These 8 Towns in Colorado Have Bustling Main Streets

Colorado is known as "Colorful Colorado" because of its magnificent scenery of mountains, rivers, and plains. But outside of its majestic landscape and serene views, there are incredible small towns with vibrant downtown areas worth exploring. Enjoy abundant shopping in Aspen, famous breweries in Telluride, eclectic art in Breckenridge, historic taverns in Silverton, fine art galleries in Crested Butte, lively saloons in Leadville, mountain-style Mexican cuisine in Littleton, or performances at a historic opera house in Ouray. This list of Colorado towns with bustling main streets will make you want to plan a vacation to the West.

Aspen

Aspen, nestled within the Rocky Mountains, is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world; it also has one of the best downtown areas in Colorado. A few blocks away from Main Street are several art galleries worth exploring. You will find plenty of beautiful artwork from the Eden Gallery to the renowned Christopher Martin Gallery. After strolling through the galleries, head to the Aspen Art Museum for more art exploration, which has multiple gallery spaces, a rooftop sculpture garden, and a café.

Aspen's Main Street is also home to the Aspen Emporium, where you can browse through unique art, gifts, and decor. For entertainment, the historic Wheeler Opera House hosts concerts by legendary artists, music festivals, and other special events. Downtown Aspen is a shopper's paradise with luxury designer stores and boutiques selling everything from clothing and accessories to antiques to jewelry. The seasonal Aspen Saturday Market, which takes over many streets downtown, is also a great event to shop at with local produce and artisan products.

As far as the culinary scene is concerned, many great restaurants are found downtown, including the French bistro Cache Cache, Mezzaluna, which has Italian fare, and Kenichi Aspen, a trendy Japanese spot. For a laid-back atmosphere, Zane's Tavern Aspen is a popular bar and grill among locals. Silver City Aspen is another favorite stop with top-quality spirits, live music, and a good time.

Telluride

Telluride offers an abundance of experiences to discover along the bustling main streets. Walk down Colorado Avenue and immerse yourself in the world of fine art and jewelry at Elinoff Gallery, Scottish cashmere for men and women at CashmereRED, or Western lifestyle gear and accessories at Black Bear Trading Company. Telluride also offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a few bars and saloons.

Floradora Saloon boasts a selection of wines, beers, and whiskey to imbibe while enjoying delectable comfort cuisine prepared from scratch and reasonably priced. Stronghouse Brew Pub, housed in a historic stone building from 1892, has been voted the "Best Brewpub in America" by USA Today. Its on-site brewery makes it one of the best places to go for housemade beers in Telluride. Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery is another popular craft beer, cocktails, and pub fare spot. The downtown streets of Telluride come alive with sultry jazz concerts, food and wine events, car shows, and film festivals throughout the year. The Telluride Ski Resort is perfect for the ultimate summer or winter mountain getaway with fabulous restaurants, shopping, and outdoor adventure.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, a breathtaking mountain town at the base of the Tenmile Range, has a scenic backdrop for your adventures. Traveling down to Main Street, you will find many great distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Breckenridge Distillery offers a behind-the-scenes distillery tour followed by a tasting of its signature bourbon whiskey. An on-site restaurant offers modern American cuisine and a members-only lounge for VIP guests to imbibe and unwind. A visit to Carboy Winery or Continental Divide Winery is essential for wine lovers. You will find a selection of the finest wines in a beautiful atmosphere at both wineries. Breckenridge Brewery & Pub is another place to drink, with a selection of beers ranging from traditional ales to lagers.

Breckenridge's Main Street is also home to Breck Create, an arts organization with two attractions for locals and visitors: the indoor performance venue Riverwalk Center and a lively Arts District campus, which houses studio spaces for art classes and workshops. When it comes to year-round entertainment and fun, you can expect everything from street parades and fairs to farmers markets to festivals, all taking place up and down Main Street. Skiing and snowboarding are also popular activities that can be enjoyed at the world-class Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Silverton

A former boomtown, Silverton's downtown district along Greene Street and Blair Street is lined with many businesses in buildings that embody the Wild West. Here, you will find everything you seek. Golden Block Brewery and Avalanche Brewing Company are the only two microbreweries in Silverton. Both offer an incredible menu of pizzas, salads, and entrees to go along with your handcrafted beer selection. Silverton is also home to Natalia's 1912 Restaurant, a traditional restaurant serving up classic menu items for breakfast and lunch, as well as beers, wine, cocktails, and boozy coffees.

