Lifestyle

Moving to the Mountains

 

I have some BIG news! We have moved to Telluride!! Can you believe it? Finally!

I will never forget our first trip to Telluride, CO. in 2003. As soon as I set my eyes on this box canyon I fell in love. I knew immediately that one day we needed to move here. I am a dreamer and very determined to make every dream come true.

Here we are 10 years later with a dream turned into a beautiful reality ~ I welcome you to gaze at our new views…

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

The town of Telluride sits at a majestic 8,750 feet. For a small town of just 2,500 people it thrives with energy.

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

Yes, it is small ~ but the constant influx of tourism for skiing, sports, the arts, music (and so much more) keeps it well nourished with opportunity.

On the flip side of the town of Telluride perches Mountain Village at 9,545 feet.

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

The town of Telluride became populated in the late 1800’s when the mining boom took place. The homes are quaint, well preserved victorians.

Town is filled with a colorful history from the mining bustle, the decline and then boom once the ski resort opened in the 70’s. There is endless charm everywhere you look….

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

Mountain Village (incorporated in 1995) is filled with sweeping views of the San Juan’s with large log homes and endless miles of powder white bliss.

Both sides of the mountain are important to each other ~ their uniqueness make Telluride what it is today.

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

Telluride is the best kept secret as far as ski towns go. It is a bit trickier to get to than most, that makes it all the more fabulous.

An abundance of rustic charm & mountain style had me planning vacations here for every season. The skiing is off the charts fabulous with runs to suit any ski/snowboard junkie.

Now when I say best kept secret there are numerous magazines and readers polls who agree that Telluride is Number 1.

Here’s what they say:

  • National Geographic: “Remote and unrelentingly beautiful, Telluride may be the most picturesque ski town in North America.”
  • Condé Nast TravelerTelluride was ranked number 1 in this years readers poll for Best Ski Resort in North America.
  • Powder: “Stashed in the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in North America, the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado boast some of ski country’s most incredible terrain, and Telluride is its mecca.”
  • Ski Magazine: “Who books a ski vacation based on scenery alone? Folks who’ve been to Telluride, that’s who.”
  • Departures: Telluride is ranked a top 10 Perfect Summer Mountain Town 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

There are no chain stores (gotta drive 1.5 hours for the closest Target & Starbucks)

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

There is fantastic cuisine to tempt all tastes.

You can find super casual eats like my favorite Chef’s Salad from Baked in Telluride.

Take a look at my favorite salad, see all that crispy bacon. I add the spicy Sriracha as dressing…

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

There are plenty of fine dining options as well. There is cuisine to suit any palate anytime. 221 South Oak and The Sheridan Chop House are two of my favorites (though I love ’em all)

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

Each year I was booking more & more flights out here so I would not miss anything! Our summers were up to 8 week stretches.

To all of you guys it was OBVIOUS I would end up here. You actually begged me to do this!

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

There are knock your socks off views everywhere you look. Telluride is in the San Juan Mountains which  hold the highest concentration of 14ers in Colorado, and they are all in perfect view: Mount Wilson, El Diente Peak, Wetterhorn, and Mount Sneffels.

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

The giant mountains and even the smallest of icicles are thrilling! We find great pleasure in the simple things here. There is wonderment and discovery around every corner.

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

When you make a choice to live in Telluride you swap out the hustle and bustle of life in the city or suburbs.

It is culturally rich and peppered with smart, fun people who are athletic, creative and kind.

Even the animals have their own signature style…

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

People who know me well get that I crave the mountains. I love the snow, chilly air, rosy red cheeks and the feeling of being so small with nature towering over me.

Some didn’t understand how I could leave Orange County, CA. For me I was not meant to be there.

I was meant to be here…

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

I am so obsessed with the mountains that have gobs of Pinterest boards with mountain/snow themes. I have listed them below for you to follow along with the fun.

We are all thrilled to make this move to the mountains!

See…

 

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

Moving to the Mountains, making the big family move to Telluride Ski Resort. A big and amazing lifestyle change. MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith )

 

Have you ever been to Telluride?

 

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~ Marla Meridith

Join the Conversation

127 thoughts on “Moving to the Mountains

  1. Congratulations, Marla! I’m thrilled for you and your family! We’ve been to Telluride a few times on family ski trips and you are absolutely right, it is breathtakingly beautiful. So excited for your family to wake up to it every morning and put it to bed every evening.

