Telluride & New Orleans

I'd like to declare Telluride and New Orleans sister cities.  Why?  Probably because I love them both.  But it runs a little deeper than that.  There are many parallels between these two great places.  

The music.  New Orleans is one of top 5 cities for music is this country and you could argue that its Number 1.  The birthplace of Jazz, great festivals in a variety of sizes and a certain passion that is tough to duplicate, especially in its club scene.  Telluride, for its size as a destination resort offers some of the best music it can, ranging from Telluride Blues and Brews Festival to Sheridan Opera House shows to the Sunset Concert Series.

The food.  Both have incredible food scenes.  Yes, it's different but again, on our different scales we offer the best that can be accomplished.

A Proud Local Base.  The locals of each spot are so proud of their hometowns, and it shows.  They are eager to share local secrets and share the city or town that they live.

Friendly faces.  Each time I go to New Orleans, I bump into Telluride people.  On my last trip?  Saw Charles and Joey D backstage at the Civic Theatre. Ran into hockey goalie Steven Collins at the Fillmore, along with other locals there, (Yes you, Trisha and DP).  In front of the Soft-Shell Crab Booth at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, I got to catch up with Adam Smith. and talk about the Revivalists and Virgina Tech/Boston College Football. 

And we try to bring some of that New Orleans Spirt here.  Just ask Robbie at Oak.  Or Josh and M'Lissa at the Marmotte, Smugglers Brewpub or Sidework.  Or ask Steve Gumble in the music he brings to Jazz Festival or Blues and Brews.

Two fabulous places that are working so hard to keep its heart beating!