"Biking to Maroon Bells Aspen is a playground for the active traveler. No matter how many times I visit, I always set aside time to bike to Maroon Bells. Rent a bike from the Hub, a cycling store in town, and be sure to bring a water bottle and even some snacks for energy. The 11-mile ride from downtown will have your quads (and lungs) burning as you slowly make your way uphill. The steady climb makes about a 1,630-foot elevation gain. The views at the top are worth your efforts. The Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake are one of the most photographed areas in North America. On a sunny day the lake takes on magical turquoise and green hues. Relief comes on the ride back to town, which is all an easy coast downhill. Couch potatoes can opt to take a bus to the top."

"Find Inspiration at the John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen "I am a song, I live to be sung, I sing with all my heart!" Pay your respects to the man who penned "Rocky Mountain High" and spent a lot of time in Colorado . The John Denver Sanctuary is a quiet cluster of carved boulders and monuments, located along the Roaring Fork River, near the Aspen Art Museum. Many of the singer's famous lyrics are carved into the stone, which you can read as you listen to the creak rush by. Fans gather at the sanctuary every year on October 12, the anniversary of Denver's death (Denver died in 1997, in a plane crash off the coast of California)."

"Rafting Down Main Street for July 4 Aspen's old-fashioned July 4 parade offers a glimpse of the small town America of years ago. Locals and visitors line the streets to watch the dozens of floats and performances that wind their way around downtown. You'll see everything from the local gymnastics team performing flips off of a mini trampoline to old-timey cowboys riding horses and ladies in costume walking on stilts. Nearly every local business and organization participates. My favorite float was from Aspen 's Blazing Adventures outfitter. You can tell they know how to have fun. Usually found navigating the rapids of Aspen's rivers, the crew piled up their rafts and draped an American flag from the side to create a make shift float which they "paddled" along Main Street."

"Running the Rio Grande My morning routine in Aspen always starts with a run along the Rio Grande Trail. The trail is easily accessed from downtown and stretches 41 miles between Aspen and Glenwood Springs with an elevation change of 2,120 feet. It used to be an old railroad corridor before it was converted into a mostly paved trail for cyclists in 2008. I start my run in Aspen and run out and back for about six miles. That stretch of the trail takes you past the Aspen Art Museum (which is moving locations in 2014), the John Denver Sanctuary, and stunning homes nestled along the river and up in the mountains. In July and August the wildflowers pop with color and if you leave early enough there's a good chance you'll spot deer, chipmunks, and other wildlife."

"The Yin and Yang of Snowmass A fun hike or mountain bike trail is the Rim Trail. Even though there are two places to hop on the trail, I personally recommend starting at the side near the Snowmass Mall off Divide Road. The trail is a series of tame switchbacks that traverses up the hill through brush and trees. You'll know you are at the top when you hit the glossy yin and yang sign made of stone that is a permanent fixture of the mountain. It is very fitting, because when you stand on the yin and yang sign the view you are looking upon is a 360 degree panorama of Snowmass and the surrounding area. To the north are the mountains of Vail, Mt. Daly is to the south, Mt. Sopris to the east, and west lies Independence Pass in Aspen . It is one of the few places where you get this type of all-encompassing view. At that point you can go back down the way you came or you can continue on the path that follows the rim of the hillside, hence the name, which spans the length of Snowmass Village. The trail is open in the summer for mountain biking and hiking. If you are hiking and chose to do the rim be weary because mountain bikers have a tendency to rip through the downhill sections. In the winter it is an amazing hiking or snowshoe trail although if you are the first to venture out after a snow storm you might be blazing the trail for others because it is not commonly used by many in the winter."

"Veer Right for a Sight Not Seen By Most Most people that backpack in the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area usually either go over West Maroon Pass to Crested Butte or go over Buckskin Pass and camp at Snowmass Lake. A lesser known lake is Willow Lake. With fewer visitors, this is a secluded backpacking trip where the lake feels like it is all yours. You still get the great views of the Maroon Bells because you are in the same area without the crowds of people. Head as if you were going to go to Buckskin Pass and when the path forks with signage toward Buckskin pass to the left, bear right and continue hiking. You could do this as a long day hike for the ambitious."

