Telluride, a small Colorado town nestled amidst breathtaking valley views from Mountain Village, had always been a name I’d heard, but never truly understood. August offered me the chance to experience it firsthand, and I was instantly captivated by its quirky charm and undeniable allure. I immediately started looking into residency!
Telluride embodies the quintessential small mountain town experience without compromising on quality or style. Yes, it’s walkable. Yes, Colorado Ave serves as the “main street.” And yes, everyone seems to know each other (the year-round population hovers around a few thousand). But beyond the typical mountain town facade lies a vibrance and soul that warmly welcomes visitors, inviting them to embrace the spirit of “Telluride.”
Discovering some of Telluride’s gems is best left for personal exploration. However, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll down Colorado Ave and seeking out the “free box.” Perhaps visit the bank where Butch Cassidy committed his first robbery, or the small cafe with the perpetual line that serves what many consider the best breakfast this side of the Mississippi.
I have a strong feeling Telluride will become an annual destination for me. Anyone care to join?
Where to Stay
Element 52 Auberge Residences
We stayed at Element 52, an Auberge Residences property, and were absolutely blown away. From the moment we arrived, it felt like home. The welcoming staff, the cozy yet upscale residence design, and the abundance of amenities made us feel pampered without any pretense.
Here are some of my favorite aspects of Element 52:
- LOCATION: We walked everywhere. The town of Telluride is just a few blocks away, and so is the gondola to Mountain Village. Leave that rental car at the airport!
- House car: When the weather wasn’t ideal or we simply didn’t feel like walking, the Element 52 house car was a lifesaver! It operates within a few mile radius, and you can call for a pickup.
- Complimentary refreshments: Daily coffee, tea, and pastries/cookies are available in the lobby.
- S’mores! Ending a day of hiking or mountain activities by the fire pit, roasting s’mores with a glass of wine, is the perfect way to unwind.
- Hot Tubs/Pools: Relaxation is guaranteed in one of the two hot tubs/pools on site. One is heated more than the other, so you can choose based on your preference!
- The Funicular: Element 52 features a private funicular for convenient access to different units. It’s not only practical but also adds a touch of fun.
What I loved about the residences themselves:
- The Decor: Each residence is beautifully designed, and they all have a unique style. I enjoyed admiring the diverse designs!
- Fully Equipped: Our residence had everything we needed to feel at home, including all kitchenware, wine openers, spices, and even vases for fresh flowers from the Farmers’ Market.
- Outdoor Space: The residences offer ample outdoor space. Our residence had three balconies alone! Perfect for a morning coffee or a sunset glass of wine.
- Dog Friendly: No need to leave Buddy at home! Bring him along!
CONTACT ME TO BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY AT ELEMENT 52 & RECEIVE 10% OFF RATES!
Where to Eat & Drink
The Butcher & Baker Cafe
The Butcher & Baker is a Telluride institution, with a line out the door to prove it. The space is bright and airy, the food is fresh and local, and the atmosphere is casual and inviting. We visited for breakfast, but they are also open for lunch and dinner. I can honestly say the omelette was one of the best I have ever had!
What to order: Summer Omelette, Breakfast Sandwich, Chilaquiles
Located at 201 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
Ghost Town Coffee
I enjoyed Ghost Town so much that we went there two mornings in a row. The menu features various toast options (I wanted to try them all!) on either Blue Grouse bread or Kim & Jake’s Gluten Free Loaf. They also offer smoothies, granola with your choice of yogurt or milk, breakfast burritos, and a creative coffee menu. Perfect for a healthy, colorful, and delicious breakfast!
What to order: #2 Toast (hard-boiled egg + avocado + chevre + chili crunch), #7 Toast (almond butter + banana + honey), Green Smoothie, Turmeric Coconut Chai
Located at 210 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
Baked in Telluride
A great spot for all things baked, grab a donut or pastry from the large selection each morning. Breakfast isn’t all they are known for, though, so come hungry for lunch or dinner too. We got sandwiches to-go for our picnic, but they are also known for their pizzas!
Located at 127 S Fir St, Telluride, CO 81435
Rooftop Bar at New Sheridan Hotel
Rooftop vibes create the perfect setting for pre-dinner cocktails after a long day of outdoor activities. This spot is ideal for soaking in the Colorado sunshine or cozying up on one of the couches when the temperatures drop. The drinks are great, and the food mirrors some of the Chop House downstairs if you are looking for amazing food in a casual setting!
What to order: Watermelon Lime Margarita, El Bandito, Mediterranean Plate
Located at 231 W. Colorado Avenue, Telluride, Colorado 81435
Chop House at New Sheridan Hotel
Oh you fancy, huh? Fine dining in Telluride means Chop House at the New Sheridan Hotel, and it did not disappoint. We loved sitting out on the patio and people watching on Colorado Avenue. The food was absolutely incredible and fresh, and the service was wonderful, letting me try a couple of different wines until I found one that I liked. Chop House is the perfect choice for a special occasion meal.
