Aspen/Snowmass

Originally founded as a mining town, Aspen has become a haven for the rich and famous, boasting great winter sports like skiing and dog sledding, a terrific cultural scene and endless summer days of fly-fishing, rafting, horseback riding and golf.

Written about in song by the late John Denver, the area has been home (at least part-time) to celebrities such as Kevin Costner, Mariah Carey, Kirk Russell and the notorious Charlie Sheen. Visitors and residents also enjoy a terrific cultural scene as well as chic shopping. But more than anything, the mountain scenery, sunshine and natural resources make Aspen a great outdoor travel destination.

The public golf scene in Aspen isn't large -- about a half dozen golf courses altogether -- but it's tough to beat the environment with clean air, mountain and valley views and average temperatures in the 70s in the summer. The Aspen Golf Club, for example, has been ranked as one of the best municipal golf courses in the country. Audubon certified, the nearly 7,200-yard golf course is just minutes from downtown Aspen and offers full practice facilities as well as lessons and a grill. Other public golf courses in Aspen include the Glenwood Springs Golf Club, River Ranch Golf Club and Snowmass Club, a semi-private Jim Engh design with limited public play.

Any trip to Aspen, however, must include more than golf, and there's never a shortage of things to do. Visitors can explore the old mines, bicycle, hike, take horseback-riding trips or fly-fish on local rivers and streams. Of course, the nightlife and dining are legendary. Visitors can enjoy everything from the Bad Billy's Restaurant & Bar to Little Annie's Eating House in Aspen, and cuisine ranges from sushi and Mexican to quaint cafes and bakeries.

Accommodations are also first-rate from the finest resorts including the St. Regis Shadow Mountain to the Hotel Jerome. And thanks to Aspen's founders, you'll find an array of arts and culture, ranging from the annual Aspen Music Festival and Food & Wine Classic to Aspen Art Museum, ballet and theater.