Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon during your Telluride vacation? Jump on the free Gondola for the 13-minute ride up and over San Sophia Ridge to Mountain Village. Telluride’s serene, high-alpine twin offers a relaxed vibe and stunning views, plus a mix of delicious fine dining and kid-friendly restaurants, unique boutiques and shops and a variety of fun and unique activities for adventurers of all ages.

A very special time to be in Mountain Village is the Fourth of July when the town’s Red White and Blues Celebration takes place. Held on Sunset and Heritage plazas, this year’s Red White and Blues runs from 1 to 5 p.m. on July 3 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4. It’s a family-friendly event with totally cool kids’ activities like inflatables, bungee jumping, a ropes course, carnival games, face painting, balloon art and a magic show. There’s also some sweet live music on July 3 from Paul Thorn and Foxfeather, and on July 4 from Glen David Andrews, Dave Jordan & the NIA and Porch Couch. Wind up your action-packed day at 9 o’clock each night July 3-6 with the stunning Electrolier Light Show in Heritage Plaza.

And it isn’t just the Fourth of July that’s perfect – any time spent in this high-alpine hamlet is going to be special. Here’s what we recommend for a flawless summer day in Mountain Village.

Morning in the Mountains

Head to Telluride Coffee Co. for a baked treat and an espresso or a signature protein-packed smoothie. Then it’s time to grab a mountain bike and explore Mountain Village’s extensive trail network. Favorites include intermediate-level Jurassic Trail and the more challenging Prospect Trail, both of which offer jaw-dropping views and the possibility for wildlife sightings. Bike and gear rentals are available through local outfitters.

Afternoon Fun

Recount tales of the morning’s biking adventures on the sunny patio at family-friendly Tracks Café where adults can sip a beverage while kids burn off a little more energy on the adjacent Heritage Plaza. Then spend the afternoon exploring Mountain Village’s kid-centric activities like the bouldering rock, ropes course, bungee trampoline and mining sluice that are dotted around the Village Center. Kid-free folks should sample the tapas and sangria at the Village Table restaurant before browsing the shops – or on Wednesdays, the Farmers’ Market – or squeezing in a round at the stunning Telluride Golf Club.

Evening Entertainment

As the afternoon shadows lengthen, head to Reflection Plaza where the Madeline Hotel and Residences has giant Jenga and Connect Four games and putt-putt golf on offer for kids. Meanwhile, grown-ups can relax over pre-dinner cocktails at the distinctive fire tables at the hotel’s Black Iron Kitchen and Bar. Then stroll to Sunset Plaza for dinner at La Pizzeria, whose authentic, delicious pizza makes it a family favorite, or its more sophisticated sister establishment, La Piazza del Villaggio which offers elegant Italian fare.

After Dark

First, stock up on some sweet treats at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Then, enjoy the evening’s entertainment on offer. Depending on the day of the week, flock to Mountain Village Movie Night where classic movies – everything from Jumanji to Annie to The Wizard of Oz – are shown on Reflection Plaza, or to Sunset Plaza for the Sunset Concert Series. Other evenings see Music on the Green at Reflection Plaza or Music in the Core on Heritage Plaza.