Colorado Mountain Living Telluride The Rockies: Colorado Mountain Living Telluride The Rockies
by maribeth
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Fall in Telluride: Riding the Gondola
Me Sightseeing on the Gondola
Boy, am I glad to be back! I’ve survived my technical difficulties and will try to catch up with my blog postings this week. (Give me a plume and a few sheets of parchment any day!)
If you think I appear somewhat like a Bond girl in the photo on the left, it’s because I’m riding the gondola that connects Telluride to Mountain Village. Yeah, I thought I’d go for more of a slick Europhile look here since a lot of people conjure up hair-raising scenes from a 007 flick when they first ride our gondola. Two systems builders, one from Salt Lake City, the other from Switzerland (not surprisingly!) collaborated to create this fine example of modern technology, a veritable air-born shuttle that spans three miles as it sails above the slopes at treetop height. A super green transportation choice that operates the better part of the year on wind-powered electricity, the gondola has greatly minimized the amount of air and noise pollution in Telluride while keeping vehicular traffic at a minimum. It always promises an exciting ride as well as safe delivery to the next station. Visions of heart-racing adventures become dashed when you learn that in the twelve years of its existence, only one evacuation was required and that was on the intercept gondola, the four-minute spit that goes between the core of Mountain Village to the parking area. (Rescuers do, however, regularly train for such missions, just in case.)
Colorado Mountain Living Telluride: best fall foliage tour Colorado fall foliage season Colorado peak leaf-peeping SW Colorado Telluride gondola Telluride Photo Festival
by maribeth
Comments Off on Fall in Colorado: A Most Colorful Time of Year
Fall in Colorado: A Most Colorful Time of Year
View from My Deck: First Day of Fall
Heading Out on My Walk
Along the Galloping Goose
Happy fall to all!
I am so excited about the beauty that surrounds me right now–the colors are really going off. As usual, it came upon us very fast and I see a change in the foliage every day. We’ve been spoiled with summertime temperatures the past week so in some ways, fall has taken us by surprise. At least that’s the case for me.
Good news is that according to the forecast, glorious Indian summer weather will continue to light up the leaves and our spirits for the upcoming ten days or so as we inch toward peak viewing times. (In truth, it’s typically gorgeous around here in southwest Colorado through mid October, especially if the mountains are frosted with fresh fallen snow.)
Beauty Colorado Hotels & Lodging Outdoor Adventures Shopping Telluride: Beauty Colorado Hotels & Lodging Outdoor Adventures Shopping Telluride
by maribeth
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Win a Fall Foliage Trip to Telluride, Colorado
Fall in Telluride, Colorado
Autumn in Telluride rates as one of my favorite times of the year. Since we’re located in southwestern Colorado, it’s typically sunny and warm during the day and cool and crisp at night. Known as the gold season, the aspens present a dazzling array of sunshine yellow, honey and maize while the brush, which flanks our mountainsides and carpets our valleys, turns into a rich showing of saffron, russet and ruby red.
The foliage typically peaks at the end of September, however, the scenery remains stunning here through mid October, especially if we’re blessed with a fresh dusting of snow on our breathtaking peaks. The big summer and festival crowds have gone home, so you can easily soak up the tranquility of our charming mountain destination and the outlying area whether you’re hiking, biking, fishing, jeeping, shopping, dining or just lolling on a nice deck.
Thanks to Mountain Lodge Telluride, the New Sheridan Chop House Restaurant, Paragon Outdoors/Bootdoctors and Salon 7, you can win a fabulous stay in Telluride, one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. (And that’s coming from a gal who lived eleven years in Paris.) Here’s what the trip includes:
Colorado Hotels & Lodging Telluride The Rockies Travel: Colorado Hotels & Lodging Telluride The Rockies Travel
by maribeth
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Great Fall Travel in the Rockies
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
Wow! What a week it has turned out to be! The colors are really going off here in Telluride and from what I hear, most of Colorado—especially at the higher elevations—is exploding with a spectacular show of gold, orange and even a bit of red (more unusual for the West). This autumnal festival of colors came upon us fast and furiously this year. Less than a week ago it was still very green and summer-like—come to think of it, it was summer.
