These 8 Towns in The Rockies Have Bustling Main Streets
The towering Rocky Mountains stretch from British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the United States. Small, peaceful communities dot the hidden valleys at the foot of the mountains.
While many towns in the “Rockies” fell victim to the boom-and-bust mining industry, several saw the potential in the magnificence of the mountains and revitalized their sleepy historic downtowns to create thriving tourist destinations. These eight towns in the Rockies have bustling main streets.
Laramie, Wyoming
Lovely Laramie, Wyoming, offers a rare combination of college town with a dash of art, music, and food scene flair. The result is a Rocky Mountain gem with mass appeal. The town's animated spirit spills onto a collection of murals featuring the colorful works of local artists. A pedestrian footbridge near the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot offers a view of Laramie’s downtown, which is busy with people enjoying the many shops and restaurants.
You'd better wear your walking shoes if you plan to shop, with everything from antiques and quirky finds at The Bent & Rusty, one-off art at Works of Wyoming, great reads at Second Story Bookstore, and the fashionable Sensuous She.
Refuel for lunch at Lovejoy’s Bar & Grill, the former home of the historic Johnson’s Hotel. Then explore the town’s history, including the site of a notorious triple hanging and the oldest standing bar in town, Buckhorn Bar & Parlor. The Buckhorn is central to the town’s spirited nightlife and a true Wyoming experience.
The Cowboy Saloon’s infectious country and western music is sure to get you on the dance floor. A selection of local brewpubs, such as the popular foodie destination Altitude Chophouse & Brewery, offer a more chill experience, sampling an assortment of craft beers and tempting menus.
Of course, a trip to the Rockies calls for natural encounters, whether you scale Vedauwoo and Happy Jack rocks at Medicine Bow National Forest or explore 600,000 acres of unspoiled natural beauty at The Snowy Range.
Kalispell, Montana
Kalispell is located in Montana’s lush Flathead Valley. As one would expect, it is an outdoor paradise, just 10 minutes from Lone Pine State Park. The town’s 7.5 miles of multipurpose trails are ready for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding, and breathtaking mountain views can be spotted from the peaceful forested terrain.
The downtown core is humming with shoppers, diners, and locals going about their daily business. Discover your greatest vintage find at an assortment of thrifting boutiques and antique shops, including Swappers, Goldrush Pawn Company, First National Pawn, and Flathead Industries. Housed in an 1896 opera house, popular downtown destination Western Outdoor is a Montana goldmine for western-style boots, hats, and endless racks of authentic western clothing.
The town's history unfolds in its museums and buildings dating back to the late 1890s and early 1900s. The Northwest Montana History Museum explores American Indian history, Glacier National Park, and northwest Montana, while the Conrad Mansion Museum tours a town founder’s home. The historic Carnegie Library is home to the Glacier Art Museum and collections by renowned artists including O.C. Seltzer, Jeanne Hamilton, and Gary Schultz.
This part of the Rockies is known for its locally sourced bison and beef, including award-winning steaks at Mercantile Steaks, or “The Merc.” However, a number of micro watering holes might surprise you. Local craft brews at Bias Brewing are the perfect accompaniment for the casual fare served at their eatery, Heck’s Kitchen, while SunRift Beer Company is all about the beer. Small-batch wines and creative shareable eats await at Waters Edge Winery, where grapes sourced from notable wine regions are transformed into unique Flathead Valley vintages.
Helena, Montana
Helena is Montana’s capital city, located between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The dynamic downtown area is a popular spot for visitors traveling from one National Park to another. Head to downtown Helena’s historic walking mall, The Last Chance Gulch, to wander the art galleries, clothing boutiques, gift shops, entertainment venues, and popular destinations on the local food and wine scene.
Beer lovers have endless craft beer options in town, including Lewis & Clark Brewery’s taproom, Blackfoot River’s handcrafted beers and cider, and Ten Mile Creek’s pizza and beer on tap. However, beer is not the only tippler’s treat in town. Gulch Distillers is the local micro-distillery offering vodka, gin, and spiced rum cocktails concocted by clever mixologists in the charming historic Montana Distillery and Bottling Warehouse.
The Holder Museum of Art is a 17,000-square-foot gallery located in a renovated historic industrial building that features varied contemporary and historical art media. Local creativity thrives at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts just outside of town, where pre-war industrial buildings, old brick kilns, and eclectic outbuildings present an unusual way to encounter oddly beautiful artistic finds.