"Mining for Silver Aspen’s history runs deep with silver mining. People came to Aspen in the 1800’s in the hopes of getting rich by finding the mother load of silver nuggets. Scattered across the mountain sides are mining shafts so be careful where you step. For a peek back in history there are the Smuggler Mine tours. Put a helmet on and tunnel through the underground passage ways with Jay the tour guide that has been working at the mines since the 70’s. He is a wealth of information about the mining industry back in the day, the geology of the area and the history about Smuggler Mine itself. The mines claim to fame was that one of the largest pure silver nuggets was found in the mine and it weighted nearly a ton. This is a truly experiential tour with an educational component. Walking through these mine shafts in the depths of the mountain you get a glimpse of the conditions that miners worked under all those years ago. It is not for those that get claustrophobic."

"The Ghost Town of Ashcroft About 11 miles up Castle Creek Road you will come to the ghost town of Ashcroft. This well preserved town at one time was more bustling than Aspen . Focused around the silver boom, once the resources ran dry, people discovered Aspen. People moved down to Aspen leaving the town of Ashcroft with the only inhabits being ghosts. Walk around the neighborhood yourself or in the summer Aspen Historical Society offers tours. See a town frozen in time."

"Playing in the Dancing Water Fountain On the walking mall, on the corner of Hyman Avenue and Mill Street, there is a dancing water fountain where the children endlessly play in the symphonic pattern of the water spraying into the air. The fountain was created in 1979 by a local sculptor and computer genius who programmed the fountain to dance in different patterns. Test your skills and see if you can cross the entire fountain without getting wet or get some balloons and place them on the water rising. For the kids, I recommend either bringing a bathing suit or an extra set of clothes because they are not leaving dry."

"Local Talent Showcased in the Halls of the Red Brick Building Down the hallway of an old elementary school is an unexpected art exhibit featuring local talent. Every couple months it changes themes and one month it highlights the youth of the Roaring Fork Valley from kindergarten to high school. There have been exhibits on texture that showcased quilts and tapestries and exhibits that tell a story through a series of pieces. It is quite special to see the talent that lives in the area."

"Housed in a Victorian home in the center of town,Explore Booksellersis an Aspen institution. Inside, books on business, history, art, travel, and more are crammed into every corner, with an entire room dedicated to children’s literature. The shop also stocks numerous regional titles as well as cards, journals, and gifts and regularly hosts events with local and visiting authors. When you’ve finished shopping, grab lunch on the second floor, where Pyramid Bistro serves healthy, veggie-forward fare."

"Peter Lik Gallery: Mesmerizing Photography Peter Lik’s photography is mesmerizing. Walk into his gallery and the shear beauty and brilliant colors of his work will take your breath away. Many people try to mimic his work but none are quite as good as Peter. The essence of his work is remarkable. Even how the artwork is displayed in the store is calculated, with two tone, unique wood flooring and dark walls to make the colors in the pictures pop. It is hard to miss because as soon as you walk by you will be drawn in by the giant Grand Canyon photo in the entrance."

"Biking and Drinking Most people end a long bike ride with a bottle of Gatorade. I prefer to reward myself with a cocktail. If you're in Aspen , you can bike 20-miles along the Rio Grande Trail to Woody Creek Distillers in Basalt. The 10,000 square-foot distillery and tasting room opened in March 2013 and welcomes cyclists (who can opt to take the bus back to Aspen if they tipple too much). Woody Creek's focus in on vodka and they grow their own potatoes at Scanlan Family Farm in Woody Creek, Colorado . The distillery also sources local fruits, grains, and mountain spring water to produce other spirits such as apple brandy and bourbon. Call ahead to book an appointment to tour the distillery or just do a tasting at the bar. The bartenders have also created a great list of cocktails. The Little Nell is also offering fly fishing trips that end at the distillery and Blazing Adventures is offering white water rafting trips that finish with a spirits tasting at Woody Creek."

