Aspen Holidays

ASPEN HOLIDAYS

Altitude

Ultimate Taxi

What You Can Do Besides Just Ski

Like You Never Experienced Before

Art Galleries

Wheeler Opera House

30 You Can Explore During Holidays

Enjoy This 6Star Settings.

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

I

1.

Altitude

1

2.

Art Galleries

3

3.

Dance Festival

5

4.

Recreation Center

7

5.

Club Chelsea Bar

9

6.

Country And Western Dancing

11

7.

Getting Around

13

8.

Harris Concert Hall

16

9.

How To Find Entertainment

19

10.

Music In The Mountains

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11.

Syzygy

23

12.

Taste Festival

26

13.

Theatre In The Park

28

14.

The Caribou Club

30

15.

The Crystal Palace

32

16.

The Ultimate Taxi

34

17.

The Wheeler Opera House

37

18.

US Comedy Arts Festival

41

19.

Winterskol

43

CONCLUSION

IV

INTRODUCTION

Finding things to do in Aspen, Colorado during the day isn’t difficult.

Get out on the slopes and ski or enjoy one of the other winter sports that you love.

At night, however, Aspen really comes to life with Aspen nightlife!

No matter how old or young you are, there is something to do in Aspen 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Music and dancing are the biggest Aspen nightlife attractions, but there is more to do than just that.

So if you aren’t quite old enough to get into the various bars and clubs in the area, don’t think that you will be bored at night.

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ASPEN HOLIDAYS You won’t be!

Start by finding out what activities are planned for the evening at your lodge or hotel.

Most lodges and hotels have events planned throughout the season and this is a good place to start finding things to do after the slopes have closed for the day.

Shopping in Aspen is another highlight.

There are many galleries and specialty shops that you won’t find in your own hometown.

Take advantage of this.

Most shops are open after the slopes have closed for the day, and many stay open late because they understand that you want to spend your daylight hours out on the slopes.

If you are not old enough for the club scene, take advantage of the teen nights that are offered by many of the resorts.

These are safe fun nights for teens which parents will approve of.

Teens also enjoy the offerings at many of the spas. Spas are not just for adults.

Enjoy the skin treatments, massages, saunas, and hot tubs. Some resorts also have game rooms for the teens and younger kids.

If you are old enough for the bars and clubs, finding something to do won’t be hard at all.

Again, find out what is happening in the evening at your lodge or hotel first.

If you aren’t interested, hit the streets.

Almost everything is within walking distance in Aspen, and anything that is out of walking distance is accessible by bus or taxi.

If you will be drinking, do not drive your car to the bar or club, find alternate transportation.

The Aspen Recreation center has many planned events throughout the season that are appropriate for adults and kids.

Introduction III However, if you are planning to bring the kids, but you want to enjoy some adult Aspen nightlife as well, child care may be available through your lodge or hotel.

1 ALTITUDE

There is more to do in Aspen than ski!

The Aspen nightlife is like nothing you will experience elsewhere.

The warmth and camaraderie of all of the skiers, from all of the different lodges is quite special, and remarkable.

You will have a good time in Aspen, no matter what you choose to do.

But there is one thing that you should be very aware of before you start your party.

The altitude.

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Aspen sits about 8000 feet above sea level.

Unless you live in a high altitude area, you will need to adjust to this altitude.

You may find yourself feeling dizzy or light headed, and you may even find it a bit difficult to breath.

Altitude sickness is a serious problem, and if your symptoms become extreme, you should seek medical attention.

If you will be drinking, you need to know that the altitude will have a large impact on the way your body handles the alcohol.

Many people who are not used to such a high altitude find that they become drunker on much less alcohol, in a very short period of time.

It is best that you avoid drinking alcohol at all until you have adjusted to the altitude.

It is also important to recognize the signs of both Altitude sickness and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Altitude sickness can be recognized by hyperventilation, shortness of breath during exertion, increased urination, changed breathing patterns at night, strange dreams, and frequently waking from sleep during the night.

