This is Kristin’s area of expertise since tourism is part of her job at the Basalt Chamber of Commerce.
The wedding weekend will primarily take place in two adjacent towns – Carbondale and Basalt – which are 20 minutes from each other by car or bus. We hope you will explore all of the Roaring Fork Valley (RFV) while you are here. Carbondale and Basalt are considered “midvalley,” with Aspen and Snowmass on one end (South) and Glenwood Springs at the other (North).
NOTE: While in the valley, you are likely to hear the phrases “upvalley” and “downvalley” to either indicate relative location or direction of travel. Both are references based on one’s relative proximity to Aspen and centered around Highway 82. “Upvalley” is always going towards Aspen, where “downvalley” is always referencing going away from Aspen (and implied heading towards Glenwood Springs). This can be confusing as it is the opposite of using compass directions. For example: If you are in Carbondale, you will be heading upvalley to visit Willits, an area of Basalt.
Welcome to Carbondale | Carbondale Chamber
This article sums up our eclectic funky town, also known as “Bonedale”:
“When you spend time in Carbondale you’re as likely to meet and befriend a conservative teenage rancher wearing a stars and stripes cowboy hat and pink camo rubber boots as you are a pronoun-proud 60-year-old juggler wearing a full beard, shaved chest, and a prom dress.
Here white-knuckle zero-fat athletes share sweaty high-fives and hugs with Carhart-clad construction workers outside of Bonfire Coffee while virtuous vegans at the Village Smithy serve tomato juice and breakfast bacon to white-haired ski bums, retired pastors, and wobbly cattlemen all sharing the same Mountain Fair hangover.”
“Carbondale and the Spirit of Sopris,” MTN Town Magazine
Welcome to Basalt | Basalt Chamber
Basalt is best known for its world-class fly fishing and access to Ruedi Reservoir. It has two main sections of town – Historic Downtown (where Kristin works) and Willits (where the wedding is being held). Each neighborhood has its own personality – downtown dates back to the railroad days and has old West Victorian charm, where Willits has more modern vibes. Both have easy access to the outdoors, shopping and great dining.
Dining & Drinks
Some of our favorites in Carbondale are Phat Thai (thai fusion), Izakaya (Japanese), Peppinos (quick and easy pizza by the slice), The Village Smithy, aka “The Smithy” (greasy spoon for breakfast/lunch), Honey Butter (breakfast & lunch, diner food with fried chicken), Ming’s (Chinese), White House Pizza (really good pizza place) and La Fogata (El Salvadorian – arepas).
For Basalt there’s Heather’s Savory Pies (comfort food + live music), Free Range Kitchen (farm-to-table), Mezzaluna (Italian), Jaffa Kitchen (Middle Eastern), and Open Sesame (bagels).
On the adult beverage side, for breweries there’s Westbound & Down (Basalt – also has food), Mountain Heart (Downtown Basalt and Carbondale tasting rooms), Carbondale Beer Works (Carbondale – also has food). We also have distilleries/spirit tasting rooms – Stranahan’s (Aspen), Woody Creek Distillers (Basalt), and Marble Distilling (Carbondale) – a fan favorite.
Art & Culture
The valley is a hub of creative expression, ranging from Aspen’s high-end art galleries and the Aspen Art Museum (FREE), to Basalt’s more approachable galleries (including The Art Base and the Ann Korologos Gallery) to Carbondale’s funky art, with many public art pieces scattered about town.
The Powers Art Center (FREE) has been described as “a world-class museum in a cow pasture.” It is the most random location for an expansive collection of Jasper Johns, and other prominent, post-war artists including Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Roy Lichtenstein, Willem de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella, Christo and others.
Outdoors & Recreation
Maroon Bells (Aspen) – reservations required. We have squatted on a few car passes (valid before 8 a.m. the day of the reservation), however bus reservations are far more flexible with times ranging from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. For Maroon Bells shuttle & parking reservation questions, call 970-930-6442 or email info@visitmaroonbells.com.
Fly fishing – Basalt is one of the best fly fishing destinations in North America, if not the world. Guided trips are available from Frying Pan Anglers and Taylor Creek Fly Shop.
Hot Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool – The world’s largest Hot Springs Pool. No reservations needed.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs – 32 smaller hot springs pools to explore, including the new 21+ area – World Springs, featuring hot springs from around the world. Reservations required.
Avalanche Ranch – a small hot springs on a ranch with cabins. Day access is allowed. Reservations required, and a limited number of spots are available for each 4 hour time slot.
Penny Hot Springs (aka “the hippy dip”) – a primitive, historic, natural hot springs located on the west bank of the Crystal River off of Hwy 133.