"Milkshakes, Burgers and Fries Located across the street from Ruby Park Bus Station, CP Burger is the ultimate family destination. They serve burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and soft serve ice cream. For those that are gluten free they have my favorite, the ahi burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. I am sure the gluten-free option of a lettuce wrap is available for any of their burgers or hot dogs. Place your order and when it is ready they will call the name of the famous person, like Marilyn Monroe, that appears on your receipt. Like a 50’s diner, the food is served on a red cafeteria tray but believe me it doesn’t taste like cafeteria food. It is delicious! Burgers with a special sauce and spiked milkshakes for adults. While munching on your food occupy the kids with a game of mini-golf in the summer or ice skating in the winter, operated by CP Burger."

"The Perfect Salad After a long day of hiking, biking, running, and rafting my body usually craves something healthy but also satisfying. I found my perfect summer dish at Element 47, the newly remodeled restaurant at the Little Nell. Don't be fooled by the simple name on the menu. Element 47's Spring Vegetable Salad pays homage to the famous French chef Michel Bras who is known for his mastery of vegetables. At Element 47, chef Robert McCormick artfully prepares an assortment of 20 to 30 locally sourced, seasonal vegetables on the plate creating a vibrant dish that offers a surprising pop of flavors and textures with each bite. It's the type of dish I could order every night without ever getting bored."

"A Nobu Restaurant in Aspen Matsuhisa, a Nobu restaurant, doesn’t disappoint. The restaurant is split into two levels. The menu upstairs is much cheaper than down and the two atmospheres drastically differ. The downstairs is more of a fine dining swanky experience where a reservation is recommended because they are always busy. There is a bar and a sushi bar downstairs that you can try your luck with getting a seat or you can go upstairs where it is first come first serve as well. Upstairs boasts a livelier lounge atmosphere with the majority of the seating at high tables. There are a few traditional tables but not many. The one thing that remains the same both upstairs and down is the quality of food. Like any other Nobu restaurant they only serve the best."

"Glow with Health after a Meal at Pyramid Bistro Located above Explore Booksellers off of Main Street, Pyramid Bistro is Aspen 's first restaurant serving sustainable food with integrity. Martin, the head chef and owner, prides himself on preparing the freshest food from raw, nutrition-dense ingredients. This is the optimal place to eat if you are gluten-free or vegetarian. You can’t go wrong with one of their amazing salads, delectable stir fries, or house specials like Indian Spiced Red Lentil “Gallette” or Caraway Dusted Petaluma Duck Breast. Dining in a historical Victorian House only enhances the experience."

"The Limelight has a storied past. The property was originally the Ski and Spur Bar, serving outlaws and skiers. In the 1950s, new owners dubbed it “the Limelite,” and it became a popular nightclub. In 2005, a brand-new lodge went up on the site, and in 2008 the Limelight received a makeover ushering it into eco-chic modernity. Rooms come in a range of styles, from dog-friendly one-bedrooms to two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and dining rooms. All rooms have balconies to take in mountain views. The Lounge has become an après hangout and is known for its great beer selection and for hosting local bands Thursday through Monday nights. The hot tub is the perfect spot to relax after a day of hiking or skiing, while the rooftop terrace is a private oasis to take in mountain views. Travelers who want to get a local’s perspective of Aspen will love the hotel’s complimentary activities."

"The Little Nell exudes understated mountain-town luxury. This five-star property has Aspen’s most coveted location, set at the base of Aspen Mountain, just steps from the Silver Queen Gondola. Interior designer Holly Hunt refreshed the rooms with a stylish yet cozy new look in 2012. The Nell is all about options and offers a range of accommodations, including residences. All come with gas log fireplaces, and most have private balconies. The service is what sets the Nell apart. A team of ski concierges can help with everything from boot warming to tune-ups; in summer, the team connects guests with top guides for fly-fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. Ajax Tavern is the place to be for après-ski, and it’s the ultimate spot to people watch during the annual Aspen Food & Wine Classic. Even pets get VIP service and amenities such as puppy jet-lag kits and epicurean dog treats."