“Freak Power in the Rockies” is how Hunter S. Thompson described his planned takeover of Aspen and Pitkin County, Colorado. There, in 1970, he decided to run for sheriff, and while his plan never panned out, the mystical draw of this Rocky Mountain town persisted, even as Aspen became increasingly sought after — and expensive.
Today, a certain freak power remains, thanks to Aspen’s offbeat, longtime local residents, amplified by the energy from visiting international jet setters (and challenged by the development that follows them). Surrounded by the towering Elk Mountains, when walking a few short blocks within the bustling downtown core, you’ll pass a world-class art museum, galleries, funky local shops, designer boutiques, and likely some influencers mid-photo shoot. There are escapes to be found, too, atop said museum (don’t miss the just-reopened Swedish Hill Cafe from MML Hospitality), inside hotel lobbies, down by the rushing Roaring Fork River, and at plenty of pretty parks.
Updated, June 2024: Though Aspen’s downtown core is seemingly always under construction with restaurants opening and closing every season, the scene remains vibrant. The summer always officially kicks off with the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, with a steady schedule of special events like the Aspen Ideas Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Old Fashioned 4th of July, Aspen ArtWeek, Theatre Aspen’s Broadway and Cabaret Series, and more. Should you find yourself in the ultimate outdoor playground this summer, here are the restaurants to provide all the fancy, fast-casual, and al fresco Aspen vittles to keep you fueled for every mountain adventure in store.
Katie Shapiro is a freelance cannabis, style, and travel journalist who lives life at its highest and writes about it from her home base in Aspen. She is a senior contributor for Forbes and columnist for the Aspen Times, with other work appearing in the Denver Post, Modern Luxury, Curbed, Thrillist, and more.
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