Aspen Valley Charm

My children and I escaped the summer heat by traversing the Rockies on our tour of polo clubs in the Northwestern United States.  Our Stick & Ball Airstream Northwest Polo Tour has taken us from Jackson Hole through the spectacular Yellowstone Park and into the majestic peaks of the Colorado Rockies. 

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We were greeted in the Rockies at the Aspen Valley Polo Club, a newly renovated gem in architectural design and equestrian function by owners Marc and Melissa Ganzi.  This beautiful club caters to all levels of polo play- from beginner lessons for kids and adults to professional level tournaments.  Stabling over 100 polo ponies, this mountain-ranch with a serious equestrian vibe nestled in the valley of Carbondale was seductive.  My children and I were able to play and receive lessons from various talented polo pros from the U.S. and Argentina, including Mike Azzaro, one of the best American polo players who held a ten goal handicap rating (the best) for over ten years. 

Incorporating a little flavor into our visit, we hosted another farm-to-table dinner at the Aspen Valley Polo Club.  With the expert assistance of editor Lisa Houston of Edible Aspen, I was put in contact with various farms that enabled me to cook a magical, local feast.  Co-hosting and sprinkling true elegance on our tables was Liz Curtis, owner of Table + Teaspoon, a "rent the runway" for table settings.  On the club's rustic chic picnic tables, Table + Teaspoon launched a new place setting that set a new bar for farm-to-table decor.  The menu included Hess Collection wines paired with Carbondale's Mountain Primal American Heritage grass fed beef and Two Roots Farms vegetables, salad and microgreens.   Dining into the evening under the stars, the evening was complete with grilled Colorado Palasade Peaches and  Sustainable Farms herbs and creme fraiche.  Our trip to Aspen was certainly special considering our passion for horses, ranch living and fieldside dining!

On the map next:  Vancouver, Portland and Menlo Charity Horse Show!  Stay tuned for more equestrian adventure as we continue our travels in the Northwest. 

Cheers,

Elizabeth