Champagne Snow on a Beer Budget

On St. Paddy’s Day the beer was green and dry as Champagne snow fell on the playground to the rich and famous .The morning after, I boarded a jet and stepped out into Aspen, where the core party was just getting started for the 11th annual Bud-light Spring Jam, two weekends in March 18-20 and 25-27. Broken Social Scene, winner of Best Alternative Artist and Album of the year, kicked off the first of three free concerts.

The third week in March brings spring, but because school schedules were scattered, I felt I had Aspen to myself. The top environmentally green mountains run in Colorado are Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain, these plus Snowmass are connected by free buses. You can ski all four mountains with only one lift ticket. There are special deals on lift tickets, ski rentals, food and last minute lodging. Ajax, another name for the base of Aspen Mountain, is the place to people watch by day, but under the lights crowds watch in awe as top competitors jumped 40 feet at the annual Kick Aspen Big Air Event.

The air filled with music and cheer and the aroma of three college staples; beer, popcorn and pizza, which stimulated my appetite. We climbed the steps to the second story brick building of New York Pizza. I asked, Roger, the owner if he imported NY water.

“No” Roger replied proudly, It’s straight from the tap” We drank tap water and ate pizza by slices so big I folded mine over like a sandwich. They offered a variety of fresh vegetable and meat toppings fresh from the oven.

On a warm evening under a full mega moon the conditions were perfect for a walk along the meandering Rio Grande Trail. It was so quiet you could hear rush of the water and wild coyotes howl in the distance. Across the street is The Aspen Art Museum, opened daily, except Monday, admission is always free.

In the center of town, The Wheeler Opera House with gilded period detail and splendor of the 1880’s is world renowned. Art and Culture is the center of Aspen year round: symphonies, ballet, literary and comedic events. We listened to great comedians compete at the Laff Festival on a free night. Window shopping is always free at the Couture Houses; Gucci, Prada, Dior offer customers the best in the west and latest fashion, while consignment shops offer the best prices for past season clothing. Browsing the unique boutiques, upscale hotel gift shops and art galleries you will find good prices on luxury items and museum quality pieces; art, fur, jewelry and wine.
I walked into the atrium lobby of the Hotel Jerome in time for high tea. I sipped from a china cup while my eyes drank in the elegant wall coverings and the opulent antique furnishings. I couldn’t help but notice John Stamos’ look-a- like. He offered gift certificates to anyone with a valid driver’s license to take a test drive. I got off the settee, behind the wheel of a Lexus, and drove miles out of my comfort zone upon rugged terrain on Smuggler Mountain (popular uphill climb of the locals.)

High above the finery of town, I spied apparatus frozen in rust and ice and time, remnants of an abandoned ore and silver refinery and breathtaking mountaintop views.

My heart was pounding from the detour. The driver handed me a $30 gift certificate to be used at the hotel and adjoining J Bar and restaurant, he said “You earned it.” I slid out of the SUV and into a different era among the memorabilia lined walls of Boogie’s Diner.

Although it had been twenty years since I saw him, I recognized him in a Baltimore minute. You may remember the character Boogie in “The Diner.” 1982 movie, but I remember him as my boss (founder of Merry Go Round, once named Fortune 500 best places to work.) Aspenites honored Lenny “Boogie” Weinglass, just 72 hours prior, at a businessman’s luncheon at Jerome’s.

The Aspen Club & Spa is the second largest in Colorado. Inside the Art and Craft inspired building they offer weekend morning yoga classes to the public. This brought a sense of community and the instructor gave individual attention to all. Free/Donation suggested.

On Monday Night the Caribou Club served “The Deadliest Catch.” For only $45 a four course meal at one of the best private clubs in America. One catch: membership for the week will set you back $500. (Makes you wonder what the lifetime members paid.)

Little Annie’s, named after a mine, is famous for hamburgers and popular with locals and families for thirty-five years. Bud beer and a shot is still only $3.50. Suddenly I felt younger (or was it the after effect of tequila at high altitude) to toast my birthday on the first day of spring in Aspen.

A month into spring, on April 19th, seven inches of snow fell on the mountains. While there’s plenty fresh powder, conditions are better than ever for skiing, the talk of town has turned to new summer event. The Quizno’s Pro Challenge, 600 miles through the Colorado Rockies will be America’s equivalent of Tour de France is scheduled for August 22-28, 2011.