Todd Hartley's blog

October is here, and thanks to the wet summer we endured in the high country this autumn has produced an amazing display of fall colors. Before the snow begins to fly in earnest, make a point of getting outside to experience all that the season has to offer in Aspen: crisp days, spectacular views and uncrowded trails.

One of the problems with many of the hikes in the Aspen area is that accessing the trailheads can be a bit of a chore. Anyone who has ever tried to reach the Capitol Lake or Grizzly Creek trailheads in a two-wheel-drive vehicle can tell you how difficult it can be.

Many visitors to the Aspen area like to spend their time in the great outdoors rather than fancy hotel suites and handbag stores. Fortunately for these folks, the Roaring Fork Valley is blessed with a plethora of excellent Forest Service campsites.

Feel like doing something totally out of the ordinary this weekend? Car buffs as well as fans of BBQ and blues music might want to consider a trip to one of the least-visited but most scenic parts of western Colorado on Saturday, August 29, for great music, great food and an automobile museum that has to be seen to be believed.

Featuring a wonderful mix of Asian dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and beyond, Zheng Asian Bistro has been bringing a welcome taste of the exotic to the Roaring Fork Valley since 2001. And with prices that top out at just $15.25, this trendy eatery ensures that its legions of loyal customers can come back time and again without putting a dent in their wallets.

New this summer to the town of Basalt is the Basalt Sunday Market, modeled after similar events that have achieved a measure of success in Aspen and Carbondale in summers past. Running every Sunday rain or shine from June 21 to October 4, the Sunday Market takes over Midland Spur Road in downtown Basalt from 9 a.m.