ALONG WITH RECORD SNOWFALL ON THE MOUNTAINS, THERE’S A FLURRY OF
NEW ACTIVITY IN THE TOWN OF ASPEN

ASPEN, Colo. (Jan. 2008) – Aspen has received several major storms that have dropped nearly seven feet of snow since the beginning of December. Along with all the champagne powder, there’s a flurry of new shops, restaurants and clubs as well as cultural events, to entice visitors. Following are some of the highlights:

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
• Aspen’s newest restaurant and lounge, Social, has opened on restaurant row. Tommy Tolleson and Gunnar Sachs, owners of the popular Elevation Restaurant, designed their newest endeavor with sleek, modern furnishing and accents to compliment a chic new menu of global tapas and small plates meant for sharing. The lower level of Social is an intimate restaurant setting with reservations recommended, while the upstairs space features a wine and tapas bar and late night lounge. (304 E. Hopkins Avenue; 970.925.9700)

• Parallel 15 Coffee & Tea is the newest java offering in town, boasting all organic product and eco-friendly containers. The coffee cart is located in Explore Booksellers and was opened by local Keith Goode, who seeks to create a more lounge-like atmosphere in Aspen’s Main Street bookstore.  (221 East Main Street; 970.925.5336)
 
• 39 Degrees Bar at Sky Hotel.  This remodeled lounging spot, a member of Kimpton Hotel Group, sports a hip new feel. A complete redesign by Dayna Lee includes new ‘”log” tables, new carpets in bright mod colors and new couches guaranteed to keep this one of the hottest après places in town. (709 East Durant Ave. 970.925.6760)

• Kiddie Cookers. A cooking school that only accepts aspiring chefs under the age of 13 has opened under the tutelage of culinary connoisseur Shael Berni.  The school specializes in organic cuisine and maintains an emphasis on nutritional cooking.  A myriad of cooking programs are offered including after-school classes, mother-daughter classes, father-son classes, birthday parties, and private cooking lessons.  (970-544-0264 or shaelberni@gmail.com)  

• Fly Lounge. The owners of the swank Fly Lounge in Washington DC renovated the former Lava lounge to depict an upscale version an airplane lounge. New décor transports guests to the set of a Learjet complete with bottle service and LCD cloudscreens. Red-hot bar staff dressed as flight attendants serves up classy cocktails and keep the friendly skies rocking at this new nightlife hotspot.  (426 East Hyman; www.flyloungeaspen.com)

• Owners of the Wild Fig opened a chic restaurant called LuLu Wilson this year, named after a woman who lived in the Victorian-era miner’s house.  New chef manning the kitchen is Shane Coffey, formerly of Alias Restaurant in New York.  With an updated décor integrated with the old-style building and vintage crystal chandeliers, restaurant is located on Restaurant Row.  (316 East Hopkins Avenue; 970.920.1893)

• The Last Stand can be found directly below the longtime Aspen watering hole, Cooper Street Pier. The former restaurant space was recently remodeled into a night club where locals and visitors can listen to live music and local DJs in a casual atmosphere. ( 508 E. Cooper Avenue; 970.925.7758)

• The Grateful Deli opened this summer offering a new lunchtime quick stop with fresh and healthy sandwiches, salads, paninis and sides. (233 East Main Street; 970.925.1046)

• The famous Taster’s Pizza in Snowmass now has a new location in Aspen. Enjoy those same great slices, salads and pastas served up at the former Grill Next Door building in Rio Grande Place.

