Aspen, Colorado is a very special place to us-especially in the Fall! For 5 years in a row, we’ve made a Fall trip to this iconic mountain town. If you haven’t been to Aspen yet yourself, chances are high that you’ve at least heard of it. It’s probably known for being more fancy and similar to Vail, Colorado. While this may be true in many ways, I’m here to tell you that Aspen is still a mountain town for everyone and beyond worth visiting.
Every time I am somewhere in the mountains or among the trees, I feel more peaceful and more zen. Nature really is healing. When in Aspen I feel even more peaceful and zen, and I mean this wholeheartedly. I’m not sure how to accurately describe it, besides the fact that it’s a magical place for my family and I. It’s one of our top happiest places. Every trip here feels like perfection, regardless of how much or little we end up doing. Aspen rejuvenates my soul and spirit-it’s absolute bliss to me!
Whenever Donnie and I visit a mountain town, we always enjoy pizza at a local restaurant and make a stop at a local brewery. Aspen has one brewery that we’ve been to plenty of times, Aspen Brewing Company. My favorite beer here is This Season’s Blonde. For pizza, we’ve been to New York Pizza Aspen a few times, and most recently Aspen Pie Shop which inspired us to buy our very own Detroit-Style Pizza pan. We love walking around the town of Aspen, not really venturing into many shops but just enjoying the atmosphere and ambience that Aspen holds.
If you don’t consider yourself a super “fancy” person (whatever that means right?) and don’t feel like you belong in a place like Aspen-don’t ever tell yourself that lie again. Aspen is so special, to me it even feels like home. You don’t have to spend tons of money in Aspen to have a good time. Every trip we’ve ever took to Aspen has included very minimal actual money spent, and tons of fun/beautiful memories made. Believe it or not, we’ve only camped on our trips to Aspen. Someday, we plan to enjoy a few nights at an Airbnb but for now I am grateful for our outdoorsy stays.
Maybe as you’re reading this post, a different place comes to mind for you that you’ve always wanted to travel to. Maybe you already have your very own Aspen, but haven’t made the trip yet. I encourage you to take that trip. Travel does so much good for your soul and in my opinion it really does expand your mind and mentality. Traveling makes you different, it changes you in a good way. I may not be some seasoned traveler, and I have never been overseas, but I know that I am an entirely different person since moving from the Midwest to Colorado and my travels so far around Colorado have certainly shaped me too.
Something about choosing to explore during the Fall, brings even more happiness to me and likely others. The changing of the seasons and the changing of the leaves (of course my favorite trees are Aspens), have such a resemblance to life that I deeply resonate with. The Fall season is a reminder that I’m constantly choosing to change and evolve into an even better person, to go after my wildest dreams, and accomplish my goals. Trees in the Fall also remind us that change really is beautiful! How great is that? The cool, crisp mountain air almost feels cleansing to my mind and soul. Fall is a season full of changes, and I use this as a time to reflect and change as well.
Wherever you are, I hope that you take some time this Fall to visit trees as their leaves are changing, and reflect on ways you that may change and evolve this season as well. As we continue exploring more of Colorado, I know that I will find more mountain towns to love. I can guarantee though that Aspen will remain at the top of my list for the sentimental value it holds in my heart.
In the Spirit of Adventure,
Demie