Aspen Square Daily News

Independence Pass is open for the summer season, offering amazing views all along the way between Aspen and Twin Lakes, and on through Leadville and to Copper Mtn at I-70. The pass normally closes in late October. It is a dramatic and beautiful drive over the Continental Divide, and well worth the trip! Taking the pass also cuts off about 45 minutes on the trip between Denver and Aspen. The views are amazing up on top, and as you follow the Roaring Fork river from its start. Don't forget your camera. If you are driving to Aspen, take the pass -- it's an amazing trip!

Aspen's Annual Food and Wine Classic starts on June 17, a unique gathering of food and wine fans from all across the nation. Participants enjoy food demonstrations and seminars, wine programs, amazing wine maker dinners at night in some of Aspen's top restaurants, and the Grand Tastings in the giant tents set up in Wagner Park. The huge tents are going up now, and we are getting ready! It is an amazing event, and great early summer starter. Day tickets are still available: 1-888-290-1324.

The "unofficial" start to the summer season has come and gone, and we enjoyed wonderful weather and fun early-summer activities. We still have visible snow up high on the slopes above Aspen, and a ride up to the top of Aspen Mountain will see even more snow up high. What a fun time to visi1! Guests enjoyed whitewater rafting, or hiking and biking in the hills around Aspen; and taing the gondola ride up to the top of Aspen Mountain and have lunch at the Sundeck Restaurant. Lodging rates were still "off season" at Aspen Square, starting at just $125 nightly, so the savings were big.