We travelled to Telluride in Colarado with our 6 year old Kidsetter. Telluride, a former Victorian mining town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of a popular ski-and-golf resort. The town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing-arts venue originally built in 1913, and the Telluride Historical Museum, which showcases local history in a converted hospital built in 1896.
Staying at the Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place – Franz Klammer Lodge was a treat !
With a breathtaking setting in the San Juan National Forest surrounded by snow capped mountains and fall colours Telluride is simply heaven on earth. Nestled in the exclusive Telluride Mountain Village is this superb hotel.
Our first challenge was to find the entrance though. Tucked off Mountain Village Boulevard is a ramp with a door that you need to drive close to and open-sesame ! The valet staff were simply wonderful helping us with our luggage and directing us up to the concierge to plan dinner and other activities.
Once settled we took a short walk to the free gondola that whisks you high up into the mountains and then down into the ever-charming town of Telluride. You can take skis, bicycles and even your pet dog on the gondola or just enjoy the view; and what a view !
Upon arrival at the Telluride and Mountain Village our Kidsetter enjoyed meandering the stunning streets one minute venturing from playing with the autumn leaves and trees to the next diverging into quaint shops and discovering new and exciting treasures.
One shop in particular was a standout for our Kidsetter – Lustre Gallery. Located on Pine Street this gallery displays stunning works of art that are inspired by a love of nature. The gallery owner was ever so friendly and taught us about the local culture. Our Kidsetter was in his element as there were a few small dogs meandering about the store and to our Kidsetter’s surprise even allowed to lay on the jewellery display cabinets !
Embracing the American culture we ate dinner at the Pizzeria & Sport’s Bar on Main St. Telluride’s largest selection of Tap Beer and pizzas. Watching sport on the screen and eating pizza our Kidsetter certainly looked like a home grown cowboy !
The following day it was time experience the infamous Allred’s restaurant we had heard so much about. Allred’s offers a unique dining experience not found elsewhere in North America! We rode the gondola to the top of Station San Sophia. The restaurant sits at 10,551 feet boasting jaw-dropping views of the box canyon.
We were warmly greeted and taken to our table with the most amazing view over Telluride. With our 6-year-old Kidsetter in tow, the wait staff could not have been more welcoming and gave him a clever colouring and play pack with the kids menu.
As the colours outside shifted from oranges to reds and deep purple we dined on some delicious mains and deserts. This really was fine dining on top of the world.
Telluride is a wonderful place to share with your Kidsetter at any age and time of the year.
