ellina mccormick

Aspen
GUIDElines ESCAPES
By Lisa Loverro
Always in Season
Whether looking for a cool winter escape or an active
summer sojourn, Aspen provides year-round activity.
Maroon Bells Fall, photo by Daniel Bayer
Y
ou’re probably expecting to
read an article on Aspen’s ski scene—its
black diamond ski runs filled with beautiful
people in designer garb or its steamy après
ski parties lingering into the early morning
hours. But there’s another side to Aspen; a
serene, lush and magical feeling in the air
once the snow melts and the lifts close. A
season when this once silver mining town
turns into a peaceful sanctuary for the arts.
It’s not by chance that summers in Aspen
are filled with music and art, but rather
a deliberate effort by a Chicago couple,
Walter Paepcke and his art patron wife,
Elizabeth. The Peapcke’s looked to develop
the town into a cultural center in the
summer months and in 1949 established
the Aspen Music Festival and School,
which today has become a world-renowned
classical music festival and training ground
for pre-musician professionals. It’s during
these months the arts thrive among the
Aspen trees, majestic mountains and
sparkling rivers. So while some flock
to Aspen only during the cold winter
months, I preferred the heat of summer to
experience all of its many splendors. This
past summer season I visited the tony town
sitting at just below 8,000 feet to check out
just why visitors not only enjoy Aspen in
the winter, but summer as well.
Nature Bonding
Early morning hikes are common
among locals and visitors to the area. Head
over to Maroon Bells, just outside of town,
for an exhilarating hike up Buckskin Pass
or enjoy a quick, scenic hike along Hunter
Creek, accessible directly from downtown
Aspen. I tried my hand at fly fishing in the
Roaring Fork River and glad I did! As a
virgin to the sport, I was not sure what to
expect but through an arranged lesson with
Aspen’s Pomeroy Sports (www.pomeroysports.
com), I set out early morning with my
very experienced fly fishing instructor to
a remote location along the river. Amidst
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breathtaking scenery, cool rushing water
and plenty of sunblock, I learned to cast,
catch and release beautiful rainbow trout;
a true bonding-with-nature experience that
I will soon not forget.
Paradise Found
Bright sunshine in the
afternoon hours is ideal for
some retail therapy. Upscale
shopping on cobblestone streets
that are lined with everyone
from Gucci and Louis Vuitton
to Ralph Lauren and Dennis
Basso. People living here are
happy, fit and willing to engage
in conversation…and why not?
They’re pretty much living
in Shangri-la. Restaurants
are plentiful and whether you
desire a fine dining experience
or are looking to catch a game
at a local pub, you’ll never be far
from a good meal. For breakfast
or lunch, there’s no place better than
Peach’s Corner Café (www.peachescornercafe.
com), an organic restaurant in the heart of
downtown (loved their Kale Salad). Be sure
to check out BB’s Kitchen (www.bbskitchen.
com) for pastas and salads or Ellina (www.
ellinaaspen.com) for not only its sophisticated
dishes but also for a wine list that has
earned them Wine Spectator
Award of Excellence. I had
the pleasure of experiencing
a gourmet meal at Montagna
restaurant located in one of the
town’s most revered hotels, The
Little Nell (www.thelittlenell.
com).
Executive
Chef
Robert McCormick uses
farm fresh ingredients in his
very sophisticated dishes,
including a corn soup to
die for. From the Heirloom
Tomato Risotto and Wild
Mushroom Tortellini to
fresh burrata, Colorado
Lamb and King Salmon,
Limelight Lounge Pool
my wine-pairing meal was
perhaps only surpassed by
the salted caramel dessert
and superb service. Their
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Photo courtesy of Kimpton Hotels
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expansive wine cellar has won them
the Wine Spectator Grand Award and
Chef McCormick carefully prepares
each seasonal menu.
Rest your head
Lodging in town varies from the hip and
trendy to the classic and historical. The
Hotel Jerome (www.hoteljerome.rockresorts.com),
Aspen’s crown jewel since 1889, is located
in the heart of downtown. This AAA Four
Diamond Award-winning hotel provides
easy access to hiking, mountain biking and
fly fishing. My favorite part here was the
historical newspaper clippings adorning
the walls and its easy access to the Hunter
Creek trailhead. The very stylish Sky Hotel
(www.theskyhotel.com) is perhaps the ultimate
in all things hip and trendy and only fitting
that during my stay the owner of Hooters
was celebrating a birthday here, complete
with his entourage. The vibe around the
pool is cool, complete with eye candy galore
and a scenic mountain backdrop; I could
only image the après ski parties happening
here. If you’re looking for a party scene…
this is the place!
One of my favorite accommodations
was the Limelight Lodge (www.limelightlodge.
com). A beautiful, contemporary lodge
with sweeping views of the mountain,
conjuring up a feeling I can only describe
as “mountain chic.” This lodge was warm
and friendly with spacious rooms (some
with large outdoor terraces), breathtaking
mountain views and a lobby bar/
restaurant that’s cozy and comfortable.
Don’t miss a chance to have a leisurely
dinner by the lobby’s fireplace dining on
a very impressive dish of their Mushroom
Fettuccini topped with shaved parmesan
and truffle oil….wow.
The newly remodeled Hotel Aspen
(www.hotelaspen.com) has spacious rooms,
some with private hot tubs. A complete
renovation has ensured a comfortable
stay and, along with their complimentary
breakfast and inviting pool, this property
can’t be beat. It’s a bit low-key and a perfect
oasis for those looking to be off the main
drag. Their sister property located across
the street, The Molly Gibson Lodge (www.
mollygibson.com) is a classic mountain lodge
also providing a great refuge to unwind
from a long day of outdoor activity.
After a day of hiking, biking and
dining, be sure to finish up the night at
the Belly Up (www.bellyupaspen.com) for
live music and dancing, or check out a
performance by the Aspen-Santa Fe Ballet
(www.aspensantafeballet.com). Visit the Aspen
Chamber of Commerce’s website at
www.aspenchamber.org to view all events
happening during their summer months.
Independence Pass cyclists
photo by Daniel Bayer
Hiking Buckskin
photo by Daniel Bayer
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