Bluegrass Sundays: Missed The Boat in Aspen!

Bluegrass Sundays are one of my favorite Aspen events, but this weekend is going to be even better with Missed the Boat playing on top of Aspen Mountain.

This Sunday from noon to 3pm, ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of the mountain to experience breathtaking views, awesome food & drink and the unforgettable music from Missed the Boat!
Okay can you tell I’m a fan?

But this is why…This killer band from Steamboat Springs, CO (get the name?) throw down awesome unique Americana-rock, dancing blend of bluegrassy sounds. Most of their play list consists of original songs written by the band with a few great covers.

With the recent recording of their debut album “Rollin,” Missed the Boat have been acquiring devoted listeners at live shows and over the airwaves throughout Colorado with their unique sound. Featuring acoustic guitar, mandolin, electric mandolin, tenor banjo, electric bass, drums, and harmonica, the band produces the energy infused, positive, upbeat sound that radio listeners deserve and concertgoers love.

Missed the Boat was recently nominated for the 2010 Grammy's in 4 categories. From lonesome high country bluegrass to Americana-fed rock n' roll, this is a music experience you will not want to miss.

“It’s that new country. It’s not that twangy country that has been out there for years, but it’s got a really great sound to it, a sound that all ages will listen to and not get bored with,” Paula Mengarelli said (singer songwriter who nominated the band for the Grammys). “It was a very tight sound.”

Listen to Missed the Boat's sweet tunes at their website.

While rocking out to this awesome band, check out the Inn at Aspen hotel for the best and cheapest place to stay in Aspen!

Aspen Summer Films: New Views are Hitting the Aspen Scene

aspenFILM.org has changed around the look, feel and motive of the summer film programs they have offered in summer's past.

The re-vamped “New Views” Summer Films have teamed up with the Aspen Institute to bring world class, critically acclaimed new documentaries focusing on music, the visual arts, current events and more. Not yet available to the general public, these inspiring, thought-provoking films have won audiences and awards on the international film festival circuit. (film: Furious Force)

Each screening will be followed by a conversation with the director or a special guest related to the film. The series launches during Aspen Ideas Festival on July 8 and continues Monday evenings (July 19, July 26, August 2 and August 9) at 8:00pm in Paepcke Auditorium.

Tickets are $16 per show. On sale now at Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler, 970.920.5770 or in person at 320 East Hyman Avenue. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door starting 30 minutes prior to screening start time.

Some of the films have also been scheduled in conjunction with the Aspen Ideas Festival which is happening this week to bring an extra media to the discussions going on this week!

Don’t miss the chance to see amazing new films that have only been seen at international film festivals. And stay at the Inn at Aspen to the get the best deal on a hotel in Aspen!

Snowmass Free Concerts Open Tonight! July 1st, 2010

The Thursday Free Snowmass Concerts are seriously one of my ultimate favorite events around Aspen in the summer! And tonight Thursday, July 1st, 2010 is the opening night! It’s so amazing to see the Snowmass Ski Hill transformed from snowy landscape into the soft green grass that covers Fanny Hill. Grab a chair and plop down on your blanket with your favorite friends and be surrounded by happy people and great music- and it’s free!
Enjoy a bottle of wine and spread out the picnic as the music gets started! As you look out over the valley the cool of the grass beneath, the blue sky above and good jams all around and you know this is what summer is all about!

This Thursday July 1st is the first night of the free summer concerts and Firefall will be taking the stage. Firefall’s original hits were back in the 70’s and included songs like “You are the Woman”. See Firefall’s website and their full bios.

Things to know about the Venue:

• Time: Music Starts at 6:15pm and Ends at 8:30pm
• Location: Head to the end of Snowmass Village Mall and out onto Snowmass Mountain on Fanny Hill. Feel Free to bring a blanket and chairs to sit on.
• Food and Beverages: Food is allowed in the venue so pack up your favorite picnic or happy hour snacks. Alcohol is not allowed into the fenced area however beverages are for purchase inside the area.
• Dogs: Dogs and their owners have a designated area on the hillside above Woodrun V but not in the fenced area.
  

If you are headed to Snowmass, stay with us at the Inn at Aspen where a cheap stay in Aspen is possible with out skimping on service or amenities. Lounge in the outdoor pools and hot tubs that look directly at the Buttermilk Mountain & enjoy our on-site Elk Horn Bar & Grill- Check out our Lodging deals this summer!

Ski Magazine Names Aspen One of Top 4th of July Destinations

Aspen holds many secrets however it is no secret how well we throw a party! Ski Magazine is calling Aspen, Co one of the best Mountain Resorts to celebrate this 4th of July. See full article in Ski.com.

We fully agree with how cool Independence Day is in Aspen and here are the events we recommend for the 4th!

