First time in Aspen (Glenwood Springs, Twin Lakes: real estate, houses, neighborhoods)

[Eddyline]

Other than during ski season, it is really not necessary to pay to park.
It's a small town, easy to walk the whole town.

[MtnJam]

Originally Posted by Scott5280

Best burger is Aspen for price.. Little Annies Restaurant - Aspen Dining

Yes! One of the few long time restaurants remaining. A close 2nd for great burgers : The Red Onion. Aspen's oldest saloon.

[Scott5280]

Originally Posted by MtnJam

Yes! One of the few long time restaurants remaining. A close 2nd for great burgers : The Red Onion. Aspen's oldest saloon.

Ya. I love Red Onion( I agree)..it closed if I wasn't mistaken for quite a while for renovation..anyway hippest place in Aspen IMO
is Belly Up Aspen ...How I Sky Bar in the Hotel or is it closed now? Lost a girlfriend there to some LA dirtbag.

[sbbi98]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

I also recommend a drive to the top of Independence Pass for some fantastic views. The drive down the east side is really scary, so just go up and back down to Aspen.

I wonder how bad the road is for going though Independence Pass to Twin Lakes.. It is part of my plan, but now I begin to wonder..

Thanks.

[whoisjongalt]

That's an incredible drive. The drop offs can be scary but most of the way it's fine. Although Aspen is really well-known, it is also really small. If you are staying there, just leave your car at the hotel. You won't really need it.

As far as dining, my favorites are Jimmy's and Syzygy. There are tons of great bars: The J Bar, Escobar, the bar at the Sky Hotel, Belly Up...There's a Mexican place on Main St. that has good happy hour.

The best hotels are The Jerome, Little Nell, Sky Hotel, and Aspen Meadows. The last two usually have good deals in the summer.

Be sure to take lots of $$$. A couple of drinks and an appetizer can easily run $40-$50. An egg salad sandwich from the deli, $10 and gas is probably around $5/gallon.

[Scott5280]

Ya people keep on mentioning Syzgy used to park my car in Car next to the owner of that place in the mid 90's..he had a place in Cherry Creek..used to get comped for pretty much everything..Another place that used to exist is Creek but is still in Vail and Aspen is Campo de Fiori - Authentic Italian Dining in Aspen and Vail, Colorado not the best of the best in town but pretty damn good..just ate up there at the Vail location....mmmmmm...have not been to Aspen in quite some time..this forum is calling me back as well..used to live on Cooper St. in 92 and worked at The Hub..Enjoy your stay..I know I an jelous

[wanneroo]

The Hotel Jerome is closed for renovation for the rest of this year.

Independence Pass I would not recommend for anyone that dislikes heights or is not a great driver. Some parts of the road it narrows down to less than 2 lanes as well. It closes in fall depending on the first snow fall. It's a great drive in September for the changing aspen leaves. Often the east side changes before the west side.

Parking you just need to watch you don't park in any restricted parking spaces, of which there are many in town. There is free parking in town along some streets, however it depends on how busy town is as to how available those spaces are or whether those spaces are near where you want to go if you don't want to walk much.

[sbbi98]

Hi All,

sorry for bothering again. I plan to be in Aspen on two weekdays in Sept when I know the gondolas will not be open. I wonder, besides Maroon Bells and Independence Pass, are there any other paved scenic roads in Aspen that I should drive around? Or any trails that are suitable for seniors (going with parents)? I am less interested in going to bars/restaurants..

Thanks.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by sbbi98

Hi All,

I wonder, besides Maroon Bells and Independence Pass, are there any other paved scenic roads in Aspen that I should drive around?

Yes there's CO Rd 19 which gives you a good view of the valley.

[sbbi98]

Originally Posted by sbbi98

Hi All,

sorry for bothering again. I plan to be in Aspen on two weekdays in Sept when I know the gondolas will not be open. I wonder, besides Maroon Bells and Independence Pass, are there any other paved scenic roads in Aspen that I should drive around? Or any trails that are suitable for seniors (going with parents)? I am less interested in going to bars/restaurants..

Thanks.

Originally Posted by 80skeys

Yes there's CO Rd 19 which gives you a good view of the valley.

Thanks! How is CO Rd 15 ( Castle Creek Road ). i heard it is nice as well.