Get Your Peep On

While we like to stick to neutral palettes with pops of color when it comes to interiors, we don't mind when there's a bright explosion outside. And while the vivid tones of summer are on their way out, every day more leaves are turning shades of gold, canary yellow and butterscotch with the welcome of fall. 

Prime time for leaf-peeping is expected to peak in the coming week, and the comfortable fall weather makes it one of the best weeks of the whole year. That's when the hillsides turn to glorious shades of warm colors, like red, orange and yellow. Here are two striking places to see it yourself: 

The historic Ashcroft Ghost Town has nearly a dozen restored buildings on site and signage which helps to tell the history of this once-bustling mining city. Today, there's a different sort of gold in the hills, and that's the kind found on the enormous stands of aspens enshrouding the town. Stop by for a guided tour from the Aspen Historical Society on Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or check it out any time on your own. 

The "most photographed mountains in North America" shine their brightest in the fall. That's when a stand of aspens at their base turns bright yellow blanketing their feet. Get up there now. But beware, it's also the most popular time to visit the Maroon Bells. Either ride your bike or take the shuttle, which runs from Aspen Highlands from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, for $8. After hours, guests can drive their own vehicles up as well.