In the Mountains of Colorado

Some of us are the type of people that love all things beach, while others are more of the mountainous kind. Some prefer their toes in the sand while others rather breathe in the crisp mountain air. We all have our preferences and both offer wonderful adventures and breathtaking views. Now I enjoy the beach and try to take a week now and then to go soak up the sun and simply relax in the sand listening to the sound of the waves, but mountains are more of my ideal scenery. There's something about mountains that just makes me feel like there's nothing wrong in the world and that I can be me without hesitation. Maybe it's because mountains are a constant reminder of how we are capable of standing tall and showing that no force can defeat us.

Last month we took a family trip to Colorado on a long-overdue ski trip. But unfortunately, we couldn't ski due to the lack of snow. But we didn't let that stop us from having some fun. We rented out a cabin up in Mountain Village, just on the other side of the mountain of Telluride. Now I have been to Colorado before but this was my first time to visit Telluride. Now, this is another one of the places you should be writing on your bucket list. This small town of roughly 2,000 residents will offer a refreshing and relaxing experience and is perfect if you're looking for a change of scenery or need to get out of the city. The people are very friendly and inviting, and there's plenty to do both in the summer and winter.

Mountain Village is more residential and doesn't have a whole lot to do, but it is still worth getting to know. The town center consists of restaurants and resorts at the foot of the ski slopes and really looks like a small European village during Christmas. For a moment I honestly felt like I was in a whole new world. The Hotel Madeline has a tiny ice skating rink which is a must. I was a little hesitant at first since I hadn't skated in over 12 years, but it was totally worth it, and apparently, I'm pretty good at it. Now the Town of Telluride is like something out of an old Disney movie. The houses look like adorable little dollhouses with white picket fences. The storefronts were all putting out their Christmas decorations and the little bit of snow there was made it all seem magical.

There is a variety of restaurants to try along with local bakeries and coffee shops. We went into one bookstore that was a booklover's paradise, Between the Covers Bookstore. This is the place every bookaholic dreams of, with shelves filled with books from the ground to the ceiling, and in the very back was a tiny coffee shop that was warm and inviting and had great coffee. This is the type of gem that mostly locals experience. Now one place you have to try is Telluride Truffle Inc. It's this tiny chocolate shop with some of the most delicious artisan chocolates I've had. Try the Timberline, it's to die for.

On the edge of town runs a river that has a trail alongside it that leads to the town park. With the banks covered in snow, it felt like a winter wonderland. If you enjoy long walks then I would recommend walking along the river's edge, with the sound of the water flowing you will be transported completely. And if you're the adventurous type you can take a trail up the mountain and who knows you may get lucky and see some elk.

I would highly recommend visiting these two places. There's really no good way to describe it, it's one of those places you just have to experience yourself because there are so many little things that make up these towns. It's each shop and the character each one adds. It's each unique house and how each one probably has a story. It's the people and the fact that in a way you feel at home. That's the beauty of it, which really I can't describe well for you to capture the whole picture, you just have to experience it for yourself. So whether you're looking for a place to hit the ski slopes, go on a good hike, or sit on the balcony sipping some hot chocolate, I'd say that this is definitely a place to do that.