Colorado
Crested Butte, Colorado
I love this charming mountain town. This is my 5th summer of hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte (and then hiking back home again) and it never disappoints. Its an 11 mile hike leaving from Maroon Bells on the Aspen side (we had to buy 5.56 ammo online from Palmetto State Armory for this hike). This year we spent 2 nights at the Scarp Ridge Lodge, which is the most decadent and luxurious lodge!!!! Then hiked back. There are a fair amount of logistics getting to and from trailheads (arranging for shuttles, you can always hitch a ride if in a bind), but totally worth it.
Stay
Scarp River Lodge – Ultimate luxury – Eleven Experience
Boutique hotel (5 rooms) is both cozy, luxurious and decorated in a way that fits in with the natural beauty of Crested Butte. The Eleven Experience properties are all stunning, this is their flagship property in Crested Butte. The staff is trained to go above and beyond. This property is located right off the main drag. A delicious gourmet breakfast is included and changes each day. There is an option to hire a chef to prepare dinner at the lodge. Can’t wait to return
Public House Lofts – Eleven Experience
The lofts at Public House let guests experience mountain town living like a local. Set on Elk Ave., Crested Butte’s main drag, Public House served as the town’s main watering hole through much of the 19th and 20th centuries. A meticulous restoration has reimagined the space as a pub and music venue with three spacious upstairs lofts
The Ruby of Crested Butte – Bed and Breakfast
Known for the fabulous breakfast with a creative twist on traditional favorites with a focus on the best local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Try the cinnamon rolls.
624 Gothic Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224 | (970) 349-1338
www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com
The Purple Mountain Lodge – Bed and Breakfast
Charming lodging with a fun daily beer tasting. Fun to chat with Inn owner Chris, long time Crested Butte local.
714 GOTHIC AVENUE CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224 | 970 349-5888
purplemountainlodge.com
Eat
The Secret Stash – by far the most famous pizza spot in CB. Its delicious pizza and fun setting, right on the main drag.
127 Elk Ave Unit A, Crested Butte – behind Kichevars in the alley
(970) 349-5448 | reservation is highly recommended
closed Monday & Tuesdays
www.soupconcb.com
*Both the above B&B’s and Scarp Ridge offer delicious breakfasts.
*If staying at Scarp Ridge with a large group I highly recommend having the lodge arrange for a chef to come in and cook for you.
Cocktails
The Dogwood – best place for a cocktail
309 3rd St, Crested Butte, CO 81224
Thursday – Saturday | open at 4 | 970 349-6338
www.thedogwoodcb.com
Coffee
Camp for Coffee – best coffee in town
I always buy a bag of beans take home with me. No inside seating. Fun exterior with old license plates all over the building.
402 1/2 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224
www.camp4coffee.com
Denver
Stay
The Maven Hotel – LOVE this new hip downtown Denver hotel. Fabulously located in the LoDo neighborhood just 2 blocks from Union Station and across the street from Coors Field. The friendly staff made me feel like a local in this vibrant and trendy neighborhood. Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary cocktail in the Poka Lola Social Club.
1850 Wazee Street Denver CO 80202
720 460 2727
www.themavenhotel.com
The Moxy – Cherry Creek
A hip hotel with boutique feel (even though owned by Marriott). Check in is at the bar. Small cozy rooms, fun lobby and outdoor area.
240 Josephine St, Denver, CO 80206 | 303 463 6699
website
Eat
The Kitchen – Downtown Denver, 1 block from Union Station
Great concept, building access and education to real food. Enjoyed a delicious and healthy lunch outside surrounded by beautiful flower pots.
1530 16th St, Denver, CO 80202 | 303 623 3127
www.thekitchen.com
Urban Farmer – Downtown
Bustling bar scene located in The Oxford Hotel. Menu focuses on sustainability.
1659 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202 | 303 262 6070
www.urbanfarmerrestaurant.com
True Food Kitchen – Cherry Creek
Delicious eco-chic chain serving seasonal healthy fare. My go to lunch spot in Cherry Creek.
2800 E 2nd Ave #101, Denver, CO 80206 | 720 509 7661
www.truefoodkitchen.com
Tazu Sushi and Asian Cusine – Cherry Creek
So happy to find this gem (thank you Anna from the Shade Store). If you want no frills, great price point, super friendly staff and delicious sushi this place is great. Fun to sit outside.
300 Fillmore St G, Denver, CO 80206 | 303 320 1672
www.sushitazudenver.com
Hop Alley – River North Art District
Hip Chinese restaurant featuring modern shared plates, plus craft beer, cider & clever cocktails.
3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205 | 720 379 8340
www.hopalleydenver.com
Drink
Poka Lola Social Club – Located in the chic Maven Hotel lobby (known as LoDo’s Dairy Block complex)
The soda parlor looking cocktail lounge is located in the Maven Hotel Lobby. Bartenders pour highly original creations. Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary cocktail for hotel guests.
www.pokaloladenver.com
Coffee
Aviano – Cherry Creek
Coffee shop of my dreams please someone open something similar in Aspen. Great spot to work or hang. Delicious coffee and I love they use local organic milk.
