Jul 1, 2009 3:40 pm US/Mountain
High Country Holiday Deals
- The Molly Gibson Lodge is offering a limited-time "Buy 3/Get 4 Nights" special with breakfast included and deluxe rooms starting at $315 a night. (101 West Main Street, 970.925.3434, www.MollyGibson.com)
- Independence Square is offering standard rooms for $195 a night and premium rooms for $265 a night, with breakfast included and a location in the center of town. (404 South Galena Street, 970.920.2313, www.indysquare.com)
- L'Auberge D'Aspen is offering a 25 percent discount on its quaint mining cabins, starting at $199 a night. (435 West Main Street, 970.925.8297, www.preferredlodging.com)
- The Innsbruck is offering up to 42 percent off regular rates, with one-bedroom premier condos starting at $350 a night and hotel rooms starting at $299 a night. (233 West Main Street, 970.925.2980, www.TheInnsbruck.com)
Also – any visitor who books two nights of lodging at ANY Aspen hotel receives the
Aspen Summer Pass, a discount card with great deals, including the following:
- Two-for-one admission to the Aspen Historical Society museum.
- 50% off recitals and chamber music performances at Aspen Music Festival & School
- $25 off treatments, personal training, Pilates and other services at Aspen Club & Spa
- Two-for-one rock-climbing with Aspen Expeditions
- 30% off bike rentals from Aspen Sports
- 25% off lift tickets for Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola
- 15% off lunch at Pacifica Seafood & Raw Bar
- Buy one entrée and get the second half off at Hotel Jerome's Garden Terrace or J Bar restaurants (open for lunch and dinner)
The list goes on, and all specials are listed at
www.aspensnowmasspass.com.
Alexandra de L'Arbre
Account Manager
Promo Communications
PHONE +1 970 925 8480 MOBILE +1 970 309 2662 FAX +1 970 920 2364
720 East Durant Avenue, Suite E-7, Aspen, Colo. 81611 USA
www.promoinc.net Twitter: @aspenAlex
ASPEN'S OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Historic, Small-Town Charm, Family Fun & Explosive Travel Deals
ASPEN, Colo. (June 26, 2009) – Contrary to Aspen's ritzy reputation, the resort's old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration is a small-town affair, rich with charm, peppered with eccentricity and overflowing with community participation. Aspen's downtown core swarms with fun-for-the-whole-family activities throughout the day, highlighted by the parade that snakes through city streets and draws tremendous crowds. As night falls, Aspen Mountain serves as the backdrop for a spectacular fireworks show, and live music following the display keeps people dancing in the streets.
This summer, Aspen's Fourth of July celebration is more accessible than ever before as hotels, restaurants, retailers, outdoor outfitters and cultural organizations offer 50% Off Wednesdays, Buy 3/Get 4 Nights and the Aspen Summer Pass, a value card with exceptional deals valid every day of the week.
In addition, many Aspen hotels still have availability over the holiday weekend and are offering affordable rates and travel deals, including the following:
- The Molly Gibson Lodge is offering a limited-time "Buy 3/Get 4 Nights" special with breakfast included and deluxe rooms starting at $315 a night. (101 West Main Street, 970.925.3434, www.MollyGibson.com)
- Independence Square is offering standard rooms for $195 a night and premium rooms for $265 a night, with breakfast included and a location in the center of town. (404 South Galena Street, 970.920.2313, www.indysquare.com)
- L'Auberge D'Aspen is offering a 25 percent discount on its quaint mining cabins, starting at $199 a night. (435 West Main Street, 970.925.8297, www.preferredlodging.com)
- The Innsbruck is offering up to 42 percent off regular rates, with one-bedroom premier condos starting at $350 a night and hotel rooms starting at $299 a night. (233 West Main Street, 970.925.2980, www.TheInnsbruck.com)
For information about Aspen's Fourth of July celebration, special lodging offers, or to book an Aspen vacation, visit www.aspenchamber.org, or call 866.572.9641 or 970.925.1940.
Brightening Aspen's already vibrant scene, several new and renovated restaurants and boutiques are opening their doors this summer. From successful, local restaurateurs unveiling yet another stellar eatery, to world-renowned brands establishing an Aspen outpost, locals and visitors will experience exceptional dining, shopping, nightlife and, of course, outdoor adventure through the warm-weather months.
Following are highlights of recent openings and highly anticipated developments unfolding this spring and summer in Aspen.
