How to enjoy summer in Aspen on the cheap
Aspen is notorious for its ultra-luxe, ultra-expensive lifestyle. And indeed, that exists. But take it from us full-time, hardworking locals: there is a way to enjoy all that our resort town has to offer on a dime — or even for free. Here is our list of “Aspen’s Great 8,” which includes one event to get you through every week of the summer high season (and yes, some are in Snowmass).
MUSICAL MADNESS
The best known of the free offerings — aside from the great outdoors — is probably the music: Thursday night concerts in Snowmass, Bluegrass Sundays atop Aspen Mountain, the lawn outside the Benedict Music Tent, to name a few.
INFO: http://www.aspentimes.com for daily listings
PHYSICS CENTER BBQs
The Aspen Center for Physics isn’t just for scientists. In fact, the center’s “Physics is for Kids” family BBQs are always packed with plenty of fun for the whole family. The Wednesday night BBQs feature a free outdoor picnic for families complete with liquid nitrogen ice cream, hands-on science demonstrations, experiments and games, with brief lectures by visiting scientists tailored to families and school-age children.
INFO: http://www.aspensciencecenter.org/programs/physics-bbqs/
ASPEN SATURDAY MARKET
It might cost you to shop at the market, but strolling the streets is free and an excellent way to begin your summer Saturday. The 19-year-old market features nearly 100 local vendors selling products — from farm-fresh vegetables and locally sourced meats to handcrafted clothes and one-of-a-kind art pieces — that are all made, grown or produced in Colorado.
INFO: http://www.aspenpitkin.com/departments/clerk/aspen-saturday-market/
YOGA — IN THE WILD
There are plenty of studios to get your yoga fix while visiting Aspen. But for a true Rocky Mountain experience, we suggest getting outside. While not “free,” the classes offered by Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and Aspen Skiing Co. are well worth the small price.
INFO: http://www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-your-stay/summer-activities/yoga and aspennature.org learn/programs/wild-yoga-17
TUESDAY CRUISE DAY
You won’t find this in the official tour guide to Aspen, but it’s free, fun and a uniquely local community event. Join some 100-plus bikers as they cruise through town, with the ultimate destination being a cold one at Aspen’s only local brewery.
INFO: http://www.aspenbrewingcompany.com/events/tuesdaycruiseday/
ASPEN ART MUSEUM
For a small mountain town, Aspen boasts a top-notch art museum. And admission is totally free, as are drop-in spotlight tours (led by museum staffer every Saturday and Wednesday at 1 p.m.), exhibition opening receptions, regular artist talks, Movies at the Museum and more.
INFO: http://www.aspenartmuseum.org.
ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER
Just up the road, but a world away from Aspen it seems, Snowmass Village has its own summer scene. Tops on the list to check out is the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. From a tour of the working artist studios to exhibit openings to the impressive lineup as part of the Summer Series & Critical Dialog program, you’re sure to walk away with a new take on Snowmass and the arts.
INFO: http://www.andersonranch.org
PEOPLE WATCHING
It goes without saying, there is some outstanding people watching to be had in Aspen. From kids running through the dancing fountain to buskers entertaining the crowds to everything in between, the No. 1 free thing worth doing this summer is to pull up a bench downtown and watch the world go ‘round – Aspen style.
INFO: No website for this one, but we welcome our input and photos on the the things you see out there; email jmcgovern@aspentimes.com
Bar Talk: sway Thai
sway opened its Aspen doors at the beginning of February with nine cocktails on the menu including some options not offered in Austin, such as a Thai coffee martini, fitting in with this mountain town’s espresso martini infatuation.