Thinking of taking a 3-4 day trip to Colorado in July or August. Looking for high-end, romantic, luxe/rustic mountain lodge-type accomodations with great scenery/views. Other musts are good shopping and dining. I might throw in a round of golf also, but that's not necessary. Which would be better, Aspen or Telluride (and is there a better place for value/bang-for-the-buck)? I've never been to either. Thanks!

(I'm reposting this from the general interest board here to the Colorado-specific section - thanks to travellyn for your reply on the other board).

Telluride is one of the most beautiful Colorado towns. It has everything that you mentioned except shopping. It depends what you are shopping for. There is plenty of outdoor clothing, ski apparel, a few jewelry stores, several art galleries. It is a quaint mountain town that has kept its character. Aspen is also beautiful but a little fussier. You cannot go wrong with either. I favor Telluride since I own a vacation home there.