Colorado 2009

Aspen is a ski resort in the state of Colorado in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States. Its little sister is the family-friendly Snowmass Village, which is about 10 miles from downtown Aspen.

In the winter, visitors can ski at the four city’s ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk. You can also hobnob with celebrities and jetsetters as Aspen also is known for its ability to attract both. Other family-friendly winter activities include sleigh rides, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

There’s plenty to do in summer as well: mountain bike, hike, golf, take the chair lifts for scenic views, whitewater rafting, fly fishing or hot air ballooning. Visitors can also take in a rodeo, or one of the area’s many outdoor concerts and festivals.

This novelty restaurant, which looks like something from the Eisenhower administration, is named after owner "Boogie" Weinglass, who was portrayed by Mickey Rourke in the film Diner. Old photographs and the obligatory Elvis Presley mementos line the walls. It is popular with tourists and is very kid friendly. If you are curious to know what a USD9 burger looks like, order the Boogie Burger. Instead of a beef patty, it is a beef edifice, which weighs one whopping pound. For something lighter, opt for the Ahi sandwich or the Chicken Parmesan. The restaurant opens daily at 10:30a.

At this center, it is hard to tell if the real art is inside on display or outside. The impressive landscape, with a historic building (an old hydroelectric plant) obscured beneath a small forest of aspen trees and the rushing Frying Pan in the background, could easily grace a frame. It is by far one of the most scenic art museums in the country. The gallery hosts rotating installations year round, and the exhibitions usually focus on contemporary art, from the surreal to the abstract. Recent shows have included the portrait paintings of Elizabeth Peyton.

Hotel Jerome is seven blocks from Aspen Mountain and the Silver Queen Gondola and approximately four miles from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. This hotel has hosted celebrities, artists, politicians, and silver mining tycoons since 1889. Silver Circle Ice Rink is seven blocks away, the Aspen Art Museum is half a mile away, and the Aspen Highlands are three miles from the hotel.Hotel amenities include Library Bar, J-Bar, Garden Terrace (summer only), and Chef Chris Keating's regionally-inspired American cuisine at the Century Room and Jacob's Corner. A three-story atrium has a fireplace surrounded by sofas and chairs, Persian rugs, and antique mirrors. Antiques account for more than eighty-percent of the furnishings at this hotel. The blue-tiled outdoor pool is heated, as are the tiles that surround it and the warming hut nearby. Wireless Internet access is available in the lobby. The hotel also offers ski storage, a ski concierge, room service, a business kiosk, banquet facilities, dry cleaning and video library. Rooms feature antique furnishings, down comforters, oversized tubs, dual marble vanities, bathrobes, high ceilings, high-speed internet access, DVD/CD players, mini-bars, and mountain or town views. Pets are welcome at Hotel Jerome.All guests are responsible for paying the property's daily resort fee of 30.00 USD per room upon check-out. This taxable daily resort fee includes valet parking, internet access, airport and local transportation and other services and amenities to enhance your visit.

It is rare that a restaurant is equally famous for both its breakfast and dinner, but this local treasure pulls it off with nonchalant style and manner. The brown exterior mirrors the interior: basic and stylishly absent. Yet, it exudes warmth and character. Its barbecue is world renown and has won top prize in 43 national competitions. Full- and half-racks of baby back ribs headline its barbecue list. There are also many meat-leaning sandwiches such as barbecued smoke pork and pit-smoked ham. The breakfast menu is traditional and features everything from omelets to oatmeal.

It is not often that you will find a restaurant that describes itself as serving "fierce" American food. But this Aspen favorite is so popular that no one ever stops to puzzle what "fierce" food actually means. This is one of those rare restaurants that knows how to blend casual with elegance and make it work. The main course menu features certified Black Angus steaks such as filet mignon, 35 day dry-aged rib eye, and a porterhouse for two, which is so big it looks like a throw pillow. The bar offers the largest tequila and mescal list (over 50 choices) in the nation.

Visitors are smitten by the charming art exhibits at the Aspen Art Festival held every year. Aspen's scenic mountain-side is picture perfect and provides for a delightful open gallery for exhibitors to display their creations. Businessmen and artists are given a platform to display their creative items. Splurge on unique merchandise including jewelry, pottery, sculptures, ceramics, paintings and many other arty products. Entry to this festival is free; visitors are sure walk away with bountiful creative items to beautify their home.

