October in North Carolina is still summer in my mind. My sundresses hang in the forefront of my closet, the AC in my dorm room hums constantly, the main quad is dotted with students on lawn blankets. 

But despite the humid heat evoking feelings of summer, October 1st marked the beginning of Duke’s fall break. Eager for a pause from college life, I packed my sweaters, boots, and scarfs, got on a plane, and headed west. 

When I stepped off the plane, the lingering warmth of summer was replaced by the refreshing fall breeze of Aspen, Colorado. 

My parents were spending some time there, and I was lucky to be able to join them for a quick couple of days. Despite having to study for an upcoming midterm, I did so not from a laminate desk in my stuffy dorm room, but an oak dining table overlooking the mountains. 

In the moments I got some free time, I took to the outdoors. Having spent my last two falls in North Carolina, I had failed to realize that early October in Aspen is peak fall foliage, but the beauty of the season was immediately obvious the moment I stepped outside.

Although the days were quite warm, the nights necessitated a hat and gloves. Granted, I happily layered up, yearning for a chance to wear the cozy knits that had been sitting in the back of my closet for months. 

The town of Aspen is tucked at the foot of the mountains, which boasted dominant shades of yellow with hints of orange and red. Aspen trees—the town’s namesake—glimmered in the sun.

Despite Aspen’s exorbitant prices (the cost of adding apple slices to my fondue was listed merely as “MP”), the town was unexpectedly casual. Outside of Prada and Balenciaga boutiques were people in cowboy hats and boots. Those I interacted with were kind and easygoing. 

Bordering the town is a river, along which I took many walks. Crossing over charming footbridges and passing runners or families with their dogs, I saw these hikes as both physical and mental exercises. I consciously breathed in the fresh mountain air (which, at 9000 feet of elevation, I needed to do a lot). I took pictures along the way, an act which I’ve always said enables me to see beauty in even the most minute details.

The dominant shade of the foliage was yellow. As I walked under canopies of trees, leaves fluttered down, landing at my feet.

On a couple of occasions, I got to take some more significant hikes, through the mountains and even into an ice cave. 

I took the gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain, where I got a panoramic view of the stunning Rocky Mountains. Even the ride itself was picturesque.

Aspen’s reputation precedes it. The town is known for attracting a high brow clientele, and do not be mistaken: It does. However, if you are purely looking for some overpriced coffee and lively restaurants, go to New York.

Come to Aspen for its duality. Whether you are seeking to whip out your cowboy boots and (faux) fur coat, or merely hoping for some fresh mountain air and to stretch your legs, Aspen will satisfy your needs. 

Even after only a weekend, Aspen sold me. It offers a refreshing balance between fun and relaxation, upscale offerings and down-to-earth people, city energy and mountain air, that explains why so many flock to experience the famed area for themselves. 

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