ML - Aspen Peak

2014 - Issue 1 - Summer

Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak

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154 ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM O nly in Aspen can you find the lyrics to John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" etched into the side of a rock overlooking ponds near the Roaring Fork River. Cherished by locals and visiting fans, Denver helped shape the global perception of the Rocky Mountain lifestyle. The expanded sanctuary near Rio Grande Park pays tribute to Denver's environmental legacy, including a four-acre storm water filtration system and wetlands area. Originally conceived by Aspen Parks Manager Jeff Woods after Denver's death in October 1997, large boulders with the lyrics to "Annie's Song" and others are displayed, with plans to include additional nature quotes from such writers as Henry David Thoreau. During the dedication of the sanctuary on July 1, 2012, the singer's first wife, Annie Denver, addressed a large assembly. Today, she says: "John loved Colorado, and Colorado changed his life. John had the ability to put into words things we all felt about this beauti- ful place. He wrote 'Rocky Mountain High' on a trip to Williams Lake during a Perseid meteor shower. John never missed a sunset, he never missed a sunrise, and he never failed to appreci- ate the beauty of this special, spiritual place." JOHN DENVER SANCTUARY EXPANSION, JULY 1, 2012 Rocky Mountain HIGH A sk any local the difference between Aspen and a mountain town like, ahem, Vail, and you'll quickly be reminded of our rich history. At the center of our silver-mining heritage stands Hotel Jerome, which opened in 1889 and claims a resident ghost, a visit to its storied J-Bar by John Wayne atop his horse, and the Aspen Crud—a Prohibition-era milkshake laced with bourbon. Silver miners and skiers, Hollywoodites and aristocracy, locals and wannabes alike have found com- mon ground under its venerable roof. Shuttered on August 1, 2012, for a major overhaul, it reopened in December of the same year as an Auberge resort and is a beautiful testament to modern historic living. Helmed by Todd-Avery Lenahan—a regular Aspen visitor who owns Las Vegas – based TAL- Studio—and Aspen-based Rowland+Broughton Architecture and Urban Design, the project had initial supporters and critics, yet is now universally applauded. Heritage pieces, in cluding the front desk and grand fireplace remain, yet modern touches such as a vintage-belt -wrapped elevator add whimsy and new character. In a 2012 Aspen Peak article Lenahan explained, "As designers, we all have certain landmarks that we dream of as great design opportunities, and the Jerome was one of them for me." Hotel Jerome, 330 E. Main St., 970-920-1000; hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com Hotel Jerome was restored to its original grandeur after a major overhaul. GILDED-AGE GLAM HOTEL JEROME REOPENING, DECEMBER 14, 2012 John Denver serenades the wilderness from the private deck of his Aspen home. 148-155_AP_F_Anniversary_V2_SUM_FALL_14.indd 154 5/6/14 4:43 PM

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