  2. Thrilled for you and the family, Marla. As a girl who grew up in a ski town in British Columbia, I know well the mystery and magic that the snowy heights hold. Looking forward to reading more of your adventures and perhaps visiting one day.

  3. Marla! Congrats on this move! I’ve never been to Telluride, CO (or CO for that matter) and I’m dying to go. Maybe if I ever make it out there, you can show me around 😉 I love all the pictures you took. They’re so crisp and beautiful. It seems like such gorgeous scenery. You lucky girl! Enjoy and soak it up for me! xoxo

  4. Woo hoo! Congrats Marla on a dream realized. Having traveled our beautiful state I have long maintained Telluride is one of, if not ‘the’ most beautiful place in Colorado. No question to me about why you’d want to live there.

  5. WOW! SO happy for you- looks beautiful. I left beautiful Colorado 13 years ago, and have REGRETTED IT!! Maybe my future hold a move back to this beautiful place….. 🙂

  6. So so so excited for you guys!!! I am in MN which is no where near as majestically beautifully as where you are, but it does have snow, and I love snow too!!! Looks like the whole family just loves where you are… that is so great Marla!!!

  7. Congratulations on the move. We lived in Farmington for a couple of years and LOVED to drive up on the weekends, especially in the fall to enjoy the colors. Enjoy your new adventure!

  8. Congratulations!!! I’m very happy for you and your family. There is nothing like the feeling of a dream REALIZED!! I can feel your excitement and sense of adventure in all that lies ahead.

    Living in South Florida these past almost 20 years (I’m not from here)…I fell in love with it, then grew out of love with the heat & humidity. The hurricanes came back to back in 2004 and another in 2005, and there seemed to be a mass exodus to leave. In 2005 & 2006 hubby’s mom moved north, and he wanted to do the same. We spent a couple years trying to move to Knoxville, TN. It wasn’t in the cards for us & hubby took another job down here.

    It was strange at first realizing we weren’t trading in palm trees and the tropics for 4 season changes. I asked God to help me fall in love with South Florida all over again. And He was faithful to that promise. I get my doses of cold weather and seasons by traveling, and I discovered kayaking which is now one of my favorite hobbies of all time. My girls are older now, and we’ve grown into a wonderful family of friends down here….I really can’t imagine leaving now.

    I can’t wait to hear more about your new town, and your adventures there. Life is EXCITING…..Happy New Year!!!

  9. Wow, that’s some exciting news but I totally get where you’re coming from. I come from a small town in Austria, directly by a beautiful lake with views to the mountains. In the summers it’s hot and there’s endless possibilities to hiking or cycling and in the winter you are never far away from the slopes. Of course it would be great to have year-round sunshine and warmth but I don’t think I would last long without even a bit of snow.
    Beautiful pictures as always! Your children are adorable. I’m sure they are more than thrilled to live in such a beautiful place although they must miss their friends!

  10. SERIOUSLY?!?!?!? You left us?!?!?! Oh my gosh, I knew you loved it, but had no idea you were totally thinking of moving there. I will miss you (not that I saw you all that often here in SoCal), but I completely understand your amazing decision. We’ll be making a move in 6 1/2 years… when our little darling goes off to college! What are the schools like there? Congrats! And have fun!!!!!

  11. It is so wonderful that you are where you feel you are meant to be. I am going to make the trip out to Telluride someday, hopefully with better snowboarding skills than what I have now, and maybe I will see you there! 🙂 Congratulations!

  12. I’m so filled with joy when people take the big risks and make the jump to live in the places they love and that FEEL like home. The places that are HOME. Congrats on the big move and the great new adventure!
    I’m the same way about the Palouse of Washington, so I totally get this 110%.
    Congrats!!

  13. Ahhhh! SO HAPPY for you! Your Telluride photos were always filled with such joy and I am thrilled you are finally in your “happy place” full time! 🙂

  14. You are living the dream, Marla. Cudos to you and your family for making the conscious decision for a better life style. I may have to follow your lead!

  15. Wow, CONGRATS on meeting the goal of living in your dream destination!!! Looks beautiful! Love all the photos of your children and the dog decked out in his snow gear:)

  16. CONGRATULATIONS!!! So very, very happy for you and your family… and incredibly jealous BTW… but in a GOOD WAY!! Am stuck here in the OC for a few more years and then (hopefully!) I will be “outta hear” too!!!

