A highlight to summertime in the Rockies is the abundance of outdoor activities and social engagements - many of them free to the public. One such tradition in the Aspen/Snowmass area, home to Timbers Resorts properties Dancing Bear - Aspen and The Timbers Club, takes place on the slopes of Snowmass. As an Owner in one of these Private Residence Clubs, you're either just a short, chauffeured drive or brisk walk away from the shows that draw families, friends and music enthusiasts of all ages.

• Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, July 5
Direct from rural Southern Indiana, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band features a “fingerpickin’, scrubboard scratchin’, drum-bucket country blues trio.” As its name would suggest, the group features the vocals and guitar style of “Reverend” Josh Peyton, his wife Breezy Peyton (on washboard and vocals) with Aaron Persinger on drums.

• Monophonics, July 12
This band is considered one of California’s premier psychedelic soul bands. Raised in the midst of the San Francisco Bay Area’s rich musical culture, Monophonics carries on the tradition of music native to their hometown, which flourished during the birth of psychedelia. Monophonics was formed in 2005 and due to a recent staff addition, now has an even more pronounced psychedelic soul and heavy funk sound.

• Quick and Easy Boys, July 19
The pride of Portland, this funky R&B, garage pop band hearkens back to the best of The Police, Minutemen and My Morning Jacket. The Quick & Easy Boys built their fan base in the college town of Eugene, Ore., before heading north to Portland. Expect electrifying stage antics and unique musical moments from guitarist Jimmy Russell, bassist Sean Badders and drummer Michael Goetz that may even inspire the most serious concert listener to get up and dance!

• Pure Prairie League, July 26
One of the pioneering “country rock” bands, Pure Prairie League is best known for its classic “Amie,” and the full throttle tune “Two Lane Highway.” Or maybe you’ve heard the ballad “Let Me Love You Tonight.” Originally formed in 1969, Pure Prairie League enjoyed a reboot of sorts back in 2000, adding additional depth to the band. But in person, as they demonstrated two seasons ago during a Fanny Hill appearance, PPL performs songs that are true to their original form, rich harmonies and all.

• Honey Island Swamp Band, Aug. 2
This New Orleans roadhouse rock & roll group actually has a San Francisco connection: four of the Louisiana-based musicians hooked up in California while waiting out the Hurricane Katrina devastation. Their music has been described as “Bayou Americana,” and it combines guitar, mandolin, four-part vocal harmonies and a stomp rhythm section. Honey Island Swamp Band’s first full-length album, “Wishing Well,” was awarded OffBeat Magazine’s “Best Blues Album” for 2009.

• Van Ghost, Aug. 9 
Direct from Chicago comes this six-piece band that’s flavored with pedal steel and psychedelic guitars, a strong rhythm section and “haunting” harmonies. Following their debut album, “Melodies for Lovers,” the group headed by Michael Harrison Berg beelined it to Nashville to begin work on their next move. After adding an award-winning producer/engineer/mixer, Van Ghost continues to progress and delight audiences in small clubs and larger venues alike.

• Chali2na, Aug. 16
From his days growing up on the hardscrabble streets of Chicago’s South Side to his subsequent explosion onto L.A.’s hip-hop scene to his tenure as MC for seminal group Jurassic 5, Chali fits the part of a 21st century artist. Chali’s baritone is distinctive and he has used it at arena shows in Tokyo, at Lollapalooza shows as well as when hawking brands including Coca Cola. He may also be familiar to local audiences as the former frontman for Ozomatli.

For more information on Timbers Resorts' properties and all of the exciting happenings at each location, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

From a perfectly seared New York Strip steak to a fruit-and-spice cradled spear of Caribbean shrimp, Owners and guests of Timbers Resorts know that one exquisite meal elevates the day. What we eat can lift our spirits, energize our evenings and afternoons, as well as open our senses to new experiences. Shouldn't our glass of wine stand to do the same?

One scenario that the luxury residence surroundings of the Timbers Resort properties properly attend to is just this: it is the case that the wine cellar on site is as crucial as the chef. That being said, you don't need to be a sommelier to know some basics about wine-and-food pairings. Have a look at the following starter's guide, and then begin your own journey into the cork-and-cuisine possibilities of dining at Timbers Resorts.

Wine and Food: Basics for Any Fine Pairing

• Contrast Complex and Simple: Say you order the sumac-rubbed bluefin tuna at Cocina Del Mar, located at Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Sumac can be a big flavor, simple but sparkling with lemony citrus. A good way to approach forward flavors like that is by selecting subtle and complex wines to accompany. Think oaky Chardonnay blends, anything mellow, buttery and layered. On the other hand, if you went for a complex dish full of heat and rich tastes -- say a tropical choice from the The Preserve at Botany Bay -- then something crisp and simple like a sauvignon would make a refreshing complement (or you can join fruit with fruit and rarely go wrong ... so think riesling, viognier, and the like).

