Page 8 - AAA Northwest Ohio - AAA Now! January/February 2013

8 january/february 2013
Longitudes
and Latitudes
Aspen: Not Just a Seasonal Town
Nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley, Aspen,
Colorado, is a small town with charm beyond
its old town façade, towering Aspen trees and
world-renowned ski slopes.
In recent years, Aspen has become a playground
for the rich and famous, skyrocketing real estate
prices to some of the highest in the country. Aspen
still regards itself as an international ski playground.
Referenced by many as the Rodeo Drive of the east,
Aspen remains a popular must see for domestic and
international travelers; with its ever growing foodie
scene, great shopping and, of course, the outdoors.
This ski resort town took shape shortly after World
War II with Aspen and its famous black-diamond
terrain, making the mountain a must ski destination
on any skier’s to do list since 1947. Not a skier? Not
a problem. You can still ride the gondola to the top
of Aspen Mountain and have lunch at Sundeck or
Ajax Tavern while looking out on the 14,156-foot
Maroon Bells. Aspen Mountain has an undeniable
mystique, and it goes beyond just the bumps and
steeps of its descending powdered covered slopes.
Love the snow? Looking for a different kind of
high flying action besides the slopes on Aspen
Mountain? ESPN brings its extreme-sports fest, the
X Games, to town the first weekend in February.
Events are free to attend.
Snow and skiing may be what Aspen is best
known for, but are not its only appeal these days.
The town, of nearly 7,000 year-round residents,
is bursting with history, glamour and natural
beauty. In an attempt to
hold onto its silver mining
history, Aspen has put a
moratorium on interior and
exterior renovations in the
historic center. Visit one of the
19th-century landmarks built
by Jerome Wheeler, former
owner of Macy's in New York
City. Wheeler is responsible
for two of Aspen's marquee
buildings—the Hotel Jerome and the Wheeler
Opera House.
Renting a car while exploring the surrounding
areas of Aspen is just the ticket to seeing the
Centennial State. Take a short drive to Maroon
Bells, just outside of Aspen. The Maroon Bells are
one of the most photographed mountain scenes
in Colorado. The lake and views of the 14,000-foot
peaks are picturesque – don’t forget your camera!
Colorado is home to over 70 wineries and its
own indigenous vineyards. Wine lovers can enjoy
several scenic day trips from Aspen to many of
the small towns that are a part of Colorado's Wine
Country, including Montrose, Palisade, Paonia,
Hotchkiss and Grand Junction.
There will be no whining about empty bellies
when you belly up to the annual Food &Wine
Classic, held each June in Aspen. The world's most
accomplished winemakers, celebrity chefs and
renowned culinary geniuses come together in one
breathtaking setting at the base
of Aspen Mountain. Don't miss
the opportunity to experience the
pinnacle of good taste, mingle with
stars and enjoy a pleasure-packed
weekend.
Downtown Aspen has an array
of shops for every budget. The
downtown area also has two
pedestrian-only streets lined with
souvenir shops. Enjoy strolling the
open-air market in the summer months. Looking
for something a little more unique to take home
from your vacation? A weekend of visual inspiration
awaits at the Aspen Arts Festival. The festival will
provide you with an exclusive opportunity to
experience a broad range of phenomenal creations
ranging from life-size sculptures, photography,
glass, paintings, ceramics, one-of-a-kind jewelry
and mixed media.
With this tasting of what Aspen has to offer
year-round, you don’t just have to love the snow
and skiing. With a calendar packed full of outdoor
activities, cultural events and a laid back feel, Aspen
is perfect for exploring any time of the year. Contact
your AAA Northwest Ohio Travel Agent to book
your Aspen sampling today!
By Jolene Morgenstern,
Travel Now Associate Editor
Celebrity chefs at the Food & WIne Classic.