• Local nightlife spot, Bar Aspen, has changed ownership and reopened as The Regal Watering Hole this winter season. With sleek, modern new décor and an extensive list of tasty liquors, The Regal will serve up weekly drink specials and offer local and national DJs spinning dance music until the clock strikes 2 a.m. (220 S. Galena Street; www.regalaspen.com)

COMING SOON
• The Aspen Brewery. A full production micro-brewery will soon be serving up frosty mugs to local patrons. Duncan Clauss, a home brewer who has frequented Aspen for 15 years, will open the brewery and tasting room with partners Brad Veltman and Rory Douthit this winter. ( 557 North Mill Street; 970.274.9998)

• Master photographer, Peter Lik will be opening a stunning gallery in Aspen come end of January 2008.  The Peter Lik Gallery will be one of five new U.S. galleries. He currently has a presence throughout Australia, Hawaii and Las Vegas. His photography is about the challenge of translating the awesome power and beauty of the earth in a tangible record of a moment in time. Located next to the Isis movie theater.    (406 E. Hopkins Ave. www.peterlik.com)

• Blu Phoenix, a new women’s contemporary clothing boutique will open soon adjacent to the Isis movie theater. This boutique will carry everything from leather jackets & cashmere to gifts and jewelery. Not only catering to the wealthy, local Vanessa Kirianoff also wanted a place that locals could afford to shop for nice clothing and accessories. Specializing in new lines not yet carried in Aspen. (406 E. Hopkins)

CULTURAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
• The Aspen Sojourner has organized a new social and culture savvy ArtWalk on the first Thursday of every month. Red flags along the brick sidewalks throughout Aspen indicate which galleries around town participate. Locals and visitors can participate and network as they view and experience the newest displays around town. (Aspen Sojourner; 970.925.7809)

• Famed artist and sculptor Andy Goldsworthy will be featured in a new exhibition “Two Creeks – Andy Goldsworthy: Ephemeral Works of the Roaring Fork Valley” this Dec. 21, 2007 – Mar. 28, 2008.  The new exhibit will debut in the Resnick Gallery at the Aspen Institute’s Doerr Hosier Center this winter and showcase Goldsworthy’s local artistic creations. (Aspen Institute; 970.544.7950)

• Wintersköl™, a spirited tribute to Aspen’s winter playground, celebrates another snowy season January 10-13, 2008.  Now in its 57th year, Wintersköl highlights a mix of Aspen’s winter tradition and history. Festive events showcase the unique character of town and Aspen’s free-spirited lifestyle. From locals parading around town in their vintage ‘70s ski duds to celebrities leading the torchlight parade down Aspen Mountain, there is plenty of people watching, après-ski sipping, gourmet soup savoring, and family fun to be had.(www.aspenchamber.org ; 970.925.1940)

• The Dalai Lama will make an appearance in Aspen and give a public lecture and teaching in July 2008 at the Aspen Institute’s Program on Tibetan Art and Culture. He will also be honored at the Aspen Institute’s annual Summer Celebration. (Aspen Institute; 970.544.7925)

• Après Ski for the Mind. The Aspen Writer’s Foundation’s Winter Words 2008 presents a new lineup of readings and talks with notable authors. Richard Russo, Ann Patchett, Sebastian Junger, Ishmael Beah, Amy Bloom, Edward Hirsch and Binyavanga Wainaina will be featured in stand alone events throughout the winter. Tickets are now on sale via the Wheeler box office. (www.aspenwriters.org; 970.925.3122)

• 16th Annual Aspen Film Academy Screenings. Aspen Film is adding excitement to the winter holidays with a slate of the hottest films headlined by top directors and stars. Open to everyone, this two-week extravaganza offers a sneak peek at some of the films everyone will be talking about come the Academy Awards®. Films are shown at the Wheeler Opera House and Harris Concert Hall from Dec. 21 – Jan. 2, 2008. (970.920.5770; www.aspenfilm.org)

• Aspen Winter Music Festival. Experience electrifying music performed by the masters, up-close and personal. Cellist David Finkel and pianist Wu Han launch the series (February 12). And don't miss Piotr Anderszewski (February 20) or Emanuel Ax (February 26). Pianist Stephen Hough (March 6) and violinist Leila Josefowicz  (March 10) finish up the season. (970.925.9042; www.aspenmusic.org)

AROUND TOWN
Aspen is becoming a greater fashion center with the addition of many boutiques. Already a favorite of fashionistas with stores like Nuages, Distractions, Bloomingbirds, and Pitkin Country Dry Goods, the following are new shops:

