Calling all art connoisseurs, oenophiles and philanthropists! ArtCrush 2011 and ArtAspen are coming!

Beginning August 3^rd, art, wine and the opportunity to bring these two favorite things together for a good cause, culminates in this Aspen Art Museum Event. The WineCrush on Wednesday night is a limited event in which ticket holders will enjoy rare wines and the expertise of world-renowned sommeliers, in addition to a sneak peek at the art to auctioned later in the week. All proceeds from this exclusive event go to the support and continued investment in the art and culture offered by the Aspen Art Museum. .

The following day, Thursday, August 4^th, the PreviewCrush will offer an opportunity to prospective buyers who were unable to attend the WineCrush, or those who did, but want a second glance, a preview of the art up for auction before bidding time.

On Friday the 5^th, at 6 p.m. the Aspen Art Museum’s annual gala, wine tasting event and art benefit auction will kick off.  Presented by Sotheby’s and conducted by Tobias Meyer, the European Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s, the AAM proudly presents a number of pieces donated by celebrity artists. One such piece comes from the Mark Manders’ Collection. Locomotion captures the signature Manders technique and style. Mr. Manders displayed his art at AAM for a special exhibit that ended in early May of this year. This particular piece is an example of Mr. Manders’ use of the body and its relationship to negative space. This piece and several other beautiful and moving pieces to be auctioned are currently featured on the AAM’s website, www.aspenartmuseum.org/artcrush_11/auction_items.html. The site does state that the items to be auctioned will not be limited to the list currently on display.

Immediately following the dinner and silent auction, the AfterPartyCrush at Syzygy City will feature a full bar and entertainment. But, don’t stay out too late because while ArtCrush will be just about to wrap up, it will be rolling out the red carpet for its sister event, ArtAspen.

Bright and early the next morning Aspen Art Museum and the Aspen Ice Garden will open its doors to ArtAspen in a special breakfast and preview of the featured and for sale art for the guests of ArtCrush and AAM members.  Beginning at 10a.m. on August 6^th, and continuing throughout the day until 3p.m., when the AAM will open its doors to the general public allowing them a sneak peak as well.

Throughout the rest of the weekend and into Monday, August 8^th, ArtAspen will feature exquisite visual art for sale and admiration. Many art collectors seek museum quality pieces presented together in a venue that offers them perspective on the art in production throughout the world. ArtAspen offers this venue, in addition to the opportunity to see a variety of styles and artists in one comfortable venue. Of course, all proceeds from these art shows benefit the fine contemporary art made available to the population of Aspen year-round. Art purchased from either event will enhance not only your life and home, but will also the community at large.

Because ArtAspen and the ArtCrush draw such a large and discriminating audience, the caliber and quality of the art therein improves exponentially year after year.

Don’t miss your chance to select a museum quality piece for your future home in Aspen or Snowmass Village. After you have chosen that perfect piece, click here to find the perfect home, condo or investment property to best accentuate your new art.

Before the Ute, before the miners, ranchers or socialites, there were others here. In fact many still are here. They can be seen standing quietly in dewy meadows, or dashing across roads and trails. Sometimes they can be found rummaging in the trash or peering silently out from burrows. They are, of course, the wildlife of the White River National Forest, and they are an integral aspect of the wonder of life in Aspen and Snowmass Village.

The fleeting summer months are some of the best times to observe these original inhabitants. However, with all wildlife precautions and common sense must be used. Never feed a wild animal; do not approach wild animals. If an animal appears aggressive, back away slowly – do not run. Take the time to review appropriate safety precautions at trailheads and follow trail restrictions to the letter. When respected and given their space, encountering some of these animals can be a wonderful and memorable experience.

Most famous, or perhaps infamous due to their sometimes-unfortunate encounters with humans, is the Black Bear. These American Black Bears are territorial. A large animal, ranging from 125 – 550 pounds, however the Black Bear moves quickly and gracefully despite their size, up to 25 and 30 miles an hour.  Because they can be aggressive, proper food storage and disposal are essential to the happy cohabitation of bears and man. From a distance, seeing a wild bear in his or her own environment is a beautiful sight. Rolling in the grass or scampering about in the brush, Black Bears are playful and adorable animals.