Just a mile from Helena’s historic Walking Mall is Mount Helena City Park, ideal for peaceful hikes, invigorating mountain biking, valley scenery, and views of town. Load up on brunch at The Hopper Kitchen & Market before heading to the hills, and replenish yourself after a day of activity with Old Salt Outpost’s tasty burgers.
Jackson, Wyoming
Although Jackson is Wyoming’s “slow travel” destination, where endless experiences call for unhurried exploration, the pulse of its vibrant downtown is distinctly energetic.
The Jackson Hole valley is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Grand Teton National Park, located between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. As a result, this wild western country is filled with wildlife-inspired art. The artistic community has displayed the works of artists such as Frederic Remington, Albert Bierstadt, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. The town’s premier gallery, Trailside, is just half a block away from the town square, a hub for local studios and galleries. The National Museum of Wildlife Art’s inspired outdoor trail features life-sized animal sculptures, permanent natural wildlife collections, changing exhibits, and the unmatched work of Mother Nature at the National Elk Refuge.
Shop the diverse boutiques at Jackson’s Town Square and historic Gaslight Alley. Boyer and Two Grey Hills boutiques offer authentic Zuni and Navajo pieces. Test your resolve at Yippy I-O Candy Co. and Mursell’s Sweet Shop to see if you can resist trying at least one sweet treat. Wyoming-inspired fashions include activewear at Stio, leather gloves at Give’r, and hats at JW Bennett.
Whether it is breakfast at The Bunnery Restaurant & Bakery, lunch and craft beer at Snake River Brewing, or locally ranched meats and game at Local, Jackson invites you to pull up a chair to experience extraordinary meals.
The town’s dance card is always full by sundown when the sounds of twanging guitars and the stomp of dusty cowboy boots kick off a night of western dancing. Even the shyest wallflower cannot resist the contagious music at the historic Wort Hotel and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
Park City, Utah
After playing a significant role in the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City, Utah, found its rightful place on the go-to Rockies destination map. Today, the legacy continues in a town with Alpine-like vistas and a bubbly historic downtown overflowing with boutiques, eateries, and galleries.
The town’s mining boom left behind historic sites, including the Spiro Tunnel at Silver Star and original headframes and industrial buildings at Silver King, Thaynes, and Daly West. The Park City Museum on Main Street explores the varied aspects of the town’s history.
Hikers can also take the Mother Urban trail past the Town Lift, tramway towers, and abandoned mine shafts. For a less industrial hike, the Silver Lake Trail offers exquisite views of the Jordanelle Reservoir and the Uinta Mountains.
The historic main street’s “false front” buildings with colorful clapboard facades exude western aesthetics with an energetic ambience that stimulates your inner shopping addict. A surprising number of art galleries seem to dominate the main strip, from Old Towne Gallery to ArtWorks Park City, Park City Fine Art, and Art Elevated. However, snuggled between studios and art collections sit the shelves at Dolly’s Bookstore and Atticus Coffee & Teahouse, the collection of handcrafted Native American fine jewelry and art at Tanner Trading, and fashion-forward selections at Chammomile, Gorsuch, and Olive + Tweed.
Stop in for lunch at Top of Main Brew Pub to sample craft beer and stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. If you prefer drinks and lively conversation, Alpine Distilling Social Aid and Pleasure Club's lounge is known for its artisanal cocktail menu. Rub elbows with the locals at the No Name Saloon, gobbling down their famous Buffalo Burger, or treat yourself to an elite experience at what is rumored to be one of North America’s top culinary destinations, Riverhorse on Main.
Breckenridge, Colorado
“The Breck” is a Colorado mountain town and popular ski destination at the base of the Tenmile Range. The towering Alpine terrain is home to the highest chairlift in North America, but there is far more to Breckenridge than skiing. The rivers and streams in the White River National Forest attract fly fishers, white river rafters, and stand-up paddlers, while miles of scenic trails are hiking and mountain biking central.
Downtown offers an intriguing twist on Breckenridge’s storied history, from a refined English Tea at a Victorian historic home to the town’s bawdy side, touring the red-light district and tasting spirits at an award-winning distillery. There are also museums to explore, including the historic homes, stores, and mines at the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum, Washington Mine and Milling Exhibit, and High Line Railroad Park.
Breckenridge’s innovative retailers offer unexpected experiences, including Rocky Mountain Underground. This eclectic ski shop sets itself apart in a ski destination town with a tavern serving beer, cocktails, and food; live demonstrations on their ski press; and, of course, a selection of ski apparel, gear, and services.
