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    Aspen Getaway

    Destination Aspen: Where to stay, eat, shop and enjoy a cool Colorado getaway

    Deborah Elias
    Jul 19, 2014 | 4:00 pm

    Ah, Aspen in the summertime — there couldn't be a more perfect locale to get lost in the mountains, the roaring rivers, the cuisine or any number of activities. Every year, thousands of Texans migrate from the heat to the Maroon Bells and find just what the doctor ordered — perfect relaxation.

    I recently spent a long weekend, hosted by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, which was designed to show off all that Aspen has to offer – not that it really needs all that much help. As one would expect, the area is filled with deluxe accommodations, cool things to see and do, and an assortment of restaurants, ranging from high end to laid back — but still scrumptious.

    Five-star rating

    My trip began, as all adventures should, with a personalized airport greet by my host, The Little Nell. This cozy property at the base of Aspen Mountain, often called by its former name of Ajax Mountain among locals, boasts the only five-star rating in the area, as well as ski in/ski out services. It has a number of restaurants and fantastic locations for events. The culinary team just pulled off a fantastic high-end wedding at the top of the mountain.

    The property is also known for its concierge service, called Adventures with the Little Nell ,where unique adventures are the specialty— specifically, helicopter rides to the Roaring Fork River for “glamping." (glamorous camping). Needless to say, this is not for those on a limited travel budget.

    Rafting trips and Aspen Meadows

    For a more affordable option, several tour companies offer rafting trips on the Roaring Fork, Arkansas and Colorado rivers. I attended a Level Three trip with a company called Blazing Adventures (which also puts on a fun Scavenger Hunt around Aspen and nature walk/talk at the Maroon Bells Lake). There are many options to get in touch with Mother Nature, including fly fishing, camping, bike-riding, yoga atop the mountain.

    The Aspen Meadows is a surreal and thoughtful property that is the home of the Aspen Institute, an idea think tank designed in Bauhaus style, known as German Modernism. Throughout the property are a number of locations to host events and dine, including some gorgeous sculpture gardens.

    One of the newest additions is the Herbert Bayer gallery, a permanent installation that constantly changing as more collectors donate or loan art. Bayer is the architect behind the institute as well as designer of the space. The institute is also home to a number of festivals including the Aspen Music and the IDEAS festival, which both occur during the summer.

    Where to Stay

    The Limelight Hotel is an adorable boutique property that boasts among other things a great beer and food pairing dinner. This can be done on a terrace over looking Aspen Mountain. Between the amazing libations and the view, the evening is spectacular. The award-winning Aspen Brewing Company, which partners with the Limelight, goes all out to make sure that beer and food pairings are top notch.

    At the base of Aspen Mountain lies the St. Regis Aspen. This property has a lot to offer, including stunning room renovations. My favorite is the Chef’s Club restaurant, boasting carefully-crafted menus from top chefs from around country. This apogee of food and wine is a joint venture between Food and Wine Magazine and the St. Regis. Houston’s recent James Beard award winner Chris Shepherd will be one of the chefs designing a menu for the 2014-2015 season.

    The Hotel Jerome is one of the oldest hotels in the area and dates back to late 1800's silver mining days. The décor is a throwback to that era but recent renovations make sure it has modern amenities and comforts. Belly up to the bar and order an Aspen Crud, a unique concoction of milkshake and bourbon and was the drink of choice during Prohibition.

    Where to Eat & Drink & Shop

    For a unique gift idea, the Blues Jean Bar is an interesting concept that allows guests to receive a gift of blue jeans, chosen from a wide selection and setup in a relaxed atmosphere with cocktails and appetizers. A wide assortment of jeans in sizes, colors and styles can be tried on at onsite dressing rooms. This is a great option for a corporate event to wow clients and customers.

    The Caribou Club, Matsuhisa from famed Chef Nobu and Pinons are must-go-to restaurants that can be utilized for private events. Cap the night off with an after dinner cocktail at Casa Tua, which has amazing selection of Amaro port. Dessert wines that have a host of secret ingredients and are produced by Italian monks are crazy good.

    The T Lazy 7 Ranch is another beautiful venue with views and settings that will blow you away. This is a perfect locale for a wedding in the Ceremony Meadow. O fora more corporate environment, the Chuckwagon Grounds is perfect for a closing-night dinner or teambuilding event.

    Or just walk around downtown Aspen to find a number art galleries and, of course, world class shopping. Visit the John Denver Sanctuary, a quiet respite next to the river.

    Aspen also boasts some incredible festivals, including the Food & Wine Classic every June. It sells out in March, so get your tickets and accommodations early.

    The Caribou Club, Matsuhisau and Pinons, pictured, are must-go-to restaurants that can all be bought out for private events.

    Pi\u00f1ons restaurant Aspen interior with people
      
    Piñons.net
    The Caribou Club, Matsuhisau and Pinons, pictured, are must-go-to restaurants that can all be bought out for private events.
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    Where to travel right now

    Hill Country's historic spa reopens + 10 more Texas travel ideas for June

    Amber Heckler
    Jun 3, 2025 | 9:15 am
    Ottine Mineral Springs pool
    Photo by David Brendan Hall
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    Texas, it's time to make those summer vacation plans. June is shaping up to be a big month full of travel ideas, from fun wine tastings in Austin to a lively mural festival on the coast. There's also plenty to explore at home in Houston, such as a Japanese culture festival. Here are our top picks for summer travel events, hotel deals, and more in June.