The Bighorn Sheep, although shy and elusive, are truly magnificent creatures. Their beautiful curled horns, and graceful ability to navigate steep terrain, make these enormous beasts, averaging 300lbs, an incredible sight to behold. They are one of the most difficult residents to spot, but a Bighorn spotting is a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

Mountain lions call the White River National Forest home as well. Although deeply feared, the cougar is rarely seen. Their primary prey is deer and big horn sheep. Agile and large, between 115lbs to 198lbs, the mountain lion does not like humans and tends to avoid them. However, when hiking or biking in Mountain Lion territory, be sure to have a buddy and stay together.

Elk and Mule Deer are two of the most common animal encounters in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area. Elk, a species of deer, have large antlers and a distinctive call. The largest Elk herd in North America resides within the Aspen area. Mule Deer also roam the White River Forest have large mule-like ears along with a bounding leap. These creatures are serene and timid, but lovely to encounter.

Of course there are rabbits and mice, birds of all types, and many, many other wildlife inhabitants in the Aspen/Snowmass Village area. Aspenites work hard to co-habitat with their wildlife neighbors, recognizing that their presence is part of what makes Aspen and Snowmass Village extraordinary. Very few places on earth are left in which wildlife remains part of everyday existence. The bird singing outside the window, a rabbit leaping through the wildflowers, a deer standing calmly staring as you pass by. This proximity to nature is calming, soothing, giving perspective to other aspects of life. These chance encounters define life in Aspen and Snowmass Village.

For your own return to nature, click here to see homes in natural settings, condos overlooking valleys and residences throughout Aspen and Snowmass Village to call your own.

When thinking about mountain bike racing the first words that come to mind are often brave, thrill seeking, and machismo. However, on the 2011 Mountain States Cup website, Bigfoot Production describes the MSC races as, “soulful, whimsical events.” Bigfoot Production goes on to state its mission as grooming professional riders, preparing junior riders and welcoming families, women and children.

The first words that come to mind about Snowmass Village often evoke images of unparalleled beauty, high culture and fantastic skiing. While these things are true about Snowmass Village, there is more to this small town than snow, views and great art. Just as the MSC biking community offers much more than adrenaline, Snowmass Village is a warm and welcoming community offering families and individuals a beautiful place to come home to, and fun, year round activities embracing its citizens, young and old.

The mutually shared family values and the emphasis on fun as part of both the MSC and Snowmass Village culture reflect a symbiosis that carries over into the perfect working relationship. Not surprisingly, the MSC and Snowmass Village have come together once again in August to create the perfect mountain bike race.

The Mountain States Cup is a regional mountain biking championship series that takes place in 9 different cities throughout the entire state of Colorado over the course of six months. Race #8, “Blast the Mass” will race into Snowmass Village on August 5, and will last through the 7^th. Racers of all calibers, ages and sexes will grab their helmets, bikes and water bottles and hit the mountain to compete in this exhilarating segment of the MSC race.

The Snowmass racecourse offers a Pink Loop and Green Loop. The Pink Loop is a longer course, beginning at the Base Village and leading riders though a web of connecting trails and roads for a total of 11.4 miles. The Green Loops follows the Pink Loop, with the exception of cutting out almost 3 miles, to meet back up with the Pink Loop before the finish.

Take a break from racing or watching your favorite racer, by taking some time to get to know and enjoy the Snowmass Village area. Many restaurants within the area offer those who love good food a casual and relaxed ambiance. Zane’s Tavern, a local hangout offers great munchies and excellent happy hour deals. Located in the Village Mall, it is close by for racers and family to pop in for a bite to eat and some good quality down time after the intense races.  Brother’s Grille offers everything from wild game to pizza in a serene and calming ambiance, complete with gorgeous mountain views. The Sweet Life, a full menu restaurant also offers homemade an ice cream bar and candy. It is the perfect place to reward the mountain bike rider in your family.

After a little relaxation, step back out into the great outdoors! The MSC is offering camping availability near the bike course on the Rodeo Lot on a first come first serve basis. Here the camaraderie of the biking community will be in full force. Professional and amateur riders alike will meander about the grounds offering inexperienced or new riders the opportunity to interact with mentors and role models within the biking community in a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The open and inviting atmosphere of the MSC races and Snowmass Village make it easy for new riders or aspiring riders to feel welcomed and accepted within the larger biking community.

As the competitive and amateur bikers pack up and head on to race #9 on the MSC tour, take some time to look at the condos, homes and town houses in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area. These small towns are as warm and welcoming as an MSC event, and packed with a lifetime of thrilling, adrenaline rushing experiences for the entire family year round. Click here to go deeper than first impressions in Aspen and Snowmass Village.

