Bloomberg’s latest article discusses the the high end real estate sales in various markets throughout the US that have been driven by the international real estate buyer. These days hearing various languages walking down the streets of Aspen is not as novel as it was 15 years ago. When the dollar weakened against the Euro prior to the financial crisis we began to see an increase in sales with international buyers in Aspen and Snowmass in the high end of the market.  Today we are getting an influx of Australians as they have not experienced the financial crisis that the US and Europe are battling. Our total sales volume so far this year is over 25% of total sales volume from 2010, and it looks to be strong enough activity to support this growth through the fourth quarter of 2011.

Aspen provides a safe haven for those looking to get away to a small town but with big city happenings.  A year around resort with fine arts, international forums with the Aspen Institute, music for any pallet and outdoor activities for any enthusiast.

It is exciting to see that Miami and New York are on an uptick as well with high end properties. If boasting about their newly acquired cocktail talk that drives the buyers to buy, then let’s have a national happy hour!

Here is the link to the Bloomberg article in its entirety, http://bloom.bg/ptdGUf

All the best from Aspen!

Brenda Wild

What a day in Aspen. The US Pro Cycling Challenge in Aspen.  Thousands lined the pass to the end of the race in downtown Aspen.  The enthusiasm from the attendees continued to grow throughout the day watching the racers on large screen TV’s throughout the town. A grueling climb up Independence lined with festive dressed supporters, flags waiving from attending countrymen, and the perseverance of the racers was truly magical.  The orchestration of the event was well executed for just having five months of planning and the Town of Aspen stepped up to the challenge with expertise and finesse. Once again I felt pride for the town I call home.  

This year my tomatoes have been early and heavy with fruit.  It is so exciting and satisfying to enjoy a salad with the morning harvest from our garden.  In traveling this past week to Boulder I have seen some very creative urban gardens which have fueled my passion to continue to support the movement of intergrading them in the landscape. Just a small plot in a sunny area can make for a great addition to your kitchen pantry.  Here are some great recipes for your favorite summer vegetables, enjoy!
New Weekly Article - Summer Color  

This past week Aspen has had the perfect summer weather.  Sunday a group of us took a wonderful hike up Midway up Independence Pass.  Climbing through the pine trees on switchback for the first part of the hike, I found myself being pushed physically as the elevation rose with every  few steps.  The wild flowers began to creep into the landscape and colors painted the hillsides.  As you continue to climb the trail you begin to come out of the tree line and out into high meadows, small streams flowing yet from glistening snow packs that dot the landscape.  

I am ever amazed after living here for so many years, how does life get any better…….and then I realize I live in this beautiful place called Aspen! 

Sunsets in Aspen are beautiful, year-round. 

I took this photo this spring while driving home. Although the photo doesn’t do the real sunset justice, I love the colors captured in this snapshot. 

Some friends and me enjoying a fun summer barbecue