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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Travel ·

Telluride 2019: PART ONE


Hey, hey!  Today’s post is all about our most recent vacation to beautiful Telluride, Colorado!

Without meaning to, we’ve started a tradition of traveling the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Five years ago, we went to China then New York City followed by now three years in a row of skiing and snowboarding.  We always get excited about vacations, but I think Andrew Shull gets extra pumped about this one.  He LOVES being on the mountain with his family.  I’m going to do a “Skiing/Snowboarding with your family Q&A” here in the next few weeks, so I probably won’t be answering some of the questions you might have today in this particular post, but don’t worry because I have all of your questions saved from my Stories last week and will go through and answer them soon.  In the meantime, check out our first few days in gorgeous Telluride!

We left DFW on Saturday, December 28th and flew into Montrose, CO.  We flew in, got our rental car and hit the road.  Telluride is about an hour and a half outside, and we were anxious to get there.  Over the years, Andrew in particular has snowboarded in some really beautiful places from Colorado to Utah to California and even Canada, but he said without a doubt, Telluride was the prettiest place he’d been for snow.  It was STUNNING!  You guys all know my cousin Casey, right?  (Who makes the hair bows!)  Her parents live in Telluride, so we’d always heard of it but had never been.  Now that we have though, we will be back.  This was us after we flew, drove and arrived.  We unpacked our stuff and hit the snow.  It was snowing when we arrived, which for us here from North Texas, made it even more magical.

I’m legit trying to take a picture of the four of them…Madeley is ignoring me and catching snowflakes on her tongue.  Ha!

Because we have six in our family, we like to make dinner reservations when we can. Our first night, we LOVED our dinner at Smuggler Union!  Casey and her husband Brandon (my cousin!) told us this was their favorite place to eat, and we actually loved it so much (the food, the location, the ambiance and the service) that we ended up eating her a second time as well.

Appetizers of popcorn shrimp and calamari with a Moscow Mule?  Yes, please!  For dinner, I had a truffle cheeseburger!  YUMMY!

Awe!  I love this sweet boy so much!!

(Side note: my hat is HERE and my coat is HERE…I wore it every day and loved how warm it was without being bulky!!  Both things come in so many pretty colors!)

We love getting away with our little family.

The next morning, I found these two all curled up together 🙂 .

We slept great and then were up early the next day for skiing and snowboarding.  Andrew made us breakfast every morning of the trip.  I love all four smiles!

This cutie was so excited to ski this year!

I was so excited to drink a lot of coffee and read my books!  We booked this trip (air and accommodations) back in April when I had zero clue about having a hysterectomy, so unfortunately, I had to sit this year out.  Not going to lie…I loved it.  I will hit the slopes next year, but I really did enjoy the relaxation this year.  And yes, I’m still loving my new chunkier blardigan.

I got dressed every day and helped Andrew get the kids on the mountain and into ski school/off to lessons/etc.

This pullover is very picked over now that it’s 50% off, but you can still find it in some colors HERE and then my boots are HERE.

Baby, it was cold outside when we left for skiing!

In Telluride, they have this amazing gondola system in the middle of town that for FREE will take you up on the mountain and over the top to Mountain Village where all of the action is (i.e. ski school, lifts, restaurants, shops, etc).  The ride only takes 12 minutes and is super, super, super convenient.  We walked to the gondola, everyone got on (it’s enclosed, so it’s nice and warm) and up we went.  When we arrived, we checked the two little girls into ski school (after chatting, it was determined that Ashby would be better off in a smaller, more advanced class than Madeley and not in the special abilities class).  We played it day to day, but it worked perfectly!  So, the two little girls went to ski school and then Kensington had a private ski lesson since this wasn’t her first year and she’s pretty good but needed a quick refresher.  I would like to say two things: 1: The people who work in ski school are ANGELS who do not get paid enough for what they do!!  and 2: Nothing makes me sweatier, more worked up, overly tired and exhausted as getting my kids situated on the first day of skiing.  By the end of the week, we had an easy system and could do it effortlessly, but day one?  It always kicks my butt!!