• Respect Your Sugars and Salts: Here's a sommelier's secret: salty food generally does a number on wine. So, for example, if you're digging into anything that crackles with bacon, like the Squab en Croute at FARM -- the restaurant at The Carneros Inn -- then lean toward soft, jammy merlots and riojas. The sweet and the salty meet in the middle, and you'll enjoy both as they work together.

• Match a Treat with a Treat: If it's an evening for that fine steak at Truffle Pig at One Steamboat Place, don't skimp. Match a great cut of beef with a great pour of vinum. Go up to a worthy, top of the line pinot noir or cabernet. On the other hand, that kind of wine might be less well matched if you're enjoying a wood-fired pizza at Pazzia Pizzeria in Tuscany, one of the specialties of the options offered at Castello di Casole. In that case, it's perfectly alright to look for a more modest and less developed red. These are the perfect opportunities to play around and search for that surprising lower-end bottle, something that you can claim as your find of the month!

Finally, remember that wine is supposed to be fun, something pleasurable. Don't feel like you have to obey any given rule(s). Knowing some of the above basics should help you navigate, but never get caught in that "no merlot!" trap they set for audiences in the movie Sideways. Wine is in the palette of the imbiber. Go your own way, and enjoy!

To discover more about Timbers Resorts and the dining options at each of our properties, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Dancing Bear Aspen celebrated the 30th annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in June with a series of special events at Aspen's premier Private Residence Club. The Launch Party on Thursday, June 14, served as the unofficial kick-off to Food & Wine weekend where guests enjoyed appetizers, drinks and unwinding under the stars on Dancing Bear Aspen's rooftop terrace. Ownership Representatives led tours throughout the model residence and distinctive amenities, DJ Cerius provided infectious beats and the Exposed Photo Booth captured the spirit of the grand celebration.

The Fly. Drive. Reside Party with Sentient Jet, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars & Timbers Resorts presented an evening of style, luxury and prestige at Dancing Bear Aspen on Food & Wine Friday. Guests test drove Rolls-Royces, savored dishes from Timbers Resorts executive chef Sergio Howland of The Sebastian - Vail, sipped flutes of Veuve Clicquot in the Sentient Jet Lounge, enjoyed 32 Winds Wine from Sonoma, danced under the tent and topped it off with Godiva chocolates.

On Saturday, June 16, Dancing Bear Aspen hosted A Toast with Timbers Resorts - essentially an evening wine tasting with special vintages from Timbers Resorts' properties, as well as from our partners at The PlumpJack Group. Lance Thompson and Gary Obligacion from The Sebastian - Vail spoke to each varietal as guests toured five different varietals from Napa to Tuscany.

Click on the links above to view photo galleries from each of the memorable occasions.

Timbers Resorts Owners know well the pleasures that await the palate when they dip deep into our luxury residence properties' connections:  local produce, fish, meats, and cheeses ... all of these await the cooks who take in nearby local farmers' markets.

From Colorado to Napa Valley, and as far afield as Tuscany, the properties of Timbers Resorts are graced with local farmer's markets that bring the best of the harvest to your table. Here are some of the best of the bunch:

The Sebastian - Vail: Picture piles of summer tomatoes, taut red orbs splashed with gold. Picture a frosty dome of strawberry-pink Italian ice sporting a sprig of mint in emerald-green. Consider the wedge of smoked salmon on its slender wooden slabs. Now you're in Vail at the Farmers' Market and Art Show. It's not just for farmers, of course, but also area jewelers, clothiers, and visual artists. The Sebastian has two booths at this weekly market. Bloom Spa offers mini-treatments from our menu of custom massages. Chef Sergio Howland's culinary team offers Wagyu beef sliders with an array of condiments, as well as refreshing aqua frescas made with fresh fruit.

— When: Sundays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m;  June 17 to September 23
— Where: Meadow Drive

One Steamboat Place: From its days as a riverside ranching hub to now, when you're equally likely to stroll alongside skiers and artists, Steamboat Springs is the kind of northwestern Colorado town that knows its marketplace tradition. Mainstreet Market has been a go-to summer spot for eight years running, with a bountiful selection of local fruits and veggies, meats, cheese, baked goods, arts, and crafts.

When: Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m;  June 9 to September 8
Where: 6th Street and Lincoln Avenue

Dancing Bear Aspen & The Timbers Club: Owners come here for the rugged charm and alpine setting, but they also know that Aspen is serious about celebrating its sense of community. In business for 13 years is the Aspen Saturday Market, an outdoor experience that strictly limits its vendors to in-state sources.

