Aspen Locals Reclaim Town During Off Season

Aspen —The sun rises over the empty streets of Aspen, casting a warm glow over the quiet town. It's a rare moment of stillness, one that locals like to call the "off-season."

I'm standing in the middle of Mill Street, feeling the chill of the morning air, and wondering what it would be like to take a sleeping bag out here at bedtime, just to see if I'd make it through the night without getting run over - a joke, of course, highlighting the tranquility of this time of year.

As I walk through the town, I notice the airport is shut, and I'm not surprised - once it closes, there's no need to rush to another one, not until the summer of '27 when the airport will be bustling again.

For now, though, it's a time for locals to enjoy the peace, to take care of their inside chores, and then move on to spring clean-up outdoors. It's a moment to appreciate the simple things, like a good cup of coffee, a Cuban sandwich, or a charred rack of lamb with broccoli and sweet potato fries at a friend's loft.

I think about the food tax credit that the city of Aspen residents and registered voters will be receiving soon - a check for $136, a reimbursement from sales tax paid on groceries. It's a small gratitude, but one that can make a big difference.

As I make my way to the gas station, I'm reminded of a conversation with friends while exercising horses in Woody Creek - we were all fantasizing about what to do with the food tax credit. One friend suggested splurging on sushi at City Market, adding Kombucha, and laying out a picnic for friends near the river. Another had mouth-watering mumblings about the best Coconut Martini's at Phat Thai and their drunken noodles.

I arrive at the gas station, and I'm surprised to find a "best budget hot meal" - chicken tacos served up for $11. It's a small pleasure, highlighting the resourcefulness of the people in this town.

Here's the thing, though - this off-season, it's not just about the food or the peace, it's about the community. It's about the friends who offer to cook up a storm, who share their gardens, and who appreciate the small things.

As I take a bite of the chicken taco, I'm reminded of the words of a local - "I have talented chef-y style friends. Girls, you know who you are, and I am truly grateful." It's a sentiment that echoes through the town, a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the people and the place.

And that matters because, in a town like Aspen, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the tourist season. But in the off-season, locals get to enjoy the town, appreciate its beauty, and share in its bounty - a unique experience that sets this time apart.

Not exactly a secret, but the off-season is a time for locals to reclaim their town, to enjoy the simple pleasures, and to appreciate the community.

As I finish my taco, I look around at the empty streets, and I'm reminded of the joke about taking a sleeping bag to the middle of Mill or Galena Street - it highlights the tranquility of this time of year in a humorous way.

The sun is rising higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the town, and I'm grateful to be a part of this community, to appreciate its beauty, and to share in its bounty.

Picture this - a town that's not just a tourist destination, but a community that comes together to appreciate the simple things.

It's a rare moment, one that I'm grateful to have experienced, and one that I'll carry with me long after the off-season is over.

The gas station attendant is calling out to me, asking if I want another taco - I smile, and I say yes, because in this moment, it's not just about the food, it's about the community, and the appreciation for the simple things.

As I take another bite, I'm reminded of the beauty of this town, and the people who call it home.

And that's what makes this off-season so special - it's not just a time of year, it's a state of mind.