This downstairs gem has the culinary distinction of being one of Aspen's few Asian fare restaurants that cannot be described as hip and happening. But what the restaurant lacks in style, it makes up in affordability. The menu heaves big emphasis on serving healthy fare and all the items are MSG free. For entrees opt for the Crispy Duck or one of its specialty dishes such as the the Baby Bok Choy, or the vegetarian-friendly Yu-Shan Eggplant. Most lunch specials fall under $6.

It is rare that the word "free" can be attached to anything in Aspen, which is why this cross-country center is all that much more special. It provides 65 kilometers of groomed tracks, making it a perfect (and free) alternative to downhill skiing. There is an on-site pro shop to rent or buy equipment, as well as waxing, tuning and repair service. For those who are new to the sport, or would like to brush up on their skating techniques, lessons are available. In addition, there are also his and her locker rooms, a warming hut and a public ski waxing room.

It is rare that a restaurant is equally famous for both its breakfast and dinner, but this local treasure pulls it off with nonchalant style and manner. The brown exterior mirrors the interior: basic and stylishly absent. Yet, it exudes warmth and character. Its barbecue is world renown and has won top prize in 43 national competitions. Full- and half-racks of baby back ribs headline its barbecue list. There are also many meat-leaning sandwiches such as barbecued smoke pork and pit-smoked ham. The breakfast menu is traditional and features everything from omelets to oatmeal.

Even when the weather outside is frightful, the inside of this rink is always delightful. It is open year-round, so even during July you can still glide around the ice and satisfy your winter fix. Without the ruts and bumps of a frozen pond, the marble-like ice is perfect for beginners, especially with the hockey boards to cling on to. The rink is open to public skating, youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating, and can be rented out for private parties. Skate rentals are available. Call the rink for schedules, for its availability changes daily.

This centrally located dining gem is hard proof that you can enjoy good seafood while 1,500 miles inland and 7,000 feet above sea level. Its L-shaped dining room offers great views of Aspen Mountain and is ideal for watching people in adjoining Wagner Park. Chef Ed Curtindale never serves anything that would be considered as "the usual." The Charred Albacore Tuna Steak and the Masa Crusted Crabcakes are salivating verifications of this claim. A full raw bar is available.

Rated as the easiest of Aspen's four mountains, this gem of an area is the perfect environment for beginners to find their ski-legs. Seven lifts service 43 trails that are predominantly rated for beginners and intermediates. Most of the mountain is groomed nightly so as to aid the skiing confidence. It is a great place to drop off the kids while you ski one of Aspen's other mountains. Snowboarders can get radical at two terrain parks and a half-pipe. Lessons are available for all levels. Three restaurants cater to hunger and thirst.

This creatively fresh, little restaurant looks more like something one would expect to find in Santa Fe rather than Aspen. In fact, upon entering you almost get the feel that instead of dining you are going to make pottery. For an entrée with a local taste but a southwest twist opt for the Blue Corn Crusted Trout. Or for the truly unique try the Banana Wrap Sweet Potato Tamale. If you prefer the traditional touch, there are plenty of fajita options including veggie, shrimp and buffalo. Children's portions are available.

Since 1983 this theatre company has been instilling the valley with the magic of live drama June through August. Contemporary, classical and new plays are all produced and mesh both local and national talent. More than 60 shows are performed each summer and all are staged in a state-of-the-art performance tent in the Rio Grande Park and have included 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change', and 'An American Daughter'. In addition the company provides theatre training programs for kids.

This Tuscany-inspired restaurant is an authentic trattoria. The dimly lit dining room's low ceilings and closely positioned tile-topped tables exude an intimate, family feel. The main entrees feature authentic Northern Italian dishes in hearty portions, along with meaty offerings like grilled veal and filet mignon. The pasta dishes are the most affordable entrees on the menu and come in all sorts of varieties. An excellent wine list features a wealth of Italian offerings. Restaurant opens daily at 5:30p.

Located deep in the Ashcroft Valley, this ghost town offers access to both stunning mountain beauty and Old West history. In 1883, this former mining town was prospering with 20 saloons, a school and two newspapers. But in 1885, the silver mine went bust and with it went the town's population and its future. Today twelve original buildings that include the Blue Mirror Saloon, the Mercantile Building and Whispering Swede Cabin still stand as silent monuments to a bygone era. Guided tours are available, but in summer only.