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
- COMING SOON, Junk at the Red Onion will open summer 2009 under the ownership of Scott DeGraff of the renowned N9NE Group. The refurbished Red Onion space is centerpieced by the original bar and returns to its roots as an upscale steakhouse serving American comfort food with fresh, local ingredients for lunch, dinner and late-night dining until 2 a.m. With plush booth seating, two built-in DJ booths, and a show-stopping chandelier made with hundreds of LED-lit beer bottles, Junk at the Red Onion promises to pay homage to its past while moving the Aspen institution into the future. (420 East Cooper Ave.; www.funworldwide.net)
- COMING SOON, the world-renowned Italian restaurant Il Mulino is opening a location in the new Residences at The Little Nell summer 2009. Known as one of New York's landmark dining institutions, Zagat readers have rated Il Mulino as the top New York City Italian restaurant for more than two decades. (520 East Durant Ave.; 970.920.7272; www.rlnaspen.com; www.ilmulino.com)
- COMING SOON, Fat City Plaza at 520 East Cooper Ave. offers a new model for Aspen retailers. The original 3,700-square-foot room has been divided into five spaces between 270 and 735 square feet. The first restaurant tenant to sign on is Kenichi, opening a take-out noodle bar in early summer. (520 East Cooper Ave.)
- COMING SOON, Syzygy owners are setting up shop in a new building on Aspen's "restaurant row" with two levels of dining and nightlife. On the main floor, an approachable bistro-style restaurant with affordable menu items is set to open fall 2009 and will offer indoor and outdoor dining, live music, creative cocktails and infusions, and a vibrant atmosphere. Opening December 2009, the lower level will house Syzygy's signature fine dining and boisterous nightlife in a contemporary space, complete with a private dining room, DJ booth and a dedicated dance floor. (308 East Hopkins Ave.; www.syzygyrestaurant.com)
- Noted Aspen eatery, Gusto Ristorante, received a face lift from local designers Poss Architects, changed management and unveiled a new menu under the name Gisella. The restaurant reopened June 12 and offers a romantic ambiance with cuisine focusing on several regions of Italy. Offering dinner nightly. (415 East Main St.; 970.925.8222; www.gisellaaspen.com)
- Explore Booksellers has drastically revamped its restaurant and dubbed the new space Escape. No longer serving strictly vegan cuisine, Escape offers a vegetarian menu with daily fish dishes and maintains its emphasis on healthful food for lunch and dinner. (221 East Main Street, 970.925.5338; www.explorebooksellers.com)
- Fun Worldwide Lab has transformed into N9NE Steakhouse Wednesday through Saturday through the summer season. Scott DeGraff, renowned restaurateur and owner of both ventures, completed a sleek redesign of the space formerly occupied by Cooking School of Aspen, installing a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and contemporary finishes. DeGraff is also a partner in other N9NE Steakhouse locations in Las Vegas and Chicago, and the Aspen outpost will feature N9NE Steakhouse signature dishes including Sashimi, Bone-In Filet, Truffled Chicken and Kobe Flat Iron Steak. Fun Worldwide Lab will continue to operate as a special event venue Sunday through Tuesday through the summer. (414 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.1090; www.funworldwide.net)
- Brexi opened February 2009 in the Dancing Bear Aspen and is the fourth restaurant venture for owners Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce, who also operate the highly successful LuLu Wilson and The Wild Fig. Brexi features French-bistro fare in a stylish brasserie setting. NEW THIS SUMMER, Brexi is serving lunch on its sunny patio and inside. (411 South Monarch St.; 970.925.2838)
- Lulu Wilson, sister restaurant to Brexi, now offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays with a menu of breakfast and lunch staples, created with the freshest ingredients, including handcrafted Bloody Marys and specialty cocktails. Brunch is offered inside the Victorian-era mining cabin or outside on the sunny patio. (316 East Hopkins Ave.; 970.920.1893; www.luluwilson.com)
- Ajax Tavern, steps from the Silver Queen Gondola at the base of Aspen Mountain, reopened its doors December 2008 following a $1 million renovation and is once again serving dinner. With an expanded bar area inside and a larger deck outside, Ajax Tavern menu features French bistro-inspired fare by Chef Jim Butchart under the guidance of Little Nell Executive Chef Ryan Hardy. (685 East Durant Ave.; 970.920.4600)
- Cache Cache reopened its doors last winter with an expanded, stylish bar area. Cache Cache's bar menu is a favorite among Aspen locals and visitors. Owned by long-time Aspenites Jodi Larner and Chef Chris Lantern, Cache Cache features French-bistro style cuisine and an elegant yet comfortable ambiance. (205 South Mill St.; 970.544.8248; www.cachecache.com)
- Owners of sushi hotspot Kenichi enlivened the former Cooper Street Pier space with Bad Billy's, a new restaurant and bar. Opened December 2008, Bad Billy's preserves Cooper Street's cheap-burger-and-beer ethos while serving Asian noodle dishes and salads and hosting live music many nights of the week. (508 East Cooper Ave.; 970.925.9225)
