destination: aspen, colorado

I bet you don’t think I’m the adventurous type do you? Well recently that was tested as I joined a few friends in Aspen, Colorado for a fun girls trip.

Fortunately for me, I have great girl friends who love to travel. So when plans were made to head to Aspen, Colorado, I was all in. I’ve done this trip several times and each time I am reminded how beautiful this part of our country is. The mountains, river, fresh air – there’s nothing like it. We biked, shopped, went river rafting in tubes, played cards (I learned how to play Shanghai Rummy), took a pole dancing class (don’t ask) and laughed our way through stories. Don’t get me wrong, I love taking trips with Pete and my family. But there is just something special about a girls trip!

I’ve put together a little Aspen travel guide for you and I’m including a packing list. Even though it was sunny and warm during the day, it gets chilly at night and you need a wrap.

Travel: Aspen, Colorado is nestled in the heart of the White River National Forest and surrounded by the peaks of the Elk Mountains. It’s a well-known ski destination but it’s equally beautiful in the summer. Everyone is friendly and enjoys the outdoors. Tons of folks are have a second home in this beautiful town. Aspen is very family friendly.

Stay: I was fortunate to stay with a dear friend in her beautiful home. But I love these hotels that are right in town. The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome and the Limelight Hotel are some of my favorites. All are in town and walking distance to everything. There are non-stop flights from Dallas to Aspen during the summer. You can also connect through Denver.

Eat: This time, I got to enjoy two new restaurants that I hadn’t been to before. L’Hostaria for delicious Italian food. If your travel plans allow it, go on Tuesday night for live music. Equally as good is Acquolina. Be sure to make reservations as these restaurants book quickly. Head over to the J Bar at Hotel Jerome before dinner for cocktails. Other favorite restaurants include Mezzaluna (lunch), Poppycock’s (breakfast/brunch) – order the oatmeal buttermilk pancakes and White House Tavern (dinner). Go to Belly Up for the best in live music!

Do: 1) Take a bike ride from Aspen to Woody Creek Tavern and have lunch. Call a taxi to go home (they will have a bike rack) or if you are adventurous, ride back. Beware, the ride back is uphill. Be sure to have cash because Woody Creek does not take credit cards.  2) Call Scotty Gibsone at Kiwi Adventures for a rafting trip. We did it in tubes and it was really fun. They have all the gear and will pick you up in their van.You will be on the Roaring Fork River and the scenery is stunning! 3) The shopping in Aspen is some of the best. Local boutiques and national brands are abundant. One of my favorite shops to frequent is Amen Wardy.

 Pack: Lots of casual clothes for your daily adventures, jeans, tops and a wrap for night-time. Its gets chilly at night and since we walked to everything, you will need to bundle up. Bring a dress or two for cocktails and dinner. I have linked you to my packing list below.

Have you been to Aspen? Let me know what you did. xoxo- Tanya

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