A Weekend in Silverthorne, Colorado: The Fall Bucket-List Itinerary
The Heidi Guide is back with another mountain town itinerary
Photo courtesy Visit Silverthorne
When the leaves start turning and snow starts to fall, a mountain town getaway sounds nice. If skiing is on the agenda, a high-country locale is a must. Silverthorne has many reasons that make it the headquarters for a Colorado mountain trip.
First and foremost, it is just an hour west of Denver and an hour and 41 minutes from Denver International Airport. Fighting ski traffic is a reality, but with the proximity, getting to Silverthorne is less of a struggle. Plus, it’s right off I70.
Second, Silverthorne is less than 30 minutes from five ski resorts: Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Loveland Ski Area. A stay here provides skiing access like no other. Of course, winter adventures like tubing parks, ziplining in the snow, Nordic skiing and snowmobiling abound.
The town has long been known as a shopping destination as it is home to The Outlets at Silverthorne. With stores like Lucky Brand and Williams & Sonoma, it’s a haven for those looking for a little retail therapy.
Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
New to Silverthorne is Bluebird Market, a food hall featuring a unique array of mountain eateries. Many are locally owned, like Colorado Marketplace & Bakery, selling beautiful and delicious pastries, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, and Colorado-made and Colorado-grown items like jams, spices and meat.
The food hall is also home to restaurant vendors like Baja Chimayo, Tilford’s Woodfired Pizza, and Mighty Bar, among others. This venue has truly expanded the food scene in this Colorado mountain town.
Photo by Ryan Schlaefer
Next door is Hotel Indigo, the newest lodging property to open in Silverthorne. Centrally located, it is a modern mountain hotel with touches like happy hour in the open and airy lobby, a glass-enclosed 360-degree fireplace, and swinging chairs. In addition, there is an indoor swimming pool and a secluded patio complete with a fire pit.
Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
The in-house restaurant, Kúcu Tequila Bistro, is locally owned and has what might be the most expensive tequila menu in the Rocky Mountains. Mexican food is its specialty, and the queso fundido is the best in the west.
Across the street from the hotel property, Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea has been in business since 2010. The line out the door is proof that it is a local favorite featuring freshly roasted coffee and avocado toast on freshly baked local bread.
Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Out the back door of Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea, patrons can take their warm drinks and walk along the Blue River Trail. This 5.3-mile trail is a paved path much-loved by people on foot and two wheels. A popular path, it winds its way through town along the scenic Blue River, a tributary of the Colorado River.
Photo courtesy Visit Silverthorne
Stop in at A-BAR at The Pad, right along the north side of the Blue River. It’s a laid-back bar and The Pad is a brand-new hostel, the first of its kind in Silverthorne. With dorm rooms and deluxe private rooms with baths, it’s a unique lodging option in Summit County.
Silverthorne may not have a ski slope, but with many dining options, several breweries and ski destinations within minutes, it is an affordable alternative to other ski towns. And this may be the perfect spot for your next mountain getaway.
