After spending a week in Aspen for a luxury conference in September 2021, Sue can’t get enough of the wonderful city of Aspen! We loved the city so much we decided we needed to do a #travelwithcompass series on this beautiful place. We re-connected with Compass agent Lane Johnson and his team to get the low-down on all things from Aspen. With their help, we’ve mapped out a handy guide on where you should stay, eat, and what local items you should be sure to check off of your bucket list before you head home. 

Where would you recommend people stay for a visit to Aspen?

Whether you are staying for a long winter weekend or moving into your summer rental for the month of July, Aspen will never disappoint! For an elevated experience with incredible amenities and concierge services, we would recommend staying at Hotel Jerome or The Little Nell at the base of the mountain. Both hotels are extremely centrally located with close proximity to all the shops and restaurants. If you want something a bit homier, we highly recommend renting a condo in the core or an estate on Red Mountain. This will provide the true local experience and we’d be happy to assist to make that happen!

What are the can’t miss restaurants or dining experiences in Aspen?

• Meat & Cheese is a favorite restaurant of locals and visitors alike. Its farm-to-table menu features Lane Johnson Team favorites such as the Rotisserie Chicken Board, the Korean Bosam Board, and amazing grab-and-go charcuterie, perfect for a picnic!
• Creperie Du Village matches authentic French food with a spectacular atmosphere. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into an intimate Parisian bistro, making it a great choice for apres.
• Betula is a welcome addition to the Aspen dining scene, with a next-level cocktail menu, delicious seafood specialties, and a light and airy atmosphere.
• Home Team BBQ is located at the base of Buttermilk Mountain and is another Lane Johnson Team favorite for its Carolina BBQ and up-leveled sports bar atmosphere.
• Highlands Ale House is located at the base of the Highlands ski area and is the perfect treat to end off a day of hiking the Highlands Bowl.
• Another can’t miss on Highlands is Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. This infamous restaurant features live music, amazing alpine food, and one of the best apres scenes in the area.

What are some of the best things to do in Aspen, especially for those visiting?

Winter:

• Throughout the winter, the Lane Johnson Team can be found on the local slopes, whether we’re skiing, snowboarding, apres-ing, or uphill skiing.
• We highly recommend the Moonlit Skin up to the peak of Buttermilk.
• We also can’t miss an opportunity to hike and ski the famed Highlands Bowl.
• Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing out to the Pine Creek Cookhouse in the ghost town of Ashcroft is a great way to earn the delicious alpine fare at the restaurant.

Summer:

• Hiking the Ute Trail, a steep 1-mile hike to a gorgeous lookout on Aspen Mountain. Continue the trek from the top of the Ute to reach the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain, and enjoy a scenic gondola ride down.
• Biking the Rio Grande Trail to Woody Creek Tavern, for some of the best margaritas in town.
• The Saturday Farmer’s Market in downtown Aspen is a great way to explore the fresh produce, crafts from local artisans, and ready-to-eat food.

What are some other fun or interesting things to do in Aspen that people may not think of? 

• People may not associate Aspen with water sports, but one of our team’s favorite activities is paddleboarding on Stillwater, just a few miles up Independence Pass.
• The Aspen Ideas Festival is an amazing event that brings the brightest minds around the world to Aspen for this annual think-tank.
• The Belly Up Aspen brings in some of the best musical talents for intimate shows throughout the year. 

We are excited about ski season and hope to make a trip out to Aspen to hit the slopes and try out all of these fabulous things! If you have any questions about the Aspen real estate market, we would be happy to connect you to Lane and his team!