Acute Mountain Sickness, on the other hand, is recognized by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or weakness, dizziness, light-headedness, difficulty sleeping, confusion, and a staggering gait.

As you can see, the symptoms of both Altitude Sickness and Acute Mountain Sickness somewhat resemble the symptoms of drinking too much alcohol.

The only way to rule out being drunk is to not drink for at least 48 hours after your arrival in the higher altitude.

You should also seek medical attention if your symptoms last more than 48 hours, or if you show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.

AMS can be deadly if it is not treated.

Health care professionals suggest that you avoid drinking alcohol because the effects are magnified at a high altitude.

Avoid strenuous activity for the first couple of days after arriving at the higher altitude.

Drink extra fluid and visit a doctor if you have symptoms of AMS immediately for treatment.

2 ART GALLERIES

Aspen is famous for more than skiing.

There are currently more than 30 art galleries in and around the Aspen area, where art created by famous artists around the world resides.

Visiting the art galleries in Aspen is a must, and no Aspen vacation will be complete without this taste of culture.

Most of the art galleries are within walking distance of each other, arranged in a 3 by 4 block area.

This area is located between Spring Street and Monarch Street, and Hopkins Avenue and Durant Street.

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You will find everything from vintage poster art at the Omnibus Gallery to Impressionism art at the Galerie Du Bois.

Visit the Highline Gallery for glass art and the Pam Driscol Gallery for bronze sculpture art.

Contemporary collections can be found at the Baldwin Gallery.

While some galleries are open after hours, many close around 5pm. It is important to find out the operating hours of the galleries that you want to visit ahead of time.

Many shows and events are planned at the galleries for the evening hours as well.

3 DANCE FESTIVAL

If you have the opportunity to visit Aspen during July and August, you absolutely must use the opportunity to see many of the performances that are part of the Aspen Dance Festival.

It features critically acclaimed contemporary dance companies from around the United States and runs for 5 consecutive weeks each summer.

The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company hosts and performs in the Aspen Dance Fest. The company is made up of 11 dancers who were all classically trained.

The school was founded in 1995 by Bebe Schweppe.

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The company’s debut was in 1996 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

All performances for The Aspen Dance Festival are held at the Aspen District Theatre, which is located inside the Aspen Elementary School on Maroon Creek Road.

For a wonderful evening of entertainment and culture, be sure to catch at least one performance during the Aspen Dance Festival Even if you have to make a special summer trip to Aspen to do it.

You may also catch performances by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company closer to home when they go on tour each year.

4 RECREATION CENTER

While the Aspen Recreation Center closes just before 9pm, there is quite a bit of enjoyment to be had here after a day on the slopes.

If you get there right after leaving the slopes, and eat a late dinner after the center closes – you will have plenty of time to enjoy what the ARC has to offer.

The climbing walls at the center are the biggest attraction.

The ARC features approximately 3100 feet of climbing walls for your enjoyment.

There is also a 3-D climbing tower with more than 25 routes and four auto belays.

Another nice feature at the Aspen Recreation Center is the pool area.

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The James E. Moore Pool area features 2 pools.

One pool is 25 yards in length and features 6 lanes, while the other pool is for recreation and has a two story slide, a lazy river, and spray features.

You will also find a dry sauna, a steam room, and hot tubs in the pool area.

The Lewis Ice Arena is also located at the Aspen Recreation Center.

Completed in the Spring of 2003, the arena features an NHL regulation size skating surface, grandstand seating for 450, a skate shop, locker rooms, and shower rooms.

Public skating, skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult hockey, and skating shows are available.

You can also host private parties at the arena. High altitude training is also offered here.

You will also find cardio and weight rooms at the center, and many fitness classes are also offered.

The Aspen Recreation Center hosts many off-site activities in the Aspen area as well.

