Paradise Bakery & Cafe

My morning coffee and pastries at Paradise Bakery & Cafe was a warm introduction to the delights of mountain life in Aspen, Colorado

Stopping by the front desk of The Hoffmann Hotel Basalt Aspen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, I asked the extremely helpful front desk associate at the front desk for his recommended breakfast spots. I knew that I didn’t want a sit down location. Mainly, grab and go due to my early reservation to visit Maroon Bells.

He rattled off some spots and he and his friends liked. But, when he mentioned the name Paradise Bakery and Cafe – my curiosity was stirred. So, bright and early the next morning, I was at Galena Street, basking in the beauty of downtown Aspen, waiting to order.

Now, Paradise Bakery and Cafe is one of those Aspen joys that you simply must try. I ordered a FRESH DRIP COFFEE, as their expresso machine was temporarily broken. I also ordered a delicious, buttery, TURKEY & SWISS  savory croissant.

I simply could not leave without an order of their cookies. I ordered a SNICKERDOODLE COOKIE, to save as my treat for after my Maroon Bells adventure.

It was a bit too early in the morning for me to partake in a scoop of their famous gelato. But, I definitely look forward to returning to have some, another time.

As I sat in the small eating area in front of the take away window, I absolutely fell in love with the sights and sounds of Aspen.

Yes, it’s a place where Victorian-era buildings coexist with upscale boutiques, five-star restaurants, and art galleries. It’s a place where you can still feel the echoes of its silver mining roots beneath the glitz and glamour. But, looking around – I tried to put into words what lingered in my mind.

I didn’t feel “out of place” – as I was just in Switzerland, Portugal and Copenhagen. But, it was another distinct feeling that I felt, while taking quick sips of coffee.

It was the feeling – and this is the best I can put into words of it – of being completely authentically present in the moment. Of how I am – now, versus the versions of myself that I have been.  In that moment, I felt all consciousness of my experiences in Colorado, from undergraduate experiences, to various return visits back, to that very moment, come together.

Originally, I’d planned this trip to visit friends from college, replace memories and creatively play with my camera in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. But, the undertone was much deeper than I realized.

On the way into Aspen, I passed by a BBQ place where I had a memorable experience of altitude sickness mixed with disliking the person I was sitting across from, over dinner. Back then, I found myself wondering why I camping in White River National Forest with an asshole who was so afraid of getting his new tent dirty, he made me have my dog sleep in my car.

He also made fun of me when it took me longer to hike the seemingly easy but actually rather challenging ~3 mile hike at Maroon Bells, after I’d driven from sea level to 9,000 feet in two days.

Not wanting to make a big deal of things, I went along with it.

As I walked from Paradise Bakery & Cafe back to my rental – to head to Maroon Bells years later after that experience – I realized how far I’ve come in my life regarding self respect and what I demand of the people I interact with.

I’ve come a long way, emotionally, spiritually and physically, to love myself as I am, now.

I’m better for it.

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