Destination: Aspen

ASPEN - Yes, it has a reputation as a renowned skiing and snowboarding hot spot, but when the snow melts and the grass turns vibrant green, a different Aspen emerges.

Now it’s the outdoor adventurers, food enthusiasts, musicians and writers who come to town. The weekend when the town plays host to the Food & Wine Classic, the granddaddy of all food festivals, we found that there’s plenty of good eating, hiking and fun shopping to be had.

There are two ways to get to Aspen from Colorado Springs: Independence Pass or curling through Denver and Glenwood Springs.

Independence Pass is by far the fastest way. You will travel 157 miles and reach Aspen in about 3 hours, 15 minutes. If you select this route, plan a lunch break in Buena Vista at Casa Del Sol, 303 U.S. Highway 24. You’ll get a reasonably priced Mexican meal.

The other route to Aspen is 266 miles from Colorado Springs and takes about 4 hours, 40 minutes.

Either way you travel, once you get to Aspen you’ll be delighted with the many and varied activities that can be enjoyed. Here’s a look at a few of the upcoming events, where to stay and where to dine.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Aspen Music Festival and School has dozens of free or nearly free arts events happening through Aug. 22. Whether your taste runs to opera or orchestras, you’ll find the concert or show you’re looking for. For reviews from the festival, see an upcoming edition of GO! Visit aspenmusicfestival.com.

• At the Aspen Institute, there’s an impressive list of speakers and artists coming for public events. Visit
aspeninstitute.org for the lineup.

• Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival, Sept. 3 to 5, is where some of the best American and internationally acclaimed musicians gather to entertain. Visit jazzaspen.org.

• Aspen Filmfest, Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, will satisfy filmmakers and film-lovers alike with an emphasis on independent productions from around the world. Visit aspenfilm.org.

• Aspen’s Saturday Market, on downtown streets Saturdays until October, is the ultimate farmers market.

HIKING AND BIKING

• Hunter Creek Trail is a day hike for beginner to intermediate trekkers.

• Sunnyside Trail is a great spot from which to see Aspen valley views.

• Ute Trail is a more strenuous hike because of its switchbacks, but worthwhile for the views from the summit. Maps of local trails are available at Ute Mountaineer (information below).

• Bike the Rio Grande Trail from town to Woody Creek Tavern, a former hangout of the late Hunter S. Thompson, for lunch. It is famous for its margaritas and massive plates of nachos. Take cash, credit cards are not accepted. You can take the bus back, so you don’t have the 9-mile uphill ride to town.

SHOPPING

• Susie’s Limited, 623 E. Hopkins Ave. A cute shop housed in an old Victorian in the downtown core. You’ll find gently used purses, designer jeans or the perfect summer dress.

• The Ute Mountaineer, 308 S. Mill St. Anything you need for hiking (maps, shoes, camping stuff and cool clothes). Visit utemountaineer.com.

LODGING

• The Limelight Lodge, 355 S. Monarch St. Great value, fantastic location, service, rooms, views. Visit limelightlodge.com. Call 1-970-925-3025.

• Aspen Meadows, 845 Meadows Road. Another good choice. Visit aspenmeadows.com. Call 1-866-460-1533.

• Mountain Chalet, 333 E. Durant Ave. Comfortable and affordable. Call 1-970-925-7797 or visit
mountainchaletaspen.com.

• St. Regis, 315 E. Dean St. Expect to pay more than $600 a night if you don’t hit a special, but if you’re looking to impress, you won’t find a grander hotel in Colorado. Visit stregisaspen.com. Call 1-866-716-8135.

FOOD

• Specialty Foods of Aspen, 601 E. Hopkins Ave. Picnic and party provisions, and wine. The Cheese Shop, a hidden gem, is attached to the main store. It’s a great place to get the best bang for your buck on panini (there’s a lunch menu). There are also a hundred fine cheeses available. Visit
specialtyfoodsofaspen.com.

DINING

• 520 Grill, 520 E. Cooper Ave., a burger joint in the style of a roadside diner, serving excellent burgers, sandwiches and salads. Expect to stand in line, but it’s worth the wait.

• Parallel 15, 400 E. Hyman Ave. Coffee and pastries.

• Jimmy’s American Restaurant & Bar, 205 S. Mill St. A consistent crowd-pleaser with a sophisticated, “everybody knows your name” atmosphere and a traditional American surf-and-turf menu, features more than 70 varieties of tequila and mezcal and a lively bar scene; named one of the best places for a margarita by USA Today. Call 1-970-925-6020.

• Kenichi, 533 E. Hopkins Ave. This popular sushi den is constantly abuzz; talented chefs bring global tastes to the extensive sushi menu. Call 1-970-920-2212.

• Montagna in The Little Nell hotel, 675 E. Durant Ave. Executive chef Ryan Hardy features farm-fresh cuisine on his three-course, prix fixe menu designed around the freshest and most intriguing, and locally grown and harvested, ingredients. The 20,000-bottle wine cellar has consistently earned Montagna the Wine Spectator Grand Award in recognition of the restaurant’s deep passion for wine. Call 1-970-920-4600 or visit thelittlenell.com.