12 Days of Aspen

Cultural Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

Celebrate the last 12 days of December during 12 Days of Aspen. Each day, enjoy fun, free, and family-friendly activities. 12 Days of Aspen activities include performances by carolers, photo ops with Santa, holiday crafts, film screenings, live music, cookie decorating, storytime for kids, and more. On New Year’s Eve, check out the torchlight parade and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the base of Aspen Mountain.

Acquolina Trattoria

Italian Aspen Central Core

For a sumptuous, authentic Roman style dining experience in the heart of Aspen, come to Acquolina Trattoria & Pizzeria. The mouthwatering pastas and entrees, fresh salads and gourmet appetizers are morsels to be savored. The pizzas baked in the special domed oven are thin, crispy and wonderful. The ambience is open and welcoming, with classic black and white photos of 1950s movie stars adorning the walls. Whether eating lunch or dinner at the designer bar or in the dining room, Acquolina is a delicious Italian indulgence.

Aspen Art Gallery

Cultural Aspen Central Core

The Aspen Art Gallery is located in downtown Aspen, CO, and showcases the work of artists who use varied media to create their art. On display at the Aspen Art Gallery are landscapes, abstract artworks, and mixed media pieces. Visit the Aspen Art Gallery in the heart of downtown Aspen for a unique cultural experience in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Aspen Grove Fine Art

Cultural Aspen Central Core

Aspen Grove Fine Art has been exhibiting high quality artworks in Aspen, CO for over 35 years. Known for cultivating relationships with local and international art collectors as well as art enthusiasts, Aspen Grove Fine Art is the Aspen art gallery to visit when considering purchasing a piece of art.

Aspen Saturday Farmers Market

Family Friendly Outdoor Aspen Central Core

Founded in 1998, the Aspen Saturday Marketing (also known as the Aspen Farmers Market) is in downtown Aspen every Saturday from June to October. Join locals for a Saturday tradition of strolling through the market and stopping along the way to shop. Stands at the market sell Colorado-grown organic fruits and veggies, artwork, wine, cheese, honey, preserves, flowers, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, gifts, home decor, and more. The Aspen Saturday Marketing is family friendly with live music and a food court. 

June 20th through October 3rd.

Image: Aspen Chamber

Aspen Shakti Yoga

Aspen Central Core

Aspen Shakti is where Aspen locals and visitors go to do yoga and meditate. Located in downtown Aspen, Aspen Shakti offers classes for all levels. They’re known for their unique class offerings, including “Thug Yoga”, outdoor classes at the top of Aspen Mountain, and yoga sessions with live DJs.

Aspen Tap Room

Nightlife Pub Aspen Central Core

Discover the unique flavors of craft beer made at 8,000 feet at the Aspen Brewing Company. At the Aspen Tap Room downtown, sample the local microbrewery’s year round and seasonal offerings. You can also purchase your favorite brews in bottles, cans, or growlers to enjoy later.

Baldwin Gallery

Cultural Aspen Central Core

The Baldwin Gallery is an art gallery located in the heart of downtown Aspen, Colorado. The Baldwin Gallery represents artists like Will Cotton, Eric Fischl, Robert Mapplethorpe, Mariyln Minter, Tom Sachs, and James Turrell. Past Exhibitions at the Baldwin have included Gilbert & George: Urethra Postcard Pictures in January 2012, Robert Mapplethorpe: Horses in July 2010, and Eric Fischl: Beach Scenes: New Work in March 2009. 

Bootsy Bellows Aspen

American Asian Italian Nightlife Aspen Central Core

Glide into the '60s art deco scene and enjoy sushi, pasta and steak at Bootsy Bellows, located 308 E Hopkins. With comfortable booths, a new sports bar lounge and late night music and eats, Bootsy Bellows is the place to sit back, relax and enjoy the finer things in life.