In July and August residents and visitors of Aspen and Snowmass Village will be painting the town red – or pink rather in support of breast cancer research.

Beginning this weekend, July 16^th, runners and walkers will pile on the pink and race in memory of those lost to cancer, those who have overcome cancer, and for the hope of a cure to breast cancer.

Then on August 14^th an exclusive moonlighting VIP ride through the Maroon Bells with former Olympian Scott Mercier will take a select few on an unforgettable ride in an exclusive fundraising event.

For everyone else, the pink will come out in full force on August 21, when all of Aspen and Snowmass Village will sport their pink as they host this year’s Ride for the Cure in Aspen/Snowmass, in affiliation with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The race kicks off at the Snowmass Village Recreation Center and winds through Snowmass Village, Aspen, Woody Creek and Old Snowmass, for a total of 100 miles, and with the option of shorter distances ranging from 10 miles to 30 and 50, if 100 seems a bit daunting.

As part of the event dinner on Friday is provided, in addition to breakfast and lunch on Saturday. After the race, all of that pink will really turn up the heat in a Finish Line Party with music, beer food and massages! Even the kids are encouraged to hop their bike wearing their brightest pink tutu or most manly pink shirt and ride. Afterward kids’ activities will reward participants and spectators alike.

While athletes and outdoor folks gather outside to show their support for the fight against breast cancer, quietly in Eagle, Colorado a series of pink photographs will be on display in an attempt to artistically raise awareness and support for breast cancer. A pink photo contest began back in April, with winning photographs going on display in June, and will remain up until mid-September.

Statistically speaking, on July 16^th, or August 14^th or 24^th, as bikers pedal, run or photograph their hearts out, the sad truth is that across the country 600 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 100 women will die from it, just like every other day of the year.

To combat these numbers, the primary objective to the Race for the Cure is raise money to support research for breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation also supports increased education, screening, and treatment. Some of the funds earned in the race will go to providing low-cost or no-cost screening, testing and other medical services for low-income residents of the Roaring Fork Valley.

The Roaring Fork Valley is committed to the health and wellbeing of its women, men and children. This commitment is apparently in the droves of runners, bikers and artists who will put on their pink, and paint the town pink all summer long.

Join in the fight! Pull out your pink shorts, grab a pink t-shirt and get out to show your support for finding the cure to breast cancer. Afterward, take some time to look at homes and residences in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area. Be a part of a community that invests in all of its members. www.GregRulon.com

Just an hour away from Aspen, near Glenwood Springs, deep underground is the home to fairies, or so they say. It could be the flash of light upon pools of water, or the glimpse of fairy wings on the cave’s wall, or simply one more example of the magic hidden in and around the Rocky Mountains.

In 1895 Charles W. Darrow placed his homestead on top of Iron Mountain. Mr. Darrow had heard the rumors of Colorado gold, and hoped to find his own pot under the mountain; instead he found a 4 million year old fairy cave. Realizing the magic just beneath his feet, Mr. Darrow almost immediately opened his cave up to tours, lighting the cave and building walkways. His company, Fairy Cave Company was brought to life in late 1895. He also blasted a tunnel open 1,200 feet over the Colorado River, creating Exclamation Point. For about twenty years Mr. Darrow happily lead tours of his fairy cave, until World War I caused a pause in the tourism industry. Unfortunately, Mr. Darrow did not protect his fairy cave very well, and while it was silent, thieves and vandals crept in to steal pieces of Mr. Darrow’s fairy cave.

Finally in 1960 three members of the Colorado Grotto intervened and purchased the Fairy Caves. Together they rescued the Fairy Cave, and discovered an even more breathtaking room, The Barn, by secretly working through a previously undiscovered passage. This impressive room is more than five-stories high and filled with even more fabulous cave formations.

Although the Fairy Caves were now safe from vandals, they were locked and hidden from public view until 1999, when Steve Beckley, a student at the Colorado School of Mines and his wife Jeanne Beckley and Phil Kriz purchased the caves. Not only were they committed to sharing it with cavers, scientists and the general public, they were also interested in trying to restore the cave from the damage caused to it by dry air. Together they have brought the Fairy Cave back to life by restoring the proper humidity levels, installing airtight doors, and monitoring humidity, evaporation and temperature.

