Chris and I have been in Aspen since Monday night. His parents went in on a handful of timeshare weeks with friends at a condo that looks out directly at the base of Aspen Mountain about 25 years ago. They’re thinking about selling their weeks and encouraged us to take advantage of it before it’s gone.
It’s no wonder why the rich and famous come here to play. Towering spruce trees line the edges of green spaces where kids and dogs run free, a babbling creek meanders by exquisite 8-figure homes just blocks from the center of town. A brick pedestrian way runs through the heart of town, dotted with tiny footbridges and lined with cafes and shops with billowing flower boxes.
This is the second time I’ve been here, and I’ve never been in winter, when you’re more likely to spot famous people warming themselves by fires après ski and sipping on hot toddies, visiting Kemo Sabe for custom-made cowboy boots, and ducking into Dior and Louis Vuitton. I, myself, headed for the thrift shop, just around the corner from Dior and a yacht sales office and scored a $10 pair of designer jeans that retail for well over $100. I am not above picking through billionaires’ castoffs.
We’ve hiked miles since we’ve been here, and I was very tempted to jump into the water at Devil’s Punchbowl. I’m not afraid of cold water and jumping from decent heights, but the mountain water leaves your feet numb. I passed.
I’m not sure we’ll be staying in Aspen without free lodging, but we’ll definitely be back to the area for more outdoor fun the future. Oh, and my very favorite thing about this place: Aspen trees!
My Corner of the Village 