Why These Five Unlikely Spots Should Be On Your Summer-Vacay Short List

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a gorgeous and glamorous destination in the Rocky Mountains that, contrary to popular belief, draws more tourists during the summer than it does in the winter. The go-to phrase of Aspen locals is "you come for the winter and stay for the summer," and you'll find out why as soon as you land and spot the lush foliage and stunning scenery. But it isn't only nature that puts on a show during an Aspen summer: There are the summer-long Aspen Music Festival & School classical concerts, Jazz Aspen's Labor Day Festival featuring headliners Hall & Oates and Maroon 5, Aspen Institute symposiums, Aspen Art Museum and Anderson Ranch Arts Center events and lectures and much, much more, meaning the summer is packed with endless ways to be culturally enriched.

And when your mind is in tip-top shape, get your body in tune too with incredible hikes, mountain biking (take the lift up Snowmass with your bike if you can’t stand the climb), road biking (the grueling trek to Maroon Bells is particularly popular for its scenic payoff at the end), kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and even paddleboarding at Stillwater, just outside of town toward Independence Pass.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make sure to grab a seat on one of the many outdoor patios. Order a spicy marg and a crab cake at Bodega, enjoy the truffle fries at Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain, try the escargot at Cache Cache, indulge in pasta and pizza at Aquolina and don’t miss the bar burger served with a view of Aspen Mountain at the world-renowned The Little Nell hotel.

@aspenco