Families looking for a weekend getaway or a fun-filled vacation will find more than they expected at Telluride and its close neighbor, Mountain Village. Located in the rugged San Juan Mountains about 7 hours from Denver, Telluride is best known for skiing during the winter and a host of activities during the summer and fall.
This was the first visit for my wife and I and we stayed at The Mountain Lodge in Mountain Village. A free gondola ride connects the two communities and provides for some spectacular views during the 13-miuntue trip. Mountain Lodge, managed by Destination Hotels and Resorts are individually owned vacation condos that are rented to the public during the various seasons. They offer many amenities including a pool that kids will love, fitness center, shuttle service, and beautifully adorned rooms with fireplaces and kitchens so families can have the option of sharing a meal together at home. They also offer senior packages in September and AARP discounts.
At 8,750 feet, Telluride is a throwback in time to an earlier era where miners dug for precious metals and the stout of heart carved out a living. Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here probably because escape in the mountains was relatively easy. Today, quaint retail shops and restaurants line the streets. The New Sheridan Hotel as been a fixture since 1895 and their Chop House restaurant is a must for hungry travelers. Hot sourdough bread, steaks and seafood are offered along with excellent service. Likewise, Rustico Ristorante provides true Italian cuisine including a vast selection of wines for adults and pizza for kids. My wife and I loved the food, ambiance and friendliness of the staff.
Other activities include bike riding (rent these at Telluride Sports), hiking, fishing, rafting, jeep tours, and Segway rides provided by Dave’s Mountain Tours (970) 728 9749. These little marvels counterbalance your every move, are a blast to operate and kids take to them quickly. Dave takes you all around Telluride like a mother duck with her chicks while providing commentary via headphones.