Wandering Daisy is another unique experience known not only for its crafty finds but also for its Thursday night romance book club and artist pop-ups. If romance is not your genre, Old Man Berkins bookstore focuses on classics and non-fiction.
The après-ski culture is at the heart of the town’s food and drink scene. Hungry hops enthusiasts head to the historic mining cabin, The Canteen Tap House and Taven, for comfort food and Colorado beer on draft, or grab half-price pizza and drinks at Sauce on the Maggie. The fancy crowd gathers at The Hearthstone for small plates and cocktails.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, is at the southernmost tip of the Rockies, sheltered by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Hiking trails in the Rio Grande Gorge, Wheeler Peak, and Carson National Forest cross a vast and varied landscape, from canyons to mountains and forests to mesas.
The muted peachy tones of the adobe-style buildings and iconic wood “vigas” of the “portales” covered walkways offer an authentic New Mexico aesthetic. The shops, eateries, cafés, and galleries face a shaded plaza with benches and a gazebo offering a cool place to rest after a morning of exploring.
The Couse-Sharp Historic Site includes the homes, studios, and gardens of renowned American artists E.I. Couse and J.H. Sharp. The site includes well-preserved period furnishings and art collections, combining cultural and historic experiences. Other town historic sites include the San Francisco de Asís adobe church, built in the early 1800s, and the iconic Hotel La Fonda de Taos, housed in the original mercantile store built in 1820. The hotel’s “D. H. Lawrence Forbidden Art” collection features nine oil paintings confiscated by London police for their “obscene” subject matter.
The 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblo is a breathtaking ancient dwelling located 3 miles from Taos Plaza. The adobe structure is a living world heritage site with ancient multi-story dwellings reached by wooden ladders.
Native and Spanish cultures are major influences in the town’s local shops, including Camino Real Imports for Mexican and South American finds, Buffalo Dancer for traditional Native American Jewelry, Casa Cristal Pottery for works from Mexican and Navajo artists, and innovative native fashions at Sky-Eagle Collection Fashion House.
Taos Mesa Brewing specializes in artisan brews and wood-fired pizza, while Taos Ale House is known for its craft beer and green chili burgers. Both also host local live music events.
Northern New Mexico cuisine abounds in Taos, with popular spots including Ranchos Plaza Grill for sopapillas and blue corn enchiladas and Michael’s Kitchen for Frito pies. Start your day with classic huevos rancheros at Bent Street Deli and end it with dinner at the very chic Lambert’s of Taos.
Vail, Colorado
Vail is at the heart of Colorado’s ski scene. The Gore Mountain Range’s rugged mountains to the northeast and the misleadingly gentle slopes of the Sawatch Range to the southwest create a dramatic backdrop for this magical Rockies town.
Vail is unique in that it has the Vail Village downtown area and an open-air market designed for foot traffic at Lionshead Village. From fashion to art and souvenirs to outfitters, chances are you will need a long rest after your shopping spree.
Look up when sauntering the streets to spot the town's charming clock and bell towers. From the charming Bavarian Maiden Bell Tower atop La Tour restaurant to the iconic Vail clock tower overlooking the quaint covered bridge at Gore Creek and the Arrabelle clock tower at Vail Square, the towers complete the town’s Tyrolean-inspired architecture.
For active visitors, the Berry Picker, Pitkin Creek, and North Trails wind through the picturesque landscape, while Gondola One or the Eagle Bahn Gondola offer panoramic mountain views. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a rambling, high-altitude botanical wonder with enchanting scenery at every turn.
Both Lionshead and Vail Village are peppered with over 60 art pieces where you might encounter Einstein on a bench, ski jumpers frozen in mid-air, a child reading with his dog, or majestic wildlife captured in bronze. Public spaces are also adorned with murals painted by renowned Coloradan artists.
Vail’s food scene is all about complete contentment, from the low lighting and warm ambiance at Mountain Standard to food made with love at La Nonna Ristorante. The red leather booths at The Little Diner invite you to sink in and enjoy fresh-flipped pancakes for breakfast, while nothing is more heartwarming than the cheesy fondue or hearty goulash at Alpenrose’s Alpine hideaway.
Exploring the splendor of the Rockies should include intriguing stops along the way where you can relax over drinks, take in the views, shop for souvenirs, sample the local cuisine, or discover the talent of local artists. Whether you are planning a road trip, weekend getaway, or a week or two of relaxation, these eight towns are brimming with Rocky Mountain energy.
