They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what’s breakfast without coffee? In the Colorado mountains, baristas take their role seriously – selecting beans from prime growing regions all over the globe to make sure their coffees have full flavors and silky smooth textures. Here are some of the best places in the high country to start your day off right.
Loaded Joe’s, Vail
The young, hipster vibe of Loaded Joe’s immediately makes you feel like a local. Open until 2 am, with locations in both Vail and Avon, you can visit Joe’s to start your day, or warm up after a long afternoon on the slopes. If lattes are your thing, this is the place for you; they know how to get the texture just right without breaking the milk. If you have time for a meal, try Joe’s Special for breakfast: Colorado lamb with spinach and scrambled eggs, perfectly cooked and served hot. Afterward, feel free to linger over a game of pool, or lounge on one of several comfy couches while you catch up with friends.
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Fuel, Aspen
Located near the Snowmass slopes in Aspen, Fuel is one of the few coffee shops open before the lifts. It’s a good idea to call your order in before you arrive, because the line can be daunting. This modern shop is small but charming, and sells the best paninis in town, which are made with plenty of customizable options. The favorite drink here is the Mexican Mocha, a super spicy combination of chocolate, coffee, and cayenne pepper. Grab yours, then head outside to watch the mountains change color in the morning light. Fuel, 45 Village Square, Snowmass Village.
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Cuppa Joe, Breckenridge
When you visit Breckenridge, take a step off of Main Street and walk up the stairs to Cuppa Joe. Away from the hustle and bustle, this cozy coffee shop is light, quiet, and pleasant, the perfect place to wake up with a smooth vanilla or oatmeal latte. If you bring a friend, order the Sweet Potato Breakfast Burrito, a massive, sharable breakfast of spinach, avocado, green chiles, eggs, cheese, and roasted sweet potatoes. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going out of your way to enjoy breakfast here every morning you can.
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The Coffee Cowboy, Telluride
Tucked away beneath the trees in beautiful Telluride, is a coffee cart called The Coffee Cowboy. Two baristas dance around each other inside a converted horse trailer, providing a wide variety of drinks for discerning palates: organic coffee, espressos, hot chocolate, hot teas, steamers, apple cider, sparkling cider, iced drinks, blended drinks…the list goes on. Our favorite is the Lone Ranger, a yummy mocha with caramel syrup. If you need a pastry to go with your cup, try the gluten-free brownie, which is not only the perfect brownie texture, but tastes delicious to the point of decadent.
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Steaming Bean, Telluride
If you’re looking for a warmer location, step inside the Steaming Bean in Telluride to warm up with a cup of their quality espresso. Found in a cozy basement surrounded by quaint shops, there are plenty of blends here to satisfy your thirst. Try the Black Canyon, a best-seller blend of coffee from Africa, Indonesia, and Central America, and pair it with a sinful chocolate croissant. If you like what you taste you can take home your own selection of whole beans, like StormCloud, a house blend half-caff coffee, or Avalanche, a mix of dark and light roasted beans for drip-style home brewing.
*Originally published in Luxury Retreats Magazine
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