Aspen Colorado Walking Tour
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Description
This short walking tour starts at the local historical society and includes a number of landmarks and buildings in Aspen's charming and historic downtown.
1. Wheeler–Stallard House (Aspen Historical Society)
Built in 1888, the Wheeler–Stallard House is one of three remaining Victorian-era houses left in Aspen. It has been the home of the Aspen Historical Society since 1968. It was built by silver mine investor Jerome Wheeler and designed in the Queen Anne style. The first floor features a recreated 1800s parlor and rotating exhibits are shown on the second floor. There is also a carriage house which is where the society's archives is located; visitors are welcome by appointment.
2. Hotel Jerome
The Hotel Jerome has a history nearly as long as Aspen’s. The hotel opened during the city’s early boom years and prospered along with Aspen. In the years following World War II, when skiing replaced silver as the city’s livelihood. In its long career, the Hotel Jerome has hosted numerous celebrities, including Hunter S. Thompson, who used the hotel’s J-Bar as his unofficial office.
3. Collins Block and the Caribou Club
Built between 1891 and 1893, the Collins Block building was the last major commercial structure built in Aspen before the collapse of the silver mining industry. For years the building housed Aspen Lumber and Supply. At present, the building is most well-known for the exclusive Caribou Club, which is located in the basement.
4. Hyman-Brand Building
Built in 1891, the Hyman-Brand Building, more commonly known as the Brand Building, is historically significant because it is the only building in Aspen known to be associated with David Marks Hyman. Hyman was one of the earliest investors in the city. The building has housed a number of businesses over its long life. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
5. Red Onion (New Brick Saloon)
The city of Aspen only predates the Red Onion by a few years. The Red Onion, originally known as the Brick Saloon, is the city’s oldest operating restaurant and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant was built in 1892 at the peak of the city’s silver boom.
