Telluride is the antidote to New York City.
Written: Nov 13 '99 (Updated Nov 13 '99)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Scenery, atmosphere, people, variety of activities.
Cons: It's all good!
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| illuminatrix's Full Review: Telluride |
While some of Telluride's locals may refer to their little mountain haven as "Deprivation Valley", that's precisely why I love it so.
Just getting to Telluride is half the fun: Fly into Denver and take a short United Express flight to Montrose, then drive another hour and a half up into the mountains to Telluride - or get one of the very few flights from Denver right into Telluride's small municipal airport. The flight is so breathtaking, the scenery below so stunning, that when the narrow airstrip suddenly appears below, it's always just a few minutes too soon.
The famed Telluride Bluegrass Festival was my first occasion to visit this little piece of heaven, and even teeming with 16,000 "Festivarians", its effect wasn't lost. The little town of Telluride consists of barely more than a single street: Colorado Avenue, commonly referred to as Main Street. Main Street ends in a dead end at the far end of town, near the base of the stunning Ingram Falls, so Telluride really is the "end of the road". (Those unfamiliar with the layout of town are the ones who speed through as if they've actually somewhere to go. The locals observe Main Street's 15 mph speed limit, all the better to stop and say hello to friends hanging out in front of the Bean.)
How can you not love a town whose clock on Main Street perpetually reads 4:20? That leaves long strings of Tibetan prayer flags flying all year 'round? That sponsors an annual "Nothing Festival" just for the locals, to counter the year-round schedule of festivals that regularly raise the town's population several times beyond the 2,000 that actually live there?
Ski season in Telluride is one of the country's best, to be sure, but don't forget the off-season. The town is quieter, the slopes greener, but the scenery no less lovely. Hike up Bear Creek, or ride the (free) gondola up to Mountain Village and take the long way down. Make a day trip to nearby Ouray or Rico for soothing hot springs or old mining-town atmosphere. Enjoy a few nights with new friends in small-town bars like O'Bannon's or the Silver Dollar Saloon (the latter is better known as "the Buck"). World-class musicians (frequently of the bluegrass/newgrass variety) are booked regularly into Telluride's historic Sheridan Opera House or the nearby Rico Theater.
Festivals throughout the year include the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the Wine Festival, MountainFilm, Blues & Brews, the Telluride Film Festival, and the Mushroom Festival.
I'll admit, I'm biased: My sister lives in Telluride. I've fallen completely in love with the town and its people during my visits. The residents are Telluride's real treasure. For the most part, they've all chosen to be there, refugees from New York, Knoxville, Minneapolis or Mayberry. They just might know something the rest of us don't -- but we can share it with them for a few days, and it's certainly worth the trip.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
illuminatrix
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Location: New York City
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 27 members
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