An insider’s guide to Aspen in the summertime

1. Hit up the Woody Creek Tavern.

Had to grab a drink from this Tavern. Hunter S Thompson watering hole. The movie " Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is about Hunter s Thompson love the history! I got to hear lots of stories about Hunter and his neighbor.

A photo posted by Kathlyn Waugh (@runswitharrows) on Apr 13, 2015 at 6:44pm PDT

The Woody Creek Tavern was a favorite hangout for eccentric writer Hunter S. Thompson. Need any other reason to go? The walls are plastered with photos, and the ultra cool bar is housed in a building that once served as the post office, gas station and small grocery store. Get yourself a Fresh Squeezed Lime Margarita or two. Or three or four, just to honor Thompson, of course.

2. Settle down outside of Paradise Bakery with one of their legendary cookies and people watch.

We know sprinkles are extra. Aspen tradition. #paradise #gd4w

A photo posted by Grubbin' Cross Da USA (@grubdown4wut) on Sep 6, 2014 at 2:21pm PDT

The blend of different types of people in Aspen never ceases to amaze. Everyone, from celebrities to locals, are comfortable and in their element. Grab a window seat at the Red Onion Restaurant and Salon and observe. Check out the locals, the ski bums, the hippies, the high school kids, the yuppies, the tourists, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. You might even spot local legend Klaus Obermeyer or Olympic snowboarder and Aspen resident, Gretchen Bleiler.

3. Cozy up with a book at Explore Booksellers.

@edgarrosa, the scholar

A photo posted by mattferro (@mattferro) on May 2, 2015 at 1:36pm PDT

Explore Booksellers, located in a beautiful Victorian home on Aspen’s Main Street, has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. The first and second floors are filled with current and past titles and the children’s room will make even the most serious adult wish that they were a kid again. Grab lunch at Pyramid Bistro (located inside Explore), then go bury yourself in books once again.

4. Go shopping just so you can realize that Aspen isn’t all Louis Vuitton and Prada.

A photo posted by Kevin Mcgarry (@kevinmcgarry) on Aug 3, 2013 at 2:49pm PDT

In fact, dig a little deeper and you’ll find shops carrying just about anything. Don’t miss Pitkin County Dry Goods (Aspen’s original clothing store which opened way back in 1969) and Carl’s Pharmacy (located on Main Street, it has a kick-ass toy section, funky hats and lots of cool and cheap Aspen souvenirs). There are a ton of shops located on the walking mall covering the streets radiating from Hyman Avenue towards the mountain. Make sure to take a pit stop at The Popcorn Wagon, located directly across from the historic Wheeler Opera House, and enjoy some buttery, fluffy popcorn. It should be a goal to find some truly unique item — after all, you’ll get to tell your friends, “Oh this? Just a little something I picked up in Aspen.”

5. Get artsy at the Aspen Art Museum and local galleries.

A photo posted by Aaron O'Quinn (@landman303) on Jul 4, 2015 at 3:10pm PDT

First things first, it’s free. Try getting that in many other places in Aspen. The Aspen Art Museum organizes exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge international contemporary art. The Aspen Art Museum’s new building, which opened in August of 2014, is a piece of art itself. Designed by famed architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the 2014 Pritzker Prize, architecture’s highest honor, the AAM is his very first building in the entire United States. The museum also offers a Sunday Cinema series, in case you feel like catching a flick.

After exploring the contemporary collections at AAM, head down Hyman Avenue to one of the many local galleries featuring everything from sculpture to modern paintings, Colorado photography, Western Americana pieces and everything in between. Omnibus Gallery, located on the walking mall in downtown, specializes in rare and vintage posters, most dating from the 1800s to 1939. Omnibus is “strong on content, light on fluff,” with prices to reflect the quality of the works (don’t be surprised if you see an original by Henri Toulouse Lautrec) and the location (yes, this is Aspen, meaning that average prices for posters can range from $1,500 to $100,000).

6. Escape to Hallam Lake.

Can't think of a more serene place to say namaste. Monday yoga with @aspennature @aspenco #yoga #aspen #colorado #namaste

A photo posted by Jen Murphy (@jengoesafar) on Jun 8, 2015 at 6:16pm PDT

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, better known as ACES, is a non-profit environmental science education center including Hallam Lake, a 25-acre reserve which takes you through woodland, meadow, pond and marsh communities, to reconnect with nature. In addition to Hallam Lake, ACES has three preserve sites which showcase the Roaring Fork Valley.

This story was produced through the travel journalism programs at MatadorU. Learn More


7. Comfort food plus boutique shopping means one thing: Boogie’s Diner.

Stairway to heaven.. Or Aspens best milkshakes! You can call it either..