Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and feel refreshed and ready as we begin 2019. This year, I was lucky enough to spend New Years (plus a few days) in one of my favorite places in America: Telluride, Colorado.
My family started going to Telluride about 16 years ago, which means I’ve been lucky enough to be spending time in this jewel of a town for over half my life. We originally started coming during the winter, but as I became interested in bluegrass music in my early 20s I started coming during the summer for Telluride’s legendary Bluegrass Festival and eventually added their Film Festival to my rotation as well. No matter what time of year you visit, you are guaranteed a magical trip.
STAY
With real estate being in high demand and low supply, due to limited space in a town so small, there unfortunately are not a ton of budget-friendly options in Telluride. However, if you plan and strategize well, you can always find something affordable.
$
Condo and House Rentals: The times I’ve gone to Telluride without family, I’ve used rental services like VRBO, Airbnb, and Telluride Rentals. With any of these options you can rent condos and houses anywhere in Telluride and the surrounding areas. Make sure to book well in advance if you’re planning to go during peak season!
$$
Mountainside Inn: I have not personally stayed here, but I’ve heard great things about this spot. It’s a little bit of a walk from the main street, but nothing unreasonable. Telluride.com even calls it the “most economical” hotel to stay at in town!
$$$
Hotel Columbia: This hotel is on the smaller side, but is what I consider prime location in Telluride. Literally steps to Lift 8 or the gondola (if you want to head in to Mountain Village) and only a couple blocks down from the main street. Though expensive, this place still had a homey feel that I very much enjoyed.
Peaks Resort & Spa: Though I much prefer to stay in the town of Telluride now, I’m including this Mountain Village resort for nostalgia’s sake. When my family first started visiting Telluride, we stayed at the Peaks and it was the perfect place for a family vacation. Easy ski-in/ski-out services, a large lobby with sweeping mountain views and plenty of fireplaces to relax by, an indoor/outdoor pool complete with a waterslide, etc. My family made many wonderful memories at this hotel, so my list wouldn’t really be complete without it.
EAT
With so many fine dining options you might think you’ll have to spend like a madman in order to eat well, but unlike lodging, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat that don’t cost an arm and a leg. That being said, the higher end restaurants are absolutely worth a splurge. Some restaurants boast award-winning chefs and even Top Chef alums running their kitchens, so you know it’s gotta be delicious.
$
Crepe Stand: Telluride’s Crepe Stand is LEGENDARY. It’s been a staple for as long as I can remember and, since it’s located in Heritage Plaza in Mountain Village (right at the base of Lift 4) it’s a great place to grab a cheap bite after a few hours on the slopes. Whether you go savory or sweet, these crepes always hit the spot. The place is cash-only, so be prepared.
Tacos del Gnar: I’m not really a taco person, but everyone I know in Telluride (including locals) rave about this place. I went to check it out during my most recent trip and learned you can get 2 tacos and 2 sides for only $10.50! Who says you can’t eat cheap in this town?!
$$
Pescado: As a sushi fanatic, a list of restaurants wouldn’t be complete without this addition. When Telluride sushi/Asian staple Honga’s shut down, I wasn’t sure where I’d get my sushi fix. Thank goodness I found this place! It’s got a small, cute atmosphere and great quality sushi.
Siam: Another Asian option for ya! It took me a while to get into to Thai food (like literally just started enjoying it a few years ago) but when my eyes were opened to the wonders of Thai cuisine, I knew I had to try Siam in Telluride. It definitely lived up to the hype!
$$$
Sheridan Chop House: This historic spot is always worth the splurge. Whether you go for lunch, dinner, or drinks, your food (and service) will be top notch. I don’t even eat red meat and I adore this place! They also recently opened a rooftop bar during the summer months, so if you’re there during that season you should definitely check it out.
Cosmopolitan: This place is one of my favorites in Telluride. Their upscale menu is generally to die for buuut I have two words for you: lobster corndogs. You can have your duck breast and your grilled lamb, and I will take all the lobster corndogs. Joking aside, everything they do here, they do it right. I have yet to find any menu item that wasn’t absolutely delicious.
*Tip: Many of Telluride’s more expensive restaurants offer bomb happy hour deals! If you want to hit up the fancier spots in town without breaking the bank, this could be your way to do it. Spots like La Marmotte, Cosmopolitan, and There have great happy hours with many of their menu favorites available at a discounted price.
EXPLORE
See
View from Allred’s: Allred’s Restaurant sits atop the ridge between the town of Telluride and Mountain Village in Station St. Sophia, perched at 10,540 feet. The restaurant is only open to the public for dinner, but consider going for a little après ski hour when the bar opens at 5 to catch some of the incredible views of town and beyond.
Do
Ski & Snowboard: Telluride is the premier North American town for skiing and snowboarding, so it makes skiing or snowboarding the obvious activity choice in the wintertime.
Attend a Festival: If snow and skiing isn’t your thing, plan a trip to Telluride during one of their many festivals! I love the Bluegrass Festival (in June) and the Film Festival (over Labor Day weekend), but there are countless others from which to choose.
Outdoor Activities: Regardless of the season, Telluride is THE place to go outdoors and get in touch with nature. During the warmer months, hiking, Jeep tours, or kayaking are all super fun options (my personal favorite hike is Bear Creek Trail but if you’re up for more of a challenge, Bridal Veil Falls is where it’s at) and during the winter you can go ice climbing or snowshoeing, in addition to the regular winter sports offered on the slopes.
Shop
Apotheca: This is a relative newcomer to the shopfronts on main street, but it’s quickly become one of my favorites. While it’s technically part pharmacy, it also houses an array of supplements, holistic remedies, and natural beauty products!
Hook: I’m a sucker for home decor and this store has so many fun bits and bobs for the home! I picked up a cute candle last time I was here, and all items have a bit of Colorado flair. This is a great place to pick up a small souvenir for friends and family.
Sublime: There are a few women’s clothing stores around town that I enjoy (Two Skirts and Scarpe, for instance), but I chose Sublime for this list because it’s more moderately priced than the others but still has such cute stuff. It’s hard to go in to this place and walk out empty handed.
For such a small town, Telluride sure has a lot to offer; the above lists are just a sampling of the activities, restaurants, and shops you can find there. It may be a challenge to get to, but the unparalleled natural beauty of the area, along with everything else, is well worth it.
Commenti