The Old & New in Leadville, Colorado

Tennessee Pass Cafe Yurt Dining | Photo By Heidi Kerr Schlaefer

Leadville is where the past is easy to find, whether it’s at the Silver Dollar Saloon or in a seat at the historic Tabor Opera House. However, this rugged Colorado mining town brimming with history is home to more and more brand-new businesses.

Shopping in this charming town is now an activity that boasts clothing boutiques and flower shops. Galena is a unique shop with clothing designed and made here in Colorado. Along with clothing, hats and belts, there is a selection of dramatic black and white prints featuring local scenes like soaring peaks and snowy mountain scenes.

Elevated Goods | Photo By Heidi Kerr Schlaefer

Look for the cartoony barefoot hiker in sunglasses on the window of Elevation Goods on Harrison Avenue, Leadville’s main street. Here, the Elevated Goods’ guy can be found on t-shirts and hats too. The store is brimming with those things we buy as gifts but would love to own ourselves like Alpaca blankets and Colorado-made soaps, candy and honey.

Of course, Harperose Studios & Gallery is an artists’ collective that’s been in Leadville for a number of years. It’s always worth stopping in to see what new and colorful art is on the walls and the shelves.

Two Dog Travel | Photo by Heidi Kerr Schlaefer

Dart into Two Dog Travel for items like locally made lotions and travel books of all kinds. This shop even offers tours that include trips to Portugal to taste wine and Morocco to take in the sights and sounds of the Fes Medina. And of course, all four-legged friends are allowed in the store. 

Galena | Photo by Heidi Kerr Schlaefer

Leadville is a dog-friendly town with many stores sporting dog treats, dogs on shirts and sleeping dogs near the register. Several of the lodging options are dog-friendly including the Tashi’s Cabin, just minutes from town. In fact, Tashi is the owner’s dog. This two-bedroom home away from home offers a full kitchen and a wood-burning stove in the front room. Plus, a large wrap-around porch for summer grilling season.

Back in town, Treeline Kitchen has opened a new bar across the street. Before & After has the perfect Leadville atmosphere for 2022, with wood and stone and great cocktails. They even have a small, affordable food menu that has had locals hooked since they opened.

Golden Burro | Photo by Diana Lange

Golden Burro Cafe has been a long-time staple of Leadville. It’s still there, but with new owners, a lighter, brighter appeal and a sunlit bar area behind the famous swinging door. It’s also now a plant-based restaurant that may change your mind about healthy food. Think green chile-smothered burger and fries, all vegan.

 The Silver Market & Eatery former Cookies with Altitude is part coffee shop/community hub and restaurant. The bakery items, made fresh each morning, are delightful and the sun-filled upper room is perfect for breakfast.

Lastly, Taco La Mina is new and the place for authentic tacos in Leadville. Behind Safeway on the northside of town, the patio has one of the finest views in town. There are other items and sometimes posole on the menu, but the tacos are so good. 

Downtown Leadville | Photo by Diana Lange

This summer, walk, run or bike the paved Mineral Belt Trail, hike to dine at the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse yurt (reservations required), golf at the highest course in North America, fish Twin Lakes or one of several creeks in the area or tour an old mine. 

Today, Leadville’s present is as colorful as its past.