Off they go!!! I was so proud of them because they were both SO EXCITED and just went right to it!

(Side note, in my Q&A post, I’ll address all the questions about gear, apparel, lessons, etc!)

This left me with just my boarders.  Andrew and Smith were dying to hit the mountain, so I said goodbye to them and started to walk to a coffee shop when an older gentleman instructor stopped me and said he heard me saying goodbye and that if I wanted to really treat myself, I’d walk down to this one hotel (The Peaks) and enjoy my coffee there.  It was just enough off the beaten path that it wasn’t crowded, and it was PERFECT…

…I had a table with amazing views, tons of coffee, my Kindle and…

…the best Bloody Mary I have ever had.  Ever.

It’s going to be sooooooooo hard to get out in -3 degree weather next year and ski with my family.  Bahahaha!

Around noon, Kensington was done with her lesson, so I grabbed her…

…and we headed to meet the boys for lunch (the little two ate at ski school!)…

…this pic was texted to me from Andrew.  He and Smith had a wonderful morning snowboarding together!

I love those two so much!

We enjoyed our lunch in Mountain Village right by the lifts at Black Iron Kitchen where we had sandwiches, soups and such before they headed back out for more skiing/snowboarding together.  I went back and read some more where we were staying, tidied up, did a load of laundry and stuff before they all got back.  As soon as Madeley Shull walked in the door, she said “I’m taking a nap”…

…ski school wore her out!!  She slept for a bit until it was time for us to head to dinner.

Oh Telluride, you really are so beautiful!  You are also not super crowded either…which I love!

We had a rental car for the entire week but only used it to get to Telluride and to get home.  We never once used it besides that!  We were able to walk or take the gondola everywhere which was so nice and easy!

Okay, when I said we were in Telluride, the number one place people suggested we eat was Brown Dog Pizza…which coincidentally, was on our list of places to try.  Now, Brown Dog Pizza does not take reservations, so we thought we’d just get there early.  We got there at 5:00…and they told us the wait was 3½ hours.  Whoa.  I mean…that’s a long time, but everyone said we should eat there, so we put our names on the list, gave them our number and then hung out around town and back at our place until they texted that our table was ready at 8:15.  I know that sounds insane…but everyone suggested this place, so we wanted to try!

Up late, super hungry and happy to be eating dinner!

Now, I think we should try it again sometime because our experience wasn’t exactly the best, but I BELIEVE you when you say it’s really good!!   Needless to say though, we got to bed later than we had expected.

Whew!

Okay, I’m going to stop there for today.

I hope you go and enjoy your Thursday!!  Don’t forget, even though Mix and Match Travel Agency doesn’t plan domestic vacations like this one, we are always here to help you plan other trips (like Walt Disney World, cruises and international trips too!).  See you guys tomorrow!! xo

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Comments

  1. Laurel Schaffman says

    In your Q&A will you include where your AirPod case is from? I’ve been looking for a good one that fits my AirPods well (it’s be a try and fail fail from Amazon). Thanks!

  2. Cathy says

    Great post – Telluride looks amazing! Where do you recommend renting a condo? Can’t wait to read more!

  4. Kim says

    We absolutely LOVE Telluride!!! I am so excited to read your posts on your trip! Would you mind sharing where you stayed? I’m curious if you would recommend staying in town or Mountain Village for skiing (We have only been there in summer). Also, we didn’t have the best experience at Brown Dog either. The food is absolutely AMAZING but the service, not so much. ?

  10. Kim says

    I always love your travel posts, and this one is no exception. Now for a completely random question: what eye shadow do you use? I have mostly been a Mascara and gloss kind of girl, and suck at trying to blend different colors, etc. Your’s looks so natural, and I think I could handle it!!

  11. Kasey says

    I would love any tricks you may have to skiing on the cheap. In my opinion, ski vacations are so expensive (whereas the beach is cheap), between the rentals and ski lessons etc. Do you have a list of affordable places to ski?

