My Neighborhood

Beyond Aspen

WITH ASPEN’S real estate inventory in short supply, surrounding towns are enjoying the biggest boom since the silver mining era. Whether you prefer Basalt’s burgeoning dining and shopping scene, Carbondale’s hip local vibe, or the wild, rugged beauty of Marble, these three gems are well worth exploring. Home prices tend to reflect the towns’ increasing cachet. Then again, that same cachet makes them a good prospect for investors. —Alison Margo

Downtown Basalt

Trail running with a view of Mount Sopris, near Carbondale

BASALT

Despite its pristine location in the shadows of Mount Sopris and Basalt Mountain, not to mention the confluence of two gold medal trout fishing rivers, Basalt was long regarded as a bedroom community for Aspen’s workforce. No more. This small mid-valley town has experienced a major growth spurt, in part because of the pandemicdriven “urban exodus.”

Growth also stems from the evolution of Willits Town Center with its many dining and shopping options, including The

Arts Campus at Willits

(400 Robinsons St., 970.510.5365), a state-of-theart performing arts center.

Historic downtown Basalt has also seen major growth with the development of Basalt River Park, a mixed-use residential and commercial property on the

The Thomas Lakes, near Carbondale banks of the Roaring Fork River. Among the highlights is Free Range Kitchen (22864 Two Rivers Rd., 970.279.5199), a longtime local favorite with a large outdoor riverfront patio. Basalt’s main attraction remains its mid-valley location (between Aspen and Glenwood), its proximity to Aspen’s four ski areas, the vast mountain wilderness that surrounds it—and, of course, the river (or two) that runs through it.

CARBONDALE

Known for its hippie vibe and small-town feel, Carbondale has come into its own in recent years. Located in the shadows of the mighty Mount Sopris, Carbondale offers easy access to hiking, biking, and the Roaring Fork River. Recreation areas like Red Hill and Prince Creek are a short drive from downtown, which makes the location a mecca for outdoor types.

Carbondale’s designation as a Colorado Creative

Marble Distilling Co., Carbondale

District also provides a cultural draw for performers and artists, especially at The Launchpad (76 S. 4th St., 970.963.1680), a studio space for the arts downtown. Carbondale’s funky Main Street might be small, but it’s a hub of breweries, distilleries, and restaurants. Swing by Batch Provisions (358 Main St., 970.510.5934) for local brews on tap, or visit

Marble Distilling Co. & The

Distillery Inn (150 Main St., 970.963.7008), which has an array of spirits and a cozy boutique hotel. For a taste of down valley, enjoy sushi at Izakaya Carbondale (225 Main St., 970.340.4225), an outpost of Kenichi, an Aspen institution for 20 years.

MARBLE

There are few places left where you can truly escape and disconnect. One of the last vestiges of raw, remote beauty is Marble. You’ll find some of the most scenic mountain wilderness in the state surrounding this tiny mountain hamlet. Don’t miss the historic Crystal Mill, a wooden powerhouse built in 1892 and accessible only by 4x4 (Jeep and ATV rentals abound in Marble). Admire the epic wildflowers in Lead King Basin and then swing by Slow Groovin BBQ (101 W. 1st St., 970.963.4090) for some of the best smoked meat in the West.