No Need to Hurry in Ouray
When one thinks of Colorado, many images come to mind: the Rocky Mountains, outdoor activities for days, and snow in the Winter and lovely temperatures all Summer long. One also thinks of the fabulous and famous places to visit like Aspen and Telluride with all their luxurious ways of life, celebrity residents, and (at times) ridiculously crowded streets. I love those places, too, for many reasons, but I am also fond of some of the not so oversaturated towns in Colorado. Places where I can close my eyes and hear my thoughts, and smell that sweet air. One such place is Ouray.
With a population of less than 1000 people, Ouray is located on the other side of the mountain from Telluride, and tends to be a more friendly and welcoming place than some of the more “glamorous” places in the State. The vibe is chill, the climate is perfect and, not for nothing, it is often referred to as the “Switzerland of America.” People who know about Ouray love Ouray and cannot wait to return.
Because it is a quiet and unassuming place, do not expect any opulent hotels with room service and bell hops. You will probably be toting your own luggage upstairs in old, historic buildings with no elevators that probably have been around since the days of Doc Holliday and Big Nosed Kate. While not always the most comfortable, you cannot beat if for charm.
Owing to this lack of modernity, I was immediately scouring Main Street for dinner options. I may be charmed by the views and architecture, but I still like to eat well. That is when the hubs and I stumbled upon Bon Ton.
Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, always opt for the outdoor seating. We have eaten here several times, dined both inside and out, and there is no comparison. You will be staring at breathtaking views of the mountains in which the town is nestled. A bottle of Barolo to go with their old-school Italian cuisine (eating tasty Italian cuisine is like a wearing a little black dress – you just cannot go wrong) while taking in the views is almost too much goodness to handle. The ricotta stuffed tortellini are always a winner.
As for lunch and other dining needs, just walk up and down Main Street (warning: the town is on an incline, so it will be easy to get winded walking Main), and you will find charming cafes and casual eateries for all your dining needs, but Bon Ton is close to my heart, as is Ouray.