Telluride is tucked away in the southwest corner of Colorado where Mother Nature created some of her finest work. Fourteen thousand foot peaks tower above this charming town, which is nestled at the end of a box canyon.
While it has matured from a booming mining camp to a bustling ski town, Telluride is a National Historic District and still looks much like it did back in the 1880’s with brick hotels and brightly colored Victorian houses. Everything is within walking distance as the town is only 12 blocks long by 5 blocks wide. Connected to Telluride by a free gondola, the town of Mountain Village is perched at 9,500 feet and offers a contemporary ski village experience.
With its cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers, jagged peaks, blue alpine lakes, untouched fields of pristine white snow, intricate snowflakes, Telluride offers a plethora of activities for the young and old to the novice and pro skier. One of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts, this former gold rush town used to be one seriously rowdy town over a century ago. In fact, this is where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank!
My children and I absolutely love traveling to Telluride for Spring Break and this year was no exception so I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't share, in my opinion, some of the best things to do and best places to stay, eat and shop! Since I have so much to share, I'm splitting my post in three parts -- today I will share my list of favorite things to do in Telluride.
HISTORIC SHERIDAN OPERA HOUSE
The Sheridan Opera House was built by J.A. Segerberg in 1913 as a vaudeville theater and cultural center, attracting variety shows, orchestras and touring theater companies. Today this 240 seat intimate theater which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the Sheridan Arts Foundation and has become a non-profit venue benefiting a number of charitable organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of America. Some of today's top performers from Dudley Moore and Carol Burnett to Patrick Stewart and Frederica von Stade have performed at the Sheridan Opera House to benefit the Foundation and its educational programs. My friends and I enjoyed the likes of No Doubt Cover Band, the Queen and Led Zeppelin tributes and Fest 40 Ounces to Freedom!
TELLURIDE/VILLAGE MOUNTAIN GONDOLA
Lovely views and it's great in the evening with the blankets to keep you warm. The gondola runs until midnight which is perfect if you want dinner and drinks in town!
SKIING
The Telluride ski experience offers a genuine mountain experience for all levels of skiers thanks to a mix of quality terrain at all points on the mountain. From refined groomed runs to challenging moguls, there truly is something for everyone. Even beginners and intermediate skiers can ride to the highest peaks and enjoy terrain and views typically reserved for the experts. We all had a fabulous time on the slopes. In fact, we skied almost every day. I was lucky enough to find great prices for ski lift tickets on Orbitz.com, too!
SHOPPING
My favorite past time!!!! And there is plenty of shopping to do in this quaint but stylish town. Here are some of my favorite:
CashmereRED is a must see while visiting Telluride. This unique boutique specializes in Scottish cashmere for men and women. Working directly with Scotland’s top mills, products are custom designed for CashmereRED. Providing a wide range of styles contemporary to classic, you can also expect goodies from your favorite new sweater to a cuddly teddy bear. CashmereRED does more than just cashmere providing accessories such as pima cotton knitwear, men’s dress shirts, jewelry, and handbags. The knowledgeable sales staff will even help you select a custom sweater for you! CashmereRED is more than just a shopping experience it is a style for life. I also love this store for it's celebration of color, history and creative designs from around the world!
Two Skirts is a women's boutique located in the heart of downtown Telluride. This modern setting is perfect for browsing and relaxing. while maintaining a charming atmosphere with pink covered ottomans, cream suede dressing room curtains and jeweled chandeliers. This adorable boutique showcases designer collections, up-and-coming designers as well as a private Two Skirts cashmere label. Featuring designers such as Elie Tahari, Citizens of Humanity, Paige Premium Denim, C&C California, Milly, Moschino Jeans, Chaiken, Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Taylor and Robert Rodriguez, they also carry Bobbi Brown skincare and cosmetics.