- Opened April 2009, The Restaurant @ St. Regis Aspen offers a casual yet upscale dining experience created by Chef Adam Tanner. With a farm-to-table concept, the menu incorporates the finest ingredients from the Roaring Fork Valley and renowned suppliers across the U.S. with signature dishes, including flame-grilled Milagro Ranch sirloin burgers with parmesan fries, citrus poached Maine Lobster cob salad, and Meyer Ranch prime beef tenderloin. (315 East Dean St.; 970.920.3300; www.stregisaspen.com)
- Parallel 15 is known geographically as the coffee bean belt, and it's where owner Keith Goode sources his flavorful beans. Parallel 15 coffee and espresso drinks are made with manually operated machines and complemented by organic milk, half-and-half, and other accoutrements. Starting April 2009, former journalist and cooking school graduate Kate Bailey opened her new bakery Tarte at Parallel 15, offering healthy but indulgent specialties. (400 East Hyman Ave.; 970.309.6883)
- Victoria's Wine & Espresso Bar, neighboring Wagner Park, is a new venue for early morning lattes, lunch or evening wine and hors d'oeuvres. Victoria's features an espresso bar, an extensive wine list, and a large selection of delectable cheeses and cured meats. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (312 South Mill St.; 970.920.3001; www.aspenespressobar.com)
- The Wienerstube Restaurant is under new ownership. Still serving Aspen's favorite breakfast, the Wienerstube now offers an Austrian lunch and dinner menu. (633 East Hyman Ave.; 970.925.3357)
BOUTIQUES & ART GALLERIES
- James Perse, purveyor of "low maintenance, high-end fashion" for men and women, has opened an Aspen outpost this summer on Hunter Street, bringing California casual to a chic Aspen audience. (312 South Hunter St.; 970.544.0600; www.jamesperse.com)
- COMING SOON, Fat City Plaza at 520 East Cooper Ave. offers a new model for Aspen retailers. The original 3,700-square-foot room has been divided into five retail spaces between 270 and 735 square feet. An Apple Computers store will be managed by two locals; a noodle bar will be operated by owners of sushi hotspot Kenichi; Aspen Artists Cooperative, formerly based at Aspen Highlands, will add some culture to the space; a denim bar will be operated by a longtime local making her first foray into business ownership; and a leatherworks-western wear store will give a retail home to an Aspenite who has been selling chaps and vests throughout Colorado for years. (520 East Cooper Ave.)
- Two Old Hippies, a new lifestyle boutique opened in June, shares "peace, love & rock 'n' roll" through 2oh, a new collection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts, home products, and premium acoustic guitars. Owners invite shoppers to bring out their inner hippie and be "playful, a little rebellious, softly bold and fun." (111 South Monarch St.; 970.927.7492; www.2oh.com)
- Prints Charming opened May 2009 and sells antique prints, including rare Audubon and Denton prints, as well as prints from Harper's Weekly illustrated newspapers from the 1800s. In addition, their inventory includes antique maps, books, antique jewelry and other collectables. (533 East Hopkins; 970.544.3662; www.printscharmingaspen.com)
- Sun is in the forecast year round with the new Aspen Tan, opened by residents Adam Lang, Payton Peeples and Cari Mosely. Aspen's only full-service tanning salon, Aspen Tan offers three Ergoline tanning beds as well as VersaSpa, an advanced spay-tanning booth. (300 Puppy Smith St.; 970.920.2826)
- Ute City Cycles has moved from its smaller shop on Durant Ave. to a central location on Main Street, and will be open year-round. The new location continues to sell top-of-the-line road and mountain bikes and features premium brands, including Yeti, Time, Orbea and Look. (231 East Main St.; 970.920.3325)
- Polar Revolution moved its snowboard gear and fashionable apparel a few doors down to 520 East Hyman Ave. (970.544.0600)
- J. Crew at the Mountains opened last winter as a new concept store for the nationally renowned brand. Modeled after the brand's first concept store "J Crew at the Beach" located in the Hamptons, the Aspen J. Crew neighbors Louis Vuitton and Fendi. (205 South Mill St., 970.544.1631; www.jcrew.com)
NEW AND EXPANDED EVENTS
- Aspen's Saturday Market, which begins June 20, has grown into an impressive gathering of Colorado growers, ranchers, artisans, even winemakers. This summer, market browsers will have a place to grab a bite to eat in the new food court, offering an outdoor venue for a la carte lunching. In addition, Paonia distributor and organic advocate Jack Reed has started a new market on Wednesdays and Thursdays outside of Victoria's Espresso & Wine Bar. (312 South Mill St.)
· The Wheeler Opera House, in partnership with Mountainfilm In Telluride, is producing MOUNTAINSUMMIT, a new festival which will feature a heady mix of short- and feature-length documentary films, lectures, breakfast talks, and an afternoon-long symposium on the subject of food, scheduled to take place Aug. 27 to Aug. 30, 2009. Building upon 31 years of Mountainfilm's success, MOUNTAINSUMMIT aims to inject intellectual debate into Aspen's culture of adventure, creating an event that celebrates Aspen's credo of "healthy mind, body and spirit." (320 East Hyman Ave.; 970920.5770; www.wheeleroperahouse.com)
· Adding to Aspen's vibrant downtown scene, the City of Aspen is funding kids' events and local musical acts on the pedestrian malls this summer. The events and activities will take place Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Hyman Ave. and Cooper Ave. walking malls; 970.925.1940; www.aspenchamber.org)
Stumble It!