— When: Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m;  June 16 to October 13 (9 a.m. start after Labor Day)
— Where: Starts at corner of Galena and Hopkins

The Orchard at The Carneros Inn & Mayacama: It should come as no surprise that the geography now famous for its wine (and olives) should be home to a farmers's market that revels in the riches of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. From practically purple virgin pressings to deep brown and creamy tan mushrooms, the Napa Farmers Market comes replete with vendors of prepared food, natural beauty supplies, and artisanal works, too.

— When: Tuesdays and Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m;  May 1 to October 30
— Where: 500 First Street

Castello di Casole: In their most recent form, food markets found in Tuscany are  called mercatali. They're not only good for fresh and local foodstuffs, but farmers here take the time to describe to customers where and how their goods were grown. Mercatale of Sovicille is close to nearby Siena, and it runs monthly throughout the year.

— When: Third Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
— Where: Piazza Marconi

To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at [email protected].

Aspen Peak magazine, Aspen's Susan G. Komen chapter and Dancing Bear Aspen hosted a Ladies Luncheon on July 12. Set on the divine rooftop at Dancing Bear Aspen, guests enjoyed the rarefied air, sipping glasses of Skinny Girl wine and savoring a delectable lunch prepared by Brexi Brasserie. Guest speaker Polly Letofsky shared tales from her experience being the only woman to walk around the world as an awareness campaign for breast cancer and survivors. All retreated to a Dancing Bear Aspen residence to enjoy profiteroles for dessert and a book signing with Letofsky. See below for photos!

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For more information Dancing Bear Aspen, contact our Ownership Representatives at [email protected], call 970.920.2510 or stop by our sales gallery at 411 South Monarch in downtown Aspen.

Timbers Resorts' four Colorado properties are all within easy reach of two must-see day trip destinations - Leadville and Glenwood Springs.  While staying at One Steamboat Place, The Sebastian- Vail, Dancing Bear Aspen or The Timbers Club, take a short drive  via the scenic Rocky Mountain highways to each of these towns for a mid-trip change of pace.

1. Leadville lies an hour south of Vail Village, along the winding and mountainous Highway 24. The highway itself is a designated scenic byway, offering jaw-dropping views of steep mountain ravines, running streams and long waterfalls.

You can also spot the ruins of historic Camp Hale -- a military training and ordinance facility active from 1942 to 1965. The area is now part of the White River National Forest.

Leadville itself features an array of Victorian buildings, geological exhibits and unmatched antiquing. Visit the Mining Museum while you're there. The historic footprint of Leadville isn't limited to just the town. A handful of ghost towns -- including the Climax Molybdenum Mine and surviving buildings -- dot the area nearby.

The Leadville summer race series has put this town on the map with its 100-mile mountain bike race, 100-mile running race and variety of other high country competitions.
2. Glenwood Springs is a resort community featuring the largest hot springs in the world. Have a soak or enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this town just over an hour west along Interstate 70. Like other tourist towns in Colorado, you'll find more than enough opportunities for shopping or  dining.

The area hosts a variety of hiking and biking trails, many part of the national "Rails to Trails" effort that converts unused railroad tracks into public pathways. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a two-mile day hike up to Hanging Lake. The trail is steep, but relatively short and well-maintained.
Glenwood Caverns, also in Glenwood Springs, is the largest cave open to the public in Colorado. Tours range from easy explorations to "wild cave" tours for dedicated spelunkers. You'll see alien structures that are millions of years old, like King's Row and The Black Grottos. Above ground, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers a discovery center, thrill rides and a laser tag arena.

For information on how to spend your time in Colorado, contact the concierges at any of our properties at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

Aspen and the Arts. Nestled in all the alpine charm of what is Colorado's best-loved skiing resort community, the home of Timbers Resorts' Dancing Bear Aspen is a haven as well for music, art, and culture.

It is a notion that Timbers Resorts cherishes, and one that Owners and guests are invited to discover when they explore the environs of their private residence club.

Because coming to Aspen is not just about that rare and all-important retreat. Of course there are the amenities: unique boutiques, fine dining and fine wine, spectacular scenery. The Aspen Idea of uniting mind, body, and spirit are nourished by all of these things. The team at Timbers Resorts is especially excited to highlight an example of what is also the best in performance offered by Aspen. Enter the Aspen Music Festival & School.

Dancing Bear Aspen is proud to support this important pillar of culture and education as an Encore Sponsor of one of its 2012 summer programs. On Sunday, July 29, Dancing Bear Aspen will be the underwriter of a special concert and post-performance reception, inviting Owners and guests to premier seating at the show with an invitation to join for an exquisite VIP reception afterward.

