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a feel good travel blog

7 Historical Sites in Telluride, Colorado

1/26/2022

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Formally known as Columbia, Telluride became an official city in 1878 as a mining camp, and at that time changed its name to Telluride. Prior to its mining history, the Natives and Spanish colonizers once lived  or traveled in this area as far back as the 1700's. After surviving the crash during the Depression era, decades later Telluride revamped its identity in the 1970's as a ski resort town. And from there the rest is history on it evolving into a billionaire playground for ski bums and rich folks alike. 

Here are seven historical sites to explore when in Telluride. 
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Telluride Historic District
When searching for historical sites and buildings, travelers will spend more of their time in the historic district of Telluride, which is chocked full of Victorian / Wild West architecture. This area expands about 12 blocks in length and eight blocks wide. The downtown became a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and still today boasts old-world Victorian charm. From shopping to cafes to restaurants, this is where many visitors spend much of their time roaming the streets in search of a souvenir or a bite to eat. While walking around, travelers will notice a variety of historical plaques to identify the history of that specific building, park or landmark. 

Telluride's Historic Landmarks, 1878-1913 from Telluride Historical Museum on Vimeo.

Telluride Historical Museum
History buffs and enthusiasts discover more about Telluride's past at the Telluride Historical Museum, which is located in the old hospital. The structure itself has quit a bit of history as it was once Hall's hospital that was built in 1896 and operated until 1964. The historical museum has operated out of here since 1966.

For a true sense of Telluride's past and a visual representation of Victorian mining life, this is a must visit place! 

201 West Gregory Avenue
Roma Bar Building
This is home to one of Tellurides most rowdy bars. Covid has changed the landscape for downtown businesses, some unable to remain open because of staffing shortages. But the interior of this bar/restaurant features the original 1860 Brunswich-Balke-Collender Company bar, which is carved from walnut with 12-foot French mirrors.
Location: Corner of Spruce and Colorado Avenue. 

Pekkarine Building 
This is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Telluride. This was once home to the Pekkarine family, an immigrant family from Finland who came in the late 1800s and opened a boot shop in the basement. The family lived on the top floor and later opened a mercantile shop on the second level. Many of their items were donated to the Telluride Historical Museum in the 1970's. 
Location: Corner of Oak and Colorado Avenue.
 
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New Sheridan Hotel + Opera House
Built in 1891, this was Telluride's first hotel that sadly burnt down in 1894. The structure was rebuilt with brick in 1895. During this time, the Sheridan Bar was built and is one of the oldest bars in the west that is still in operation. Antique enthusiasts would adore this bar with all the hand carved wooded panels and filigree light fixtures. The bar itself remains in it's original structure, and was a hand-carved cherry wood bar that was imported from Austria.
 In 1913, the opera house was added and named the Segerberg Opera House and so this block features the hotel, bar and opera house. 

Location: Corner of Colorado Avenue and Oak 

Town Hall
This building originated as Telluride's first school house in 1883. Similar to other Victorian school houses, this building featured one large open room that could fit 53 students and 1 teacher. Once the population outgrew this school house it later became the Town Hall building. 
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Location: Colorado Avenue in between Fir and Columbia Avenue
Saint Patrick's Catholic Church 
The history that cultivated this church seems like the scene from an old Wild West movie. Reverend J.J. Gibbons, pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church-made his first trip to Telluride from Ouray for a baptism, on horseback traversing through the slippery mountain passes.
 In 1896, he assisted in constructing  St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Telluride. Near the end of the century in 1899, the church had 200 members. The wooden figures seen at the church were handcrafted in the Tyrol region of Austria.  
Location: Corner of Spruce and Galena Avenue

Images courtesy of Pixabay 

What's your favorite historical site in Telluride? There's plenty of them to see and explore, enjoy! 

Let's Connect! 

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How to Spend a Day in the Town of Telluride, Colorado.

1/11/2022

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image courtesy of pixabay
Telluride, Colorado, a former Victorian mining town, is now a jet setters paradise for billionaire skiers and luxury golfers. No matter what your opinion is on the transformation of the city, Telluride is an exquisite mountain town chocked full of adventure as well as charm. Here are some things you must do and experience while in the downtown and Mountain Village areas of Telluride. 
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Telluride Historic District
This by far without a doubt is the most popular spot in Telluride. The original Victorian downtown located along the W Colorado Avenue, is the historic district of Telluride. This area expands about 12 blocks in length and eight blocks wide. The downtown became a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and still today boasts old-world Victorian charm. From shopping to cafes to restaurants, this is where many visitors spend much of their time roaming the streets in search of a souvenir or a bite to eat. 

For those who love books and tea, be sure to stop at the Between the Covers Bookstore + Espresso. The back of the shop features a cafe along with plenty of hand-crafted Colorado / west coast teas. If you're looking to try some local brews and maybe wash it down with a pizza, stop at the Hi-Pie Pizzeria and Taproom. This area contains some near 300 architectural buildings that are indicative of the original times, so be sure to set aside a couple of. hours exploring and dining in this area. 


Art galleries are an important aspect of any mountain town. Telluride features 19 galleries all hoping to attract art buyers since the town is chocked full of billionaires and rich folks that settled on this once-hippie-dominated enclave. Click here for a list of galleries to explore which place is for you. From modern art to mountain art, there is a gallery for every type of art enthusiast. 

Be sure to check websites before visiting the local businesses. COVID as well as a lack of available rent for mountain town employees have caused many businesses to close during this the last two years. 
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Free Gondola Ride 
For an incredible Birdseye view of Telluride and the Mountain Village, be sure to take the free 13-minute gondola ride, lifting riders up toward 10,500 feet in elevation. The gondola has a 1,750 foot change in elevation and runs daily from 6:30 am to midnight. 

The three main stations include:
  • Station Telluride (Oak Street) – access in Telluride.
  • Station St. Sophia (mid-mountain stop) – access to Allred’s Restaurant & Bar, The Ridge Club and ski resort trails and runs.
  • Station Mountain Village – access in Mountain Village.
  • Just across from Station Mountain Village, a shorter gondola stretch connects to Station Village Parking, where the free parking garage, Town Hall and the Mountain Market are located.
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Mountain Village
For what seems like a walk through a Swiss village, is actually a newer space of the Telluride community. Constructed in 1987, Mountain Village sits at nearly ten thousand feet in elevation within the 2,000 acres of the aspen forest, which is the gateway to the Uncompahgre National Forest. Mountain Village features a variety of luxury shopping and fine dining. Gondola plaza is the gateway to many unique green spaces, including an outdoor rock climbing wall.
 

Visit the Telluride Brewing Company for a taste of the local brew scene. For a truly unique Telluride experience, dine in one of the The Cabins, which are gondolas located in the main square during any time of the year. The Telluride Distilling Company Tasting Room is a cute and quaint vintage-chic bar that is known for its fresh housemade mixers and concoctions. 

Telluride Town Park
For a piece of nature that is not located far from town, visit this 36-acre lush park that is home to many seasonal music festivals and sporting events. It's located at the end of East Colorado Avenue, and is a a great green space to find the local
s. 
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What is your favorite way to spend an afternoon in Downtown Telluride? Let's Connect! 
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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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