In addition to tours of the Fairy Caves, an entire Adventure Park has been built around them. Complete with roller coasters, a 4D motion theater, a climbing wall, a restaurant and snack shack, a visit to the Fairy Caves today is an all day event.

If you need a break from the bright, high mountain sun, or just a touch of magic in your summer, take a quick day trip to Glenwood Springs. A 70-minute tour of the Fairy Caves in the cool, moist air will give you a hiatus from the sun and heat. You never know, you may be one of the lucky few to catch a Cave Kiss, a tiny droplet of water falling from the cave’s roof, it is a sign of luck and a splash of 4 million years worth of history.

In every corner, nook and cranny of the Rocky Mountains there is magic and mystery waiting to be discovered. Come to Aspen and Snowmass Village and the Rocky Mountains, find your own fairies! Click here to see homes, residences and condos in truly the world’s most magical place!

William Shakespeare said it first, and best, “A rose by another name would smell as sweet.”

Today that saying applies as much to mountains as to flowers, as Mt. Sopris’ eastern peak may soon be called, “John Denver Peak.”

Mt. Sopris has been the unofficial symbol of the Roaring Fork River Valley and its surrounding cities since their inception. Its great beauty has called people to live in the shadows of these two great peaks; inspired climbers, hikers and skiers to test themselves on its face, and filled the souls of artists with song, word and visual representation of every form.

As part of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the White River National Forest, Mt. Sopris’ peaks are also famous for being exactly the same elevation. However, they are known perhaps most famously as the inspiration for singer John Denver’s 1972 song, “Rocky Mountain High.”

John Denver had a very special spot in his heart for Aspen, Snowmass Village and Rocky Mountains; as his music reflects in others of his songs such as  “Aspenglow,” and “Starwood in Aspen.” But this deep love for Colorado and the Aspen/Snowmass Village area is reflected even more in his conservation legacy. In an effort to preserve the land that so inspired him, Mr. Denver purchased 1,000 acres of farmland and wilderness just down the hill from Mt. Sopris. He later donated this land to the Windstar Foundation, a conservation group founded by him.

The Aspen Times has announced that long time friend of Mr. Denver, J.P. McDaniel, with the support of Mr. Denver’s family, has acquired more than 1,000 signatures in the effort to officially name the mountain that John Denver loved and was inspired by in a memorial to him.

It is perhaps a fitting memorial, due to the fact that Colorado has embraced Mr. Denver’s music and accepted “Rocky Mountain High” as one of the two state songs.

John Denver’s affection for this area, although famously captured, is not unique. Colorado, and Aspen/Snowmass Village are the kind of place that creep into the soul, and capture it for a lifetime. Aspenites were not called by a job or an opportunity to their town; the mountains and rivers, the trees and flowers have called them.

To get your own ‘Aspenglow,’ click here to see homes on large lots of land, condos at the foot of the mountain, or the perfect investment property. Fall in love with Mt. Sopris and everything else the Aspen/Snowmass Village has to offer today!

Without a doubt, there is no place in the world quite like Aspen, Colorado. It is a town in which one’s father might have been on the U.S. Olympic Ski Team, a close family friend is the celebrated and inspirational Jimmie Heuga, and one’s twin lives across the street. Aspen is a town in which one can be an accountant by occupation and a world-renowned high elevation skier by hobby. It is a place where two men take amazing risks to achieve feats for others. A town in which, the cause is much more important that the feat.

I am referring, of course, to Aspen residents and brothers Mike and Steve Marolt, who will release on July 12^th their film, “Skiing Everest,” in New York at the Tribeca Cinemas. The money from this event will not fund their next expedition; rather it will go to the Jimmie Heuga Center Endowment in support of Can Do MS.

In 1964 Jimmie Heuga was one of the first American men to win an Olympic alpine medal. He served as an inspiration to a generation of Americans through his Olympic career. He went on to inspire an entire nation through his determination to continue his athletic life despite his MS diagnosis. To better the life of himself and all other MS patients, he founded The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis in 1984, later known as the Can Do MS. Those close to him remember his kindness and willingness to help others to overcome their struggles physical, mental and emotional.

Mike Marolt explained in an interview the Aspen Business Journal that he and his brother picked up the MS cause due to encouragement from their family friend Jimmie Heuga. Deeply instilled in both brothers by their father had been the idea that life is what you make it. Both brothers felt that Heuga was living proof of this ideal. Through filming their adventures they could bring inspiration and financial assistance MS patients, while educating and informing the public and encouraging them to help in the search for a cure to MS.

