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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.

    Several tour companies offer rafting trips including Blazing Adventures.

    Blazing Adventures white-water rafting Aspen
      
    BlazingAdventures.com
    Several tour companies offer rafting trips including Blazing Adventures.
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    Bus News

    Luxury bus service Vonlane adds new departure from The Woodlands

    Teresa Gubbins
    May 12, 2025 | 2:45 pm
    Vonlane seats
    Courtesy of Vonlane
    Comfy Vonlane seats.

    Texas travelers have a convenient new route to check out thanks to Vonlane: The Texas-based luxury motor coach service is adding a new daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands, starting on June 13.

    This will be a second Houston-area destination from Dallas: Vonlane already offers service between Dallas and downtown Houston, which hits the Hyatt Regency at 1200 Louisiana St., eight times per day starting at 6 am. The ride takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.

    According to Vonlane founder and CEO Alex Danza, The Woodlands has been a much-requested route.

    “The Woodlands area has been our most requested geographic addition for several years, so we’re thrilled to announce this expansion, our 10th destination on our 11th anniversary,” Danza says. “Bringing our elevated bus service to suburban areas is a strategic priority as we seek to relieve the hassles of driving and air travel for our passengers and better meet them where they live, work, and play.”

    The new service brings a convenient nonstop route to and from the northern fringe of Houston — The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, Conroe, Montgomery County, and northern Harris County.

    Buses have 22 first-class leather seats, ample workspace, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an onboard attendant offering premium cabin service with snacks, meals, and beverages included.

    Schedule
    Beginning June 13, The Woodlands-Dallas route will offer the following departures:

    • Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 6:15 am, 10:15 am, 2:15 pm, and 6:15 pm – departing both The Woodlands and Dallas
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday: 10:15 am and 2:15 pm – departing both The Woodlands and Dallas
    • Saturday: 9 am: departing The Woodlands
    • Saturday 1 pm: departing Dallas

    The ride takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.

    Terminal Locations & Hotel Partners
    The new dropoff point for the Woodlands service will be at Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. According to Danza, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott offers easy access to I-45, ample parking, and high-quality accommodations, IE a nice waiting area.

    It'll go to Dallas' established stop at Doubletree Love Field, 3300 W. Mockingbird Ln.

    The new route offers proximity to major employers in the area such as Alight Solutions, Baker Hughes, Chevron Phillips, Entergy, ExxonMobil, Hewlett-Packard, Houston Methodist, Huntsman Corporation, Lone Star College, McKesson, Memorial Hermann, Occidental Petroleum, St. Luke’s Health, and Texas Children’s.

    Visit The Woodlands president Nick Wolda says in a statement that The Woodlands is a popular destination for Dallas residents.

    “Visit The Woodlands is excited to welcome Vonlane to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Conference Center. This first-class amenity is a fantastic addition to our vibrant community, perfectly designed to elevate the travel experience,” Wolda says. “The Woodlands is the go-to destination for trips from the DFW area—whether you're a corporate conventioneer, a Pavilion concertgoer, a college student coming home, or a weekend shopping trip with friends. With this new service, getting to and from The Woodlands has never been easier or more enjoyable!"

    Fares are a flat rate of $125 for one-way trips with advance purchase. No taxes, baggage fees, or change fees apply. Rates increase with less than seven days’ notice and within 24 hours before departure.

    Fares include complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, meals (on select routes), and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is available for purchase. Tickets can be booked at www.vonlane.com.

    Vonlane was founded in 2014 and offers more than 475 weekly departures across 10 destinations. Routes operate in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Plano, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; between Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee; and between Nashville and Memphis.

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