The Gant – Good Luck Leaving! + Video
Check out our video for a look inside the Gant Aspen.
As some mountain towns are racing to become bigger and better, Aspen, Colorado is staying in the sweet spot of remaining one of the nation’s most luxe destinations while keeping a fiercely independent spirit. That spirit carries beyond the Victorian red bricked downtown where the number of restaurant chains can be counted on one hand and trendy boutiques and consignment spots keep shoppers spending. It also takes hold when it comes to the lodging found in the city.
Take the Gant, A Destination Hotel, where guests will find 123-individually owned condos managed by hotel staff. While each condo features its own unique décor, they all stay consistent with a cozy mountain theme. Some units feature wrap around couches where it’s easy to cuddle up with a heavy duty blanket next to the wood burning fireplace- one of few places in Aspen that sticks to wood over gas flames. Each unit features a full service kitchen with marble counter tops and stainless steel appliances. With a kitchen looking this good, you may have the itch to whip up a meal, even on vacation.
Or, head over to the onsite café, PepperJack’s for grab and go menu items for breakfast and lunch. Two top menu picks are The Mob Sandwich made with salami, pepperoni, capicola and prosciutto and the Kale Salad topped with butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, candied walnuts and amaranth. Come night, Pepperjack’s has one of the best bar menus in town that is centered around flavored ice cubes (grapefruit, raspberry mint, orange, almond, espresso) and whip cream (peppermint, butterscotch, almond, caramel, coconut). Bartenders like Dave will help create a cocktail or infused hot cocoa to your liking. Or, stick to the menu where familiar cocktails take on their own personality. The Silver Queen is a white Russian of sorts made with bourbon, amaretto, kahlua, cream and is topped with an espresso cube. Another house favorite is the Hanging Valley; a hot chocolate infused with butterscotch schnapps, kahlua and whipped cream. Caution, this one goes down too easy! For a summer drink, try the Trainor Ridge, a mix of bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup. Cocktails are best enjoyed at the year around outdoor heated pool and hot tubs.
To break a sweat off mountain, head to the onsite fitness center where equipment is up to date and standing shoulder to shoulder with new found gym buddies isn’t an issue in the expansive space. Of course, there are beyond plenty of options for skiing and boarding with four world-class mountains in the valley, all with unique terrain. Aspen Mountain, the closest to the Gant, is a steeper peak for intermediate to advanced skiers. No green runs here. But head over to Snowmass, the largest of all the mountains, and find terrain for all skill levels. Insider Tip: Fuel at Slice, right at the base of the mountain, for a $5 monster size cut of pie. The Mammoth Pizza is the local favorite- made with homemade Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, Canadian bacon, meatballs and prosciutto.
For a different kind of outdoor adventure within the mountains, get your kicks snowshoeing up Maroon Creek Road in the White River National Forest, which leads to the Maroon Bells Trail. Make fresh tracks on the well-groomed path alongside evergreen and aspen trees.
Finding local flavor is a cinch, especially with recommendations from Gant staff. (Thanks Meredith & Lou!) Start with a light app and hot sake at Takah Sushi. Try the Me So Happy Roll, which is made with tempura sweet potato, spicy tuna and sprouts. Hot sake flavors are infused with everything from raspberry liqueur, Gran Marnier, and pearl plum vodka. Head over to Bodega for your main course where seafood, wine and tequila combine to make this the only Mezcaleria in town. Find everything from oysters, lobster, fish tacos, and salmon. Servers are quick to suggest the Mahi Mahi served with baby bok choy, black coconut rice, mango jalapeño chutney and picked ginger. Head over to Meatball Shack, right across the street, for fried Oreos served with a caramel creamy sauce.
Wrap up the night at Belly Up, a concert venue you would likely walk right by if you weren’t on the lookout. In the basement of this iconic music hangout, big names like Damien Marley, Lukas Nelson (son of Willie Nelson), Big Head Todd and a slew of others have taken the stage. Inside, find stadium style seating, a full bar and insane acoustics.
