What began as a summer hunting ground for the Ute Indians is now home to some of the world’s wealthiest families. After the Silver Boom of the late 19th century, Aspen began a transformation to the culturally, dynamic world-class destination it is today. Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke arrived in the late 1940s with their idea for a community that embodied Mind, Body, and Spirit. This idea led to a civic and cultural renaissance that has turned Aspen into one of the most desirable outdoor and cultural playgrounds in the world.

Aspen is home to the annual FOOD & WINE Classic, during which celebrity chefs create unique gourmet tastes for guests. FOOD & WINE’s signature event, the Classic brings together the world’s foremost authorities on wine and food at over 80 cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, showcasing the hottest culinary talent and trends. Plus, over 300 wines and luxury lifestyle brands are featured at the event.

 

In addition, Aspen’s incredible year-round dining scene is one not to miss. Element 47 in the Little Nell Hotel is known as the “finest spot to wine, dine and unwind,” and received the Five-Star Restaurant Award in 2015. The restaurant’s dishes, which are seasonally inspired, are created from local ingredients. The cuisine is complemented by wine from Element 47’s wine cellar, which houses more than 20,000 bottles.  

 

Situated in a 120-year-old Victorian house, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurant presents stylish Japanese cuisine, such as uniquely prepared spicy tuna rolls and Wagyu beef. Ajax Tavern, located at The Little Nell, is known for its truffle fries, and in the summer, delicious lobster rolls. 

 

Cache Cache Restaurant is an elegant French restaurant that has been an Aspen hot spot for more than 25 years. It features 5,000 bottles from which to choose in the cellar. Since 1889, the J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome has been a local favorite.  Jimmy's An American Restaurant, located in an upscale location off Mill Street, offers a stellar bar scene, as well as comforting classic foods. Jimmy’s Bodega, the sister restaurant to Jimmy’s, is a fun place to enjoy specialty bottled cocktails, fresh seafood and raw bar, and a spectacular wine list.

The 3,000-square-meter Aspen Art Museum is one of the world’s standout contemporary art destinations. It houses exhibitions of paintings, drawings, sculptures, multimedia installations, and engaging activities.

 

Theatre Aspen presents amazing plays each year; the critically acclaimed Aspen Santa Fe Ballet takes the stage with modern performances in between their shows in New York City, Russia, and Italy. At the Wheeler Opera House and the popular Belly Up, guests enjoy incredible concerts, shows, and music festivals. Other concerts include the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Annual Labor Day Experience, which featuring tier-one talent, which in the past has included Stevie Wonder, The Killers, Maroon 5, Keith Urban, Duran Duran, and more.

 

Additional top lives music festivals & events include the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, Core Party, Snowmass Rendezvous Beer Festival, Snowmass Free Concert Series, Classical Saturdays, and Bluegrass Sundays.  

 

Founded in 1949, the Aspen Music Festival and School are acclaimed as one of the top classical music festivals in the U.S. It’s known both for its concert programming and its musical training of mostly young adult music students. The eight-week summer season generally includes more than 400 classical music events and brings in 100,000 audience members.

In addition to providing endless opportunities for adventure, Aspen has unlimited ways to rejuvenate and unwind. For example, St. Regis Hotel’s Remède Spa, voted No. 1 Spa in the World by Travel + Leisure and regularly ranked as the top spa in the U.S., offers customized massages. Each includes a scalp treatment with essential oils and paraffin foot wrap, plus access to the oxygen lounge, plunge pools, steam room. Champagne and snacks are included.

 

The quaint Auberge Spa in the Hotel Jerome presents treatments that date back to Roaring Fork Valley’s early days. Services such as the Revitalizing Organic Facial and 80-minute massage are the perfect remedy to help guests to restore and relax.

Boasting a mix of luxury condos, cottages, ranches, private estates, and ski homes, Aspen offers sophisticated homes for a variety of buyers. Many present mesmerizing views of mountain vistas and landscapes, while others line the trout-filled rivers and streams of the Roaring Fork Valley. 

 

Aspen’s commitment to retaining its natural beauty has made its real estate a limited commodity chased by the world’s wealthiest people, and thus incredibly valuable. Let us help you find your valuable gem, while you discover the personalities and vibes of the towns of the Roaring Fork Valley. Take a peek at yourself and choose where your dream home will be.

 

For more information regarding Aspen luxury homes for sale, or to list your home with one of Aspen’s most acclaimed real estate brokers, contact the Gary Feldman Group via phone or email.