Festivarians Unite for Telluride Bluegrass

Where can you find a banjo, festivarians, and John Fogerty? This trifecta can only be found at the annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival by Planet Bluegrass.  Now in its 36th year, this four-day festival is rich in history, both musical and otherwise. Starting with only 100 participants in 1974, it now draws 11,000 people each year to Telluride.  This year the entire festival sold out in early February. 

Although traditionally the festival focuses on bluegrass music, it often features music from a variety of genres. Notable performers have included Johnny Cash, Robert Plant, Dixie Chicks, Lyle Lovett, Counting Crows, and many more.  Beyond the amazing line-up each year, there is a palpable celebratory spirit in the air that's propagated year-round by festivarians.

What are festivarians you ask?
fes·ti·var·i·an (noun) 1. One who engages in music-related celebration, esp. in beautiful outdoor settings. 2. One who is not afraid of the elements, nor tarp lines at shows and will sacrifice family heirlooms for a live recording of Sam Bush's latest set. 3. One exhibiting extreme intelligence, compassion, and a fondness for good beer. (adj) 1. Of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival; festive.

The festivals only last a few days, but the festivarian community is alive and helps you to reconnect with someone you met at last year's festival or a festival ten years ago.  So join us, the festivarians, and celebrate summer solstice in bluegrass style.

Telluride: The Ultimate Family Vacation Spot

A Telluride Colorado family vacation can be great anytime of year, not just in skiing season. A small historic mining town in the 1800s, Telluride has retained its small mountain town charm but is bursting with once in a life time experiences for your family.

At an elevation of 8,700 feet, Telluride has a mild climate, with low humidity and moderate temperatures creating an ideal setting for hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf and river sports. If you're looking for adventure, then check out Telluride Outside. They offer five exciting adventures: fly fishing, 4-WD tours, whitewater rafting, mountain bike tours and photography tours.   Or go on a horseback riding with Ride with Roudy.  They offer custom pack trips or even overnight adventures into the wilderness.

Families can also enjoy many free activities and attractions in Telluride. 

• Gondola Ride: Catch a ride on the free Gondola that connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. Open during ski season and the summer from 7am to Midnight, this scenic ride is a must do. The short, 11 minute ride will leave you speechless as you’re surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks.
• San Sophia Nature Center – At the top of the gondola, visitors can walk to the center, open daily, to learn about hiking and biking trails, weather expectations and local ecosystems. The center also features native wildlife education, children’s nature activities and crafts, and guided interpretive hikes exploring Telluride’s natural flora and fauna.
• RiverTrail walk – Located in town, the RiverTrail is a popular path for both locals and tourists trying to take the scenic route. Stretching along the San Miguel River, this is a beautiful trail that connects the East and West ends of town.
• Telluride Historical Museum - Cozy, intimate and filled with stories, the museum has displays of the mining history of Telluride from the boom days. Located in Telluride, three blocks north from Colorado Avenue on Fir Street, the museum is closed on Mondays. (970.728.3344)
• Telluride Town Park - Town Park is the center of all things fun in the summer. Find the trout pond—where fishing by kids is encouraged—along with the skate park, Imagination Station, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, disc golf course, an outdoor swimming pool and camping sites right on the river.

As a result of its location in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Telluride is an ideal region for year-round family vacations. From nature trails that start right near the New Sheridan to a scenic gondola tour, you are bound to hit upon the perfect activities to make your visit memorable.