Temps and leaves are dropping, which means some lodging prices are too. Along with the slow down of the season, locals are looking to embrace a slower pace. For now at least. Ski season will be here before you know it. If you’re ready for a staycation in Aspen, or within an hour drive or so, we’ve scouted out some of our favorite local finds.
The Little Nell // Colorado locals can enjoy this 5-star hotel with the Resident Rate, now through October 28th. With a valid Colorado ID, you can enjoy the Nell for a night. Or more. Let someone else make the bed and do the linens while you enjoy your staycation. The best part? It’s an easy walk downstairs to Element 47 or Ajax Tavern, both featuring a fall special that is $47 or $37, respectively. See their website for details and grab your room now!
Elsewhere in Aspen // The W is now open! And that rooftop deck is calling our names. If you book a room at the W with Kaleigh Kirkpatrick of The Shameless Tourist, you’ll receive a complimentary $50 breakfast credit. We call that a win-win. Or, check out the Limelight and their Colorado Locals’ Rate at both their Aspen and Snowmass locations. Available through November 26th, you can easily pack a bag and head here for an evening away for as little as $115/night at the newer Snowmass property.
Image courtesy of The Shameless Tourist
Downvalley // If you are in need of a good post-season soak, consider staying at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. This historic property is an easy walk to the newly renovated hot springs pool. Just note that they are closing the pool from November 5th - 6th for scheduled maintenance! Looking to get off the grid? Then head up 133 and stay at the Redstone Castle. This 116-year old property is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the perfect place to unwind and take a step back in time. Worth the splurge.
Want to head a bit farther out of town? Check out what we scouted out in Salida.
Looking for a place to grab a bite to eat in Aspen? Our Aspen and RFV dining guide is online. Just check if the restaurant is open before you head there, as many places in Aspen close for the off-season (we’re looking at you, Cache Cache).
Traveling to the area with kids and looking for things to do? If you’re not hiking, consider these Aspen activities with kids, as well as this Basalt and Carbondale round-up of things to do with littles.
Off-Season Adventures for Aspen Locals // Salida, Colorado
With the weather changing, businesses turning over the closed sign (for now), and visitor season coming to a slow crawl in town, now is the perfect time to be a tourist yourself. Several great weekend options exist within a few hours of the Roaring Fork Valley, meaning you don’t have to go far or even buy a plane ride to get out of dodge. We’ve scouted out some easy-going local gems right here in Colorado, starting with Salida.
Two hours away via Independence Pass, Salida is a mountain town of just over 5,000 residents nestled along the Arkansas River. Home to Monarch Mountain and with a charming downtown corridor, this small town is located in the heart of the state. Adventure is happening here, with a full roster of activities all four seasons and more than a dozen 14ers to take your breath away.
Image via Amigo Motor Lodge
STAY // Owners Philip and Kaitlyn renovated a 50’s motel into the Amigo Motor Lodge in 2016. Simple, clean, comfortable, and pet-friendly this is not a 5-star resort, but it is a gem in the town that calls itself the gem of Colorado. The property has a tepee and a hot tub, and you can even sleep in an Airstream for the night! Bonus: The owners are committed to conservation and giving back to the local community.
PLAY // Head to the whitewater park in town and hop on a stand-up paddleboard (you might just spot a SUP from local company Badfish), get on your bike for a ride, or lace up your hiking shoes for one of the many 14ers near town. Easier hikes abound if you’re traveling with younger ones and your dogs can run off-leash at Loyal Duke’s Dog Park. Soak away your day at the largest indoor hot springs in the country.
EAT and DRINK // It should come as no surprise that an active town has a happening food scene. Options abound, from Patio Pancake Place, The Firefly Restaurant, and Little Red Hen Bakery for breakfast, to Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop, Mo Burrito, and Gathering Grounds for lunch. Dinner options include pizza (with gluten-free options) from Moonlight Pizza & Brew Pub, tapas and gastro-pub fare at American bistro The Fritz, and steak and seafood at Currents. Fancy a beer? That’s not a problem in Salida. Soulcraft has 16 taps on hand and The 146 Taphouse has 40 self-serve beer and wine taps.
SHOP // Owner and artist Lindsay Sutton-Stephens operates Sutty’s Downtown Record and Arts, where a collection of classic vinyl meets modern, colorful artwork. The Beekeeper’s Honey Boutique sells local honey that has been foraged from the mountain fields and meadows. And be sure to pop into Drift & Amble, a locally-owned screen-printing shop that sells original designs on shirts, hats, and more.
SEE // Fall foliage typically peaks from mid-September to early October. Plan your trip around leaf-peeping season to ensure the sights in town, and en route, are stunning. Check out the calendar of events at local event center Steamplant or see what is playing at the Comanche Drive-in Theater, a quick 30-minute drive from town.
