By Allison Cohn
No one has to twist your arm and convince you to visit Telluride. It’s common knowledge that the mountain town’s outstanding beauty, renowned skiing and summertime music festivals are unrivaled. The former silver-mining camp, nestled between the towering San Juan mountains and punctuated by Bridal Veil Falls, has a colorful history—which contributes generously to its modern-day charm.
Telluride, named after the valuable ore compounds discovered there, was once only accessible by pack mules. Now Telluride’s Main Street, where Butch Cassidy once robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank in 1889, has a high concentration of independently owned boutiques, shops, eateries, watering holes and cafes. You won’t find any big box stores or chain restaurants in Telluride, oh no. A huge part of Telluride’s allure can be attributed to these locally owned gems, where you can support small business and enjoy the finery that they offer.
Scarpe
This clothing boutique started off selling just shoes in 1995, but now is chock full of sustainable and timeless (and extremely pricey) mountain chic wearables for men, women and children. From cashmere sweaters and rabbit fur boots to fancy beanies and leather totes, Scarpe carries all of the prettiest things from high quality brand-name designers. If you’re looking to treat yo’ self, this must be the place.
Picaya
This colorful and quirky shop specializes in eco-friendly, locally made, fair trade and recycled products. Picaya’s shelves are stocked with gifts and treasures, from bamboo coasters and alpaca wool blankets to cast iron tea cups and bronze statues. It’s one of those stores where you want to take your time, touching and inspecting (and sometimes smelling!) each item. Photo courtesy of Picaya’s Facebook page
Telluride Trappings & Toggery
This place is Telluride’s oldest retail store. When they opened their doors in 1972, Telluride Trappings & Toggery mostly peddled jeans and leather goods to the local hippies and cowboys. Now the shop caters to more of a sophisticated (yet practical) demographic, carrying brands like Smartwool, Ugg, Merrell, Frye and Free People.
Between the Covers Bookstore & High Alpine Coffee Bar
Focusing on organic, locally roasted coffee and sustainable products, High Alpine Coffee Bar not only provides yummy caffeine to the masses, but thoroughly perfumes its Siamese twin, Between the Covers. Between the Covers’ curated book collection includes everything from local authors to national best sellers and everything in between. The shop(s) host literary events and poetry series, and the bookstore also has a solid collection of boardgames, cards and journals for sale.
Apotheca
This place is a hybrid of traditional pharmacy and holistic care shop, offering natural products and herbs alongside of over-the-counter remedies. Telluride and the surrounding area has a rich collection of medicine makers and Apotheca sells lots of locally produced tinctures, oils and herbal supplements.
The Cowboy Coffee
This iconic green coffee cart is a Telluride staple and has been serving up java to both locals and visitors for over a decade, despite a few changes in ownership. Traditionally, it employed only female baristas, endearingly referred to as “cowgirls.” Cowboy Coffee is a full-service espresso bar that also serves smoothies, fresh baked pastries, San Pellegrino and coconut water in an efficient manner and always with a smile. The Coffee Cowboy, photo courtesy of The Coffee Cowboy’s Facebook page
New Sheridan Hotel & Bar
Since 1891, the Sheridan hotel has been providing cozy boarding for Telluride’s hardworking miners and passers-by. Alas, in 1894 the whole place burned to the ground and was rebuilt the following year as the New Sheridan (lesson learned: the Sheridan 2.0 model was made of brick). Telluride’s “newest, oldest” hotel has twenty six gorgeous, Victorian styled rooms (all which were renovated in 2008) for rent and is also home to the New Sheridan Bar, the town’s oldest drinking establishment. The New Sheridan truly embodies the soul and spirit Telluride, with over a century of local—and not so local—patronage.
There Bar
There is a tapas bar that tips its hat to Telluride’s cowboy heritage with its stunning decor, from the tin pressed ceiling to the cowhide benches and antique bottles lining the shelves. Its saloon doors and vintage accoutrements give it a historic vibe, but the menu gives away There’s modern (Asian influenced) twist. Since 2011, There has provided locals with a festive place to gather and mingle over signature cocktails and creative fare.
