Must See Sights and Landmarks in Maroon Bells Area

"Since 1889, this landmark has been at the center of Aspen's cultural scene. The Wheeler Opera House resides on the National Register of Historical Places and offers lectures, concerts, musicals, community theater performances, and foreign and independent film showings, keeping its stage occupied almost every day of the year."

"Sometimes a craving for an immersive arts and culture experience begins with a sophisticated take on performance and when this is the case, the Wheeler Opera House delivers up everything you’re looking for and more."

"We got lunch, strolled around the Aspen Pedestrian Mall in downtown, and enjoyed some ice cream while watching the local dogs play on the lawn at Wagner Park. From here, our plan was to drive to the nearby town of Glenwood Springs, but before heading there, we made one final stop at Maroon Bells Scenic Area. Even though the late afternoon light is not the best for photos, we still loved seeing these majestic peaks and spending a little time at beautiful Maroon Lake. Once the sun got low in the sky, we hit the road again and made our way to Glenwood Springs."

"Wagner Park hosts the iconic Grand Tasting Tent at the annual Food and Wine Classic. This takes the otherwise public park out of the running for a few weeks each September (note: "the Classic" has moved into the fall post-COVID), but when not in use by the foodies, it’s one of the largest parks in town, the most centrally located, and one of the most used. Dogs are able to get up to speed due to the park's size and their humans can take in the sprawling views of Aspen Mountain."

"Wagner Park is Aspen’s most centrally located and visible park since it borders the downtown core. It’s one of our favorites because it’s directly across the street from the Limelight Hotel. Used as a rugby pitch at various times throughout the year, Wagner Park is the favorite of locals walking their dogs during their lunch breaks."

"Named for Aspen lover and music icon John Denver, this park sits right on the Roaring Fork River and is the perfect place for reflection. Denver’s lyrics are etched in many of the stones around the park giving visitors a chance to stop, read, and reflect on their time in Aspen and what the Rocky Mountains mean to them. Some of the most beautiful gardens are maintained in the John Denver Park and water features, ponds, streams and ways to navigate them all abound in this serene atmosphere."

"If you're looking for a casual breakfast spot with some seating outside, look no further than Peach's. Locals line up for the breakfast and lunch joint's signature dish: the Open Face. Made with toasted bread, poached eggs, peach butter, bacon, tomatoes, arugula, and shaved parmesan, it's a filling start to the day without being a major gut bomb."

"For breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack, this is the spot for local, fresh and organic. The pastries from in-town bakeries are spectacular. Kids love the French Toast Waffle."

"Maru is a hip and trendy eatery with a Japanese infusion menu. You can’t go wrong with amazing dishes, such as the Char Siu Lamb Ribs, Hamachi Grapefruit Sashimi, Kampachi Sushi (AmberJack), or the Stuffed Quail. Maru, whose name means “circle” in Japanese, opened in 2015."

"A post shared by Luis Alberto Molina (@luisalmolina) on Nov 13, 2016 at 7:12pm PST. This 19th-century miner’s cottage, recently transformed from an artifact into a contemporary lounge setting, allows you to experience pure history and a purely good time!. Take advantage of their low rates, as well as their seasonal discounts, and try their iconic dishes on for size when you take their hearty portions to heart."

"Carpenter Gothic styles of a steeply pitched roof and vibrant all-white color schemes characterize the building and add to the ambiance. With a menu that offers familiar and family-friendly food and an extensive wine and cocktail selection,"

"Relatively new to the Aspen dining scene, Grey Lady is a New England-style seafood restaurant, which opened in December 2014 and is sibling to the popular Manhattan bar/eatery of the same name. The cozy, 70-seat spot packs them in, thanks to stellar food and cocktails, friendly, clued-in staff, and a subtly sexy, rustic-chic interior. Co-owner Ryan Chadwick’s uncle is a Maine lobsterman and ships his catch direct daily, piggybacked with oysters from a Damariscotta mariculture farm."

"Since opening day last December, Grey Lady has been drawing crowds for its sustainably-sourced New England seafood and cocktails-on-tap program (in collaboration with Basalt’s Woody Creek Distillers). The new patio expands the cozy space and provides prime people-watching at the corner of buzzing S. Mill Street and the Hyman Ave. pedestrian mall."

"Head to the laid-back gastropub Aspen Tap to try a variety of award-winning craft beers from the Aspen Brewing Company. A must-try is the Independence Pass Ale, named after the scenic pass that leads to Aspen. Order a flight, then pick your favorite to accompany a house-made sourdough pizza."

"What to know: Aspen’s best outdoor patio dining option plus beer, pizza, soups and salads to go!. Order online at http://www.toasttab.com/aspen-tap."