Aspen locals know that our town attracts an insane amount of eccentric tourists, perfect for people watching, and they often end up as the object of ridicule. From the skiing to the views, Aspen is perfectly Instagram-worthy, but natives also know that it is so much more. To the outside world, Aspen appears to be a town full of billionaires and thousand-dollar dinner checks every night, and that may sometimes be the case. But on the inside, our community is a group of people who appreciate the beautiful place where we live. Everyone in Aspen knows everybody. On one trip to City Market, it’s hard not to see a variety of teachers and old friends. To look deeper into the stereotypes surrounding Aspen, locals and tourists were interviewed to see what differentiates them.

Aspen Fashion

Everyone knows the easiest way to spot a tourist: an often nauseating combination of fur and cowboy hats. From people watching to just a glance at the ski slopes, you can see a full fur ensemble and instantly detect that they don’t live here full-time. That is why interviewees were asked to describe the “Aspen Fashion”.

For starters, the first tourists interviewed were visitors from Denver. The couple was decked out in neon Aviator Nation sweats, shirts, and hats. The two believe that Aspen fashion is expensive and bougie. For them, local fashion is heavily influenced by the people Aspen attracts, upper-class citizens and business moguls.

“[Visitors] want to be different. They want to be special, feel special, and that’s why you have all these nice-looking people coming to town and wearing all these amazing outfits,” Luis Ramirez, a man visiting Aspen with his family, said.

There is an undeniable thrill of going into the world dressed to the nines in a place where nobody will ever even know your name.

Liz Busch, a local AHS girls’ basketball and tennis coach, lives in town and has her own view on the true style of Aspen.

“Local style tends to be quite technical and sporty, but it also has a hip and trendy twist to it,” Busch said.

Aspen is a notoriously healthy town, with skiing, running, and a notable lack of fast food. The fashion here is tailored to the athletic hobbies such as hiking, skiing, and biking that its residents love. At the same time, it is anything but basic leggings. Some locals noted that style changes from mountain wear in the winter, with vests and Moncler jackets, then seasonally switches to summer styles from Lululemon, Alo, and more.

The Best Restaurants

From supporting local businesses to enjoying a high-end meal, Aspen has a wide variety of options for any occasion. The best restaurant is highly debatable, and for good reason. Aspen has something for everyone.

The locals interviewed came to a unanimous decision: White House Tavern has a small but comprehensive menu of amazing options. The classic chicken sandwich is always delicious and customizable for dietary restrictions. The restaurant has a selection of healthy, filling choices with fast and convenient service.

On the contrary, tourists Mina and Tamara both said Matsuhisa was the best food they had eaten on their trip. Matsuhisa was founded by a renowned gourmet chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, who blends Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Nobu’s variety of restaurants are popular amongst many celebrities and stars worldwide, including Taylor Swift. Matsuhisa is undeniably one of the best sushi spots in the valley, and most certainly a high-end choice. The menu prices match its reputation, but for good reason. It is hard to order wrong at Matsu.

The Overall Aspen Experience

Everyone who comes to Aspen, no matter their status, personality, or background, experiences this place in a different way. Aspen has been a hub of wealth and luxury since the 50s. At the same time, it has also attracted nature enthusiasts and passionate skiers. There is no one way to look at it.

When visitors were asked to describe Aspen in a few words, often the answer was along the lines of “high-end,” “beautiful,” or “fancy”; when The Scribbler asked Aspen natives, they said, “community.” That is what truly sets locals apart. Aspen residents choose to spend our lives here because it is a place where we build connections with those we care about, praying for powder days and enjoying the spectacular outdoors. That being said, locals are often too quick to judge what a tourist’s perception of Aspen may be, and underneath the fur, there are people who truly enjoy the beauty of this town and appreciate it just as much as we do.