The Best of the Colorado Rockies

Sunset, July, 2000 by Hal Clifford

Restaurant Conundrum. Intensely flavored and imaginatively presented haute cuisine in an elegant modern setting. 325 E. Main St.; (970) 925-9969. D, $$$

* COPPER MOUNTAIN Molly B's Rocky Mountain Tavern. Fresh, simple soups, salads, and pizzas--and beer; sit outside for breathtaking mountain views. Copper Station at the Copper Mountain Resort; (970) 968-2318, ext. 6514 L/D, $$

* FRISCO Q4U Barbecue. No frills here, just saucy barbecued brisket and ribs to eat in or take out. 857 N. Summit Blvd.; (970) 668-1775. L/D, $

* LEADVILLE Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. Hike or bike 1 mile through wildflower fields to a yurt where your dinner--salmon, elk, or lamb--awaits. Reservations required. Near the Piney Creek Nordic Center off U.S. 24; (719) 486-8114. D, $$$ ($50 fixed price)

* VAIL Pepi's. Sample middle-European specialties including bratwurst and goulash. 231 E. Gore Creek Dr.; (970) 476-4671. L/D, $$$

Sweet Basil. Sip a Basil Mary on the patio or gaze at Gore Creek from indoors. 193 E. Gore Creek Dr.; (970) 476-0125. L/D, $$$

* WARD Alice's Restaurant. In an artistically furnished cabin, try healthy recipes served with creative sauces. 3371 Gold Lake Rd.; (303) 459-3544. B/L/D, $$$

Sleeping well in the Rockies

Kennedy, Doris

Colorado's Rockies hold many good places to lay your weary head come evening, from miningtown hotels to B&Bs. These are four of the very best--lodgings so outstanding, in fact, that they're worth experiencing for a drink or a meal even if you decide not to stay overnight.

For a complete list of Rockies' lodgings, including more moderately priced options, contact the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association at (303) 297-8335 or www.coloradolodging.com.

* ASPEN Hotel Jerome. The Jerome is a survivor. Built in 1889 to proudly feature steam heat, electricity, and an immense elevator with velvet settees for ladies to relax on during the slow ride to the second and third floors, it flourished until the silver crash of 1893. Following decades of decline, the Jerome was completely renovated in 1985. Today silver-dust mirrors and pressed-tin ceilings create an atmosphere of Victorian elegance. 92 rooms and suites from $365. 330 E. Main St; (800) 331-7213 or www.hoteljerome.com.

Little Nell. Wearing its Relais & Ch[hat{a}]teaux designation, Mobil Five Stars, and AAA Five Diamonds like royal jewels, the Little Nell lives up to its reputation as one of Colorado's finest hotels. All of the guest rooms have fireplaces; many have mountain views. The hotel restaurant features American alpine cuisine. 77 rooms and 15 suites from $350. 675E. Durant Ave.; (888) 843- 6355 or www.thelittlenell.com.

* BRECKENRIDGE Little Mountain Lodge. Surrounded by 3 acres of pine and spruce trees, this luxurious log lodge is located within a five-minute walk of Breckenridge's Main Street. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace graces the log-beamed great room; guest rooms are similarly stylish. And breakfasts are delicious and substantial. 10 rooms from $160, including full breakfast. 98 Sunbeam Dr.; (970) 453-1969 or www.littlemountainlodge.com.