The Best Small Town In Colorado For A 3-Day Weekend
Many states have a town or two that draws visitors in, but in Colorado, a weekend getaway spot is always up the road. And if you live here, you very well might find that the hardest part of planning a quick trip is deciding where to go next. This year, Telluride earns the crown as the best destination in the state for a three-day weekend.
This town, located in the San Juan Mountains, is home to just around 2,500 residents. However, the attractions that await are unbeatable. Your stay can easily begin by checking into one of Telluride’s quintessential lodges, followed by a show at its historic opera house, and spending a full day on the slopes of a gorgeous mountain resort. No matter how you do it, your best weekend yet is right around the corner!
Hotels & Lodges
If you’re seeking a truly authentic experience, you might enjoy staying at the Mountain Lodge Telluride, an alpine retreat that is just a short drive southwest of town. Situated among the San Juan range, this lodge is conveniently located near ski trails and offers amenities like a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and a steam room. It might be tempting to spend the entire weekend at the lodge!
If you’re looking for something more centrally located, check out The Hotel Telluride, which sits on the western edge of downtown. This boutique chalet has a charming European feel, warmed in the winter by its cozy lobby fireplace, and it provides an assortment of amenities to guests, including seasonal complimentary gondola and shuttle passes, seasonal complimentary bike cruisers, outdoor hot tubs, spa services, a seasonal dinner service, and concierge service.
Dining & Shopping
You’ve had a lovely night at your lodge or hotel of choice. Now, it’s time to head out and hit the town. Several restaurants in Telluride make great breakfast spots, such as The Butcher & The Baker. This cafe is locally owned and operated, offering both indoor and outdoor seating year-round. A few of the delights you’ll find on the menu here include artisan breads and pastries, locally sourced meats, cheeses, and sausages, and local eggs and dairy.
Once your belly is full from breakfast, get ready to browse some of the nearby shops and galleries. Travelers searching for the perfect gift can pop into HOOK Telluride, an independently owned boutique with a selection of home goods, gifts, and souvenirs. Visitors can also currently browse the shop’s holiday market, which features a variety of festive goodies and knick-knacks. Art lovers, meanwhile, should head to the Heard Gallery, which specializes in contemporary art, custom jewelry, and more, ensuring that you go home with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
To end the day, grab dinner at Stronghouse Brew Pub, a rustic-style brewery and restaurant that sits inside a historic stone building from 1892. This award-winning hot spot serves all kinds of hearty pub classics, including artisan bratwursts, mac n cheese, chili, and warm sandwiches, and the beers on tap are created onsite by the pub’s brewmaster!
Historic Landmarks
Telluride is filled with Victorian-era buildings and classic boomtown architecture that you will want to spend some time exploring. The Sheridan Opera House is a wonderful example of its historic preservation, a beautiful theater that was built in 1913. The interior is especially notable, with artwork that combines late-19th-century Art Nouveau and early-20th-century Craftsman influences. The theater itself has gone through many changes over the years, today serving as a performance venue for touring bands and musicians. Travelers hoping to check out the opera house for themselves can take a look at the venue’s performance calendar before their visit.
The Telluride Historical Museum is another great place to learn more about the town’s fascinating backstory. Housed in a restored 1896 miners' hospital, the museum features ten rooms of exhibits, telling the story of the Ute people, the town’s mining heritage, its ski history, and more.
Outdoor Recreation
A weekend in Telluride isn’t complete without venturing out into the mountains and countryside. If you are visiting town in the winter, Telluride Ski Resort is the perfect destination. This internationally recognized resort provides a mix of terrain suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The region receives over 300 inches of snow annually and has over 2,000 skiable acres, giving you plenty of room to explore. The resort also has gear rentals and lessons available, depending on your needs.
If you find yourself visiting in the warmer months, you can look forward to all sorts of hiking trails. Bear Creek Trail is particularly popular, sitting on the southern edge of town. The trail is fairly wide and is considered an easier path, leading to a beautiful waterfall. If you visit in the winter, you could use it for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, or even fat biking.
Take A Break In Telluride
You deserve a little break from the chaos, and a three-day weekend might be exactly the way to do so. Telluride makes that easy, with ski or hiking trails, resorts, a historic opera house, and cozy bakeries and brew pubs all within reach. The hotels and lodges help tie the whole experience together, giving you a place to truly unwind. So take a few days to slow down and reconnect with the parts of life that feel the most meaningful.
