Vogue calls Telluride "America's most beautiful mountain town." Who are we to disagree? With its charming main street, serene ski slopes, and breathtaking landscape, Telluride is a truly special place where anyone can have a wonderful, fun-filled vacation. Recently, Vogue published "A Guide to Telluride." Here are some of the highlights of their excellent article, plus our additions and insights!
Telluride is a unique mountain town born of the American Wild West. The 1970s brought major developments like Telluride Ski Resort and Telluride Film Festival, and what had previously been a mining hub became one of the country's preeminent cultural hubs. The landscape hasn't changed, though. Telluride is situated in a box canyon, which means that you'll see stunning snowcapped mountains on every side while you're here. The effect is awe-inspiring.
Where to Stay
In their guide, Vogue starts by sharing their suggestions for places to stay. Their recommendations include sites at the base of Mountain Village, near the Telluride gondola, and at the base of chair four. The perfect site for you will depend on what amenities you want access to and what vibe you want your rental to have. To explore options, visit Rentalz.
Where to Eat
There are amazing restaurants all over Telluride. Whether you want to enjoy gourmet dishes or rustic mountain fare, you'll find just what you are after. Vogue's choices for top local restaurants include...
Alpino Vino: "Located on Telluride Mountain at just under 12,000 feet, Alpino Vino is the second-highest elevation restaurant in North America. Inspired by the gourmet alpine of the Dolomites, it offers dishes like wagyu paninis and lobster cavatelli—as well as an extensive, extensive, wine list to skiers looking to unwind after a day on the slopes."
The National: "The Mediterranean meets the mountains with The National, a smart contemporary restaurant by Michelin-bib gourmet chef Chris Thompson. Pheasant agnolotti and wild boar rigatoni sit alongside vegetable tagine and yellowtail crudo, all served in a contemporary dining room with mood lighting and exposed brick."
Stronghouse Brew Pub: "Housed in a stone building that dates back to the 1890s, Stronghouse might be one of the best little brewpubs in America. Enjoy a mug of their craft beers... and order hearty Colorado fare like hot Bavarian pretzels with mustard and pork green chili. Don’t leave without indulging in one of their famous bratwursts."
La Marmotte: "Tucked away in a wooden cabin—once the mining town’s ice house—is La Marmotte, an elegant and cozy French restaurant right in downtown Telluride. The menu changes seasonally."
Allred's: "The most famous restaurant in all of Telluride. Ride the gondola up from either Mountain Village or Telluride town to St. Sophia... Dine on a Colorado Rack of lamb or Bourbon marinated elk strip-loin underneath antler chandeliers and with sprawling snowcapped views of the Rocky Mountain peaks beyond."
Siam: "Warm up with spicy dishes at Siam, Telluride’s in-town Thai restaurant that’s cozy, unpretentious, and most of all, good."
The Grand: "The Grand serves what best can be described as modern mountain food."
The Butcher & The Baker: "For a casual lunch or breakfast, go to The Butcher & The Baker, where fresh bread is made in-house and the meats and cheeses are sourced from local farms."
The Historic Bar: "No trip to Telluride is complete without a drink at the Historic Bar at the New Sheridan Hotel—a bar that boasts its original interiors from 1895."
Brown Dog Pizza: "The best pizza in town and then some: Brown Dog in Telluride was featured on an episode of the Food Network's famous Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."
Where to Shop
With so many cute stores to browse in Telluride, it can be hard to decide where to shop! Vogue recommends two can't-miss shops to their readers. Since you're in the heart of the west, Vogue recommends shopping for authentic western wear at a store like Crossbow Leather and Hats. In the market for a winter read? Visit the beloved independent store, Between the Covers Bookstore.
We have a few suggestions of our own. HOOK is a neat store to buy gifts and souvenirs. For everything you could need while spending time on the mountain, check out Jagged Edge Mountain Gear. We also recommend stopping by some of the local galleries to see the amazing art produced in town!
Complaints(?)
Vogue's only real complaint about Telluride is how difficult it can be to get here. Vogue shared, "Admittedly, Telluride isn’t the easiest place to get to. Its airport—the highest-elevation commercial airport in the United States—only offers direct flights from Denver and Phoenix. Everyone else (unless you are flying private) must fly into Montrose, a 1.5-hour drive away." We don't mind the isolation! Being removed from major airports, Telluride has maintained a lovely ruggedness that makes each trip feel like a break from the world.
Plan your next trip to Telluride today to enjoy these suggestions- and more!