I’d say we’re pretty much at peak now and all over you see people oohing and aahing about this extraordinary riot of colors which has arrived almost ten days early this year. I might go so far to say it’s the most beautiful fall foliage season I’ve seen yet in Colorado although in truth, I think we all tend to forget how drop-dead gorgeous it is here in the Rockies this time of year.
And I’m optimistic it’s going to be great way beyond peak. It hasn’t started snowing much yet. Aspen, Vail, Telluride and Beaver Creek—all the stunning high-mountain resorts—have been blessed with a few dustings, however, our autumn vistas are not yet backdropped by snow-capped peaks (another unusual occurrence for this time of year). This is when the fall foliage viewing really takes your breath away; sure, the snow knocks some of the leaves off the trees but it’s worth it to see the striking contrast of golden aspens flanking the mountainsides of bright-white peaks.
Colorado Mountain Living Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies: Colorado Mountain Living Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies
by maribeth
Comments Off on Fall in Colorado: October Snow Arrives with My Woolens and Ski Gear
Fall in Colorado: October Snow Arrives with My Woolens and Ski Gear
Snowy Bikes in Aspen
Woo hoo! It started snowing here in Colorado Tuesday night and the thrill is on. A big storm rolled in just as it’s supposed to—that’s to say in time for most of the leaves to be off the trees (at least at higher elevations) and about a month away from the opening of most major ski areas. It’s time for that white gold to start piling up here in the Rockies. And thankfully, it begins accumulating every year right about now. Our Halloweens are typically snowy as well as spooky.
Colorado Food & Wine Telluride The Rockies Travel: Colorado Food & Wine Telluride The Rockies Travel
by maribeth
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Welcoming Fall with a Feast and a Fine Wine
Scene from a Fall Hike in Telluride
It’s the weekend! And that means it’s time for me to uncork something special. I’m not talking about break-the-bank special—no, I mean something in the $10.-$15./bottle range. My sips during the week typically ring in at under $10./bottle, but I allow myself more of a splurge on the weekends. Hey, what can I say? I’m just a freelance writer. Fortunately I don’t drink a lot or else I’d really be feeling the pinch.
Concannon Crimson & Clover: Our Celebratory Wine
Last weekend my boyfriend and I said goodbye to summer and welcomed fall with a food and wine extravaganza that we’re still talking about. We feasted on heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad, a cornucopia of grilled veggies, hamburgers and the last of Olathe’s corn on the cob. (Yes, it was still sweet and delicious—not at all starchy.) It was all incredibly simple although I did jazz up the burgers by adding fresh ground pork, chopped garlic and Italian herbs and crushed red pepper—perfetto! (Don’t feel you have to cook the burgers to well done with the addition of the pork. You’ll survive just fine with pink and enjoy the juiciness of the flavorful combination of meats.)
We opened a bottle of 2009 Concannon Conservancy Crimson & Clover to accompany this fine meal, an excellent choice filled with the sort of complexity and depth you find in a much more pricey wine. We appreciated its lush blackberry and mocha notes even more at dessert when I served up my peach pie, a real delight made with our famous Colorado peaches. I’ve been a fan of Concannon vineyards for years, perhaps it’s because this vineyard, founded in 1883, was planted with Bordeaux grapevine cuttings. Maybe it’s the rich tradition of wine-making the Concannon family has been committed to for four generations. But first and foremost I’d say it’s because I consistently find an excellent price/quality relationship with all their wines. Read what I have to say about the Concannon Righteously Rosé at Summer Sipping.
All-in-all it was a memorable way to welcome autumn. We were especially happy that we had done a huge hike before sitting down to such a spread. I can’t wait to see what this weekend will bring, especially since it might be the last farmer’s market of the season for me. Buon Appetito!
