Caribou Club
411 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
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If you think the notoriously snobby Soho House in New York and London is exclusive, you haven't been snubbed by Aspen's members-only Caribou Club. Since 1990, this is where Aspen's elite go to hang out with celebs (and members) like Kate Hudson and mom Goldie Hawn; Kate even had her bachelorette party here before marrying Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson. A lifetime membership costs $15,000 ($3,000 for a regular yearly membership; $2,000 thereafter). Sometimes owner Richard Edwards (the partner of original, late owner Harley Baldwin) allows guests staying at nearby posh hotels like The Little Nell and the St. Regis Resort one-time access for an entrance fee of $75, for the rare opp to order from their regular dinner menu and impressive wine list of more than 1,200 varieties (they keep 20,000 bottles in their inventory at any given time). There are two bars: the "great room" which looks like a cozy living room anchored by a fireplace and a red velvet couch; and the main bar that sees a lot of late-night action from the sophisticated set. But even Mischa Barton and boyfriend Cisco Adler were once turned away at the door before making a huge stink (and subsequently getting in). Bottom line: Membership has its privileges; celebrity does not.

Behind the velvet rope (or in this case longtime doorman and now part owner Billy Stolz): Mariah Carey, a regular in Aspen during the holidays, took advantage of the Caribou Club's holiday membership ($1,500 for two weeks). Other regulars include Seal and Heidi Klum, J. Lo, Billy Crystal, the Hilton sisters, and even Hef's ex, Barbie Benton, an Aspen resident and lifetime "Bou" member.

VIP privileges: Don't want to buy one of those high-priced memberships? Make friends with someone who has one and get your name on their coveted list.

Photo: Courtesy of Caribou Club