Pinch me, I’m in Aspen. In this article, I wrote about my personal favorite people-watching spots in the most glamorous American ski town.
If you happen to find yourself in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, here are four perfect spots for people watching.
The who’s who of Aspen come to stay and dine at the chichi St. Regis Aspen Resort. Snag a table in the Shadow Mountain Lounge or hunker down near the fire for optimal people watching. From Botoxed babes to old-money locals, the clientele is sure to elicit eye-popping viewing. Festive and cozy drinks riddle the menu; try the Cocoa-Cherry Bomb with Patrón Añejo and grenadine hot chocolate.
A new fixture on Aspen’s dining scene, Bootsy Bellows Aspen opened on December 20th and is named after David Arquette’s mother, a famous burlesque dancer. Part-owned by Arquette himself, the resto-lounge is a sister to the L.A. location of the same name. Around 11PM, the tables are turned (then put away) and only the bar, plush banquettes and dance floor remain until the wee hours. The vibe is über-trendy and choice menu items include the famous elk – a carryover from Bootsy Bellows’ predecessor – and my top choice: organic, free range chicken with butternut squash ravioli, mushrooms, candied pecans and bacon.
The members-only Caribou Club serves up great dinners and traditional chalet ambience. A famed destination of celebrities including Paris Hilton, the Caribou Club is tucked away in an indoor passageway and down a discreet flight of carpeted stairs. People watching is not the only activity afforded – dine, imbibe, play blackjack and dance at this cozy club. Don’t let the members-only slogan deter you; memberships for two can be purchased for a week at a time for $500 or $1500 during peak season.
Hotel Jerome, a well-established Main Street hotel, has recently been revitalized through extensive renovations. The outcome is a glamorous but relaxed atmosphere punctuated by dark wood, chic furniture and oversized lighting fixtures. Given its still robust reputation, the hotel continues to host glamazons, and a drink in one of the Jerome bars is great fun. JBar offers a more relaxed feel, with its banquettes and TVs, but the best people watching is in the Living Room. For dinner, head to Prospect, an onsite restaurant. Don’t forget to try the octopus appetizer, my personal favorite.
Reba Writes 