The Leadville Race Series is right around the corner, and if you’ve scored one of the two suites at the Governor’s Mansion, consider yourselves lucky. The historic building on Eighth Street is not only blocks from the race start but also among the few accommodations in town that offer full kitchens complete with cook tops, refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers (runners, you can cook your oatmeal or cream of wheat exactly to your liking on race morning).
Athletes will also love that each suite (which can sleep up to four) has its own entrance and private bath; no waking up everyone on your floor at 3 a.m. as you’re sneaking out to the race start or attempting to clear your bowels for the tenth time that morning.聽
The first-floor Jesse McDonald suit, named for the former Colorado governor who built the house in 1893, opens into a formal parlor with high ceilings and a gas fireplace. In fact, the Victorian decor鈥攍ace curtains, floral wallpaper, antique furniture鈥攎akes you wonder for a moment if McDonald himself might come through the front door.
The property is now owned by Jo Ann and Jaime Stuever, who relocated to the Centennial State from Florida in 2005. “Both Jaime and I feel that if you are going to change your life, do it in a big way,” Jo Ann says. “I always dreamed of living in an old Victorian house, and when I first walked in the front door, I knew the Governor’s Mansion was perfect.”
During the past nine years, the couple鈥攊n addition to learning to ski鈥攈as enjoyed hosting guests and sending them out on adventures in and around Leadville. In fact, they became so engrained in the community that in 2011, Jaime was elected as Leadville’s mayor. If you ask him, he’ll tell you all about the town’s mining history and how it came to be the highest incorporated city in North America.
Surrounded by the highest peaks in Colorado, the quintessential mountain town main street boasts several sporting goods stores, antique shops, and eateries, all in a half-mile stretch. Start your day with an early morning latte and breakfast burrito at , a charming coffee shop that roasts its own beans and showcases local art (this summer, Precision Peaks grace the walls; you likely won’t be able to leave without purchasing your favorite mountain).
If time allows, explore the area’s many trails (check out the , which loops 11.6 miles around town, or go father afield to Turquoise Lake or Mount Elbert). Afterward, refuel at or grab a late-night beer at the Silver Dollar (what the saloon lacks in local draughts, it makes up for in atmosphere).
And don’t forget about the second-story deck back at the Governor’s Mansion. It just might be the best place in town to watch the sun set over the Rockies and prop up your tired feet.