If anyone can tell you how to do Aspen right, it’s Sue Hostetler, who has long called both Aspen and Palm Beach home. The former editor in chief of Art Basel Magazine, collector, author, and philanthropist has watched the mountain town evolve into one of the world’s great summer art destinations. We asked her to share her favorite places to eat, drink, explore, and unwind, along with the insider tips only a local would know.
THE BEST…
BREAKFAST: Outdoor terrace or lawn at The Jerome.
MUSEUM: Aspen Art Museum for world-class exhibitions; Anderson Ranch for actual art-making and the lecture series.
LUNCH: Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell or the Aspen Mountain Club.
PLACE TO UNWIND: A blanket on the lawn at the Music Festival Tent during the Sunday afternoon concerts, with some nice wine and cheese… Pure magic.
DINNER: So many terrific new restaurants, but I have to go old school and say Cache Cache or Casa Tua.
COCKTAIL: Spicy margarita at Woody Creek Tavern.
DATE NIGHT: French Alpine Bistro, or, as the locals call it, the Creperie.
VIEW: Biking up to Maroon Bells.
BEST-KEPT SECRET: The Game Changer at Home Team BBQ: gold Caribbean rum, spiced Caribbean rum, pineapple and orange juice, a dash of coconut and nutmeg… frozen! Only made better by a rum floater on top. Wait, did I say rum?
BETWEEN US…
WHERE YOU ALWAYS RUN INTO SOMEONE YOU KNOW: The Aspen Institute’s Annual Ideas Festival.
WHERE YOU STAY: My house! But the most beloved hotel is definitely The Little Nell. They also have the best art collection.
DRESS CODE: The great thing about Aspen is you can wear anything you want and fit in. I wore sequins and feathers a few nights ago, but my summer go-to is usually a tank top, sweater, and jeans.
SHOES: Hiking boots.
ASPEN DIET: I know this will sound bizarre because the closest ocean is almost 1,000 miles away, but sushi… at Matsuhisa or Yuki.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS: Please, I beg you… do not get off that plane wearing a cowboy hat, cowboy boots, and turquoise jewelry. I’m not sure why people are suddenly dressing like they’re on the set of Gunsmoke.
SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE HERE: Toss-up… “Rocky Mountain High,” written by John Denver just outside Aspen while watching a meteor shower… or “Landslide,” also written in Aspen by Stevie Nicks.
HOT TAKE: The local joke has always been, “You come for the winter, but you stay for the summer.” My hot take is: you simply come and never, ever want to leave. This is the best spot and community in the world, full stop.