Not every resident in Aspen can be found in Himalayas in their time off raising money for a cause, but beyond Mike and Steve Marolt, Aspen is a very charitable city. The calendar is filled year round with festivals and events, yet with each of these events there is almost always a benefit dinner benefitting a related cause. For a relatively small city, the list of charitable organizations is quite extensive, from the Shining Stars Foundation to medical and educational services and more.

Aspen is often associated with luxury, celebrities and extravagant spending. Yet it is often overlooked as a town full of generous people who have invested in their community, people and in those less fortunate.

To be a part of this community, click here to see homes, condos and investment properties in Aspen, Snowmass Village and the surrounding areas. Believe me, you won’t find better neighbors anywhere else on earth!

Afterward head out to catch “Skiing Everest” on the big screen, and do your part to help the Can Do MS Foundation.

Although CNNMoney.com is reporting continuing hardship within the job sector in America, concerning both wages and job availability, the economy in Snowmass Village is continuing to improve. This can be seen first and foremost in the three closings on homes in Snowmass Village’s Base Village just in the month of June, but also in the three more residences set to close later this month.

The foreclosure of Base Village and the subsequent lawsuits have hung over the Base Village properties for at least two years, tying up the unsold properties and making them unavailable for sale. However, finally free of legal red tape, due to recent court rulings, many Snowmass Village properties have re-entered the real estate market.

Apparently these properties make their grand re-entrance at a significant discount. The Snowmass Sun is reporting the sales price on the most recent sale to be 40-45% less than the original asking price. It seems that foreigners and many people from around the country and the world have taken notice of the buyer’s market in the Aspen and Snowmass Village market, and are moving in to invest now.

Other markets in the Snowmass Village area are seeing movement as well, for example Sinclair Meadows has seen five lots of the 17 sell, and are hopeful to move even more this summer.

These hopes seem well founded, in the Aspen Business Journal the week’s real estate transactions, hosted by Joshua & Co. posted 18 closings in this week alone.

It seems the time to buy is now, as Base Village broker Garrett Reuss, advised in the Snowmass Sun, “After two more sales, we’ll start to look at raising prices.” If you have wanted to live in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area, and have been biding your time. The time to move is now – gorgeous brand new properties, exquisite Rocky Mountain living at a price that won’t last, not even to the end of the summer.

Invest in the Rocky Mountain dream, where the best skiing in the world is in your backyard, where wild flowers decorate your front lawn. In Snowmass Village, you can have the small town quality of life, complete with beauty, serenity and security, while at the same time enjoying big city amenities like excellent shopping, magnificent dining, high society and a hopping night life.

Have your cake and eat it too in Snowmass Village! Click here to see the homes, properties and condos in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area. Don’t wait another day!

Nothing says summer like a tent in the wilderness, a babbling stream or lapping lake, scorching hot sun, iced Lemonade and sandy sandwiches. With summer in full force, residents of Aspen and Snowmass Village and even visitors are slipping out of town to spend some of their precious summertime in one of the many natural camping and hiking escapes nearby.

The Aspen-Basalt campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Pitkin County. Commonly known as a beautiful and a practically perfect campground; the Aspen-Basalt campground offers 75 RV sized sites, a pool and spa; an arcade and a child’s play structure. It is within walking distance to Gold-Medal fishing in the Roaring Forks River, in addition to being just steps away from amazing hiking and biking in the Maroon Bells.

For those longing to get even further into nature, more remote campsites within the area offer seclusion and solitude. Difficult Campground, 5 miles from Aspen, is an easy bike ride to town. Here too is access to fishing and hiking, in a very beautiful setting. Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen Campgrounds offer rafting access, fishing, hiking and climbing. Adjacent to Maroon Creek and in the shadows of the Maroon Bells, the silver campgrounds are popular to those wanting to enjoy the Maroon Bells, and offer only limited spaces. Be sure to make your reservation early to ensure your spot! Other sites such as Lincoln Gulch, Lincoln Creek, Weller Lake and Lost Man’s Campground are intimate and peaceful refuges.