244 Detroit St, Denver, CO 80206
303.399.8347
Huckleberry Roasters – located in Maven Hotel Lobby (downtown Denver)
When I thought this hotel could not get any cooler they bring Huckleberry Roasters into the open concept lobby. Love the oat milk (dairy alternative) Great room for people-watching.
Buena Vista, Colorado
Located just an hour and a half from Aspen (in the summer), Buena Vista is perfect for a quick get away. The drive over independence pass is always breathtaking. The town is known for river rafting but there is also great hiking, biking and a hip restaurant scene.
Stay
Surf Hotel & Chateau
This oasis is tucked away at the outskirts of town, right on the Arkansas River and a short walk into town. The hotel looks like it is staight out of a Restoration Hardware catalog. I recommend splurging for a river view in the Chateau. Bring a bottle of rosé and take it down to the river rocks for an afternoon treat. Check out their concerts in the Ivy Ballroom, sound system done by the same people as Red Rocks. They have free summer music series outside if front of the hotel. Great hikes just across the river.
1012 Front Loop
Buena Vista, CO 81211 | 719.966.7048
www.surfhotel.com
Do
Cottonwood Hotsprings
Located 5 miles outside of Buena Vista, these man made pools are a relaxing stop. This is a no frills, more rustic destination. The geothermal, gravity-fed mineral waters springs were used for centuries by the Ute Indians as a spiritual gathering place. Bring a book and your own towel ($20).
18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211 | 719 395-6434
www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com
Salida Colorado
Less then two hours from Aspen via Independence Pass, Salida is nestled along the Arkansas River. Home to Monarch Mountain and with a charming downtown corridor.
Stay
Amigos Motor Lodge
A renovated a 50’s motel. It is simple, clean, comfortable and eclectic. The property has a hot tub and fun loungig areas both inside and outside.
Downtown Salida is about a mile away from the motel. Obviously reach it by car, but it’s an easy bike ride down the Monarch Spur trail too (bring your cruiser). Or we used Mountain Taxi (there is no uber).
www.stayamigo.com
Do
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Located between Buena VIsta and Salida these hot springs are a must! They have pools with a water slide but the best part are the creak side hot springs. You will do need to do a little moving around to find a little pool that is the right temperature for you. Bring your own towel and rates are between $15 and $20 depending on day of week
www.mtprinceton.com
Coffee
Howl & Mercantile
I have been known to plan trips around coffee shops. This is one I would do that for. Great artisan/craft coffee combined with a cool little shop. They don't open till 9:00, but worth the wait.
www.howlmercantile.com
Eats
Little Red Hen Bakery
Fabulous little bakery! The Little Red Hen is a must do every time I'm in town (either before or after coffee at Howl & Mercantile). I love their local focus, everything is delidious.
302 G St, Salida, CO 81201
Crested Butte
Girls trip – We hiked from Aspen to Crested Butte and back. From Maroon Bells it took us 4 1/2 hours of hiking and with stops for lunch and to admire the flowers about 6 hours. We spent 2 nights in Crested Butte and then hiked back to Aspen, both ways we went of West Maroon Pass.
Stay
The Ruby B&B Crested Butte
The Ruby is wonderful. Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Innkeepers Chris & Andrea are so friendly and accommodating. The breakfast is gourmet, complimentary beer, cocktails and snacks are available throughout the day, loved the townie bikes, less then a 5 minute walk to town.
1 800 390 1338
www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com
The Purple Mountain Lodge Crested Butte
The owner Chris helped us feel at home and well-cared for, from delicious breakfasts to fun beer-tastings in the afternoons. Location is excellent – close to all the shopping and restaurants. I especially liked the crisp white bed linens.
714 Gothic Ave – Crested Butte, CO (1/2 a block from the Ruby)
1 877 349 5888
www.purplemountainlodge.com
Eat
Daily Dose – breakfast, lunch, coffee
Great spot for a quick and healthy bite. Grab a sandwich or breakfast burrito for a day on the mountain skiing or biking. They also have great smoothies, coffee and homemade baked goods. Lots of clean and organic products. They have wifi, good spot to get some work done.
502 Bellview – Crested Butte, CO (next to Clarks Market)
970 349 5589
7am – 5pm
Secret Stash – dinner
Iconic pizza joint in center of town. Loved the fig, procuitto and truffle oil pizza. Excellent vibe
303 Elk Ave – Crested Butte, CO
www.secretstash.com
Pitas in Paradise – lunch
Loved the small salad (its huge) with a side of gyro meet. Fun deck outside. Casual vibe.
302 Elk Ave – Crested Butte, CO
www.pitasinparadise.com
Camp 4 Coffee – coffee
Incredible coffee in a tin shed plastered with old license plates. Fantastic outside patio seating right in downtown Crested Butte. Very popular spot, be sure to get some local roasted beans to go.
www.camp4coffee.com