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Before I get going on Telluride, please let me share a couple of travel tips with you.
Almost three years ago, I practically ruined a 3 week vacation in Italy because I purchased inexpensive rolling luggage and over packed. From that time on, I swore that I would travel light. Here's what I did. First, I purchased a good quality, carry on, rolling bag that converts to a backpack. Lands End, REI, Eddy Bauer or Travel Smith carry them and you can obtain them online. Next, I shopped for travel wear. By that I mean wrinkle free and quick dry. Polyester is my friend! Just read the label and commit to washing your clothes in the sink and letting them dry overnight. Everything is available and, if you shop carefully, doesn't need to be prohibitively expensive. Next, get walking shoes that you can also use for dress. I chose Rockport, but there are a lot of other very smart looking walking shoes available for men and women. My latest purchase was a hoot. I bought a plastic bag that you fill with bulky items, roll up and it vacuum seals them thus taking up about 50% less room! It's very funny, but it works. It cost $18 and I purchased it online through Travel Smith. My next suggestion has to do with food. Most supermarkets in the US have wonderful, inexpensive deli sections. Pack a meal for the plane ride or layover or instead of stopping at a fast food restaurant.
Now, let's take off for Telluride.
This is a classic Colorado mining town that has been rediscovered
because of the great skiing. The town was first populated in 1890,
boomed through the early years of the century and then died. Telluride
is located in southwestern Colorado, resting in a valley, surrounded by
12,000' to 14,000' peaks of the San Juan range of the Rocky Mountains.
The city itself is at approximately 9,000'.
Let me insert here, I am not a skier. All of my friends are peeved that
I have been to Telluride in all seasons and never once skied. Please
understand that Telluride is considered to be one of the great ski areas
in North America. This little town also has some of the best
restaurants imaginable. Shopping is fun, hiking is fabulous and the
scenery is drop dead beautiful!
On my last visit in January, I faced the usual winter challenge. The
Telluride airport, which is at the highest altitude of any airport in
North America, is unavailable for landing about 35% of the time during
the winter. It happens. The diversion to Montrose means a short 1.5
hour transfer by van back to Telluride. Unfortunately, I had to arrive
and depart via this route. Landing and taking off at the Telluride
airport is a treat for you camera buffs. From the west coast, I would
suggest connecting to America West out of Phoenix. The other route is
by way of Denver.
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I stayed at the New Sheridan Hotel. The name is interesting. The "old"
Sheridan burned down in the early 1890's and this hotel was built in
1895, thus the "New" in the name. The hotel has been completely
remodeled and is cozy and guest friendly. The rate includes a full,
cooked to order breakfast, wine vouchers for the hotel bar, and an open
refrigerator in the library for soda, juices, etc. They also have 24
hour coffee and tea service along with the greatest chocolate chip
cookies. The hotel is located on the main street, surrounded by shops,
restaurants, book stores and a short two blocks to the ski lift. By the
way, my room had a jetted tub and all have data ports, cable, and all of
the amenities of an upscale chain hotel including robes. Very nice. The
staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Rates are reasonable and they
even have several rooms that have shared club style baths that are quite
affordable. The hotel can be reached at 1-800-200-1891 or at their
website at www.newsheridan.com
This town is a foodies delight. As in many resort areas, young chefs
and restaurateurs are drawn here. I will give you a quick summation of
my favorites.
The Chop House in the New Sheridan Hotel is one of my favorites.
Absolutely the most exotic and wonderful menu you will find. They serve
interesting, well prepared food. Elk loin, caribou medallions, wild
boar chops, buffalo top sirloin, venison osso bucco, and ostrich filet
are on the menu! My choice for the evening was the "Wild Game Plate"
which included boar sausage, duck breast and ostrich filet. It was
outstanding. I started with sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella cheese
and drizzled with aged balsamic. The Chop house also has a marvelous
wine list and great desserts. Not inexpensive, but, hey you're on
vacation and this place is special!
Next on my list of "must go" places is the Excelsior Cafe. Nice warm
atmosphere featuring nouveau Italian cuisine. The night I dined, I
started with venison zuppa, went on to a Gorgonzola salad and ordered
then one of their nightly specials, grilled shrimp on fire-roasted
vegetable risotto. Super meal at reasonable prices. Try the Flat Tire
Amber Ale out of Ft. Collins, CO.
Now on to the fun, cheap stuff for lunch. You must eat at Fat Alley
BBQ. Don't miss the brisket and sweet potato fries. No nonsense walk
up to the counter and order kind of place. Fun and down home. My next
suggestion is Floradora. Extensive menu and a wonderful place to drink
beer. Huge selection of brews. The grilled meatloaf with chipolte sauce
and grilled onions is great. In fact, this was my "to go" for the trip
back to San Diego, CA. Another good choice for soup and a sandwich is
Wildflour.
There are dozens of other very good restaurants in Telluride. There is a
Dining Out in Telluride magazine available in town.
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