Over the course of my life, I’ve had a few, “pinch me“, moments that make me wonder what I did to deserve such a blessed and abundant existence. Those rare moments I’m speaking of happened to occur multiple times during my recent trip to Telluride, Colorado.
Everything about this place is truly magical and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. If you haven’t heard of Telluride before, it’s actually a former mining town turned luxury ski destination set deep in the Rocky Mountains. The area is actually comprised of two towns, Telluride and Mountain Village which are connected by a free Gondola known to locals as, “The G”.
While most of my dining experiences occurred in Telluride, I stayed and played in Mountain Village.
Mountain Village is a picturesque quaint little town that looks like it’s been ripped right out of a Disney Movie. Everything about it is just adorable.
What I love most about Telluride and Mountain Village is that EVERYTHING is with-in walking distance. I stayed at the gorgeous, Peaks Resort and Spa and found everything to be with-in a 5-15 min walk/gondola ride.
The Peaks is simply stunning and a must stay for an luxury obsessed traveler. It’s located in Telluride’s Mountain Village and has amazing ski in/out, a delicious restaurant, fitness center with outdoor pool, and full-service spa (which I had the pleasure of enjoying.)
My favorite part about the hotel was how quickly I could hop on the slopes right from the back of the resort and how amazing their ski valet was. It made skiing so much less stressful for this girl (who hasn’t stepped foot in a ski boot since 2001.)
The view from the rooms at the Peaks Resort and Spa aren’t too bad either…
Now let’s get to the reason you even came to this guide, THE FOOD!
Telluride is a foodie’s paradise. It still boggles my mind how a town in the middle of the country (set over 8,000 ft above sea level) can put out some of the best food I’ve ever had.
Here are 7 places you MUST eat at when you visit Telluride:
1) Bon Vivant
Bon Vivant is a classic French lunch spot located 11,000 ft up and you actually have to ski a few blue squares to get there! Trust me when I tell you, it’s totally worth it. Just look at these views from right outside the restaurant.
If the breathtaking views of Palmyra and the Wilson Range don’t sell you, I promise, the food will.
2) 221 South Oak
221 South Oak is a fine dining restaurant is owned by Top Chef contestant, Eliza Gavin. It’s in this gorgeous refurbished historic home and is known for it’s intimate atmosphere and house-made, delicious food. There wasn’t one thing we ordered that didn’t completely blow me away.
3) La Marmotte
Choosing a favorite restaurant in Telluride is like choosing between your children. If I was handcuffed at gunpoint and HAD to choose, I think I might have to go with La Marmotte. This bistro had some of my favorite bites of the trip including a beet salad with goat cheese wontons.
Everything about this place is impressive including the kitchen, which is no bigger than my guest bathroom (bad comparison, but you get it. It’s small.) Overall, simply perfection.
4) The Butcher & The Baker
The Butcher & The Baker is an adorable restaurant with the best fast casual breakfast in town. Whether you’re into carb-loading with some french toast or keeping it light with an omelet, this place has it all. Even a bomb Bloody Mary.
5) New Sheridan Chop House
For some reason, I’ve been finding it difficult lately to get a well-cooked steak. This was not the case at the New Sheridan Chop house. Moral of the story, if I have to travel all the way to Telluride to get a perfect medium-rare, so be it!
Oh, and can someone please explain to me how a restaurant in a landlocked state gets seafood THIS fresh?!
6) Tomboy Tavern
When I was growing up, we had two options food options when we went skiing. We could go to the cafeteria and get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or we could pack a peanut butter and jelly and bring it from home. If I had a place like Tomboy Tavern to eat on my ski breaks, I may have gained a little more weight and done a little less skiing.
This food was fantastic!
7) Allreds
In my opinion, the shining star of Telluride is Allreds Restaurant. Not only are the views some of the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen, but the food and drinks are literally art. I couldn’t get enough of this place if I tried.
Don’t miss the Sous Vide Crispy Cauliflower. While it may seem like an option for Vegan’s, it will impress any meat-eater. I promise.
And I was told there is only one way to end your trip in Telluride. You must order a Flatliner.
I didn’t understand the name until I took a sip. This killer combination of vodka, Kahlua and Baileys is so easy to drink, you have to be careful!
My tripe to Telluride was seriously one of the best getaways I’ve ever gone on. If you’re looking for you next winter wonderland getaway, do not hesitate for a second go there. I promise, you won’t regret it.
I know I sure didn’t! I even tried snowmobiling (and kind of rocked at it).
Telluride, Colorado seriously has it all! I’m counting down the days till I can go back.
Love always,
Erica