  17. Woo hoo! To my friend the new Duchess of Telluride – and since I promised to visit you at home I now have to come north to the mountains! You sound giddy with happiness! Xxx

    1. Lucy, when I run for mayor I will be certain to let them know I am the “Duchess of Telluride!” Love it girl. You must visit!!! XO

  18. Congratulations Marla! I’m a mountain girl, too, so I understand the draw. Telluride looks amazing, I’m putting it on my “must see” bucket list!

  19. aahh, what fantastic news! I know how much you love it there, this move is the natural next step!

    I lived on the Sunriver resort property here in Oregon several years back – I love the snow (you can ski in July!), I love the small town resort feel. I would love to move back someday, once I have the “city” life thing done. 😉

  20. That’s awesome! Grats on the move!!! I’m more than a little jealous but I keep hoping that one day I’ll be able to live in my dream town.

      1. Marla – is there space for me, too?! I know you’ve been talking about moving to Telluride FOREVER but i can’t believe you were able to go so covertly & quickly!!! will miss seeing you around SoCal [as infrequent as it is!]. XOXOXOXOXO!!

        1. Jen, I kept it a secret and YES it did happen very quickly. I announced it only after we moved here just over a week ago. Now you need to come visit!! XO

  21. Marla, I have followed you for some time now but have never left a comment however today I had to tell you how excited I am for you and your family! Life is for living and you are most defiantly living. Your love for Telluride is contagious. I mentioned to my husband that we have to add Telluride to our travel bucket list. Look forward to following you on your new journey.

  22. Congrats! How exciting! We just got back late last night from skiing in NC, and I wanted to stay! It was so hard to leave. Hopefully we’ll be out your way next year!

  23. Congratulations on your move! I grew up in a tiny town even smaller than, but certainly not as famous as, Telluride. Small town living is in my blood and I hope to return there for retirement one of these days. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in your new home.

  24. Wow!!!! Yahooooo! Congratulations Marla! You made your dream come true! I am up in whistler as I read this and I totally get it and I am sooooo happy for you and your family. Those pictures are gorgeous. You r in your element.
    Best wishes and lots of love.

  25. Congratulations to you – so happy that you can permenently live where you choose to vacation! I will miss seeing you at Starbucks’ but know wonderful things await you in Telluride.

  26. Congrats on your move. I know what it is like to want to break out of Orange County (lived there my whole life (Dana Point), I was done with it). No one could believe I wanted to leave that perfect beach area for the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Where it rains, and is cold and can be dismal all winter. But I had a dream of making wine and owning a winery/vineyard …I too am a dreamer who doesn’t just dream but does. When an opportunity struck we jumped at it and 1000 cases of wine a year now..still small but growing…and living my dream. There is nothing better. I too live in a small town…no Costco..no Target…it’s an adjustment but you do get used to it. It just takes better planning. Best to you and your family.

    1. Cathy, thanks for sharing your inspirational story! Sounds like we have a lot in common with “going for it!” I have heard amazing things about Willamette, OR ~ I wish you guys great success in keeping up with your fabulous dreams. Sounds like you certainly will!!

    1. Catherine, I thought about you a lot the past few months. I really wanted to synch up to do a shoot ~ but life was nuts with all of this!! XO

  27. Marla I thought about you all weekend (and before that). I knew what you were up to this weekend and I am soooo glad to hear you’re there. Something manifesting 10 yrs later…well, I am so happy, proud of you, thrilled for you, that you have willed this into your now-reality. Congrats!

    And “There are no chain stores (gotta drive 1.5 hours for the closest Target & Starbucks)” — wow. A little different that the OC!

  28. Drove through Telluride with my (then) husband back in the ’80’s, and fell in love. We both HAD to stop for awhile and soak in all that beauty and energy of the place. I’ve always wanted to go back, but sadly never have. So happy you and your family are living it. Congratulations.

  29. Love it Marla, congrats! Growing up my family had friends with a condo in Telluride, and for 5 or 6 years we visited twice a year. As much as I loved learning to ski and being there in the winter, I fondly remember the summers. I remember going on trail rides, Bridal Veil Falls, the mines – what a wonderful place to raise your family – good for you guys!

  30. Yay!! Welcome to Colorado! I love Telluride. I’ve only visited in the fall when the Aspens are turning bright cold. Breathtaking. I love all the restaurants on the main strip. Have you been to the Butcher and Baker yet? Adore! Great for brunch.
    I still haven’t skied Telluride…need to do that ASAP. Vail Resorts are fun, but need to mix it up! Congrats on the move!