What to order: West Coast & East Coast Oysters, Colorado Striped Bass, Prime New York Strip, Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Lardons, Loaded Potato Skillet
Located at 231 W. Colorado Avenue, Telluride, Colorado 81435
Siam
When I first heard that one of the best restaurants in Telluride was Thai food, I wasn’t fully convinced. Why would Thai food (which some claim to be the best Thai food they have ever had) be so good in the middle of Colorado? We went to check it out, and let’s just say… it lived up to its claim to fame. I also loved how there was a wide selection of options that our server helped guide us through to make the best decision for our palettes and based on how hungry we were. It was the perfect amount of food!
What to order: Going Going Goong Lettuce Wraps, Pad Se-Eaw, Siam Tuna Thai-Taki
Located at 200 S Davis St, Telluride, CO 81435
Allred’s
If you’re looking for a meal or drink with a view, look no further than Allred’s. This restaurant is located on the mountain heading to Mountain Village and offers sweeping views of Telluride town and the mountainside below.
What to order: Crispy Shishito Peppers, Beet & Kale Salad, Crispy Scottish Quail, Ahi Tuna Poke
Located at Station St. Sophia at the top of the Free Gondola
Private Chef in your Element 52 Residence
Breakfast in bed anyone? One of the perks of staying in an Element 52 Residence is the ability to hire a private chef to cook for you. We had a delicious breakfast prepared for us of local, seasonal vegetables and eggs – it was one of the most flavorful breakfasts I have ever had!
There Bar
This small, tucked-away bar was one of the highlights of our trip. Not only is it quaint and charming, but the craft cocktails were to-die-for. We came to There Bar for just a drink but immediately wished we had scheduled dinner there too. The food menu looked delicious, and the bites we had were a testament to that!
What to order: The Diablo Cocktail, Spiced Apple Cocktail, Lettuce Wraps, Steamed Buns, Fried Brussels Sprouts, and the POPCORN machine on the wall
Located at 627 W Pacific Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
Telluride Brewing Co.
You cannot visit Telluride without trying the local brew, so we headed to Telluride Brewing Co. to see the action in person. The beer was great, and the vibe was casual (think cornhole & dogs playing outside)! I recommend getting a beer sampler to get a little taste of everything.
Located at 156 Society Dr, Telluride, CO 81435
What to Do
Explore Telluride Town
As I have mentioned, the town of Telluride is magical. My suggestion is to take a full day to just explore. We did this one afternoon and met some of the friendliest people, found some of the coolest shops (don’t bring just a carry-on, folks), and overall just enjoyed our time walking around soaking in the beautiful, sunny, Colorado weather.
Hike
I think the thing I was most excited about visiting Telluride was the hiking. Just from the photos, I knew the views would be stunning. What I didn’t expect was how truly breathtaking it is in person. We did two hikes while in Telluride: Bridal Veil Falls and Bear Creek Falls. There are many different trails in the area, so check out a list of some of them here.
Take an Off-Roading Jeep Tour
The area surrounding Telluride has some great trails for off-roading, and the best way to navigate these is via jeep. Check out more information here!
Ride the Gondola to Mountain Village
When I first heard that the gondola to Mountain Village is FREE, you betcha I was going to take advantage of this fun, scenic & convenient service. Element 52 is located just a couple blocks walking distance to the gondola, so we rode it up to Mountain Village and back just to take in the breathtaking views of Telluride town. We also rode it to have dinner at Allred’s and see a concert in Mountain Village. It’s ideal in both summer and winter for getting around!
Go to the Telluride Farmers’ Market
There’s nothing better to me than a good, local Farmers’ Market to start a trip. Fresh off the plane, we strolled through and picked up snacks and fresh flowers for our residence at Element 52! The Telluride Farmers’ Market occurs every Friday from June 2nd to October 3rd.
Located on South Oak Street
Attend a Festival
It’s no secret that Telluride always has something going on – festivals to be exact. The weekend we were in town, so was the Mushroom Festival. Now while that may be very “niche”, Telluride offers festivals of all kinds with some of the most popular being the Telluride Film Festival, Telluride Blues & Brews, Telluride Art Walk, and more.
Check out Telluride’s festival & events calendar here.
Indulge in a Spa Treatment
When I travel, there is nothing I enjoy more than a spa treatment to really feel like I am on vacation. Element 52 has a spa located on-site which made it easy, and the cavern-like design is cozy and relaxing.
Safe travels y’all!
Chelsea Rose Martin
This post is in partnership with Auberge Resorts. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Passport To Friday.
