If it’s a taste of historic Telluride you’re after, head to the recently renovated New Sheridan Hotel. Built in 1895, it blends Victorian charm with Egyptian cotton sheets and high-speed Internet. 

Beauty junkies unwind at Hotel Madeline’s Spa Linnea with nature-inspired treatments like the Twin Flower Body Renewal.

At boutique hotel Lumière in Mountain Village, plush rooms (hickory wood floors, handblown glass fixtures) have stellar mountain views.

Mexican food in alpine country sounds a bit iffy, but La Cocina de Luz gets it right with fresh, organic dishes like tamales de elote and chiles rellenos.

For a juicy rib-eye served 10,000 feet above sea level, take the free gondola up to mountaintop lodge Allred’s.

The town’s oldest (opened in 1976) and arguably most beloved bakery is famous for chocolate donuts, sourdough wheat pizza, and a down-home vibe.

Get a bird’s-eye tour of the San Juan mountain range in a sleek Stemme Motorglider, courtesy of Glider Bob.

Back on terra firma, hit the trails on horseback with Roudy (a real-life cowboy complete with spurs and handlebar ’stache).

With the streams teaming with trout, fall hook, line, and sinker for a Telluride Outside fly-fishing excursion.

The bad news? You missed the annual bluegrass and jazz fests. Better luck next summer. But you can still catch the Telluride Film Festival (September 2-5). The lineup remains under wraps until opening day, but it’s sure to include some heavy hitters (last year saw The King’s Speech and Carlos).

For music and/or beer lovers there’s the Blues & Brews Festival(September 16-18), which pairs headlining acts (Willie Nelson, The Flaming Lips) with regional suds (Amicas, Colorado Native).