Such as golf, tennis, climbing, aquatics, sailing, skateboarding, ceramics classes, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, and various camps.

Babysitting services are available at the center as well.

This place is a great way to wrap up a day of activity and wind down before your evening meal.

Again, the Aspen Recreation Center closes just before 9pm, so make sure you head there right after leaving the slopes for the day.

Admission for guests is about $13 for youths and $15 for adults.

Admission includes access to the climbing towers, swimming pool area, ice skating rink, weight room, cardio room, adult fitness classes, water aerobics, climbing wall and playhouse, and tennis courts.

The Aspen Recreation Center is a great place for every member of the family.

Call ahead to find out about any planned events that are going on for even more entertainment options.

5 CLUB CHELSEA BAR

The Club Chelsea bar is a fashionable club that is a traditional part of the Aspen nightlife social scene.

Featuring a piano bar, a dining area, a dance floor, and a private smoking room, this is hightoned entertainment at its very best.

The Club Chelsea bar offers single malts, cognacs, martinis, and ports, and in the smoking room, you will find Havana and A. Fuente cigars.

The club is open from 8pm to 2am daily, and is located on East Hyman Avenue.

A light menu is offered, featuring gourmet dishes such as pastas, tenderloins and tamales.

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Everything about Club Chelsea screams elegance.

The chances are good that you will not run into the college crowd here. The majority of the patrons seem to be older.

Starting with the 30 and 40 year old crowds, with some seniors thrown in for good measure.

This is elegant grown up entertainment, where you won’t find a lot of noise or people who have had too much to drink.

So, if you are past the college drinking contests and wet T-shirt competition age, you will find Club Chelsea a delightful and elegant place.

This is also where you can spend your evening with great food, fabulous drinks, wonderful piano music, and outstanding cigars.

6 COUNTRY AND WESTERN DANCING

Believe it or not, there is only one place in Aspen where you can scoot a boot across the dance floor to the sounds of George Strait, and other Country and Western favorites. – Shooter’s Salon is located on South Galena Street, and open from 6:30pm to 2am every day, and again, this club has the distinction of being the only Country and Western club in the whole town of Aspen, Colorado.

Here, cowboy hats, creased jeans, and boots are the expected attire.

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During the week, the music is provided by a DJ, and on weekends live bands provide the tunes.

If you don’t know how to do the Texas Two-Step, you can learn how on any Thursday night which is when Shooter’s offers free Country dance lessons.

Whether you are there for a good beer, good music, great dancing, friendly games of pool or darts, Shooter’s is a place where all cowboy’s and cowgirl’s will feel right at home.

If you want to let your hair down, without having to worry about breaking any of the rules set by polite society in the other fine establishments located in Aspen, Shooter’s is the place to do it!

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7 GETTING AROUND

After a day on the slopes, you may be wondering what there is to do for the rest of the evening.

Well, don’t use up all of your energy and leave the slopes early enough to get in a short nap.

Especially since you will need all of the energy you can muster for the Aspen nightlife.

No matter how much skiing you get in or how many of the runs you have mastered, you have not truly experienced Aspen until you venture out after dark!

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Aspen has 3 basic areas as in downtown, the West end and the East end.

The town is remarkably small, considering how many people venture here each season but surprisingly, everyone and everything just fits.

The town is actually small enough to leave your car parked at your lodge or hotel and walk anywhere that you want to go.

In fact, this is recommended.

Not everyone pays heed to this advice, which can make driving around and parking very difficult.

You can also take a free shuttle from one mountain to another, take the Roaring Fork Transit Authority Bus, or go to the Rubey Park Transportation Center to get a ride anywhere in the valley.

Don’t worry about getting lost. The town is well laid out. Starting on the West end, you will find a quiet Victorian neighborhood.

While this is a residential district, where locals live, you will also find many hotels and condos on the West end, particularly on Main Street.

Getting Around

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You will also find the Aspen Meadows Conference Center and Hotel.

