On the drive to Telluride we stopped in Ridgway, Colorado, and discovered a charming spot called the True Grit Cafe. The name may sound familiar to movie fans—the original John Wayne film has been remade recently—so the cafe feels delightfully western in spirit. My partner Stephen is an unabashed John Wayne enthusiast. To put it mildly, he appreciates classic Westerns and often jokes about how devoted he is to his movie heroes.
While Stephen admired the decor and reminisced about the films, I focused on the menu. The cafe offers hearty, southwestern-inspired fare that suits the mountain road trip vibe. I ordered the Grit Beef Philly and the green chili. The Green Chili is made with roasted green chilies and has a rich, smoky flavor that lingers pleasantly. It’s the kind of dish I instantly wanted to recreate at home, so I plan to experiment with a similar green chili recipe this fall when fresh peppers are in season.
The presentation at True Grit is simple and authentic rather than fussy. Portions are generous, ingredients feel fresh, and the overall atmosphere is laid-back—exactly what you want after a long stretch of highway. The Green Chili paired well with the sandwich, and both items were satisfying without being heavy. For anyone traveling to Telluride or exploring the towns along Highway 550, the True Grit Cafe is an easy, worthwhile stop for comfort food and a friendly local vibe.
One small discovery at the cafe delighted me: quarter-pint mason jars used for condiments and small servings. They were both practical and charming, a detail that felt very on-theme with the cafe’s rustic aesthetic. Little touches like those make a meal feel special and help a place stand out in my memory.
After lunch we continued to the Rico Hotel outside Telluride, where we’ll be staying for a few days. I’m looking forward to settling into one spot and enjoying slower, outdoor-focused days. Hiking is a priority—there are well-marked trails and spectacular mountain views around Telluride, and I plan to get several runs and hikes in before my upcoming half marathon. With a race in just a few days, I’m trying to balance active training with enough rest to feel ready on race day.
Beyond hiking, I’m excited about the opportunities for mountain fishing and photography. The rivers and alpine lakes around Telluride offer excellent spots to cast a line, and the changing light on the peaks is perfect for capturing landscape photos. Mostly I’m hoping for a few good nights of sleep—travel has a way of disrupting routines, so a quiet hotel and fresh mountain air should help me rest and recover. This stretch of time in the mountains feels like a welcome reset: good food, simple pleasures, and outdoor adventures to come.