Note that the fall foliage should be peaking this weekend throughout much of the Rockies, so get out there and enjoy colorful Colorado.
Faves
There’s nothing like someone providing firsthand recommendations for lodging and other travel services. It’s even better when those tips come from a travel writer.
Well, that travel writer is me! I’ve written four guidebooks on France and have traveled the world, so believe me when I say I’m very particular about where I choose to stay. A place has to have charm, warmth and a feel of its own. Luxury helps, too, but as long as a property possesses spirit and authenticity, then I’m apt to add it to my list as well. As far as the travel services are concerned, the product has to be top notch.
The below establishments and services now sponsor me in my endeavors. I discovered them first and made up my mind that these were the kind of travel suppliers I wanted to recommend to you, my dear reader. I do indeed consider them among my faves or favorites.
I encourage you to contact them directly for the best deals and feel free to mention BonjourColorado.com. Here’s an important travel tip: It’s a fallacy to think that you’re going to obtain the best deals on sites such as Expedia.com. Once again, it’s best to check out the property’s own site for the best rates and then even call them for a possible upgrade.
Happy travel planning!
COLORADO PROPERTIES
New Sheridan Hotel: A Real Gem
New Sheridan Hotel, Telluride
This Telluride landmark has served as the hub of T-ride for well more than a century. Definitely check out my story on this destination hotel here. It also includes reasons why Telluride is so great. I also mention the New Sheridan Hotel in Fall in Telluride: A Beautiful Time for Sightseeing and Winter Travel Planning, Filling in Nicely in Telluride: Snowstorm After Snowstorm, Colorado: A Stunning Place for Weddings, Grateful for Telluride and Telluride Ski Resort, June in the Rockies: A Gorgeous Time of the Year and Dealing with Altitude Issues at Our High Mountain Destinations. The terrific New Sheridan Chop House is reviewed in Favorite Telluride Restaurants. This stellar property and Ray Farnsworth, the New Sheridan’s GM, is featured in Telluride Tourism’s Top Dogs.
Mountain Lodge, Telluride
Mountain Lodge Pool Deck
Stay at this handsome lodge to experience luxury mountain living in Telluride. (Most of the units and all of their high-end cabins boast fully-equipped kitchens.) Located in Telluride’s Mountain Village, Mountain Lodge Telluride also offers great ski in/ski out access. There’s mention of Mountain Lodge Telluride in the following posts: Night out in Mountain Village, Togethering in the Rockies, Telluride’s Beauty Boutiques, Three Men, Three Telluride Mountain Village Restaurants, Great Rocky Mountain Decks: Spectacular Views Year-Round, Filling in Nicely in Telluride: Snowstorm After Snowstorm, Great Fall Travel in the Rockies, Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado, Colorado: A Stunning Place for Weddings, Chef Bud Creates an Elevated Dining Experience at Mountain Lodge Telluride, Grateful for Telluride and Telluride Ski Resort and Dealing with Altitude Issues at Our High Mountain Destinations. Steve Togni, Mountain Lodge’s GM and my beau, is highlighted in many of these stories, most notably Telluride Tourism’s Top Dogs.
The Peaks Spa: Where I Go to Relax
The Peaks Resort & Spa, Telluride
As one of the anchors of Telluride Mountain Village, locals and visitors alike enjoy experiencing The Peaks Resort & Spa year-round. I’m crazy about their spa and love the feel of their Palmyra Restaurant, a stunning showcase for panoramic views and fine culinary offerings. On a nice day—winter or summer—their expansive new deck is a must. Read about The Peaks at Telluride’s Ultra Luxe Mountain Spas, Spray Tanning: Bronzage in a Bottle, Great Rocky Mountain Decks: Spectacular Views Year-Round, Filling in Nicely in Telluride: Snowstorm After Snowstorm, Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado and Dipping, Dining and Viewing at The Peaks Resort & Spa.
