October Opportunities Abound in Aspen

***NOTE: Written as an affiliate blog for The Aspen Daily News, a local newspaper in Aspen, CO. It is directed specifically at Aspen locals, part-time residents and visitors who stay abreast of local news.***
This week's unseasonably frigid climate and early snowfall, both in town and on the mountaintops, have created an environment more fitting for the winter rush than the autumn off season.

However, at a base elevation of nearly 8,000 ft., any weather should be expected at any time of year. A few years ago, I awoke on my birthday to a fleeting snowstorm--and my birthday is in JUNE! By the time I headed to Matsuhisa for dinner, the snow had melted and summer began chirping again. The adage rings true: "if you don't like the weather in Colorado, wait 10 minutes."

Despite the climate mood swings, October is a favorite month for many locals. The tourists go home until the ski season officially starts, the town's population shrinks to its normal size of 5,800 residents, the pandemonium of Ruggerfest has finally passed and finding parking spots around town is much less of a nightmare (not to mention free on Columbus Day!).

The quiet off season, which begins around Labor Day and continues until the ski slopes open on Thanksgiving, grants full-time Aspenites some down time, tourist-free fun and bargains at local businesses. October in Aspen is the calm before the winter storm.


Several restaurants close for the autumn months, but most of those that remain open for business offer deals for locals. The off season is famous for its prix fixe specials: the cost of some three-course meals this time of year is comparable to that of an appetizer and drink during the height of winter or summer madness. The set menus range in price from $29 to $40 and are offered until late-November. This season's prix fixe options include:

• American: Elevation, LuLu Wilson and Rustique
  
• Asian: Asie and Takah Sushi
• French: Cache Cache
• Fusion: 39 Degrees (at The Sky Hotel) and Pinons (reservations required via phone)
  
• Mediterranean: Wild Fig
  
• Seafood/Pacific Rim: Pacifica

If the prix fixe deals are old news, then some newer options may be more appealing. Kenichi and its sister establishment, Bad Billy's Restaurant and Bar, have added a third member to the family, Noodles by Kenichi, which recently opened in the revamped Ute City Plaza. Also, Gisella is the town's newest Italian restaurant, which opened over the summer, replacing the former local fixture, Gusto Ristorante.

Extended happy hours, drink specials and other discounts are more common this time of year around town and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. Each restaurant has its own stipulations and seasonal hours, so read the fine print carefully.

Food and entertainment go hand in hand, even after the dust settles. Despite the autumn quietude, various local venues offer a multitude of after dinner outings.

• The Wheeler Opera House is open throughout the season, offering a series of John Denver Tribute concerts during the holiday weekend (10/9-10/11)
• Jimmy's is open nightly for food and drinks and its dining room is cleared out for Salsa Night dancing every Saturday into the wee hours of morn. It reopens the following morning at 11am to air NFL games.
  
• Belly Up offers an eclectic mix of live music, parties, and football and movies on the big screen. The venue is open every night this month, except for one, which could get booked soon, given owner Michael Goldberg's intention to keep the club open 7 nights per week.

October reaches its apex on Hallowe'en, when masked partygoers come out of the woodwork for one last hurrah before the stillness of November envelopes the town.


Veteran costumed Aspenites know the drill, but for the neophytes:

• Costume party at La Cantina starts off the night
• Members-only Caribou Club opens its doors to the public at least this one night a year
• Club Chelsea throws an annual Halloween party and offers tickets online or at the door
• Eric's Club boasts its usual late night debauchery, rife with two bars, a pool hall and cigar room
  
• Danger Kitty, a campy '80s cover band, has performed a sold out show at Belly Up (max. capacity 450) on Halloween every year, since the club opened in 2005, and judged the $1000 costume contest. However, they are playing on Friday the 30th this year. For a break in tradition, Julian and Stephan Marley will play on the 31st.
  

Between foliage hikes and biking trips to Moab, Aspenites can squeeze in affordable fun without leaving town this off season. They just have to venture out and brave the unseasonably harsh elements before winter hits.