There’s something about finding a cozy coffee shop in the heart of a mountain town that makes any trip feel complete. These local gems offer more than caffeine—they serve up a sense of place. In Telluride, that feeling of togetherness comes on four wheels. Hailey Arnold and Scott Keating, the entrepreneurs behind The Coffee Cowboy, purchased the twenty-seven-year-old trailer in 2020 and turned it into a go-to spot for locals and visitors. They serve coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, specialty drinks, and smoothies and draw in loyal customers with fresh-baked treats from The Golden Crumb and Thorneycroft Bakery. The Cowboy Coffee is more than just a quick caffeine fix—it’s part of what makes Telluride special. Arnold and Keating have created the perfect spot for either a grab-and-go cup or a relaxed breakfast in the sun. Could their recommendations lead you to your new favorite place? We think so. Here’s what they suggest.
Around Telluride
Best restaurant: La Marmotte and Caravan
Best bar: The Last Dollar Saloon (aka The Buck)
Best Happy Hour: there…
Favorite park: Town Park
Favorite place to see live music or comedy: The Show Bar at the Sheridan Opera House
Favorite philanthropy/nonprofit: Telluride Humane Society and Telluride Mountain Club
Favorite local artist: Alex Ferrari Photography
Favorite annual event: Telluride Theatre Burlesque and Turkey Bingo
Favorite annual festival: Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Blues and Brews
Favorite local band/musician: LVDY and Trey Pace
Favorite spa: The Peaks’ eucalyptus steam room
Favorite hair salon/barber shop: Moxie Loft, ask for Kylie
Favorite jewelry/watch store: Mixx Projects + Atelier
Favorite pet store: Dirt Dawg
Favorite boutique: Flowers by Ella
Favorite yoga studio: Practice Telluride and Mangala
Favorite fitness studio: Telluride CrossFit
Favorite place to dance: Sheridan Opera House and The Alibi
Favorite après spot: Oak, The New Fat Alley
Out of Town
Favorite weekend getaway: Salida
Best swim: McPhee Reservoir becomes the perfect temp midsummer and any San Miguel honey hole
Best annual out-of-town festival: Dolores River Festival and Durango Snowdown
Favorite destination restaurant: Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop in Salida
Favorite out-of-town ice cream: M & M Mercantile in Placerville
Favorite farmers market: Crested Butte
Best hike: Blue Lakes near Ridgway
Favorite farm or flower garden: Zephyros Flowers in Paonia and Tomten Farm in Placerville
Three words to describe Telluride: Arnold: Community, silly, and home Keating: Keep Telluride weird