This is a 40-acre area where you will also find the Aspen Institute, the Music Tent, the Harris Concert Hall, the Paepcke Auditorium, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, and the Aspen Center for Physics.

In the East end of Aspen you will find another residential area, as well as the Roaring Fork River and the Aspen Club and Spa. The East end features more forests than the West end, which has been developed a great deal more.

Between the West End and the East End, you will find downtown Aspen. Downtown is where most of the action is.

Featuring old Victorian buildings, downtown Aspen boasts pubs, restaurants, shops, and everything else you could ever possibly need.

All housed in beautiful historical landmark buildings.

Down the valley a ways, you will find Snowmass Village. To the west, you will also find Roaring Fork Valley.

Both villages are compliments of Aspen, and you should take the time to visit them as well.

8 HARRIS CONCERT HALL

There is always something going on in Aspen, Colorado and the Aspen nightlife is very active.

You can find a wide variety of things to do but if you want a little culture, you should definitely find out what events are planned at the Harris Concert Hall.

At the Harris Concert Hall, you will find everything from Piano Recitals to Rock-n-Roll Concerts.

Events are planned well in advance, so you should be able to find out what concerts and events are scheduled to coincide with your Aspen vacation.

The Harris Concert Hall is located in the West end of Aspen, in a quaint residential neighborhood.

Due to parking and traffic problems, you should strongly consider walking to the concert hall.

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Harris Concert Hall

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It is a short ten minute walk from the downtown area.

Other transportation options include biking or taking the bus.

When there are events at the concert, it is very difficult to find parking.

The Aspen Music Festival and School were founded in 1949 by Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke from Chicago.

Many music professionals train here and all of the school and festival performances take place in the Harris Concert Hall, which seats over 2000 people.

You should definitely try to visit Aspen during the Music Festival. This takes place over a 9 week period in the summer, and there are usually more than 200 planned events.

People from all over the world come to the Aspen Music Festival, so be sure that you make your plans and reservations early!

Another exciting event that takes place at the Harris Concert Hall is the Aspen Film Festival.

This festival takes place three times each year.

The Aspen Shortsfest is held in the Spring.

The Aspen Filmfest is held during the Fall.

And the Aspen Academy Screenings are held during the Winter.

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Again, people come from all over the world for these events, so make your plans early.

The Harris Concert Hall is full of history, even though the newest section of it wasn’t built until recently.

This is a major part of Aspen’s history and culture, and you should try to attend at least one event at the Harris Concert Hall while you are in Aspen.

Most events take place in the evening; however there are also events that take place during the day.

You can check with your lodge or hotel to find out what events are planned at the Concert Hall each day.

Also inquire about the need to purchase advance tickets for specific events.

9 HOW TO FIND ENTERTAINMENT

No matter what time of year it is when you visit Aspen, there is always something going on – even in the off season.

The town is small, but there are usually several types of entertainment offered each evening in different parts of the small town.

Generally, you won’t have to search too hard to find some entertainment but it is better to know exactly what is going on all over town, so you can choose the Aspen nightlife that best suits your interests.

First, call the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen a few months before your trip if possible.

Ask them what events are planned for the time period that you will be there.

Events are usually scheduled well in advance, and finding out about these events well in advance will not only help you to better make your plans, but it will also allow you to purchase needed tickets in advance.

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Nothing will be more disappointing than arriving in Aspen and finding out that your favorite band is in town for a sold out show!

Events can come up at the last minute as well.

Upon your arrival to your lodge or hotel, ask the concierge about events that will be taking place during your stay.

If you have already contacted the Chamber of Commerce, you will know most of what is going on around town but there may be a few surprises in store for you.

Don’t forget to check with the Chamber of Commerce offices in nearby towns and villages!

Snowmass is a village that almost seems to be a part of Aspen but it isn’t.

Contact the Snowmass town hall to find out what events are scheduled in the village during your visit.

Have a plan before you arrive in Aspen.

