DINING & SHOPPING

In the mood for retail therapy? We’ve got Gucci, we’ve got Prada, Whole Foods and Target, too. Shopping and dining throughout the Roaring Fork Valley is as varied and eclectic as the communities that inhabit it. Locals refer to Aspen as “up valley.” Here retail is decidedly upscale with a Western flare. Mid-Valley in Basalt and Carbondale, interesting locally-owned shops dominate. Glenwood Springs (down valley) is the largest shopping area between Grand Junction and Denver. Here you’ll find all the major car dealers, big box retailers, charming boutiques and more. Dining options throughout the Valley include everything from Zagat-rated restaurants to inviting coffee houses and family-run eateries. Savor Michelin-starred menus; take a sleigh ride to a mountain cookhouse; snowmobile or ride horseback to a catered meal in a rustic cabin; or grab a burger and a beer at Hunter S. Thompson’s favorite tavern. What are you in the mood for today?

Up Valley Shopping in Aspen

Up Valley Dining in Aspen

Welcome to our version of Rodeo Drive. Here we have actual rodeos as well as the same designer names you’ll find on the most famous street in Beverly Hills. In Aspen Prada, Gucci, Zegna and Ralph Lauren boutiques are housed in 19th century buildings just down the block from ski and mountaineering shops. For bargain hunters, resale shops are well-populated with designer brands.

Zagat-rated restaurants, posh bars and restaurants and casual fare with lots of outdoor dining are all available in this playground of the rich, famous and just plain folks. The Aspen vibe is “chill,” and the city is sophisticated, yet unpretentious and inviting. But it is Aspen, after all, and definitely the place to go for a night on the town or special occasion. (It’s also a great place to swap ski stories at a local bar.)

Mid-Valley Shopping in Basalt, Willits & Carbondale

Mid-Valley Dining in Basalt, Willits and Carbondale

Each of these picturesque small towns offers a charming downtown area dotted with boutiques, galleries, specialty shops and salons. Just north of downtown Basalt, Willits Town Center is a modern community complete with work, living spaces, parks, shopping, and recreation, all within walking distance. Carbondale is also a center for holistic medicine and alternative therapies, including yoga, massage and acupuncture. Skiers, skaters, bikers, runners and boarders will find custom retail establishments specifically geared to their favorite adventures.

Locally-owned restaurants and bars rule in all three of these communities. An international selection of restaurants including Mexican, Italian, Asian, French, Spanish and Austrian cuisines can all be sampled and savored. American barbecue, burgers and biscuits round out the variety. Craft breweries, taverns, dance clubs, wine bars and even a vodka distillery will whet your palate and provide the local flavor this part of Colorado is famous for. Catch a flick at Carbondale’s 1900s restored Crystal Theatre before or after drinks or dinner in town.

Down Valley Shopping in Glenwood Springs

Down Valley DINING in Glenwood Springs

This large retail shopping area has everything you need as well as those special finds you’d just love to purchase. Grand Avenue is lined with unique boutiques and shops that sell “Mountain chic” clothing, jewelry, rocks and gemstones, shoes, ski, fishing and outdoor gear and more. Glenwood Meadows is home to Target, Lowe’s, national retailers and a community rec center with a pool, climbing wall and ice rink. Virtually every major automobile dealer can be found in West Glenwood and there is a large Walmart on the south end of town. Professional offices, beauty salons, large banks, Valley View Hospital and the Garfield County Courthouse are located in Glenwood Springs.

With over 40 restaurants in a community of under 9,000 people, you’ll find Glenwood Springs is used to entertaining guests. One of Colorado’s favorite family tourist towns, Glenwood Springs is also a “real” town where local restaurateurs take pride in their cuisine. Asian, Italian, Indian, Mexican and New American cuisine can be found in well-appointed establishments. Add award winning breweries and tasting rooms and you won’t go home hungry (or thirsty).

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