  31. Congrats to finally coming home! So happy for you. Looks like the whole family is happy about it.

    Here’s to kickstarting 2013 off with a bang!

  32. You make me want to visit this beautiful-looking place! but I don’t ski, snowboard or do cold very well! Congrats to you and your beautiful family!

  33. Congratulations Marla! I know how long you have worked to get there, and I am so happy to see you living your dreams out and how you make your reality happen! Way to go girl! You know that saying “she could move mountains”? that’s you, only you moved to the mountains 🙂

  34. Congratulations Marla to you and your family! Thats so exciting! I love to hear stories like yours. Dream come true! We love CO too. We wonder if someday we will have had enough of the OC and move out. The traffic. The crowds. The cost. Just have not discovered the dream place yet, as you did. So happy for you!

  35. Congrats, Marla! That is very exciting. We go back and forth between Highlands, NC (which in its own way may be a little bit like Telluride, but it’s only at 4200 feet and without a real ski season). We are ready to make a change from Atlanta, so I can understand your desire to leave LA. I wish you and your family the best! It is certainly beautiful there. Gwen

  36. I remember visiting Telluride as a 12 year old on family vacation. It was absolutely as you describe–simply breathtaking. Congratulations to your family!

  37. I just stumbled upon your blog because Twitter recommended that I follow you. Of course I had to see who you are first. I love your blog. The photography is beautiful and your family is adorable! Congratulations on your move to the mountains, hope that your family loves living there!

  38. I am so happy for you. My Dad and stepmother just bought a condo out there and I am dying to come out for a visit. My husband and I haven’t been there since the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 1999! I guess it is definitely time to get out there now that I have no excuses. I will pass your restaurant recommendations on to my Dad. Thank you for sharing all of your inspiring and beautiful photography too.

  39. Wait. WHAAAAAAAT? Kind of late tuning in for this one. Sorry for the delay, but HOLY SMOKES!!!! Congratulations! This seems like just the thing you’ve been hoping for.

    I’m kind of needing some Marla time and NOW WHAT AM I GOING TO DO? sigh. I SUPPOSE I’ll have to see you at a conference!!!!!

    1. Brooke….see me at a conference ~ WHAT??? I am never leaving my mountain 😉 You’ll need to make your way here! Do worry about not knowing. I spoke nothing about it until this Monday (a few days ago) Hope you are doing great!

  40. I love, love, love Telluride! I first went to the Bluegrass Festival in 1991 and fell in love. I also went to the Jazz Festival! I probably won’t ever make it back, but I told my kids to scatter my ashes there….hopefully not time soon!!! I liked the Powder House (think that is name)…..best trout I ever put in my mouth….I have a recipe book of restaurants there…many I ate at and read it and drool! Congratulations on the move. I can understand why you love it!!!!

  41. How funny to have stumbled upon you. My friend found you on Pinterest and told me to follow you on Instagram because she saw a pic of yours from Telluride (we finally dragged them to Telluride with us for Thanksgiving). My family first visited Telluride in 2002 and we have been going back every year… Increasingly so. It is an 8.5 hour drive for us but we don’t mind because the destination is worth the trip (we just drove out in October, then again in November and, in fact, I’ll be there again in 10 days). My 3 kiddos (and Mom & Dad) love to ski those mountains.

    It is am amazing town. With lovely, friendly people. Good luck in your new home!

    1. Hi there!! I love all of these connections you made that brought you too my blog. Glad to hear you have the opportunities to visit and enjoy Telluride too 🙂 Do stay in touch!

  42. Congratulations!!!! I have never been there but I have been to Colorado Springs and to the top of Pikes Peak. It was the most amazing and beautiful scene I have ever seen in my life also Garden of the Gods and a few other places. I am hoping in a few years we can move out there. My best friend, her daughter and her honey hike, ski and climb all the time. I am very happy and excited for you that you are where you feel you belong!!

  43. So this was the big news!?! So much better than the guesses I had. So happy for you and your family, Marla! I can’t wait to see more photos from that beautiful town and that picturesque mountain. Yay!

  44. WOW, congrats Marla!!! You must be in pure heaven 🙂 I’ve only been to CO a couple times and it is breathtaking. So happy you followed your dreams.

  45. I’m so glad to have found your blog! My family & I live in Oregon, but we’re Colorado natives. Telluride is where my husband & I loved hanging out when we were dating…so many wonderful memories in breath taking country!