Aspen Real Life

06/17/2026

Want to know what's going on every week in Aspen? Visit the new site: https://www.aspenreallife.com/

06/16/2026

“Back in black, I hit the sack. I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back. Yes, I’m let loose from the noose that’s kept me hanging about.”

Needing to bring in more money because writing about the locals and my life lived in Aspen wasn’t enough, I stopped writing and started focusing on how to make more money. I didn’t realize it would become a six-year hiatus.

During that time, people kept telling me to write again. Complete strangers would send messages. Friends would ask what happened. Every once in a while something so bizarre would happen that it lingered in my mind, yet I resisted the calling.

One of those moments popped back into my head at 5:30 this morning, and I knew I had to write it down.

I was on the rooftop patio at Scarlett’s (pre-pandemic, Catch Steak is there now) for a Kentucky Derby party with a friend. I was nursing a cold and wasn’t drinking, which meant I had the rare opportunity to observe an Aspen party completely sober.

We struck up a conversation with a very animated guy. My friend was single, and I was thoroughly entertained watching the flirtation unfold as the three of us floated through the crowd meeting everyone in sight.

He was charming.

Until he shoved what looked like five sour gummy worms into his mouth at once, their day-glow blue and green bodies disappearing like a flock of startled birds. I’d seen robins in my garden eat with more finesse.

Then things got weird….

To read more click the link in my bio.

06/15/2026

Over the weekend we biked through wildflowers, celebrated an anniversary at Bob Chase inside Aspen Street Lodge, and headed to Pine Creek Cookhouse for an important conversation on climate change and what that means for our valley.

That’s Aspen Real Life, introducing interesting people, discovering hidden gems, and sharing the experiences that make living here so special.

And we’re only just getting started. The newly redesigned Aspen Real Life is live, with local tips, the side parties everyone will be talking about during Food & Wine, a curated event-only calendar that cuts through the noise, and stories woven together by the people and places that make this valley extraordinary.

Think of us as stumbling into the sweetest little coffee shop while traveling, where the locals wave you over, pull up a chair, and tell you everything you need to know.

Check us out: aspenreallife.com

06/15/2026

We covered a story on Eden Vardy when he first started The Farm Collaborative and have watched his progress through the years.

Eden! How impressive it was to drive up yesterday and see all that you have accomplished. What an essential asset you are providing for our farming community, and to us as consumers who want to be as healthy as we can be with nourishing food.

I will be frequenting your new market for local goods, and for coffee with your proud papa. Congrats!

06/01/2026

We're launching the new Aspen Real Life site this week and we want your thoughts and ideas.

Let's begin with your favorite Mexican food in our valley? From best margaritas to family-owned spots and taco counters and food trucks. We want to know the restaurants you've been going to for years, and the newer places that have won you over.

Aspen? Basalt? El Jebel? Carbondale? Glenwood?

Where are you ordering tacos, enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos, burritos, mole, and everything in between?

Bonus points if you tell me *what to order* when I get there.

I'm putting together a guide for the blog and want your opinion to make sure I don't miss anyone.

Let's hear it!

Susie Jimenez??

05/29/2026

This video is from a culinary experience hosted at the Joy & Wylde Artisan Gallery in Redstone that we loved so much, we’re doing it again. Only this time we’re in Carbondale. Different format. Different host. Similar special vibe.

Imagine a summer evening on the patio of the historic brick building at 689 Main Street in Carbondale, a glass of wine in hand, fresh Italian food arriving at the table, and a group of some of our favorite locals gathered together.

That’s what’s happening next Thursday, June 4th at Sprazzo where Chef Daniel has created a menu that celebrates some of his “scratch-made” Italian excellence, including pasta and focaccia made in-house daily, as well as some off-menu surprises throughout the thoughtfully curated four-course dinner.

In a world that seems to move faster every day, be prepared to slow it all down Italian family-style, with good people and conversations that don’t happen standing around at a crowded event.

There are a few seats left so grab them, arrive hungry and curious, and get ready to make a few new friends.

“Sprazzo is more than a restaurant. It’s a flash of energy on Main Street.”

Get your seat at the table on Jillian Livingston’s Eventbrite feed under “Dinner on the Sprazzo Patio.”

05/26/2026

An unforgettable Memorial Day weekend celebrating the one and only Rich Carr and a circle of friends who feel more like family, out in the magic of Castle Valley.

There’s something deeply grounding about returning to the desert with people you’ve shared decades of life with, over thirty years of laughter, raising families, and now stepping into this next chapter together.

To spend our days outside playing is the kind of richness that can’t be manufactured.

I feel so much gratitude for these enduring friendships, and for the way we all continue to evolve, building new homes, creating new memories, and still choosing each other. This is what life is all about.

05/15/2026

Tuck’s school project

4 likes. "The Good The True And The Beautiful"

05/08/2026

We’re really looking forward to a beautiful evening with Chef Daniel, Chester, and the .carbondale team on May 21st.

The tables are filling with such an eclectic mix of people from across the valley; entrepreneurs, creatives, designers, realtors, writers, bankers, wellness professionals, and artists, all coming together for good food, thoughtful conversation, and a meaningful night out.

There are now only a few seats remaining, as we intentionally want to keep the evening intimate.

DM if you’d like to reserve a seat.

And what are you paying for? Not just dinner, but an experience with delicious cuisine, cocktails, atmosphere, conversation, connection, laughter, inspiration, and the kind of evening that reminds us how important it is to gather together in real life.

This is what Aspen Real Life is all about.