Brunelleschi’s

Family Friendly Nightlife Pizza Aspen Central Core

Brunelleschi's serves up gourmet pizza in a casual dining environment. An Aspen restaurant located along restaurant row, Brunelleschi's is the perfect place to enjoy a family dinner. Start off the meal with a plate of delicious bruschetta. For lunch, try the classic Brunelleschi's Italian Panini, and for dinner, the Ajax Pizza is simply delectable. Head over to Brunelleschi's for some of the best gourmet pizza in Aspen.

Butcher’s Block Deli

Aspen Central Core

The Butcher's Block Deli is a gourmet grocer and sandwich shop located in the heart of downtown Aspen. The Butcher's Block sells fine meats and cheeses, seafood, sandwiches, prepared foods, and gourmet specialty food items. Stop by for lunch and try one of their delicious, made-to-order sandwiches with fresh ingredients from their deli. The Butcher's Block is the perfect place in Aspen to find ingredients for a fancy and delectable home-cooked meal. 

Campo de Fiori

Italian Nightlife Aspen Central Core

Located along what is termed downtown Aspen's Restaurant Row on Hopkins, Campo de Fiori is an Italian restaurant in the heart of Aspen's dining scene and bustling nightlife. With its downtown location, beautifully decorated interior reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, and on top of it all, the delicious and authentic Italian cuisine, Campo de Fiori is the Aspen restaurant to visit for an outstanding fine dining experience.

Casa Tua

Family Friendly Italian Nightlife Aspen Central Core

Casa Tua, located in the heart of downtown Aspen along the Cooper Avenue walking mall, truly lives up to its name, which in Italian means “your home”. The Italian restaurant creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, which is best exemplified by its Friends' Table, an enormous community dining table seating up to 24 guests. The beautifully designed interiors and tasteful artwork enhance the dining experience. Dine at Casa Tua for the community atmosphere and their delicious Northern Italian cuisine.

Chefs Club

Aspen Central Core

Time Magazine named Chefs Club Aspen one of the 100 Best Restaurants in the US. Chefs Club Aspen has a unique concept of rotating chefs, what they call “chefs-in-residence”, through their Chefs Club Residency Program. Each chef-in-residence spends a few months at Chefs Club Aspen, all the while sharing their inspired creations with guests. Dine at Chefs Club Aspen in the summer and winter and you can always expect a fresh slate of dishes as a new chef takes the helm every few months.

Creperie du Village

Family Friendly French Vegetarian Aspen Central Core

To be steeped in exquisite French food, décor and culture, saunter down the stairs to Creperie du Village at 400 E Hopkins for an experience like no other. The cozy bistro serves up the best cheese fondue in Aspen, along with to-die-for French Onion Soup, delicious charcuterie boards and savory and sweet crepes. The staff is friendly and welcoming and the wine selection is a decadent pleasure.

Element 47

American Nightlife Aspen Central Core

Formerly known as Montagna, Element 47 located inside of The Little Nell, is a fine dining restaurant focused on serving seasonal and fresh ingredients combined into marvels of culinary creation under the creative genius of Chef Robert McCormick. Featuring a sleek and modern dining room with clean lines and a unique piece of art referencing The Little Nell's award-winning wine list, Element 47 serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with five-star, five-diamond service. Take a seat at the bar to enjoy an ice cold glass of a Colorado microbrew or make reservations for what should be a truly unforgettable and luxurious dining experience.

Four Mountain Sports

Outdoor Ski Rental Aspen Aspen Highlands Buttermilk / Tiehack Central Core Snowmass Village Base Village Slopeside Mall Two Creeks

For bike rentals, ski and snowboard equipment rentals, outdoor apparel, and Aspen Snowmass gear, visit local retailer Four Mountain Sports. This outdoor gear company rents and sells high quality equipment for all kinds of activities. Plus, Four Mountain Sports has nine locations throughout Aspen and Snowmass, so no matter where you happen to be, you most likely will be able to find a shop. During your next vacation in Aspen and Snowmass, check out Four Mountain Sports for gear to get you going on your mountain adventures.

