Telluride Favorites

Our staff lives, works and plays right here in Telluride. Check out some of our favorite places to enjoy and things to do that we like recommending to visitors.

OUR FAVORITE BREAKFAST

The Butcher and the Baker Café is one of the best places to grab a bite to eat in the morning! They have a variety of breakfast sandwiches that are all to die for. They also have sweeter options, like waffles and gluten-free blueberry pancakes. If you happen to be looking for something to eat on Sunday, they have a delicious Sunday brunch with even more options. Other than the food, Butcher and the Baker is one of the best for its vibe. It has a very Telluride feel because it is completely run by locals and you can just sense that it was born and made right here.

OUR FAVORITE RENTAL SHOP

BootDoctors for:

Bike Rentals
Biking is one of the most popular activities in Telluride. Bootdoctors has a variety of bikes to rent, for any occasion. For the summer season, they have a range of mountain bikes for kids and adults. They also have a town cruiser and a new obsession, fat-tire bikes.

Ski Rentals
Bootdoctors has one of the best selections of skis for all levels and types of skiers and boarders. They have basic skis, demo skis, and cross country skis, so no worries about finding your ski. They also have a variety of snowboards to rent as well.

OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES

There is a lot to do in both winter and summer, no matter the activity level you are looking for! There are hikes for every level, mountain biking, fat biking, riding the Gondola, rafting, jeeping, and more. There is never a down moment. Check out all of the summer activities and winter activities to choose from in Telluride! There are over tons of activities to choose from and you are bound to find one perfect for you. 

OUR FAVORITE SHUTTLE/TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Telluride Express

Telluride Express is a local transportation company that offers many different types of rides. They have services to all of the nearby airports, Telluride, Montrose, Grand Junction, Durango, Cortez, and Gunnison. They have private and group rides, depending on your preference. They also do private charters just around town as well as weddings, special functions, group tours and a day skier bus from Montrose to Telluride. To book a shuttle CLICK HERE.

OUR FAVORITE KIDS' PROGRAMS

Telluride Academy
Telluride Academy is a vibrant and dynamic outdoor enrichment nonprofit youth organization located in Telluride, Colorado. From its humble backyard beginnings to now offering over 100 programs annually, the Academy has a 30-year history of excursions and adventures around the San Juan Mountains, the red rock deserts of southeast Utah, and even across the country and around the world. Telluride Academy has something for everyone and always provides a truly unique and engaging adventure.

Wilkinson Library
The Wilkinson Library is a great place for the kids to hang out; they always have something going on for fun! They can, of course, read from the wide selection of books, but there other events too. There is storytime, Paws to Read, Kids cook and more!

Telluride Parks and Rec
Telluride Parks and Recreation is town run and has lots of available camps and activities for kids. They offer after-school basketball, tennis lessons, youth soccer and baseball.

Ah Haa School for the Arts
Ah Haa is a great art school for both adults and children. Kids' classes range from after-school programs to summer art camps! There are also more advanced classes like the youth oil painting.

OUR FAVORITE TELLURIDE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS/ VENUES

Telluride Bluegrass Festival
The annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival has grown rapidly from year to year and is now one of the most popular and loved Telluride festivals of the year, with more than 15,000 visitors over four days. It is filled with food and drinks, fun-loving people and of course, plenty of Bluegrass music!

Telluride Film Festival
Telluride Film Festival is held over the Labor Day weekend. Each year, the film festival brings in several great films from both worldwide and local directors. Some movies have made their world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival like "Walk the Line" and "Slumdog Millionaire" in past years. The festival is a four-day celebration of the art of filmmaking, featuring several workshops and discussions with the filmmakers and actors as well as plenty of movie screenings.

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
One of the most scenic music festivals in the country, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is held during the third weekend in September each year. The Blues & Brews Festival is a three-day celebration of rock and blues music, food and brews, with over 50 local and nationwide breweries participating. On Saturday of the festival, each brewery has a three-hour free tasting, which results in the vote for "brewery of the year."

Sheridan Opera House
The Sheridan Opera House offers a great variety of music shows throughout the year. For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit their website.

Palm Theatre
The Palm theatre at the Telluride High School also offers music shows, plays, and movies throughout the year. For a complete schedule and tickets, please visit their website.

Click here for a list of festivals and events in Telluride.

Our Favorite History Buffs

Telluride Historical Museum
Find out about Telluride's colorful history and the mining days that built the town of Telluride at the Telluride Historical Museum. The museum features exhibits and lectures as well as pictures for purchase.

OUR FAVORITE PLACES FOR SPA TREATMENTS

Aveda Telluride Spa
Destination Relaxation! The Aveda Telluride Spa is located inside the Camel's Garden Hotel in Telluride, right at the base of lift 8 and the gondola station. The spa offers all kinds of treatments such as customized facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures as well as customized body wraps - all in a soothing atmosphere.

The Spa at the Peaks
For those staying in the Mountain Village (and for Telluride guests as well), The Spa at the Peaks is conveniently located inside the Peaks Resort in the Mountain Village core. The spa offers massages, body treatments, fitness, inner focus and healthy cuisine.

Madeline Spa
The Madeline Spa, in Mountain Village, is a great place for a day of relaxation. With its messages, treatments and Oxygen Bar, there is no way you won’t feel less tense. Either your sore from all the skiing or just need a break from the action, the Madeline Spa is a great place to spend some time.

OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Cosmopolitan
Named after the grand saloon that existed during Telluride's mining days, this elegant restaurant is home to innovative fusion cuisine and a relaxed ambiance. Their happy hour offers 1/2 priced sushi and $5 cosmos!

La Cocina de Luz
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, La Cocina de Luz uses only the finest ingredients to create delicious, contemporary Mexican and Southwestern dishes. The menu features vegetarian and gluten-free options as well as handmade tortillas, salsas, and ice cream.

La Marmotte
La Marmotte serves French cuisine in a charming, rustic atmosphere. The chef prides himself on a contemporary menu with traditional Colorado ingredients.

The New Sheridan Chop House and the Sheridan Rooftop Bar
The New Sheridan Chop House is a classic steakhouse located in the heart of Telluride. The newly added Rooftop Bar serves cocktails, a tailored wine list of regional US and French wines, a variety of beers, and a modified menu of the traditional favorites served in the New Sheridan Chop House. Soak up some sun and enjoy the views from the only rooftop bar in Telluride!

221 South Oak
The ultimate romantic restaurant. Take an intimate setting with perfect lighting in a renovated historic home, mix in an inviting bar area and warm dining room and add a killer menu. Voila! True magic. Chef Eliza expertly prepares dishes with the freshest ingredients and while all are delicious the Game and Seafood dishes shine brightest. Save room for the delectable desserts.

The National
A newer restaurant on the Telluride scene, this foodie favorite is often booked well in advance. Choose from lamb shank, diver scallops, beef tenderloin fillet and be sure to pair it all with a handcrafted cocktail. Seriously, these are some of the best in town.