Dining and Shopping
Star-studded Aspen is equally renowned for its dining and shopping as it is for its epic mountains. Without question, some of the planet's best restaurants are in this valley. So many, you may make a return trip solely for the dining experiences.
Olives in the St. Regis Aspen, showcases award-winning Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Try the grilled rib eye of beef served on a red wine oxtail braise. Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford’s husband, owns Whiskey Rocks. The decor features luminous lighting that "makes everyone look beautiful.” Syzygy's Chilean sea bass is to die for; after dinner, the place transforms into a hot jazz club. La Cocina was recognized for mixing the best margaritas in town. Its inexpensive Mexican entrées are served in a casual atmosphere. A favorite local hangout is the Wienerstube, offering a taste of authentic Austria and some of the best breakfasts and lunches in Aspen. And, for tea and snacks, go upstairs to the Explore bookstore; here's where the true Aspen is hidden away.
A landmark in Aspen, with its roots planted in the 1950s, is the Crystal Palace, serving dinner and cabaret-style entertainment spoofing today's political scene.
Out of the way, but out of this world, at Snowmass, a snowcat takes you to the Lynn Britt Cabin on the slopes for exquisite delights. Over in Castle Creek Valley, a sleigh brings you the final mile to The Pine Creek Cookhouse. Rabbit confit, diver scallops and wild mushroom risotto may be on the menu.
On the way to the cookhouse, stop by Toklat Gallery. Here, you’ll find handcrafted art in all media — Polish tapestries, Zapotec rugs from Mexico, totem poles, pottery and shamans.
The multitude of shops in Aspen offer everything from fine European antiques to second hand collectibles. There are 23 art galleries, an equal number of clothing shops, and 20 jewelry shops, each displaying designs unique to the store. At the Aspen Luggage Company, you’ll find anything and everything you need for traveling — except airline tickets, but who needs those when you’re in Aspen/Snowmass?
Finally, if you are looking for the Gucci label — or any other designer label — head to one of many world-class shops and name-brand outlets. On the way, you might run into a few celebrities.
A Taste of High Country