• ASPEN • 520 E Durant Ave., Aspen • 970-920-2337
• W HOTEL • 550 South Spring Street, Aspen • 970-431-0213
• SNOWMASS VILLAGE MALL • 45 Village Square, Snowmass Village • 970-923-2337
• BASE VILLAGE AT SNOWMASS • 61 Wood Rd., Snowmass Village • 970-923-0430
• ELK CAMP • Top of Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass • 970-922-2957
• TWO CREEKS • 31 Burnt Mountain Circle, Snowmass Village • 970-923-8740
• VICEROY • 130 Wood Rd., Snowmass Village • 970-923-8000
• ASPEN HIGHLANDS • 0076 Boomerang Road, Aspen • 970-544-3013
• BUTTERMILK • 38700 Highway 82 Aspen • 970-920-0980 (Rental)

Grateful Deli

American Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

If you’re in the mood for a quick bite to eat and a tasty sandwich, Grateful Deli is the place. This sandwich shop occupies a small space on Main Street in Aspen, where they serve a wide selection of hot and cold sandwiches. If it’s a sunny day, you can sit outside at one of their tables and enjoy your sandwich and some sunshine. Otherwise, it’s the spot for fast and affordable grab-and-go food.

Hops Culture

American Pub Aspen Central Core

If you’re into craft brews, visit Hops Culture in downtown Aspen. This hip pub offers hundreds of craft beers, plus they’re constantly rotating in new brews, so beer lovers always have something new to sample. Pair a pint or two of craft beer with their gourmet take on comfort food, and you can’t go wrong for a casual lunch or dinner in Aspen.

Jimmy’s

American Family Friendly Nightlife Pub Seafood Staff Favorites Aspen Central Core

Jour de Fete

Family Friendly French Aspen Central Core

We were honored to receive the official Aspen Times title of Best Breakfast in Aspen, as well as second Best Coffee and third Best Sandwich Shop in 2019! A mainstay of the Aspen cafe scene since the late 1980s, Jour de Fete is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Known for their French specialties and their homestyle cooking, Jour de Fete offers a wide selection of breakfast pastries and espresso drinks in the morning, and for lunch, they have an extensive hot and cold sandwich menu. In addition, they are well known for their prepared dishes, including pasta, sauteed vegetables, roasted meats, and the like. Make a visit before they close to pick up that evening's dinner. Any meal of the day, Jour de Fete is certain to satisfy!

Kenichi

Asian Nightlife Aspen Central Core

Kenichi is a fine dining Japanese restaurant with a cool, modern, and dimly lit dining atmosphere. With private dining rooms, a sushi bar, and a beautiful dining area, Kenichi specializes in delicious and fresh sushi and a number of other Japanese staples. Try the healthful and wholesome miso soup and the spicy edamame for a light appetizer. The stuffed shishito peppers are scrumptious as are just about every other item on the Kenichi menu. For a fun night out on the town in Aspen, make a reservation at Kenichi.

Matsuhisa

Asian Nightlife Aspen Central Core

Matsuhisa takes its name from the famed Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who owns a number of high end, fine dining Japanese restaurants around the world. With an incredible menu developed by Nobu Matsuhisa himself, the modern Japanese cuisine served at Matsuhisa Aspen is sure to inspire, satisfy, and delight. Featuring unique menu items that creatively combine fresh ingredients for a flavor explosion, Matsuhisa is shining star in the Aspen dining scene.

Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop

American Vegetarian Aspen Central Core

Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop is a gourmet paradise. Savor a meal made with farm fresh ingredients and plenty of culinary creativity. While one side of Meat & Cheese is dedicated to their restaurant, the other half is their Farm Shop. If you’re looking for a gourmet product for your kitchen or a custom gift basket, the Meat & Cheese Farm Shop is the place to go. They sell fresh produce, Avalanche Cheese Company products, gourmet sauces, spreads, oils, and other goods.

Mi Chola

Aspen Central Core

Located on Main Street in downtown Aspen, Mi Chola offers modern Mexican cuisine in a lively atmosphere with fun décor—think sugar skulls everywhere! Grab a table on the outdoor patio, then order a flight of fine tequilas or a prickly pear cactus margarita, some tasty street tacos, and churros for a sweet finish to your meal, and your evening is made!

