When walking around the cute and charming town, the unparalleled 360 degree views surround with incredible outdoor adventure at your fingertips.  There are no traffic lights or high-rise buildings.  The storefronts are colorful depicting the old mining days.  Locally owned stores and restaurants will invite you in to check out the quaint and fun ambiance of decor.  While this notation might presume lack of options, there is no shortage or restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and coffee shops.  The town is quite lively and the locals are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Crested Butte Mountain is known for some of the best lift-served skiing in the nation.  While the terrain is great for every skier type (beginner to extreme), the options for extreme terrain are noteworthy within the industry.  Crested Butte is also home to the first winter X Games and hosts an array of events year-round that usually entail costumes, bikes, skis and good cheer. 

Even if you are not a skier or snowboarder, there is so many other fun winter activities to participate in at Crested Butte.  There is about 1.7 acres of National Forest for snowshoeing, fat biking, cross country skiing and scenic drives to enjoy.

Put Crested Butte on your list of vacations this winter.  The snow continues to fall making it truly a winter wonderland town and mountain to explore.

The post The Gem Crested Butte Is appeared first on Crested Butte.

Meander the street as you delight in the unique shops where local treasures can be found.  Artists have their work on display ranging from photography to glass jewelry.  Popping in and out of the shops with an indulging stop at the Princess Wine Bar makes for a fun afternoon or evening.  Check out dining prior to your evening and make a reservation at one of the many restaurants on Elk Avenue.  

I spent my honeymoon dining at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle (located at 411 3rd Street, just 1/2 block south of Elk Avenue).  The Italian flavors paired with outstanding wine made for a perfect meal.  The ambiance was white table cloth, but not overly fancy and had a very comfortable, casual feel.  Perfect for a special night out with my love. Another favorite is an Asian restaurant called Ryce Asian Bistro.  Located in a cute building on mainstreet with a charming ambiance.  The menu featured a variety of Chinese and Thai cuisine. 

Photo:  Ryce Asian Bistro

For breakfast we dined at Paradise Café, also located on Elk Avenue.  The food was good, but the draw of the restaurant is the fun and friendly atmosphere.  The ambiance resembles a beach café feel with bright colors of birds and palm trees.  While that may seem out of character for a Colorado mountain town, it was quite fun and the staff were extremely friendly.  It was such a great experience that we dined there two days in a row.

Lastly, definitely add Camp 4 Coffee on your breakfast list.  It is a true Crested Butte gem that people all over the world have become familiarized with due to being ranked one of the best coffee shops in Colorado.  Camp 4 Coffee is located downtown in a cute cabin bungalow covered with license plates from around the country.  The owners take pride in the purity of their coffee which is roasted by hand, not a machine.  The vibe inside is a cozy mountain eclectic scene.

Photo:  Camp 4 Coffee in downtown Crested Butte.

Enjoy the simplicity of downtown Crested Butte and be sure to explore the charming shops and restaurants that make Crested Butte a unique, one-of-a-kind mountain town.

The post Elk Avenue; A Colorful and Victorian Charm appeared first on Crested Butte.