Here is a good article in Aspen Magazine on Las Catalinas.  There are some real similarities between Las Catalinas and Aspen – a primary point of the article.  In both cases the main attractions are the walkable town itself and recreation on the natural landscape (or sea-scape) surrounding the town.  And Aspen, despite its ritzy image, is less “exclusive” than you might think as it is an open town with lodging, food and other necessities available at a variety of price points.

In creating Las Catalinas we have tried to take lessons from lots of great towns – and Aspen is high on the list.  Among the lessons I take from there are:

• The joy of having unspoiled nature right at the edge of town where you can walk to it.
• Wagner Park – this is really just a rugby field, but it is located right downtown adjacent to the pedestrian blocks.  The scene here on a pretty summer evening with kids and families playing is the best thing in Aspen.
• The Pedestrian Streets – a few key streets of downtown are pedestrian only.  They are the liveliest, most successful streets in the downtown (contrary to accepted conventional wisdom regarding what works and what doesn’t).
• The tiny plaza in front of Paradise Bakery -the place for evening musical performances (instrument cases open for donations).
• The importance of good food!

Rock on, Aspen, and thanks for the shout out, Aspen Magazine.