Camel’s Garden, Telluride
Camel’s Garden on the Gondola Plaza
If you’re looking to stay in the historic town of Telluride and are perhaps in search of a condo-type unit, I recommend the Camel’s Garden. Situated at the base of the gondola, you can’t beat its central location. And since this fresh-faced property also operates as a hotel, you enjoy all the amenities offered by a fine place of lodging including in-house breakfast, concierge service and more. Read more about this boutique hotel at Camel’s Garden: A Telluride Favorite and Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort
Sheraton Steamboat Resort
There’s nothing like being right at the base of a ski mountain and at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort, that’s exactly where you’ll be. You can ski, hike and bike right out your door. Read Skiing Steamboat Powder and Bike Riding In and Around Our Beautiful Mountain Towns to find out what I have to say about Steamboat as a destination and this premier resort.
Cozying Up at the Redstone Inn
Redstone Inn, Redstone
Just fifty minutes outside of Aspen and nestled in some of the most unspoiled nature of Colorado, you’ll find the quaint town of Redstone with the Redstone Inn as its anchor. Read about this charming place of lodging in the stories Redstone Rendez-Vous and Bike Race Spectating, Colorado Touring, Book Promoting, Travel Adventures Galore Oh My.
Chipeta Sun Lodge: Southwestern Charm in the Rockies
Chipeta Sun Lodge, Ridgway
Conveniently located near Telluride and Ouray, Colorado, this Chipeta Sun Lodge provides the perfect base for experiencing the best of the San Juan Mountains. Chipeta also offers an affordable alternative to staying in Telluride and most of their units have been outfitted with kitchens. Be sure to check out Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa: Spirit of the the Southwest in the Rockies and Garden Love.
Gateway Canyons, Gateway
Southwestern Sensation Just Minutes from the Mountains
What kind of a retreat do you think would be created by the man who founded the Discovery Channel? A pretty, darn spectacular one, don’t you think? Gateway has become one of my favorite resorts in the West. Read what I have to say about it at Gateway Canyons: One Big Discovery, Going to Gateway, BBQ, Blues and Beauty at Gateway, Ferraris, Blues, Brews and the Rocky Mountains and Road Tripping in the Great American West.
Rochester Hotel, Durango
Rochester Hotel, Durango
A wagon train of western movies were made in and around Durango, Colorado and the Rochester Hotel pays tribute to many of them. I love this hotel, one of the coziest outposts in the West! Read more (and listen to a podcast) about Durango, the San Juan Skyway and the Western Movie Culture of the Four Corners Region here. The Rochester is also highlighted in On the Trail of Western Movie-Making in Colorado and Utah and Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: An American Treasure. Check out Sultry Summer Evenings at Durango’s Rochester Hotel to find out about some of their special events.
More Fine Colorado Hotels
For families visiting the lovely little mountain town of Ouray, I recommend Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs. Read about it at Our Ouray. You can also peruse my Colorado hotel category here.
UTAH PROPERTIES
Goulding’s Lodge, Monument Valley
Monument Valley
The Four Corners area is about a two-hour drive from Telluride, Colorado, my home base. Just a couple of hours beyond that, you find yourself at one of the most spectacular sites in the United States, Monument Valley. This historic lodge, trading post and museum is a must. Read what I have to say about Monument Valley and Goulding’s Lodge at Touring the Southwest with My Parents, On the Trail of Western Movie-Making Culture, The Lone Ranger Showcases Monument Valley, Southwest Colorado and More, Telluride, Monument Valley and the Oscars and Road Tripping in the Great American West.
Hotel Monaco, Salt Lake City
Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
The place to stay in SLC, you’re always guaranteed a fun time at this swanky hotel. Dogs love the Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, too, as you can tell from my story Dogs on Vacation.
OTHER U.S. HOTELS
If you’re headed to Washington, D.C., be sure to experience—even just for a drink—The Fairfax at Embassy Row. I feature it and its renowned restaurant, The Jockey Club Restaurant & Lounge, in The Elegance of Paris in Our Nation’s Capital: The Fairfax at Embassy Row.