Motherlode Volleyball Classic

Aspen Central Core

Playing beach volleyball in Aspen over a long Labor Day weekend sounds like our brand of fun. What better way is there to celebrate the end of summer than by soaking up the sunshine in Aspen, and enjoying your favorite sport with fellow fanatics? The Motherlode Volleyball Classic is an annual Aspen event that draws volleyball players and fans from all over the US and Canada.

Professional athletes and amateur players join the open tourney, which features over 15 divisions of play. The Motherlode tournament is accessible to volleyball players of all skill levels, which makes it a great event to learn from the sport’s top athletes. And with the Motherlode attracting pro talent, the tournament is also the perfect opportunity for top amateur players to move up to the pro level.

The divisions of play are Men’s Seniors 45s, 50s, 55s, and 60s. There is also a Women’s Seniors bracket for 45s and over. The tournament has a Women’s Masters 35s and over and a Men’s Masters 37s and over. Then, there’s the Men’s and Women’s A, BB, and B divisions, plus the Standard and Reverse Co-ed A, BB, and B divisions. There’s also a Men’s and Women’s Open. On top of all of the playing and watching, the Motherlode hosts two parties at local restaurants for players―a welcoming party and a players’ party―offering players more opportunities to mix, mingle, and be merry.

Mountain Social Bar & Lounge at the St. Regis Resort Aspen

American Family Friendly Nightlife Aspen Central Core

A cozy, sophisticated lounge, the Mountain Social Bar & Lounge at the St. Regis Resort Aspen offers a comfortable and welcoming place to relax most any time of the day. Sit by the roaring fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa, take a seat near the windows to view Aspen Mountain with a glass of champagne and appetizers, or meet friends for après-ski hour. Visit Mountain Social Bar & Lounge, and look forward to an elegant atmosphere, great beverages, and even better company.

Old Fashioned Aspen 4th of July

Aspen Central Core

Aspen is the place to be if you’re looking for fun, small-town Fourth of July festivities. The Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration in Aspen features patriotic activities, like a parade on Main Street, community picnics, a festive carnival, and a fireworks show on Aspen Mountain. There’s no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in Aspen and Snowmass.

Each year, the Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration includes:

America’s Birthday Carnival at Paepcke Park – This kids’ carnival features classic carnival games, face painting, and balloon animal making. There’s also live music and a bake sale.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade – Grab a spot on Main Street to view the parade. The Old Fashioned Parade has colorful floats, patriotic music, and smiling paraders clad in red, white, and blue.

AVSC 4th of July Picnic – A fun and welcoming community gathering, the AVSC picnic is an opportunity to support a worthy local organization, and to spend time with family and friends. Play volleyball, and enjoy a cold beverage in the park on a hot summer day.

Aspen Music Festival and School 4th of July concert  – Head to the Benedict Music Tent for this free 4th of July concert. Listen to your favorite patriotic compositions performed by the talented musicians of the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Fireworks on Aspen Mountain – Other fireworks displays pale in comparison to the spectacular show on Aspen Mountain. From the Gondola Plaza or downtown Aspen, watch colorful bursts illuminate Ajax.

Paradise Bakery

Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

Located on a bustling corner in downtown Aspen, Paradise Bakery offers sweet treats. Visit for ice cream, cookies, brownies, muffins, hot cocoa, and coffee. Enjoy your cup of ice cream on one of the benches just outside. Most summer evenings, Aspen Music Festival students get together to play on this corner, so you’re in for a unique Aspen experience when you visit Paradise Bakery.

