstairs section as the upper part was under renovation. This Japanese restaurant had an underwhelming atmosphere, but great service and food. Menu highlights include miso soup with clams, shishito peppers, miso black cod and balsamic teriyaki seabass.