• Start the morning with some fabulous pastries and yummy breakfast from the Main Street Bakery and Café in down town Aspen, 201 East Main St.

• Head out to Old Fashioned Parade with the classic fire engines, horse drawn carts, kids bicycle parade, many decorated floats, candy and more! See parade route.

• Next head to the Aspen Gondola to take a ride with kids! Once on top of Aspen take a hike, enjoy the fantastic view of the surrounding mountains- part of why Aspen is so spectacular- and play some Frisbee golf.

• Return to town by 4pm to catch multiple concerts and be at the Cooper Ave. Mall by 8pm for the Dancing in the Streets event with live music! Pause the dancing for a firework extravaganza intermission! Aspen always shows off some of the best fireworks shows in the Mountains!

And one of the best parts about the 4th of July is you can stay at the Inn at Aspen for as little as $149/night! You’ll be conveniently located between Aspen and Snowmass at the base of Buttermilk Mountain so you can get anywhere easily and you’ll be saving some money that you can spend on other parts of your Aspen Vacation. Book Now!

Last Minute Cheap Aspen Hotels for the Food & Wine Classic!

The Food & Wine Classic is literally moments away and we wouldn’t want the foodies and vinophiles of the world to miss out on this premiere culinary event. Celebrity chefs and wine experts from across the country will showcase their passion for food, wine and entertaining starting tomorrow Friday June 18-20, 2010!

The Inn at Aspen still has a few rooms left for as little as $189 a night for the weekend of the Food and Wine Classic! Book your room now and you will be on your way to the Classic in less than 24 hours! And the best part is that if you stay for the entire event your 4th night will be free. Go splurge on the classic while knowing you saved money with your accommodations. Call today 800-22-7736 or you can book on-line now and this deal will automatically apply.

Some highlights of tomorrows events include: See schedule
10-11am: Two Decades or Dom Perignon with Richard Betts and Robert Bohr
10-10:45: Discoveries from Argentina with Richard Nalley
2:00-2:45: In the Kitchen with Top Chef presented by Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons
3:30-4.15: Pinot Pairing Party with Brain Duncan

And for all these highlights there are many many many more consecutive events and it isn’t even Saturday yet! Enjoy, sip, taste, indulge and celebrate food and wine at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic and return to your hotel room that was a smokin’ deal!

Aspen Saturday Farmer’s Market is Ready for 2010 Summer Season.

The Aspen Saturday Markets are a wonderfully thought out array of vendors with everything from hand cut flowers to artisan crafts and jewelry! The Market features Colorado made, grown, produced, or manufactured goods meaning you will not find brokered items. These Colorado based requirements make all of the items at the market unique, delicious and one of a kind.

The Market is located on East Hopkins Street between Hunter and Galena Streets in downtown Aspen. The markets run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. The market even offers a chance to do something new with the produce and meat you can buy, with the featured cooking demonstrations that are held each Saturday! And don’t rush off too quickly as you will want to enjoy the delicious food as you listen to live music.

When you come to Aspen for your next vacation remember the incredible deals and location of the Inn at Aspen. The lodging deals will allow you to splurge on exploring Aspen, not on a hotel room.

Summer at the Top of the World: Gondola Rides in Aspen and Snowmass 2010

There is nothing like the view from the top of Aspen and Snowmass mountains. It may not be the “real” top of the World but it sure feels like and we bet you’ll say “wow!” Riding the Gondolas at Aspen and Snowmass are an activity not to miss!

Aspen: The Silver Queen Gondola is beginning its summer service on weekends only starting on Memorial Day weekend through June 12-13 and then full summer service begins on June 18th. The gondola takes you 2.5 miles and more than 3,000 vertical feet up from the heart of downtown aspen to the summit of Aspen Mountain at 11, 212 feet. You’ll be glad you got a ride!
Once standing on top you will be able to look up the gorgeous Avalanche Creek Valley, over to a perfect view of the Highlands Bowl and on to Maroon Bells. It is such a spectacular sight! The Silver Queen Gondola is running from 8am to 4pm with the last ride down at 4:30pm.

Snowmass: New to this summer, the Elk Camp Gondola on Snowmass will take you to mid-mountain to access the many many miles of hiking and biking, disc golf on Snowmass mountain. On the weekends the gondola will run to the 11,300 foot summit of Elk Camp to the breath taking views that look out on the rest of Snowmass Mountain to the High Alpine area. The Elk Camp Gondola will begin summer service on June 19, 2010.

Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of layers as the summits can be windy and cooler than in town. With the elevation you will still see snow on top of the mountains until late summer.

When you come to Aspen, stay with the Inn at Aspen and be centrally located for every event and summer activity. To make the vacation even better, we offer some of the best lodging deals in town. Book your vacation now and stay for as little as $89 a night!