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Optimos Travel just went through an enormous amount of trouble to determine something that most Coloradans already knew: Aspen is the nation’s most expensive tourist spot, with an average cost of $761.37 a day, per insanely rich visitor.

You drive south past Woody Creek on Colorado 82 at your own peril, people.

Determined to have an elite getaway, anyway? That’s the spirit. Here are some of the most popular picks for recreation where money is no object.

For the very best in lodging

(Peter Moore, Special to The Colorado Sun)

For the fiscally fit

(Peter Moore, Special to The Colorado Sun)

For people with elevated credit ratings

(Peter Moore, Special to The Colorado Sun)

For the well-wheeled

a cartoon drawing of expensive-brand SUVs stuck in traffic by Aspen
(Peter Moore, Special to The Colorado Sun)

For the last supper

(Peter Moore, Special to The Colorado Sun)

For connoisseurs of fine art. Like mine.

*$1,432,273.00, payable directly to the artist. (Peter Moore, Special to The Colorado Sun)

Too rich for your blood, or budget? No worries. Among the cheapest places on Optimos’ list: Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s also famous for its mountains, which are about a third as tall as the Rockies.

Say hey to Dolly for us!

(Peter Moore, Special to The Colorado Sun)

The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Sun’s opinion policy. Learn how to submit a column. Reach the opinion editor at opinion@coloradosun.com.

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Type of Story: News

Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Type of Story: Opinion

Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.

Peter Moore is an editor, writer, illustrator, ghostwriter, co-author, radio host, TV guest, speaker, editorial consultant, and journalism lecturer. In his most recent gig he was interim editor-in-chief of BACKPACKER magazine. Peter...