Once the perfect campsite has been located and camp is set, whether quiet and secluded or popular and action-packed, its time to get out into the great outdoors! The first must-see hike on the list has to be the Grotto Hike. An easy, winding trail leads to ice caves passing interesting rock structures along the way. A great family trail, and a perfect place for picnics, the Grotto Hike is the idyllic summer hike. Many lakes dot the Aspen/Snowmass Village geography, such as Grizzly Lake, Crater Lake, Anderson & Petroleum Lake, American Lake and Cathedral Lake; the hikes leading to these are moderate in difficulty, some even difficult, requiring orienteering skills and topographical maps. Some trails originate in Aspen itself, allowing visitors to split their time between taking in the sights around Aspen and the peace and solace of nature’s beauty. These mini-escapes offer those locals unable to leave life behind for a summer camp out, a quick escape from everyday life.

While Aspen/Snowmass Village offer practically every outdoor experience imaginable, nothing tastes better than a deliciously dinner, on clean plates, in a clean restaurant. Take a break, cool off and treat yourself in either town, or better yet – both towns during an excusion back to civilization. Aspen and Snowmass Village offer a large selection of restaurants, ice cream shops and coffee shops where hard core campers can get in, have a bite, or a quick drink before heading back into the wilderness.

In the golden sunset, as summer slips behind the purple mountains, the fleeting hours of summer are frozen in memories of splashing children in a creek, quiet conversation by firelight, roasted marshmallows and sparkling stars under the perfect Rocky Mountain sky. To extend your stay in the beautiful and peaceful Aspen and Snowmass Village permanently, click here to see the homes, residences and investment properties in the Aspen and Snowmass Village. Start making a lifetime of memories this summer in Aspen and Snowmass Village.

Many people come to Aspen for the outdoor adventures, scenic mountains, amazing festivals and cultural experiences. To balance out all of the hard work, inspiration, sweat and art, Aspen offers an equally intense nightlife. With over 100 bars, restaurants and clubs, Aspen knows how to show its residents and visitors a good time – any time of year.

Matisyahu

Belly Up Aspen is the hot spot for residents and visitors alike who want to cut loose and enjoy great music. A regular host to such big name artists as Matisyahu, Blue’s Traveler, Nas, The Stone Temple Pilots, Seal and many others, Belly Up offers big city artists to its residents and visitors. This year’s summer calendar at Belly Up Aspen is packed with musicians through July well into August. Not only is the music great at Belly Up, the food is everything one would expect from Aspen. The menu includes Kobe beef sliders, ahi tuna sliders, pizza, wings and even some vegetarian fare. Of course the full bar, with incredible drink specials completes the experience.

Another popular place to unwind after climbing steep mountains and fished in ice-cold water is the J-Bar. Located with the Jerome Hotel Aspen, the J-Bar has been a favorite among the locals for over 100 years. The J-Bar pays tribute to its history in the making of the West, by maintaining its saloon ambiance. The famous J-Bar drink, called the “Aspen Crud” is a must have for every one, at least once. Consisting primarily of ice cream and bourbon, served in a tin cup, this milkshake recalls the J-Bar’s stint as a soda fountain during the days of prohibition. The J-Bar also offers house-made margaritas, vintage cocktails and the more common bar fare as well. Light foods are served from the J-Bar menu, such as burgers, artichoke spinach dip with flatbread and truffle fries.

Don’t forget the unforgettable 39 Degrees Lounge. Commonly accepted to be the place for the social scene in Aspen for locals and visitors alike, with its perfect ambiance, warmth in the winter and gorgeous sundeck in the summer, 39 Degrees features the mixologist Denis Cote, who whips out creative and original cocktails that will have you coming back for more.

For more intimate and casual watering holes Bentley’s at the Wheeler and the Hunter Bar and Eric’s Bar are popular among the locals. The Cigar Bar offers an elegant experience, featuring cigars and fine liquors found only in Aspen.  Explore Booksellers and Es-Cape bistro offers culture and books as the main course, serving wine, beer, coffees, vegetarian cuisine and divine desserts as sides.

Café Ink! offers a milder, but still outstanding menu of drinks including smoothies, international coffees and teas. Paradise Bakery stays open late as well for those needing a midnight snack or pick-me-up. Drop in for frozen yogurt, homemade ice cream or freshly baked cookies and muffins.

Aspen is the saying, “Work hard, play harder” personified. After the sun has set, this town knows how to put the climbing equipment, paint brushes and philosophical thoughts away and embrace good music, good friends and a good time. Come work and play here in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains! To find the perfect home, condo or investment property click here.