Cindy Hirschfeld’s Tips to Make the Best of Aspen
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Every year, thousands flock to Aspen, Colorado, for its magisterial mountains and unmatched ski runs. While it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the natural beauty surrounding Aspen, it would be a shame to overlook the budding art scene, which is attracting moreCindy Hirschfeld’s Tips to Make the Best of Aspen
Every year, thousands flock to Aspen, Colorado, for its magisterial mountains and unmatched ski runs. While it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the natural beauty surrounding Aspen, it would be a shame to overlook the budding art scene, which is attracting more and more artists, galleries, and collectors thanks to art fairs like Art Aspen. From July 26-29, galleries specializing in Contemporary art will convene in the Aspen Ice Garden to showcase their works to collectors, tastemakers, and art enthusiasts. Produced by Urban Expositions, Art Aspen is one of four boutique art fairs Urban stages in cities across the US including Miami, Palm Springs, and Chicago.BLOUIN ARTINFO spoke to Cindy Hirschfeld, a member of the Host Committee for Art Aspen and Editor-in-Chief of Aspen Sojourner, about where to wine, dine, and unwind in Aspen and for recommendations on the many outdoor activities visitors can choose from. Excerpts from the interview:For those looking to take a break from Art Aspen, where might they go for a quiet afternoon?You do not have to be a John Denver fan to appreciate the sanctuary named for him along the Roaring Fork River. Find it behind Rio Grande Park, near the Theatre Aspen tent, and wander among the large rocks engraved with song lyrics, the beautiful wildflowers, and the soothing gurgle of the river. Continue on a riverside walk along the paved Rio Grande Trail.What are some of your favorite restaurants in or around Aspen?Bosq gets high marks for some of the town’s most innovative cuisine; it has a seasonally driven menu that incorporates Asian influences. I haven’t yet been to the new Clark’s Oyster Bar, an outpost of an Austin, Texas-based chain, but I’ve been hearing good things about it. Meat and Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop has a tightly edited menu that’s always yummy — my favorite is the Vietnamese chicken salad with rice noodles. Chef’s Club’s new summer collaboration with San Francisco-based chef Matthew Accarrino offers a delicious take on modern Italian in a multi-course prix fixe.What’s a favorite bar to unwind after a long day at the art fair?Marble Distillery (in the Grand Hyatt Aspen) makes its own spirits and mixes them into tasty cocktails. Sip one on the patio outside. Hops Culture has some 200 beers and ciders, and small beer garden-style seating area in the middle of the Hyman Avenue Mall. The bar at Jimmy’s is usually happening for happy hour and again late night.Where should one go to catch some live music?Hands down, Belly Up Aspen. It’s a relatively intimate club (holds 450), has an awesome sound system, and draws in acts ranging from up and coming to well-known names (Melissa Etheridge, the Chainsmokers, Spoon) for sold-out shows.What are you most excited for about this year’s Art Aspen?Well, I’m actually on my way to Mongolia right now, so I’ll be missing this year’s event. But you could mention that Aspen Sojourner is hosting a party at the venue on Friday evening, July 27, 5–7 p.m., which will benefit Response, a local nonprofit that helps those affected by domestic violence and sexual trauma.What are some essential cultural offerings of Aspen that festival-goers ought to visit?The Aspen Art Museum, obviously; current shows include Cheryl Donegan, Nina Katchadourian, Larry Bell, Yto Barrada, and Jay DeFeo; admission is free. The building itself, designed by Shiguru Ban, is worth a visit, too; there’s an indoor-outdoor cafe on the rooftop deck. Don’t miss a concert from the Aspen Music Festival and School; there are multiple choices at various venues every day. A favorite Aspen tradition is to sit on the lawn outside of the Benedict Music Tent for the 4 p.m. Sunday concerts; of course, sitting inside the tent is pretty special, too. Theatre Aspen, which showcases actors from around the country, plays Godspell and Our Town the weekend of Art Aspen; the shows also take place inside a tent and offer an incomparably intimate viewing experience. Or check out Emmet Cohen and Christian Sands at Jazz Aspen Snowmass’s JAS Cafe; performances during Art Aspen weekend take place at the Cooking School of Aspen.What summer time outdoor activities would you recommend to visitors?Try to get in at least one hike, whether it’s walking along the level, paved Rio Grande Trail; taking the gondola up Aspen Mountain and exploring some of the trails at the top; or going on a longer outing to a destination like American Lake. Weller Lake, a short ways up the road to Independence Pass, is only a short roundtrip and ends in a lovely alpine setting. E-bike popularity is exploding this summer, as these bikes with a battery-powered assist are now allowed on paved trails; they are also a great way to ride up to the Maroon Bells in a more leisurely way than on a regular bike. The Lost Forest just opened at Snowmass ski area, about 20 minutes from Aspen; do laps on the mountain coaster (you control your speed) or try the new zipline canopy tour or ropes challenge courses.What are some scenic drives you would recommend?The road up Independence Pass is one of my favorite drives in the whole state. Just make sure you’re comfortable with lots of curves and some narrow sections of road. It takes about a half hour to get to the top of the pass (at the Continental Divide) from Aspen. And if you’re driving slowly and enjoying the scenery (which you should), please pull over and let other cars pass on by if you see a line of vehicles in your rearview mirror. The drive up the Fryingpan Valley from Basalt to Ruedi Reservoir is another beautiful tour, lined by red rock cliffs and leading to a large lake.What are three places nearby Aspen you would recommend for a day’s trip?Basalt, where I live, has a totally cute downtown with restaurants and boutiques. Plus, two rivers flow through town; if you like to fish, this is your spot. It’s about 18 miles down Highway 82 from Aspen. Another 15 minutes from Basalt is Carbondale, which has a cool creative vibe and lots of public art around town. Visit the gardens, including a labyrinth and reflexology path, at True Nature Arts Healing Center. A little over an hour from Aspen is the teeny town of Redstone, along the Crystal River. Visit galleries and have lunch poolside at the Redstone Inn; then continue south for another 10 minutes or so to the rustic town of Marble. The ruins of the original marble mill are fascinating to walk through (the quarry still operates today, but doesn’t offer public tours). Eat dinner at Slow Groovin’, a great BBQ joint that’s always busy.What’s the most overrated thing in Aspen?The Woody Creek Tavern. It’s a Mexican restaurant and one of its claims to fame is that Hunter S. Thompson, who lived nearby, used to hang out at the bar. It’s not bad, but very touristy.Where would you recommend people stay in Aspen (a particular neighborhood, street, or hotel)?Most of Aspen’s hotels are within walking distance of anywhere downtown. The Aspen Meadows Resort is a bit farther from downtown on the grounds of the Aspen Institute; it has cool Bauhaus architecture, large rooms, and lovely surroundings. And it runs regular shuttles into town. Or you might consider staying at the Viceroy in Snowmass Village (20 minutes away); Snowmass in summer is just gorgeous. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 17.0px Georgia; color: #d81e00} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 32.0px Arial; color: #232323} span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none} span.s2 {font-kerning: none} http://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin Read more