Telluride was hands down my favorite town we visited during our Colorado trip! This gorgeous mountain town offers breathtaking views of the Rockies, a vibrant downtown filled with great shopping and dining, and a picturesque river running right through it. Once a Victorian-era mining town, Telluride gave me major Aspen vibes—but with a much more laid-back, welcoming feel. I’d love to come back one day with our family and stay for a few days to soak it all in. In this blog post, I’m excited to share where we ate, shopped, and what we explored during our time in Telluride!

Where To Shop

Crossbow

Custom hat bars have become quite popular in Colorado, but Crossbow truly stands out. This unique shop offers an incredible selection of handcrafted leather goods, custom hats, and artisan western wear—all with a distinctly elevated, authentic vibe. Their stunning hat bar immediately caught my eye, but what really added to the charm were the antique display pieces, which gave the store a nostalgic Old West feel. They also had a great selection of stylish, on-trend clothing that I couldn’t help but browse!

Hook Telluride

This unique, independently owned gift shop had an incredible selection of home décor, gifts, and more! I especially loved the subtle vintage ski vibes throughout the store—a perfect nod to the area’s rich skiing heritage. Hook Telluride had the most beautiful ceramics, perfumes, and candles that Andrew and I couldn’t get enough of. There’s truly something for everyone here, making it a must-visit while you’re in town!

Over The Moon

If you love gourmet foods as much as we do, then a stop at Over The Moon is a must. This charming, independently owned market is full of delicious specialty items—from artisan cheeses and small-batch sauces to unique pantry staples. Beyond the food, they also offer a beautifully curated selection of lifestyle goods like handwoven shopping baskets, luxe skincare, and stylish home décor. Everything felt high-end, thoughtfully chosen, and totally irresistible—I was completely obsessed! It’s the kind of place where you go in for a snack and leave with a bag full of treasures.

Atelier

Atelier is a working studio, gallery, and boutique located in the heart of downtown Telluride, offering a thoughtfully curated collection of sustainable home décor, handcrafted furniture, artisan jewelry, and wearable textiles from around the world. The space itself has an almost Victorian charm, with beautifully styled displays that echo the rich history of Telluride’s Victorian-era roots. It’s a truly unique shop—and absolutely worth popping into while you’re in town!

Where To Eat

The Telluride Company

I overheard a local say this was the best coffee spot in Telluride, so naturally, we had to stop by for an afternoon latte—and it did not disappoint! The Telluride Company featured funky, modern interiors with a subtle Art Deco vibe that I absolutely loved. One of the coolest aspects of the space was that it was shared with a contemporary art gallery, giving the entire place a creative, eclectic energy. There was plenty of cozy indoor seating, along with a spacious patio perfect for outdoor gatherings. And of course, the coffee was just as amazing as I’d hoped!

The Butcher & The Baker

If you love baked goods as much as I do, then this spot is a must-visit! The Butcher & The Baker is a beloved local favorite, known for its organic, homemade staples and irresistible pastries. I couldn’t believe how long the line was—always a good sign when you’re on the hunt for something truly delicious. From flaky croissants to hearty breakfast sandwiches, everything looked (and smelled) amazing. It’s also the perfect brunch destination, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, plus gorgeous mountain views to enjoy while you dine and sip your coffee.

Lunch Money

We stumbled upon this charming local eatery tucked just off the main street in downtown Telluride, and it immediately caught our eye. As we browsed their selection of quick, healthy takeaway options, a local walked in to grab their usual and told us that Lunch Money had the best on-the-go salads and sandwiches in town. That was all the convincing we needed! We picked up a few delicious items—including a fresh grain bowl and a turkey sandwich—and made our way to the river for a relaxed picnic with a view. It ended up being one of our favorite, most peaceful moments of the trip.

What To Do

San Miguel River

One of my favorite moments from our Colorado trip was having a picnic by the San Miguel River in Telluride. After picking up our takeaway lunch from Lunch Money, we took a short, 5-minute walk from downtown to access the scenic trail that runs alongside the river. The path was buzzing with people out for strolls, soaking in the fresh air and stunning mountain views. We found the perfect spot to enjoy our lunch, then wandered along the stream with Sage, taking in the peaceful surroundings. A kind local even offered to snap a family photo for us, with the breathtaking mountain landscape as our backdrop. The sunshine was warm, the water was crystal clear, and the whole experience felt like something out of a postcard.

Historic Downtown Telluride

We only had a day to explore Telluride—otherwise, our itinerary would’ve been packed—but if there’s one thing you must do, it’s stroll every street of the beautiful, historic downtown. There’s something interesting around every corner, from preserved old buildings and vibrant murals to unique eateries and one-of-a-kind shops. One of my favorite finds was the mural on the side of the old Telluride Transfer Warehouse—it really captured the town’s creative spirit. We even wandered through the nearby neighborhoods just to admire the charming historic homes. If we could afford it, we’d move here in a heartbeat!

XOXO