  12. Karen says

    Love your vacation recaps! Telluride is magical. One of the greatest things about the town is that no chain stores or restaurants are allowed. All stores and restaurants are one of a kind.

    • Heather says

      It is! I was reading American Royals while following on InstaStories! I had that “wait a minute… where did I just see that place?” moment!

  16. Chrys says

    This is a completely random question, but maybe others have the same question lol. When you travel, do you ever take your designer handbags/crossbodies? I know that you use your Neverfull as a carry-on, but for sightseeing, exploring, etc. do you use something less expensive or say the heck with it and just use your designer ones? We travel A LOT, but I’m new to the “traveling with designer handbag” world and would love your input. Btw- Girl, you have been looking EXTRA FABULOUS lately! ?

  17. Kristen Cole says

    Definitely adding Telluride to my places to go with my family! Loved reading your post, as always!

  18. Wendy says

    We honeymooned in Telluride and it was amazing! One of these days we’ll make it back but for now we love Summit County and all the fun stuff there.

  19. Danna says

    We love Telluride! You will have to visit in the summer as well! My family of four have pictures from climbing, riding bikes, hiking, skiing all on our computers and phones because the scenery is just that beautiful! I follow Telluride on instagram…ha! Seeing celebrities on the gondolas or lifts is surreal.
    There was a porcupine on one of the runs. He would come out every morning near a ski lift (can’t remember the #). If you had a breakfast bar, you could feed him and he would come over. I have a picture of him literally between my legs eating. Talk about being frozen still!
    The bloody Mary’s are divine there! Oh, makes me want to go back so bad!

  20. Lacy Desmond says

    Telluride is magical! If you love the quaint feel definitely check out Crested Butte, CO too. (You would also fly into Montrose I believe). The town seriously feels like you are in a snow globe in a Hallmark movie 🙂

  21. Cynthia says

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE Telluride!!!! I thought I hated the cold and snow.. until my boyfriend (now husband) first took me to Telluride in 2016. Now, I prefer the snow and mountains over any other destination!! I love it so much! He proposed during that first trip at Allred’s and now Telluride will forever be our place. <3 So glad you enjoyed it!!

  22. Julie Bradford says

    Smith is just growing up…such a handsome boy…. he just looks like the sweetest happiest boy!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We stayed in a townhouse that we rented off of a site. We liked it a lot and will probably be staying there again, so I don’t feel comfortable saying exactly which one it was. Sorry!

  24. Amy says

    We live in Montrose, CO and LOVE Telluride! One of the most beautiful towns in CO. I was going to suggest The Peaks for a great little cozy spot for your next visit, but looks like someone beat me to it 🙂 One of my favorite places!

  25. Jen says

    Would love for you to include the best mountain cities for beginners to learn Kids and adults (as in the easier place to lug all your gear-I heard some places has wagons, etc.) Whether its easier being at a place closer to an airport (Park City, Utah). Thanks!

  26. Katie says

    Looks like so much fun! You’re not lying about ski instructors!! When I was one, I only got paid IF i got a lesson (which wasn’t a guarantee at the small resort I worked at, and then even then, I only made $7/hr. I’m sure they make a bit more at the bigger resorts and with new minimum wage laws, but this is an industry where tips are SO appreciated.

  27. Taylor says

    This may seem like a silly question- ha! But how do you know the ski schools are safe for your kids, meaning with the teachers? First time mom and just curious! Lol 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      No, great question! I don’t have any expert way to determine that. I will say that they’re always in groups (never alone with kids), there’s always multiple instructors with groups, they are always out in the open…things like that. It’s hard being a mom in this scary world.

  28. Julie says

    Telluride is gorgeous! I’ve never skied there but have been many times. My family’s yearly trip is back to keystone. You really cant do wrong with any if the resorts there!

