Aspen, Colorado City Guide
For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Aspen, Colorado Travel Guide has been your connection to Aspen's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.
The Different Faces of Aspen
 Aspen, with a population of around 6,000, consists of three areas: the downtown and two residential neighborhoods called the West End and the East End. The West End offers tranquil living amidst authentic Victorian homes. The lower West End is where you can find the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, a 25-acre wildlife sanctuary along the Roaring Fork River. During the summer, the Center's naturalists offer guided walks, unique programs for children, and much more. During the winter, snowshoe and ski tours are available, or you can take a self-guided tour of the preserve surrounding Hallam Lake.
Aspen's quaint Victorian downtown features shops, galleries, restaurants, movie theaters, nightclubs, and an enchanting pedestrian area that includes Cooper Avenue, Hyman Avenue and Mill Street. Each tree-lined street features old Victorian and brick buildings filled with hip shops, fine restaurants and colorful local pubs. If you enjoy live performances, the Wheeler Opera House is the center of Aspen's musical entertainment. If shopping is your passion, stroll down Mill, Galena and Durant Streets where you will find the likes of Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, DKNY and Christian Dior just to name a few.
The Roaring Fork River splits the East End, where there are so many trees you'll feel as though you've stepped into another world. This is the place to go if you're looking for an escape from the downtown hustle and bustle. If you're in the mood for a little indulgence, The Alpine Club and Spa offers luxurious spa services, fitness and mind/body classes, childcare at the Kid's Gym, the Club Café, and more.
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