You can also expect to hear live music on any given night. A trip to Lacey Rose Saloon is worth a visit, as the historic tavern at the Grand Imperial Hotel has incredible entertainment. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stops at Blair Street and is open to visitors. Along with this picturesque drive through the San Juan National Forest, the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour offers insight into the region's mining history.

Crested Butte

What sets Crested Butte apart from other Colorado ski towns are its Victorian stores, vibrantly painted walls, and small-town charm. Once you reach downtown and stroll along Elk Avenue, one of the bustling streets in town, you will discover abundant attractions, dining, and shopping within walking distance of each other. Stop by the Crested Butte Museum, one of the best museums in town to explore if you want to learn about the history and culture of Crested Butte.

Continue along Elk Avenue to The Secret Stash, a popular restaurant with gourmet pizzas and local beer on the menu. Across the street is McGill's, a cozy, laid-back restaurant offering breakfast and lunch specialties, and Elk Avenue Prime, a fancy restaurant with the finest steaks and an impressive wine list. At Talk of the Town, relax and unwind with beers on tap, pool tables, and jukebox tunes. The Crested Butte Fine Art Gallery, which has beautiful artwork from local artists, is also in the area. A short drive from downtown will put you at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, one of the best ski resorts in Colorado.

Leadville

Harrison Avenue, Leadville's Main Street, serves as a reminder of the town's long mining history, with Colorado's highest peaks as a backdrop. The street is lined with well-preserved Victorian buildings built during the 1880s silver boom. The historic Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon is excellent for starting your downtown Leadville journey. The Manhattan Bar is another vibrant bar and nightlife staple in Leadville, as the chill hangout spot has bar games, karaoke, and the best beers around.

Harrison Avenue is also home to the Delaware Hotel, offering visitors a taste of Western hospitality with a convenient restaurant and bar inside. City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso, located down the block, is a more-than-average coffee shop with a hustle-bustle vibe. In the lovely town of Leadville, you can also enjoy a picturesque train ride on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad, explore the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, or take a historic walking tour to seek landmarks like the Tabor Opera House.

Littleton

The best way to explore Littleton's bustling Main Street is by attending an art walk event to enjoy fine arts and crafts while shopping at participating galleries. Along Main Street is the Town Hall Arts Center, which has an array of entertainment, including comedy shows, musicals, and plays on any night. For a fun dining atmosphere, The Alley serves up mountain-style Mexican fare you can only experience in Colorado. They also have an incredible weekly entertainment lineup, ranging from open mic night to live music. The Chocolate Therapist is another downtown place to explore, with gourmet chocolates, coffee, gifts, and wine pairings.

Many bars line Main Street, including Jake's Brew Bar, an ideal evening spot with a lovely beer garden, fire pit, and stage for live music. For a cocktail lounge vibe, go to The Lazy Greyhound for crafted drinks and a cozy atmosphere. Downtown Littleton hosts an annual Mardi Gras event, a Main Street Block Party over the summer, and a Candlelight Walk to start the Christmas season.

Ouray

Ouray, sometimes called the Switzerland of America, is located in southwest Colorado, deep within the San Juan Mountains. Strolling down Main Street in Ouray is a shopper's dream. From jewelry and glass-blowing art to local goods and antiques, Ouray's quaint shops and boutiques offer something for everyone. An array of dining establishments also comprise most of the lively downtown area. Full Tilt Saloon, for instance, has a full bar with a rotating tap list and serves freshly prepared pub cuisine.

Continue along Main Street to Gold Belt Bar & Grill, a family-friendly restaurant with gourmet pizzas and burgers, cozy bonfires, live music, and beautiful views of the Colorado mountains. Explore The Western Hotel and Spa with its Old West charm and many amenities—stay in one of the refined suites, relax with a refreshing spa treatment, or sip on classic cocktails and wine at the bar. The Wright Opera House is a historic music concert and theater hall that has entertained Ouray residents and visitors for many decades.

Discover These Colorado Towns with Bustling Main Streets

As you can see, these small Colorado towns are home to some of the most vibrant downtown areas in the state. When you think of Main Street, you think of an area with a rich history and culture. From the thrill of luxury shopping in Aspen to sipping local beers at popular breweries in Telluride to taking in a show at an opera house in Ouray, these towns take you into the past and offer a world of discovery along its bustling streets.