Use Internet resources, as well as the information that you learn from the various Chambers of Commerce and your lodge to plan your daytime and night time activities while you will be in.

Again, there is always something to do in Aspen, and if you don’t plan ahead, you will waste a lot of time trying to decide what you want to do.

While you want to go in with a plan, leave a day or two open with no plans.

Use these days for shopping expeditions or simply take a quiet walk through the quiet Victorian neighborhoods.

Go to a restaurant that isn’t in your plans, or spend some time in the Great Room at your lodge.

There is always something to do.

But sometimes, it is nice to have nothing to do as well!

10 MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

There is always something of interest going on in Aspen, and September is no different.

During the month of September every year, JAS comes to Snowmass. JAS or Jazz Aspen Snowmass began in 1991 to honor the art of Jazz in the Roaring Fork Valley.

It has now become a music attraction that lasts all summer long, with the biggest celebration coinciding with Labor Day weekend.

While this is a Jazz celebration, for all intents and purposes, all types of music are celebrated, including reggae and rock-n-roll.

Famous musicians and singers from around the world attend the 4 day music festival in the Mountains celebration.

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All events take place in the breathtaking Snowmass Town Park, located on Brush Creek Road in Snowmass.

Snowmass Village is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and this festival is extremely popular.

It is vital that you purchase your tickets well in advance, and arrange lodging well in advance also.

Snowmass advises that if you do not have a ticket, to not show up for the festival, it will be sold out.

11 SYZYGY

Syzygy, which is located on East Hyman Avenue in Aspen, Colorado, has repeatedly won awards for being one of the best restaurants in this ski town.

Featuring outstanding jazz music and food that is out of this world, Syzygy is the place to be when it comes to Aspen nightlife and fine dining.

This is an Aspen landmark that is not to be missed.

The chef at Syzygy combines European and Asian dishes and presents them in a modern American way.

These combinations are what set the cuisine at Syzygy apart from the food you find at most restaurants.

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Along with this outstanding fare, you can select wine from a list of over 300 Italian, American, and French wines.

If you aren’t sure which wine will work with the fine food you have ordered, simply ask your waiter.

They always seem to know exactly which wine will enhance the flavor of the food the best.

One of the nice touches about the service at Syzygy’s is that the Chef likes to send gifts to the table, such as goat cheese, potato crisps, and rosemary bread.

Syzygy is famous for their atmosphere as well.

The glass enclosed waterfalls inside the restaurant are talked about all over the world and they are really something to see!

Every part of the interior of this Aspen landmark works well together to create a mood that makes the food, the wine, the music, and the company absolutely enjoyable.

You may be overwhelmed with all of the wonderful menu choices, and all of the delicious smells coming from nearby tables.

You may not be able to make a choice!

Syzygy’s has you covered.

Syzygy

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Simply order the tasting menu and sample everything.

Enjoy the music while you are eating and after your meal as well. Some of the finest jazz artists in the world have performed at Syzygy’s.

Call ahead to find out who will be performing, you will be glad that you did.

Syzygy’s is closed on Monday’s and Tuesdays during the off-season.

During the season, they are open from 6pm to 10pm each day and you should definitely call ahead for a reservation.

Remember, this is an integral part of experiencing Aspen nightlife, so make sure you get by Syzygy’s at least once while you are in Aspen.

The chances are very good that your first visit will not be your last!

If possible, try to make it to the Sunday Jazz Brunch.

12 TASTE FESTIVAL

Winter time isn’t the only time to visit Aspen.

There is a great deal going on each summer and one of the highlights each June is the Taste Festival.

This is also called the Food And Wine Magazine Classic, and people from all over the world arrive in droves for this 3 day event.

Cookbook authors, wine experts, restaurateurs and famous chefs can all be found here.

Wolfgang Puck, Jacques Pepin, and Andrea Immer have all attended the Taste Fest in Aspen – because if food is your life, this is the place to be!