Prospect at the Hotel Jerome

American Family Friendly Nightlife Aspen Central Core

Serving three meals a day, Prospect at the Hotel Jerome is a fine dining restaurant offering modern American cuisine. The head chef at Prospect endeavors to fuse traditional dishes with contemporary culinary techniques, which results in truly unique and fresh flavors. For breakfast, try the eggs benedict with a gruyère biscuit, and for lunch, diners cannot go wrong with one of the Prospect sandwiches served with delicious house-cut fries or slaw. Dinner at Prospect is a special experience, as the menu mimics that of a tapas bar, with a wide selection of small plates intended to be shared with family and friends.

Pyramid Bistro

Nightlife Vegetarian Aspen Central Core

Pyramid Bistro is a vegetarian and vegan culinary paradise located inside of Explore Booksellers in a historic Victorian home on Main Street. Also serving fish and chicken, Pyramid offers incredibly fresh ingredients, delicious flavor combinations, and bright presentations. Pyramid Bistro is the place to go for a nutrient-rich, whole foods meal. After a meal that leaves you feeling light and energized, browse the bookstore, which has an excellent selection of art books, cookbooks, fiction, and non-fiction.

Remède Spa at the St. Regis Resort Aspen

Massage Aspen Central Core

Relax and rejuvenate at the Remède Spa at the St. Regis Resort Aspen. Remède Spa offers massage, facials, body treatments, and salon services. After your treatments, relax in the oxygen lounge or in the vapor caves. In addition to hiking, biking, and skiing, while visiting Aspen and Snowmass, treat yourself to a day at the spa to relax and release tension.

Ryno’s Pub & Pizzeria

American Family Friendly Nightlife Pizza Aspen Central Core

A family-friendly place for a casual dinner, Ryno’s Pub & Pizzeria is located in downtown Aspen on the Cooper Avenue walking mall. Order a couple of pies for the table and pints for the adults. Ryno’s also serves pub favorites, like burgers, fries, wings, and macaroni and cheese. After your meal, check out the arcade.

Su Casa

Nightlife Seafood Vegetarian Aspen Central Core

Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, Su Casa is known for its reasonably priced menu items and authentic Mexican dishes. Visit Su Casa for a casual and family-friendly dinner in Aspen, and try one of their tasty burrito or a fajita plates. As it is conveniently located right across the street from the Wheeler Opera House, Su Casa is a great choice for a South-of-the-border meal before catching a show.

The Big Wrap

American Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

Cash-only eatery providing counter-serve wraps, salads, tacos & smoothies in a brick-walled nook. A popular lunch spot for locals and visitors alike, The Big Wrap is a tiny eatery located right across the street from the Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza. They offer a wide variety of wraps with chicken, beef, tofu, vegetables, and a variety of other fillings. They also serve tacos, salads, soups, smoothies, and snacks.

The Monarch

American Aspen Central Core

Experience sophisticated, British dining fused with American steakhouse cuisine in the heart of Aspen. The Monarch isn’t your ordinary steakhouse, with its superior cuts of steak and caviar served on sterling silver. Prepare for a memorable meal, in what feels like, according to The Monarch, a “posh London gentlemen’s club”. Ladies welcome, too!

The Red Onion

American Family Friendly Nightlife Aspen Central Core

One of the oldest restaurants in Aspen, The Red Onion offers casual dining in the heart of downtown in a beautiful, historic saloon. An excellent place to catch a sports game or to get together for a late night drink with friends, The Red Onion is an Aspen bar that offers classic bar staples with a twist, including their green chili mac & cheese, pulled pork sliders, and ginger-lime chicken wings. Discover a treasured piece of Aspen's history at The Red Onion.

White House Tavern

American Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

White House Tavern is an Aspen restaurant on Restaurant Row that serves sandwiches and salads. Located inside of a charming, white Victorian, White House Tavern has an inviting atmosphere, friendly waitstaff, and on top of it all, delicious food. Visit The White House Tavern in Aspen for a casual meal with the family.

Wintersköl

Cultural Family Friendly Aspen Central Core

Wintersköl is a unique Aspen celebration of winter that began in 1951. This nordic festival includes a canine fashion show, a snow sculpting competition called Wintersculpt, a torchlight parade, fireworks show on Aspen Mountain, and lots of other activities and events happening around town.