"Glitz, glamour, and gusto. This is Aspen in a nutshell. But what most guidebooks and movies don’t show is how to crack open that nutshell and get to the core of what actually is a cool place to spend a day. First off, there’s the Maroon Bells, a stunning series of peaks that create perhaps the most scenic pull-off in Colorado. It’s only $10 per vehicle to take it all in, including the numerous hiking trails. Closer to town proper, a solid hike, scenic drive, or good happy hour are totally possible. You just have to know where to look, or else you’ll ask for the tab and realize you just spent $50 on two beers and a basket of fries, and another $100 to rent a bike for the afternoon. Skip the lift ticket to hike Aspen Mountain and instead opt for the free trails at Smuggler Mountain. On the food and bev side, Aspen Brewing Company and Zane’s Tavern are the go-to’s, but you can also channel your inner Hunter S. Thomson with an appearance at the bar inside Hotel Jerome." - MATADOR_NETWORK
