Aspen, Colorado

We found our way to Aspen, Colorado over the 4th of July weekend!

I think our interest for Aspen first peaked from the Top Chef Food and Wine Classic which was held in Aspen just 2 weeks ago! What a beautiful, beautiful place!

Our morning couldn't have started out better than with a walk through the Saturday market! Their kettle corn was unbeatable :) Being the popcorn fanatic that I am, that kettle corn was a total highlight for me!

After wandering through town for a bit, we decided to splurge and take the 20 minute gondola ride to the top of Aspen mountain. Gooooood decision.

There was a brass quintet doing a concert up top, which was a perfect place for us to eat our chicken salad croissant sandwiches, and fruit roll ups!

We took the ridge trail hike around the bend for some beautiful views. Luckily it was more of a walk than a hike because we were at such high altitude! Scott felt a bit sick all day because of it :( We loved sitting in the Adirondack (sp?) chairs and having a hoola hoop contest! We made it even more challenging by doing it on that log! It was a nice hot day, and just super nice to be out on the mountain.

We learned about the Ashcroft Ghost town on the Amateur Traveler podcast we subscribe to. It was kind of far out of the way, and we probably wouldn't recommend it... but hey, we got some great ghost pictures of Scott:

And another winner too:

(I have a feeling this one will come in handy in the future...)

And, we learn why the town is called Aspen:

And to end the day, we visited the supposed "most photographed site in north America." I don't know if that is true or not, but regardless, it was a very beautiful and peaceful place.

Introducing: Maroon Bells!

Scott took a little nap, and I polished off a few Sudoku puzzles!

We feel very blessed to be able to take our weekend adventures and enjoy the beauty of this earth.

What a great day to be alive!