Check out my Hotel category for many other lovely establishments around the world.
MORE TRAVEL SUPPLIERS AND EVENTS
Gorgeous Golfing at Telluride Ski & Golf
Telluride Ski & Golf
As a travel writer that lives in Telluride and more than moonlights as a ski instructor at the Telluride Ski Resort, I’ve posted a gazillion stories on this blog that highlight Telluride Ski & Golf. Here are just a handful of them: Grateful for Telluride and Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride, Forbes and Me, Girl Power Extraordinaire: Women from the Telluride Ski & Snowboard School, Part One, Skiing with Rock Stars: Schussing with Telluride’s Synchronized Ski Teams, Reflections on My Ten Years as a Ski Instructor, More Expert Ski and Snowboard Instruction and Fun in Telluride, Teaching, Training and Torchlighting with the Telluride Ski & Snowboard School, Telluride Ski Resort Opening Weekend: A Great Kickoff to the Season, Ski Fever, All in the Day of a Ski Instructor, Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado, Telluride Women’s Weeks 2015, Telluride Women’s Week: Skiing and Fun for the Ladies, Talking about Telluride Ski and Snowboard School, Why Telluride, Playing Tourist in Telluride, Snowboardcross World Cup: Telluride Goes International, Family Fun Facilitators. By now you should gather that I think a visit to Telluride, Colorado should be tops on your list.
Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors
Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors
As a ski instructor and outdoor enthusiast, you can bet I have favorite shops and outfitters here in Telluride. Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors, a beloved choice by locals and visitors alike, keeps us active types properly suited up and geared out all year long. And they actually guide us to the fun here in southwestern Colorado. Read my story Spring Skiing, Spring Shopping to find out how they got me hooked up with great skis. Check out Bootdoctors Offers Further Adventures and Bike Riding in and Around Our Beautiful Mountain Towns to hear about their summer doings. Read The Look on the Slopes: Early Ski Season 2013-2014 to find out about their fantastic array of fashions and Finding Happy Feet at Bootdoctors to learn about the magic they can work on your feet and Grateful for Telluride and the Telluride Ski Resort to find out how much they’re loved by us locals.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival: The Place to be Mid-September
You have to experience a Telluride festival at least once in your life. And if you’re like most people, once you take in one of our renowned gatherings in our pristine mountain setting, you’ll be back again for more. Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is one of the best, especially since it takes place during the golden season of late summer, usually the third weekend on September. Read Always on My Mind: Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and Willie Nelson, Telluride Blues & Brews Promises More Fun than Ever this Year, Film, Blues & Brews, Telluride Makes Saying Goodbye to Summer Easy and KOTO Broadcasts the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival to All. Listen to my interview with the founder of this festival at Steve Gumble Brings Us Telluride Blues & Brews and More.
One of Au Château’s Many Grand Properties
au Château
What could be more dreamy than staying in the French countryside in a centuries-old château? You can find just the place suited to your taste and itinerary at au Château. Read what I have to say about this wonderful lodging experience at Oh Château Life!
TLC from Medjet Assist
Medjet Assist
Do not leave home without it, especially if you’re an active person! I’ve obtained a special 10% discount for BonjourColorado.com readers so if something not-so good happens to you while you’re away, you’ll be taken care of with much TLC. Click here to find out more and to sign up; note that prices have already been discounted for you by 10%. Read my story and listen to the podcast here.
Fine China
Imperial Tours
Thinking about taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip to China? Or maybe you want to go back to this fascinating land to take a closer look at perhaps the gumdrop mountains of Guilin or the brave faces of the Terracotta Warriors. The main thing is to do it right and whether you’re interested in a private or group tour, you’re sure to do it in style with Imperial Tours. Check out my story Touring China: Imperial Allure. There you can also listen to a podcast that provides lots of information about travel to China. Read Imperial Shopping to China to find out about a special shopping trip.
