Aspen has long been on the map as the place to see and be seen, but its hidden jewels lie not only in the natural beauty of its Rocky Mountain setting, but also in some of the people who quietly go about their way making Aspen a place to come again and again. Among these people are the chefs and restaurateurs who have managed to pack more great restaurants into this tiny town than Disneyland has tourists. The annual June Aspen Food & Wine Classic sponsored by Food & Wine Magazine helps this effort by drawing hundreds of people from all over the world who are interested in tasting rare wines, learning about the newest food trends, and seeing the experts in both food and wine strut their stuff. But it's the local food that has elevated Aspen above the rest of the Colorado resort towns to a destination for people who love food. Whether you trek up to a beautifully-situated restaurant high in the mountains or choose to remain a "townie," you'll find astounding food being cooked by the people who make Aspen their home. This abundance of talent makes it difficult to decide where to dine, but that's part of the fun. Particularly special is Aspen in the summertime, when many restaurants trot out the heat lamps and set the outdoor tables for an evening under the stars. The fusion of mountain fresh air and freshly-cooked food is positively intoxicating. The annual Aspen Music Festival adds a musical note to the air, since musicians can often be heard practicing their classical pieces on benches in the middle of town.