    Austin

    The Loren Hotel is introducing two new wine programs this summer, open to all visitors. The "Boxed or Bougie" wine tastings will be offered on the first Saturday of each month, starting June 7, where guests can taste different wines to discover if fine wine is worth the price tag. On the second and third Saturdays of each month, the hotel will host "Varietal Wine Tastings" with different themes to spotlight wine regions, flavor profiles, and winemaking styles. Since June 14 is National Rosé Day, the first varietal tasting will focus on rosés. Both programs are free to the public and events will be held from 3-5 pm in the hotel lobby.

    Nearly 30 participating Texas Hill Country Wineries will hit the highway for an Austin Road Show at the Austin Central Library. Attendees will get to meet the owners, winemakers, and managers behind some of the Hill Country's most successful vineyards while tasting new wines and dining on charcuterie. Guests will also receive a take-home event wine glass. The Austin Road Show event will be held from 5:30-8 pm on Friday, June 27. Tickets are $60 per person.

    Central Texas

    Floating down the Comal, San Marcos, or Pedernales Rivers while enjoying the scenery and the cool water is a perfect way to spend a hot afternoon this summer. People travel to the Central Texas area every year to tube, and locals love it, as well. However, it's not without dangers, rules, and guidelines that should be observed. Before setting off down the river, check out CultureMap's five essential tips for tubing this summer.

    There's a unique new spa making a splash in the small town of Gonzales: Ottine Mineral Springs is finally celebrating its grand reopening after undergoing an extensive renovation. The 40-acre historic site was previously home to two private mineral-fed pools, but now the property is dotted with five new pools of varying adjustable temperatures, outdoor dining options, saunas, cold plunges, cabanas, fire pits, and much more. Day passes are $65 on weekdays and $75 on weekends.

    Fredericksburg's beautiful new Albert Hotel, whichopened in January, is adding a new barbecue restaurant inspired by the area's German heritage. Junebug's BBQ will open Friday, June 6, serving barbecue classics such as brisket, pork ribs, house-made sausages, and more. Junebug's BBQ will have limited hours from June 6-9, serving food from 2 pm until it’s sold out. Starting June 12, Junebug’s will operate regular hours from Thursdays through Sundays, from 11 am until sold out.

    Junebug's BBQJunebug's BBQ is ready to open at the Albert Hotel. junebugsbbq.com

    TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines' signature restaurant Magnolia Table in Waco has introduced a new summer menu, featuring dishes like a brunch slider flight and a spicy peach fizz mocktail. The nearby Silos Baking Co. and Magnolia Press café have also added new items on their seasonal summer menus, including a peaches and cream cupcake and a ham and cheddar croissant sandwich. Reservations for Magnolia Table can be made via OpenTable.

    Houston

    Texas-based luxury bus service Vonlane will debut daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands on Friday, June 13. The new route will pick up travelers at Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and drop off at Dallas' Doubletree Love Field hotel. The ride will take 3 hours and 15 minutes. This will be a second Houston-area destination for Dallas, as Vonlane already offers service to downtown Houston. Tickets can be booked online; fares are a flat rate of $125 for one-way trips with advance purchase. No taxes, baggage fees, or change fees apply.

    Tokyo X, one of Houston's premier celebrations of Japanese culture, is returning to NRG Center from June 14-15, promising celebrities, food, martial arts, anime, and more. Highlights of the festival include the Hot Import Nights Japanese car show series, a ramen showdown, and an anime convention featuring cosplay contests, panels, and voice actor appearances. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite. Saturday tickets are $36.22 per person, Sunday tickets are $ 30.48 per person, and two-day badges are $59.21 per person.

    Along the Gulf Coast

    The coastal city of Corpus Christi will celebrate its annual Mural Fest during the first week of June, showcasing its colorful large-scale murals in the Marina Arts District. During the Artist Week days from June 2-5, visitors can take self-guided tours to watch artists paint murals live throughout downtown, and collect "artographs." The festival will draw to a close on Saturday, June 7, with a block party on South Chaparral Street from 3-9 pm. More information about daily events during Mural Fest can be found via Visit Corpus Christi.

    Mural Fest in Corpus ChristiMural Fest will take place during the first week of June in downtown Corpus Christi. Photo courtesy of Visit Corpus Christi

    Across Dallas-Fort Worth

    A long anticipated Fort Worth hotel and restaurant have arrived: The Nobleman Fort Worth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the hotel’s in-house restaurant Duchess, have opened at 503 Bryan Ave., with fabulous accommodations and food from celebrity chef Casey Thompson. The property has 121 guest rooms and 32 extended-stay suites with kitchenettes. Hotel amenities include a pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and 2,000 square feet of meeting and outdoor event spaces, along with terraces. Nightly rates begin at $162 in June.

    Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science recently reopened the Moody Family Children's Museum, unveiling an extensively renovated 11,000-square-foot space sprawling with educational and science-centered activities. Among the new areas for children to explore are an immersive multi-sensory Imaginarium, an expanded toddler area, a hands-on maker area, an open-air outdoor space, and a fiber art playscape created by Toshiko MacAdam. Non-member general admission to the Perot Museum ($15 for children aged 2-12, and $25 for adults and children 13 and older) also includes access to the children's museum.

    summer vacationtraveltexasdallasfort worthhotelsfestivalsspashill countrywineries
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