Aspen Colorado

Now there’s a familiar name. Hearing someone say they are going to Aspen is like hearing someone say they are going to Vail. We all know what they mean. This is what google has to say about Aspen: Aspen, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is a ski resort town and year-round destination for outdoor recreation. It’s also known for high-end restaurants and boutiques, ( read expensive $$$$) and landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889 during the area’s silver mining boom. The Wheeler-Stallard House is a local history museum set in a 19th-century, Queen Anne–style home, while the Aspen Art Museum displays contemporary artworks.

Google also says you should plan to spend around $235 per day on your vacation in Aspen, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $68 on meals for one day and $45 on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Aspen for a couple is $271.

I can cut off the hotel cost because I will be staying in my time share.

Speaking of Time Share- Which resort is an option?

There appear to be several options for Time Share resorts. The one I like the best is Shadow Mountain Lodge at Aspen. This is what Diamond Resorts has to say about it:

Along with a great location, the resort offers a heated outdoor pool/Jacuzzi and a sauna. From late November to early April, skiing is the undisputed favorite outdoor sport. Summer in Aspen brings hiking, Jeep tours, horseback riding, and biking. Lakes, rivers, and streams offer gold-medal fly fishing, boating, and white-water rafting. Aspen also has an18-hole golf course, several tennis courts, and many cultural activities.

We knew Skiing was the top activity but it’s nice to see the other summertime options as well.

A possible Itinerary

So what might we do on a sunny, summer Saturday in Aspen? I located a suggested Saturday action plan

SUMMER SATURDAY

Saturdays in the summertime are always jam packed with fun! Start your day at the farmer’s market and finish it by showing off your billiards skills!

8 am – 10 am

Pick up a coffee from Spring Cafe and stroll through the Aspen Saturday Market. The freshest produce goes early in the morning, so don’t delay. Also for sale are a variety of homemade jewelry, crafts, and clothing.

11 am

Head out to the Aspen Animal Shelter, just past the Airport Business Center (ABC), and borrow a dog to take on a walk with you on the Rio Grande Trail. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the ABC. Delicious eateries include Roxy’s Market, Franck Therion Café, and Louis Swiss Pastries.

2-3 pm

SUP Northstar Preserve. Rent a SUP from one of our local outfitters and then put in at the South Gate to float the flat water and take in the stunning scenery.

7 pm

Dine al fresco on one of Aspen’s many patios. Let the children play in the fountain or at the “tooth” park on the corner of Wagner Park, where you can find clowns offering balloon animals or face painting for added entertainment.