It is with great joy that I share my favorite destination in the world… Aspen, Colorado. I have been visiting this gorgeous, upscale mountain town for many years and every time I’m there I fall more in love.

My most recent trip to the Rockies was at the end of the strictly enforced NYC quarantine. Three months locked up in a tiny Manhattan apartment had me craving nature more than ever. As soon as I was “allowed” to leave the concrete jungle I ran for the mountains! Nothing like the fresh air and vigorous activities to clear your mind of the challenging times we have faced as of late (and also help with the Covid-19 pounds I gained!).

Most people think of Aspen as only a seasonal destination for skiing. Yes it is truly a magical winter wonderland, but also a Rae’s Fave for summer and fall with the abundant outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.

There is a little something for everyone throughout the year from rafting, hiking, and biking in the warmer months to the challenging black diamond slopes when temperatures drop. Worried you won’t enjoy your visit because you are not an adrenaline junkie or very coordinated and may fall off a steep climb? Don’t stress, because luckily you can escape to one of the many decadent spas or hotel pools or spend a pretty penny shopping all the luxury brands in town. Don’t want to break the bank at Gucci? Instead stroll the charming farmers market, indulge in the extraordinary fine dining and NO I didn’t forget the much anticipated Après Ski cocktails on Cloud Nine or a nearby Jacuzzi.

Aspen is the perfect getaway for families, singles looking to mingle, and couples looking to rekindle the romance after almost killing each other in lockdown! The best part is I created a fool-proof travel guide to Aspen that takes all the research and headache away.

*ANNUAL COUNTDOWN TO WINTER SAVINGS is here too and you don’t want to miss out!

Accommodations

The Gant is located walking distance to the center of town and provides the comfort of your own residence with the luxuries of a resort. There is an array of upscale hotels and a few “budget friendly” chateaus, however, The Gant stands out amongst them all.

It is more important than ever to feel confident in the cleanliness and safety of a hotel during this pandemic and The Gant takes all your worries away with its GANT CARES PLAN. Enhanced cleaning protocols that meet CDC guidelines, face coverings available upon request and worry free cancellation to ease future travel concerns. They ensure that your safety and health is their top priority bringing peace of mind to your vacation.

Situated on five lush acres with front desk/bellhop services, two swimming pools, three hot tubs, fitness center, tennis courts, BBQ grills & fire pits, on site cafe, complimentary shuttle service and (hold on, let me catch my breath…) Ski butler, concierge and rental services in the winter. Ideal for anyone looking to get away and work remotely or simply have a change of scenery.

You are given a warm welcome from the staff who treats you like family from the moment you step in the door (Minus the drunk uncle and confrontational arguments). The floor plans include one to four bedroom options with standard, deluxe and premier categories. All come equipped with a private kitchen, en-suite bathrooms, wood burning fireplace, furnished balconies, WIFI and complimentary parking. Upgrading to premier is most desirable as it’s fully remodeled and modern, including an in-unit washer and dryer which is extremely beneficial after sweating through your Lululemon yoga pants.

Take advantage of all the autumn and winter specials making travel to Aspen more affordable than ever! Snow bunnies get excited for the COUNTDOWN TO WINTER PROMO

*BOOK BY 10/31 FOR STAYS THROUGH WINTER
Promo Code: REALWITHRAE

Details:
Guests of Real With Rae receive Exclusive Savings at The Gant Aspen – Save 25% on your stay!!
Travel to The Gant in Aspen, Colorado this winter from November 20, 2020 – April 19, 2021 and receive the following exclusive savings, valid only for guests of Real with Rae:
· Save 25% – Book by October 31, 2020.

**Blackout dates for all discounts: December 25-January 2, 2021.
This offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Valid for new reservations only. Not applicable to group reservations.

Dining

On site you will find Pepperjack’s Cafe open for breakfast and lunch (I highly recommend the breakfast burrito after an intense hike or bike ride). And if you are looking to venture into town for a memorable lunch or dinner I have a Foodie’s Guide to satiating your palate!