• Bonnie Young. This stylish children’s brand debuts its first boutique in Aspen this winter season featuring luxury clothing for the little ones in addition to a collection of hand-carved children’s furniture.  (675 East Cooper Avenue; 970.925.7299)

• The Little Bird. Opened by local Keeley Lloyd in summer 2007, The Little Bird is a high end vintage boutique featuring both luxury consignment and original designs in women’s clothing, jewelery, shoes, handbags, and more. Lloyd custom designs vintage belts and carries Angela Horton Cashmere designs. (205 S. Mill St. Suite 221A; 970.920.3830)

• Peek-A-Boo. Joan Tiege, owner of favorite boutiques Cream and PE101 has opened the newest lingerie boutique in Aspen. The new store will feature pretty little unmentionables by Italian designer Cosabella and other favorite lingerie brands. “Everyone needs an excuse to feel sexy and now has that opportunity,” says Tiege. (525 East Cooper Ave. 970.925.6888)

• NEW LOCATION: The Gallerie is a men and women’s fashion haven featuring up and coming lines such as Ports 1961, Lela Rose, and Hammitt handbags. They will move into their new location at 520 East Durant Avenue near the gondola this winter. (970.544.4893)

• Theory, a trendy women’s clothing brand, opened its newest signature store in Aspen last spring. Fans of the clothing line favor its clean, modern designs and elegant fabrics.(219 South Galena Street; 970.544.0079)

• Ermenegildo Zegna, an Italian brand of luxury men’s clothing, opened its doors last spring offering everything from suiting to fashionable outerwear. (211 South Galena Street; 970.544.4989)

• Cream, a boutique opened by the owners of popular PE 101, features ultra feminine, high-end ladies apparel, perfect for special occasions around town. (303 South Galena Street; 970.925.6888)

COMING SOON

• J Crew. This nationally known retailer is opening a new concept store called “J Crew in the Mountains” to cater to the Aspen crowd. This idea models the success of the brand’s first concept store “J Crew at the Beach” located in the Hamptons. J Crew is projected to open in summer 2008 at 205 S. Mill St.

• Burberry.  Based in London, this 150-year luxury brand is sold throughout the world and known internationally for its cutting edge meets classic fashion niche. Burberry is projected to open as early as winter 2008 in the historic Ute City Bank Building at the corner of Galena Street and Hyman Avenue.

HOTELS & SPAS

• Fractional Opportunities.  Private Residences have made a significant impact on Aspen’s lodging scene giving visitors an opportunity to purchase real estate at a fraction of the cost.  Existing developments include St. Regis Residence Club, Aspen and the Hyatt Grand Aspen. New properties such as the Boomerang, the Dancing Bear, and Residences at the Little Nell are opening within the next year.

• The Innsbruck – The Innsbruck has started completion on its multi-million dollar development and renovation of ten one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom fractional ownership residences. New mountain décor, stone and granite countertops and alderwood cabinetry make for a beautiful updated decor. Amenities of the new fractional residences include a new swimming pool and hot tub, members’ lounge, fitness facilities, concierge and bell and transportation services. (233 West Main Street; 970.920.0121; www.theinnsbruck.com )

• COMING SOON - Limelight Lodge – The new Limelight Lodge is scheduled for completion in September 2008. Located in the heart of downtown Aspen at the corner of Monarch Street and Cooper Avenue, the new hotel will offer a range of options from standard rooms with king-sized beds to deluxe two- bedroom, two-bath condos with fireplaces and terraces.  The Limelight Lodge has been a staple of the Aspen lodging industry for nearly 50 years, and the new 126 room structure of this longtime locally owned hotel will offer the same moderately priced options to travelers in a contemporary updated setting. Rates start at $119 per night. (228 East Cooper Avenue; 970.925.3025; www.limelightlodge.com) 

For more information, visit the Aspen Chamber Resort Association at www.aspenchamber.org, or call 1.888.290.1324 or 970.925.1940.

Contact:  Promo Communications
Maureen Poschman; maureen@promoinc.net