ASPEN, Colo. -- Just about everyone has heard of Aspen, the mountain town that's so appealing to the jet set. But there's another side to Aspen that's affordable and family-friendly.

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See Bill's One Tank Trip To Aspen

The easy way to get to Aspen is through Glenwood Springs. The fun way is over Independence Pass, said Consumer Champ Bill Clarke.

When you start out on Independence Pass, you kind of get the impression that it is a steep climb. It's a lot more, he said. Sure, the road sometimes resembles an amusement park ride, but don't let that scare you off.

And don't let Aspen's reputation as a haven for jet-setters scare you off, either. In the summertime, Aspen is a town with something for nearly everyone's budget.

Whether you own your own bike or rent one, there are plenty of bike trails that start in Aspen. There are 25 miles of single-track riding in one area. There's a route over Aspen Mountain to Crested Butte, and there is a comfortable trail where you can ride all the way to Carbondale.

Aspen's skateboard park is free and fun.

Aspen has plenty of first-class restaurants with first-class prices, but when it comes to comfort food, you just can't beat Boogie's Diner. There, what you get is a twist on classic diner food with family-friendly prices plus a menu and people -- both with a sense of humor.

It's good advice when you're up in the mountains to have water handy, and the fountain on the Hyman Street Mall has plenty of water, if you just want to cool down.

The coolest T-shirt shop in Aspen -- in fact the coolest one in Colorado -- is right next-door to the fountain, said Clarke. There's no need to spend money on high-fashion clothes when the right T-shirt can say it all.

The Hotel Jerome is throwback to another era. Walk through the lobby and you'll see the best of Aspen's mining heyday from the 1800s.

The Hotel Jerome was lovingly restored and carefully upgraded in the 1980s. But the Jerome's bar still has some of the look and grit of a time when future stars and future working stiffs swapped stories over a tall cold one. The cold beverages are still available.

If you're going to splurge on one fine meal, Pinions is the perfect place. First off, you'll feel like a guest in someone's home -- someone who's a great chef. Best of all, you won't have to take out a second mortgage to pay the bill. There's good food, great people, a good time at reasonable prices and now with a patio, there's a great view.

Paragliding is a sport that's popular in Aspen. For some, it's even more thrilling than skiing.

"We are going to be hurdling through thin air tied to a piece of nylon. What could be better to start the day?" one paraglider asked.

Aspen Paragliding provides the pilot and the gear. Mother Nature provides the scenery. And gravity provides the spiral dive, along with the safe landing just outside of town.

Like the mountain wildflowers, Aspen blossoms in the summertime. And that's what makes it a one-tank trip worth taking.

Bill's Travel Notes

You say you want more information on our One Tank Trip to Aspen?

Here goes!

You get to Independence Pass by taking Interstate 70 to the Copper Mountain/Leadville exit and driving through Leadville to Colorado 82. Allow more than an hour to cross over into Aspen -- maybe two hours if you really stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. It's not for the skittish or those afraid of heights, but for the rest of us, it's great!

The best source for information on Aspen in general is AspenChamber.org. It's the Web site for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. That's also the place to find out about the "Aspen's Got Free Gas and Wheels" promotion, which provides a voucher for gas, bus rides to the Maroon Bells, and either bike rentals or two free gondola rides to the top of Aspen Mountain when you book a room for at least two nights.

Want information on paragliding? Aspen Paragliding [AspenParagliding.com, (970) 925-7625] handled our arrangements and they were just great.

For information on bicycling, talk to Michael Wampler at Aspen Velo [AspenVelo.com, (970) 925-1495] and find out about the miles and miles of trails leading out of town.

The Hotel Jerome [HotelJerome, (970) 920-1000] was recently purchased by the people who own the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The Jerome is a great place in its own right, and there's every reason to believe that under the new ownership, this landmark hotel will become even better. As long as they leave the J Bar relatively intact, and keep the swimming pool looking as beautiful as it is now, I'll be forever grateful.

Now, for a few kind words about Pinions, the restaurant to go when you want to splurge. I've loved this place for years and have never been disappointed with the service or the cuisine, even when the place is packed. If you're fearful about what some people call the "Aspen Attitude," trust me that Pinion's is one of those places where it's nonexistent. Another nice feature is the bar menu, which offers a number of lower-priced meal options. Dining room menu or bar menu -- either way -- Pinions is a pleasure.

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