  29. Kelly says

    This is a fun one to read along with – I live in Gunnison, which is just an hour the other way from Montrose. I would have dies if I saw you in Montrose with your family!! We spend lots of time in Tride, from concerts to skiing. In fact, my oldest will be competing there in a couple of weeks at the IFSA Big Mountain Freeride national competition – these kiddos huck huge mountains in the extremes – it’s super amazing to watch!!

  30. Karah Stracener says

    My family and I have skied lots of different places in Colorado and I’m now adding Telluride to the list. It looks beautiful. I can’t wait to hear about the rest of the trip. PS: where has been your favorite town to ski in.

  31. anita gray says

    Shay, I am a busy bee like you and I had surgery a week ago! I am very active and work out hard every day! Please tell me how you handled all the down time and inactivity! I’m going crazy already! HELP!!!!!

  32. Alisha says

    Can you share your leopard PJ link?! So cute. Also, FOMO lol Adding this to my lists of places I want to go!

  33. Lea says

    Hey shay how young do you think is too young for a ski vacation. My daughter Carrington just turned 3 and we are thinking of taking her on a last minute trip to park city Utah as a family vacation. What do you think? Also would you recommend getting a hotel room or renting a house. We are going to go for a week. Some days we do just want to explore the town but I don’t know which one is better in our case.

  36. Julie says

    It made me so happy to read that Miss Ashby went into an advanced ski lesson!! You go girl!!! ?

  37. Kelly says

    I would love to see the pros/cons about the various Ski towns you’ve been to. Trying to decide where to take our family for our first skiing trip out west and my husband is the only one that’s ever skied. Also, what’s the difference between skiing and snowboarding?

  38. Dorinda says

    Love Telluride. But my vote for this year would be Vail. It’s beautiful and not too far from Denver. Vail reminds me of a European country with the architecture and the streets through the town. The gondola also goes from town. Breckinridge is also a fun ski town where you can take the gondola from town.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We’ve done Vail! We love it too!!! The town is my FAVORITE! We did it as a family in the summer and then Smith and Andrew have snowboarded there twice. You’re right about it!

  40. Nancy says

    Our son lived in Colorado for 2 years, so we have been all over the state. Colorado is simply gorgeous, and the southwestern part (San Miguel County) where Telluride is located is the most gorgeous of all! Treat yourself, and go back in the summer too. There is so much to do there, and you can explore the whole area. I would also include Ouray, Durango, and Siverton Colorado as great places to explore as well. If you do go, check out the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train. You really can’t go wrong in Colorado! Our son moved there in the winter (he LOVES skiing), but after his first summer, he said the saying is “people move here for the winters, but they stay for the summers.”

  41. Emily B says

    Love this post! We just got back from skiing in Crested Butte, CO, so not too far…. Our kids have grown up skiing, and we are always looking for new places to visit! Telluride looks amazing!

  42. Chandra Elliott says

    Hi! There is a wonderful autobiography by a Telluride miner’s bride set in the early 1900s. It is quite interesting to read the trials she endured learning to be a new cook in a high altitude and just living in such a remote area. It is titled Tomboy Bride by Harriet Backus. You’ll learn quite a bit about the history of Telluride. I haven’t been to Telluride in years, but the last time I was there (summer) they were still doing wagon rides to the mine that is higher up the mountain above the town. Some of the people in her book are also buried in Telluride’s cemetery.
    Just a neat book!

  43. Christina Keller says

    Do/did your kids ever experience altitude sickness? We really want to plan a winter vacation, and CO would be our first choice, but are considering Squaw Valley because of the low elevation. I would much rather be somewhere the snow is more plentiful since we are in Texas and don’t see it often!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Only once! The first time we took them to Colorado was during the summer and Kensington did. Andrew goes several times a year and two years ago, on one trip, it got him too.

  44. Marci Wessel says

    Beautiful pictures, as always! What sun memories and experiences you are giving your kiddos!

  45. Angelique says

    Okay, I know you routinely talk about skincare routines, but your skin is just glowing! So pretty! Have you started facials or peels or something else? We love Park City but I just might have to add Telluride to the list soon … thanks for the post!