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Taste Festival

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Each year, there are over 80 cooking and food demonstrations and visitors can get a taste of it all.

There are many seminars and wine tasting sessions held throughout Aspen during these 3 days as well.

If you want to attend this incredible mouth-watering event, make your reservations months in advance –or you will miss out!

If you don’t make your reservations early, try to find a hotel with space available in a nearby town, and drive back and forth to the event , check the local camp grounds as well.

Just make sure you don’t miss this event!

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13 THEATRE IN THE PARK

Founded in 1983 by Kent Reed, Theatre in the Park has become an Aspen tradition that adds to the delight of Aspen nightlife.

Theatre in the Park once actually was theatre that was performed in a tent in the park.

Now, however, Theatre in the Park has changed its name to Theatre Aspen, and a new permanent structure is in development.

This will allow Theatre in the Park to hold year-round performances, instead of summer-only performances.

Contemporary and classical plays are all presented by the theatre.

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Theatre In The Park

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If you are in Aspen around Christmas time, make sure that you see the theatre’s presentation of It’s A Wonderful Life.

As a summer-only venue, sixty shows are performed each year.

Once the company has its permanent structure, we can expect many more each year.

The Theatre Aspen also has many training programs for adults and children.

Currently, performances are held between June and August.

The Theatre in the Park is located in the Rio Grande Park.

Heat is provided on chilly nights, and there is an area to enjoy cocktails during intermissions, as well as before and after performances.

14 The Caribou Club

According to The New York Post, the Caribou Club is the absolute best private club in America.

This is a member’s only private club and the membership fee is quite high but the ambiance is top-notch!

The Caribou Club is located in Aspen, Colorado on East Hopkins Avenue.

The club is open from 6:30pm until 2am every day and you can enjoy dinner and dancing, or lounge in the Great Room before a roaring fireplace with a fine cigar.

The wine cellar houses over 5000 wines from around the world.

There is more to The Caribou Club than fine dining and dancing, however.

When you enter the club, you are entering a world of elegance that can only be experienced here.

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The Caribou Club

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The walls are covered with 19th century paintings.

There is a coat room, where your coat will be taken from you, and you are made to feel like a very welcome houseguest.

You can then go to the bar, the Great Room, or be seated for dinner, the choice is yours.

The Caribou Club has only been open for about 10 years.

However, it has become an integral part of Aspen nightlife for the rich and famous and even for those who are not famous, nor rich, but can afford to pay the membership fees.

When you enter the Great Room at The Caribou Club, you will probably see faces that you know even if you don’t know these famous people on a personal level.

You don’t even have to be in Aspen to enjoy the cuisine offered by The Caribou Club.

Your event can be catered by the club, no matter how large or small it is, or where it is located.

You can have your event catered anywhere in the world!

Private parties can also be held at The Caribou Club.

Again, the cost is fairly high. Lifetime membership for a couple is $10,000.

Individual membership for two people is $3000 for the first year, and $1000 for each additional year, paid annually.

Family membership for up to 5 people costs $4000 per year. A temporary membership is available for one week.

The cost is $500 and covers one couple. However, during Holidays and President’s Weekend, the cost is $1000.

As you can see, The Caribou Club is quite exclusive but depending on the type of nightlife you enjoy, the cost of membership is well worth it even if you only visit once a year.

15 THE CRYSTAL PALACE

If you like comedy, you should visit The Crystal Palace. This Aspen landmark was established in 1957, and has been offering quality dining with satire comedy ever since.

The interior of the restaurant is done in a Victorian style, with beautiful stained glass windows, sparkling chandeliers and vintage furnishings.

If you take politics very seriously, this may not be the type of comedy you enjoy.

The majority of the comedy acts and musicals have a political slant to them, and the staff performs most of the acts.

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The Crystal Palace

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The Crystal Palace is located in the heart of downtown Aspen, on Hyman Avenue.

The food is the best you can find anywhere. Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb, Fish, Seafood and Roast Duckling are served.