Casual Lunch:
White House Tavern

What to Order: The Famous Chicken Sandwich with coleslaw. Worth every calorie but you can substitute the bun for a lettuce wrap if watching your carbs. Looking to indulge? Add the shoestring fries….Thank me or hate me later. Want something light? The kale salad surprisingly hits the spot!

Best Bar Menu:
Piñons – Introducing Piñons Street Lounge and rooftop for expanded outdoor dining equipped with a full bar and lounge area with couches.
What to Order: Tuna Taco Appetizer and all of the steaks and seafood is out of this world!

L’Hostaria Ristorante – My absolute favorite Italian food in Aspen! Cozy up for the best bar menu with affordable prices and generous portions.
What to Order: Charcuterie & Cheese plate with a nice bottle of Red to share. Can’t go wrong with Bolognese or Carbonara, especially when it’s snowing outside and you need an extra layer on you to keep warm 😉

Fine Dining:
Cache Cache – Okay hands down my FAVORITE RESTAURANT! The joke is, “Bring your cash cash to Cache Cache…” (it’s not cheap BUT it’s worth it!)
Experience quintessential Aspen fine dining amongst the who’s who of town, occasional celeb, oh and really fun locals looking to get into some trouble.
What to Order: The Salmon Tartare and Bar Menu Trout hands down! Tell Chris, REAL WITH RAE on IG sent you and don’t forget to buy a cute hat as a souvenir.

Hot & Trending:
Betula – Want to dine on the sexiest rooftop in Aspen? This trendy hot spot is a “cozy-chic sensory experience” featuring French Pan-American cuisine. The live DJ makes you feel like you are back on the Burning Man Playa but in a luxe setting- Okay, Paris Hilton’s Camp 😉 The place to be seen, but also enjoy wonderful cocktails, fresh food, and top notch service.
What to Order: The Yellow Paloma or “bird cocktail” makes the perfect refreshing photo op for your new profile picture. Pair that with fresh Tuna Ceviche, melt in your mouth burrata…Or splurge on a Wagyu Flat Iron.

Activities

Aspen is an outdoor playground where you can simply walk out your front door and be hiking, biking and exploring on your own. Beginners can try The Hunter Creek Trail which is beautiful and not too difficult. Don’t miss out on seeing the most photographed and breathtaking site MAROON BELLS.

The Gant also offers plenty of private winter experiences for those looking for someone to lead the way.

Private Winter Experiences:
Aspen abounds as a winter playground, beckoning winter sports aficionados and scenic snow (and après) seekers alike. Beyond powder days on unparalleled resort terrain at Aspen Snowmass, The Gant has partnered with trusted local outfitters including Nomad Inc., Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and more to thoughtfully create private experiences to explore Aspen. With inclusivity in mind, activities cater to avid skiers and snowboarders to winter scenery admirers alike.

Rocky Mountain Flightseeing:
Experience the allure of the Rockies by air in a helicopter. Experience includes lunch at Electric Mountain Lodge and one hour of flight-seeing time.

Dog Sled Tour:
Guided by an experienced musher and attentive Alaskan huskies, experience the pristine Snowmass backcountry on an exciting, dog sled journey. Tours are approximately an hour long.

Heli-Snowmobiling:
Adventure includes roundtrip heli-transportation, snowmobile, snowmobile guide, four hours of snowmobiling, helmet, goggles and lunch in the field or Electric Mountain Lodge. *Guests may also opt for Mercedes van transfer as desired.

San Juan Heli-Skiing:
For experienced skiers seeking backcountry terrain, this adventure offers a full day in the San Juan Mountains with 10,000 – 14,000 vertical feet of skiing. Experience includes a roundtrip plane flight from Aspen Airport to Telluride Airport, powder skis, pack, avalanche beacon, snacks, lunch, drinks and après.
*Above outings may be accompanied by a personal photographer or videographer to capture the experience for an additional fee.

Private Guided Snowshoe Tour:
Join a Naturalist from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies to embark on a snowshoe tour through Ashcroft Ghost Town with breathtaking views.

Ice-Karting:
An exhilarating kart drive atop a frozen lake in Aspen with incredible views, available late December through February.