I'm from IN too! 

My favorite route from Denver is 285/50.  It's just beautiful and there seems to be less traffic, although it is mostly a 2 lane road.  Over the years, I've found my favorite pit stops in Buena Vista and Gunnison.  The passes aren't bad - I think Monarch is probably the biggest - I can't remember (I'm having a senior moment!)  But the road is wide so it doesn't feel like your almost going to fall off! 

My hubby came with me a few years ago and he's terrified of heights.  The only time he was really bothered was on 145, that last road into T-ride, but it's short and by that time you're almost HOME! 

Safe travels!   

I'm in for Tomato Juice and fun garnishes 

Super excited for this show!  For all the people that are hating- more dancing room for me   

I've actually been listening to Big Summer Classic when Drew and Del played with them.  Steam Powered Aeroplane to close out the festival was my favorite! 

I can't wait and know the boys will bring it!   

Thanks for your opinion. Looks like two shows you will not be at.

I'm having trouble understanding this.  Someone was actually paying enough attention to see you set up two tarps?  There must be more to this story?

We plan to set up two tarps, one for my parents who don't want the loud volume and party atmosphere up front, and one for my sister and I up close.  I don't see the problem with this at all.  In fact, according to the rules, it seems we could EACH set up a tarp for a total of 4.

String Cheese Incident only eclipsed in being a horrendous jam band by MOE.  And maybe Dispatch if count them as a jam band.

Best breakfast find ever!

Breakfast at the Elk's lodge cannot be beat!  I still remember how hungry I was last year and how full and content I left there.

Both routes are scenic ... you really can't loose either way on this front.  The terrain is a little more varied via 145 ... especially the chuck from from Durango to about Dolores.

If you have an SUV you can always drop in to the Telluride side from 550 via Silverton over Ophir Pass ... just remember, you do not have the right of way once you summit the pass and are heading down (look ahead to give clearance those heading up ... as it's mostly a very narrow single lane jeep trail).

I second La Cocina as being a favorite, but wound up with a green stain on my butt recently ... since the person who just painted the benches outside didn't let them dry long enough!

Let us not forget the luscious tater tots at the Cornerhouse Grill!  And great sandwiches too!

La Cocina De Luz has the best food & coffee in town, almost exclusively organic Mexican fare.  They now have a Mediterranean food cart outside, smoothies and veggie juices inside.  My favorite.  I also think the Brown Dog has great pizza, 2nd in the country for Deep dish Detroit style at a national competition, and the regular is comparable to NY za.  Fortunately most restaurants are clean and good quality.

I think it was a personal issue.  Actually, I had only intent to set up a shady spot in the back for my family, after helping a tarp run for one of the original Festival groups.  It was all confusing, as it was very upsetting, and seems unfair to this day.  I was expelled, left a food vendor in the lurch, as well as losing income for the weekend.  After twenty years with the festival, numerous points of support for the festival and myself, from stage crew to production, backstage catering, numerous vendor chef positions, through Beer Booth (no more by our local radio.)  I still love the festival and support it happening.  Life has challenges, some sour grapes inevitable, more love the only good answer. 

The fastest way to Telluride from Durango is definitely 160 West to Mancos. right at the (only) light to 184 to Dolores, then right again at the stop sign onto 145, up and over Lizard Head and on to Telluride.

Tom (or others),

Just a quick question: From Durango -- 145 vs 550?  It looks like 145 is somewhat quicker than 550 (2:15 vs 2:40 hours on google maps).

However, do you think there is a big trade-off in terms of scenery, or are both routes sufficiently scenic?  We will be traveling afternoon - departing Durango around 4 pm.

Thanks for any quick tips!

Dave

..Bistro 221 .. at 221 South Oak st. (near gondola).  Phenomenal food!!  It is a bit pricey.. but more than worth it.  Awesome garden/patio dining, or you can dine inside.  Its a must visit for us now; even if just for coffee and a slice of cheesecake (homemade, of course).

  Kevin

Hey Festivarians,  I created a playlist for all the bands (minus a few the service doesn't have) for the TBF, about 134 songs:

https://play.google.com/music/playlist/AMaBXykLUGlydc__uZ6YG19tsVU1oUIYnsWFUfFE77pCRpY1UXNgTVhdNtrsM7JjJseihmaD3RQZJqU9mcLQkAYQzzsLTRLvpw==

You have to have a google account (free). You might also have to sign up for the new "All Access" service, which is an all you can eat subscription service, it's free for the first 30 days, then $7.99 month.  You can just sign up to hear the playlist and cancel!

I'll make one for rocky grass and folks, too, if you like this one.

Full disclosure - I work for Google, but not for the Play folks, and I'm not trying to be a Play shill, I just love the shared playlists and am huge bluegrass/festivarian fan!

Bob

Going to spend a couple days in Crested Butte.  Any good eats recommendations?

I'm not sure if they were open yet for Bluegrass last year, but:

Zest - high quality sandwhiches, salads, soups, sweets, etc. at very reasonable prices (even for Telluride standards).  They are located above Clark's market next to the visitor center ... they have also been/are professional caterers in the town for a number of years.

Speaking of ABGAT, where's RON???

who's ngoing and when will you arrive?