Now it is on to warm weather planning. It is fun to see the leaves starting to pop out and flowers blossoming, running into friends on the streets or in their yards on days that are just too nice to be indoors. It’s a peaceful and relaxing month or so before the summer activities start in mid June, mainly the 30th annual Food and Wine Classic which kicks off June 15 with top chefs, representatives from the food and wine industry as well as guests coming to experience this amazing weekend.

A fun and challenging local activity during the month of May is the annual charity/recreational Ride for the Pass on May 19 and then the Aspen Cycling Criterium on May 20, a fast paced bicycle race in the heart of downtown Aspen. These events seem to bring out all the locals.

Also in May, the new plastic bag ban in Aspen grocery stores starts on May 1. Plastic bags will no longer be an option unless you bring your own. Paper bags are available at 20 cents per bag. Most of us in Aspen have been using our own type of grocery bag for some time now.

Starting Memorial Day weekend, lodging at Lift One Condominiums will be in full operation again with the hot tub and pool up and running, the staff back from various vacations, all condos freshened up for the summer and some remodeled as well. Come join us for a great vacation!

Aspen Colorado is a place to experience and enjoy in any season of the year. John Denver once said, “It’s as close to heaven as one can get and still be in Colorado.” Other seasons notwithstanding, Aspen’s peak season is winter thanks to the world-class resorts that offer fabulous skiing. a Fall foliage visit, however, brings the astute vacationer a bevy of advantages. The ski and festival crowds are absent; prices are significantly lower and the widest-possible range of lodging accommodations are available. Perhaps most important, the golden blaze of Aspen foliage mixed with the reds and yellows of other flora is absolutely spectacular.

There’s a lot more to do in this off season too. Hiking trails are plentiful and if you’re so inclined, horseback riding is as well. Fishing is excellent especially for angler purists seeking the native trout that are plentiful before the winter freeze. If photography is your thing, the scenic vistas provided in this Roaring Fork Valley are unending and colorful opportunities to capture vacation memories for posterity.

Closer to town, you can experience the Annual Oktoberfest celebration in both Aspen and Snowmass. This an event for the entire family with plenty of food, drink and German folk dancers in their colorful costumes whirling to lively music. On any day. You can also choose from a variety of restaurants to dine in after visiting the many local shops along the main way in Aspen.

When planning your fall tour to Aspen, you will happily discover that available lodge style accommodations and condo rentals are not in short supply as they are during the winter ski season. Choose from one of the Lift One Aspen Vacation Rentals available in one to three bedrooms and located in the heart of Aspen, Colorado. So will find friendly hosts, locals and shopkeepers with outgoing attitudes towards fall visitors.

The Aspen weather in Fall is warm during the day and cool at night. One might well imagine that it was ordered up especially for outdoor enthusiasts. It couldn’t be more comfortable.

Finally, keep in mind that you will be able to enjoy lots of Aspen attractions if your of such a mind. Things like the Maroon Bells Festival of Color , the Aspen Saturday Market and the Balloon Festival which are all held in September. Once you arrive, you’ll discover enough things to see and do to keep you busy for your entire trip.