Don’t make the mistake of just showing up.

Call ahead for reservations.

Except Mondays, the Crystal Palace is open from Tuesday til Sunday in the evening for dinner and a show.

You should definitely makeit a point to eat here at least once while you are on your Aspen vacation as this is a traditional part of Aspen nightlife for locals and guests.

16 THE ULTIMATE TAXI

This is not your ordinary taxi ride!

The Ultimate Taxi is actually entertainment that is not to be missed.

This is a thirty to forty minute musical ride around Aspen but it is not like any other ride you will take in your lifetime.

The taxi you will be riding in is a 1978 Checker cab.

It has been greatly modified and boasts four red lasers, a laser projector, black light effects, light washers, light orbs, mini-strobes, color changing fiber optics, a sound system, stage lights, a mirror ball, a fog machine, a keyboard, digital drums, a digital camera, a DV cam, a notebook computer, a printer and much, much more.

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The Ultimate Taxi

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Your driver will be Jon Barnes, and he has been driving tourists around Aspen since 1984.

He throws in a pair of 3-D glasses, so you can view Aspen as you never have before.

Featured online, in radio interviews, magazines, and newspapers, the Ultimate Taxi has become very popular.

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Many famous people have taken this cab ride as well, including Clint Eastwood and Jerry Seinfeld.

Get ready for a wild ride! Jon plays the keyboard and the horn while driving!

With your 3-D glasses and the other toys that are included in the ride, combined with the psychedelic lighting effects, this is one ride that you will never forget!

In fact, Jon makes sure of it, because there will be pictures to help you remember the event.

Make sure you buy some souvenirs before you leave.

The Ultimate Taxi gift store is located right outside the doors, in the trunk.

You will also have a web page memory of your ride in the Ultimate Taxi hosted on Jon’s server for all time.

Take your toys and 3-D glasses home with you as well.

The Ultimate Taxi is not a normal taxi ride. You don’t call Jon Barnes to take you where you want to go.

The Ultimate Taxi is more of a musical show and adventure. It has been called the world’s smallest recording studio.

Make sure that you get your Ultimate Taxi ride while you are in Aspen, and join the ranks of Ivana, Kevin Costner, George Hamilton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dudley Moore, the Beatles, Clint Eastwood, Jerry Seinfeld, and even Regis Philbin!

Due to the popularity of the Ultimate Taxi, it is probably best to call in advance for a reservation.

The Ultimate Taxi is in operation from 7pm to 10pm most nights.

17 THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE

The Wheeler Opera House has been an integral part of Aspen nightlife, history and culture since 1889 when Mr. J.B Wheeler and the Conried Company presented The King’s Fool.

While the building started out as an Opera House, it was only used for town meetings and such by 1893, when the silver mines had played out.

The Wheeler Opera House remained open until 1912 when it was gutted by not 1 but 2 fires in one week!

The Opera House did not open again until June of 1946 when it was leased by the Aspen Company.

The total restoration went on until 1960. Between the years of 1912 and 1946 the Wheeler Opera House remained empty, and it was used as a playground by the local children.

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During the 1960’s and 1970’s, The Wheeler Opera House was mainly used as a movie theater.

However, in 1979, the city decided to restore the Opera House to its original grandeur, and this restoration was completed in 1984.

The Wheeler Opera House

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The cost was 4.5 million dollars.

Today, the Wheeler Opera House is on the National Registrar of Historical Places.

Many events, such as lectures, concerts, plays, films, and musicals are held at The Wheeler Opera House today.

You can see Broadway shows, jazz concerts, country and rock concerts and even children’s theater here.

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Any type of cultural event you can imagine is held here and shows are scheduled throughout the year.

Locals consider the Wheeler Opera House the ‘crown jewel of Aspen. Nationwide, it is considered a world class theater and with the detailed woodwork it is certainly a sight to behold!

