An Aspen Insider's Guide

By Brooke Ely Danielson

What does it mean to be an insider, exactly? Well, in Aspen it means you’re a local; or a pseudo local at the very least. Perhaps you live here full time, grew up in the valley or own a  second home here––there are surely more than enough experts and opinion driven itineraries to keep your Aspen schedule packed.

Aspen is magical and culturally dense; there is something for everyone. People come from all parts of the world and you never know who you are going to meet.

Morning Coffee and Tea

Bear Den:

A trendy coffee shop featuring a heart menu and fresh baked pastries, you have to try the cinnamon rolls. Order a latte and cinnamon roll, and enjoy outside in the sun at one of their many outdoor tables. Not feeling the caffeine jolt? Make this your afternoon cocktail spot. They have a full bar and delicious snacks. 

Gorsuch Cafe:

From flat whites to delicious Mexican Hot Chocolate, it’s steps from the Gondola and ideal for people watching. You can always catch the old Stein (Erickson) crew getting coffee in the mornings.

Local Coffee house:

A “local” favorite. Be sure to order a latte and some of their healthy breakfast options, like avocado toast or fresh bread.

Lunch

Meat and Cheese:

Grab a salad or tacos from Meat and Cheese. Insider tip, if you have the day off grab a cocktail to go. The margaritas are divine. 

Dinner

Betula is a favorite. The music is great, the food excellent and the cocktails fun, fresh and full-bodied.
Want to sip craft cocktails and eat next-level food? Check out 7908, designed by me, for a night out. 

Activities

Hike Smuggler:

A steady incline for just a few miles. The view at the outlook is worth the booty burn. Careful in the late winter / early spring months as the road can be muddy or still packed with snow. 

Ski Aspen:

Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, has steeper, more fun terrain. Pop by Bonnies for a cocktail and strudel while hanging on the deck in the sun on a Spring Day. You can easily Après from there at Dante or Ajax tavern. 

Bike:

Ride or Walk to Woody Creek is a summer activity favorite. It’s just shy of 8 miles and not too rigorous. Ease your peddling and rent an e-bike from any of the local bike shops. 

Art Hop

The Aspen Art Museum:

The Aspen Art Museum is a must-visit. With rotating shows from world-renowned artists, this small but mighty museum is the perfect stopoff to fuel your creative palette. Pop upstairs to the cafe for their “famous” matcha latte. 

Skye Gallery:

Featuring emerging, and established artists, the Skye Gallery is a contemporary art lover’s dream. 

Pitkin Projects:

The lifestyle store Aspen has long needed. This pop-up shop offers up art, linens, candles, jewelry and sculpture from around the world. It’s a love letter to artisans near and far, as well as a decorators dream. Well curated and smartly executed, this shop should be at the top of your Aspen shopping list.