The details:

Date: July 29, 2012 || Time: 4 p.m. || Venue: Benedict Music Tent || Reception: Dancing Bear Aspen patrons meet in the VIP tent

On July 29, conductor Manfred Honeck — acclaimed music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra —  leads the Aspen Festival Orchestra on a journey through Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, op. 83 and Richard Strauss' Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life), op. 40.

Pianist Yefim Bronfman and violinist Robert Chen are featured.

The pianist, Bronfman, won a Grammy in 1997 for his Bartók recordings. The violinist, Chen, is concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and has won top prizes in major musical competitions around the world. He has collaborated with Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma, among others.

Dancing Bear Aspen Owners are invited as guests to this remarkable night. Contact Audrey Allen at Dancing Bear Aspen via email or by calling 970.920.2510 for details and visit the Festival's site to see all the offerings. We'll see you at the encore!

From monumental landscape prints by photographer Peter Lik to the metalwork of acclaimed sculptor Richard Serra to the operatic interpretations created by Nathalie Darbellay, Dancing Bear Aspen showcases the talents of various creative minds whose works grace the walls, credenzas and intimate gathering spaces. As a result, art and architecture magically come together at this unique Private Residence Club in downtown Aspen, Colorado.

In addition to the aforementioned talents, Dancing Bear Aspen also features works by guest artists on occasion such as Aspen-based Shelly Hamill. As a peek into Hamill's perspective, art has been an important part of her life since she was a child.  Hamill's grandmother is an artist and someone who has been an inspiration. Growing up in Texas, Hamill would keep herself entertained with a canvas or paper and brushes always at the ready.  She often visited the Kimball and the Amon Carter Museums - both great influences and resources upon her.  As a young adult, in her travels as a flight attendant, she visited numerous art institutions around the world, drawing inspiration everywhere she went.

Mosaic has been a wonderful outlet and medium for Hamill who has enjoyed working with many versions of this form and seeing pieces come together to create a whole with texture.  In Hamill’s words, “The opportunities and ideas are endless,” which translates into a career that will certainly continue to flourish. Hamill currently resides in Aspen with her family and has two pieces on display at Dancing Bear Aspen, shown above and at right.

To follow Hamill on Facebook, visit her page. To discover the artistic lifestyle at Dancing Bear Aspen, visit our site, stop by our Sales Gallery at 411 South Monarch Street in Aspen, or contact us via phone at 970.925.2510 or via email at [email protected].

The Pro Cycling Challenge is ready to roll back into town. From August 22–23, Dancing Bear Aspen celebrates the return of one of the country's premier two-wheeling sports events when Aspen plays host to two stages of the race. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge brings 135 of the world's best riders into one competition, and it boasts what may be the most challenging course ever offered on American soil. Here's how you can enjoy it from the vantage of our luxury vacation homes.

The Race

In a seven-day test of skill and pedaling endurance, August 20–26, the participants in the Pro Cycling Challenge tackle nothing less than the Rockies. In its inaugural year, in 2011, almost 1 million spectators watched the drama unfold. This summer promises to be an equally breathtaking 683-mile ride.

Originally envisioned by Colorado governor Bill Ritter and Lance Armstrong, since its start, the race has been a source of Colorado pride.

“The USA Pro Challenge was an event that shined an international spotlight on Colorado,” said current Governor John Hickenlooper to race officials. “Any expectations we had for success were surpassed ten-fold.  We want race week each August to be known as a Colorado Cycling Holiday to attract visitors from all over the world and to celebrate Colorado, good health and cycling.”

Dancing Bear Aspen and the Pro Cycling Challenge

Not only is Dancing Bear Aspen a bronze sponsor of the PCC, our luxury residence property provides a dramatic vantage as the riders pass through Stages 3 and 4.

Aspen is home to what's known as the race's Queen Stage. Cyclists will ascend well outside of most rider's typical altitudinal comfort level, climbing and descending mountain roads at thousands of feet.

It's here you'll find the opportunities to get up close with the action alongside the course that winds through Aspen's downtown It's here at the Stage 3 finish line, and the start of Stage 4, that you'll be able to brush shoulders with the athletes. All the excitement — and elegance — you'd expect while in Aspen, a venerable cycling capitol of Colorado - and at Dancing Bear Aspen, the most luxurious private residence club in town.

Owners at One Steamboat Place and The Sebastian - Vail can also watch the race when it rolls through Colorado by following the 2012 route.

To discover the exquisite lifestyle at Dancing Bear Aspen, visit our site, cycle on over to our Sales Gallery at 411 South Monarch Street in Aspen, or contact us via phone at 970.925.2510 or via email at [email protected].