The Opera House is still in its original location on Hyman Avenue, in the heart of downtown.

You can call to find out what events are planned, and to purchase tickets.

You should also be aware that children under the age of three years old are not permitted for live performances, unless the performance is for children specifically.

Cameras and recording devices are not permitted for performances.

The Wheeler Opera House can also be rented for a variety of special occasions and events.

Such as parties, receptions, weddings, conferences and seminars.

Events such as these are usually held on the second floor where guests will enjoy a breathtaking view of Aspen Mountain as well as the city.

18 US COMEDY ARTS FESTIVAL

If you can visit Aspen in March, make sure that you catch the US Comedy Arts Festival that is held in various venues throughout Aspen.

This is one of the major events for comedians all over the country and it is some of the best entertainment you will ever experience.

The US Comedy Arts Festival features every type of comedy you can imagine, including Stand-up, film shorts, alternative and sketch comedy.

Tribute is given to some of the greatest comedians from the past. Such as Rodney Dangerfield, Monty Python and George Carlin.

You will also have the opportunity to enjoy many of today’s famous comedians and hear some unknown or up and coming comedians as well.

Make sure that you don’t miss this festival and make sure that you make your plans and reservations very early.

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The lodges and hotels will fill up fast for this festival, and according to locals, this is the hardest time of the year to find lodging in Aspen which is a good indication of how good the entertainment is!

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19 WINTERSKOL

Since Aspen is a wintertime playground for so many people, it is only fitting that everyone in Aspen during the month of January participates in Winterskol.

This is literally a celebration of winter, cold, and snow which is a great deal of what makes Aspen.

It is the ultimate Aspen party and held in January annually. It is the wildest winter celebration you will ever experience.

The highlight of Winterskol is the Canine Fashion Show, where pets are dressed up in crazy clothing such as miniature bridal gowns.

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Winterskol has been an Aspen tradition for more than 50 years and will continue for at least another 50!

The first Winterskol celebration was held in 1951.

During Winterskol, more than 40 events are scheduled in the downtown area, Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass Mountain. The entire area gets involved in the activities.

Winterskol is a celebration of Aspen’s Nordic ancestry, as well as a celebration of winter.

While most events are scheduled in advance, It also brings several surprises as well.

You just never know what you will find at the Winterskol celebration until you are there.

Favorite traditional activities include the Canine Fashion Show, Winter sculpt, the Buttermilk Uphill Race and Snowmass Splash.

Don’t miss the torchlight descent and the fireworks display over Aspen Mountain.

Don’t miss the unique competitions happening all over town.

Winterskol

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There is constant live entertainment all around town as well.

If you are planning a ski vacation and you want to have the time of your life, your destination should be Aspen and your arrival date should coincide with the start of Winterskol.

Winterskol is an ongoing week long party with something for everyone.

Amusement, entertainment, parties, and celebration are top priorities during the week of Winterskol.

Winterskol is a celebration that is comparable with Mardi Gras in New Orleans but a lot safer and in most people opinions, more enjoyable.

Event packages are available, but all of the lodges, hotels, motels, condos, cabins and campgrounds sell out early.

Make sure that you book lodging for Winterskol well in advance and take advantage of the packages that the various lodges offer.

Packages typically include lodging, airfare, rental cars and other things that you may require as well.

CONCLUSION

If you are reading here, I like to congratulate you for being patient with me and thank you for taking the time to digest the information I shared with you so far about Aspen holidays.

Besides providing what you need to know, here are my recommendations if you are a veteran traveler or need travel tips before going on holidays.

All these recommendations are from Clickbank - one of the largest affiliate networks in digital and information products – whereby I will get paid as their affiliate or referrer should you be interested to invest in any of my recommendations below.

If you are not interested, that’s perfectly fine too.

Simply give me your comments and feedback at info@forvacationslovers.com on your thoughts on this book and whether you like to receive more of such travel tips in the near future.

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ASPEN HOLIDAYS

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