Rocky Mountain Cigar Company & Espresso Bar

High up at 10,000 feet in the mountain town of Fairplay, Rocky Mountain Cigar Company & Espresso Bar is the kind of place you stumble into on a drive through and end up staying far longer than you planned. Locals and road trippers alike will tell you it's an eclectic spot in the best way: a proper cigar lounge paired with an espresso bar, plus an indoor golf simulator tucked into a comfortable den of leather chairs and couches. People passing between Denver and Crested Butte have called it a lesser-known option, and once you've sat down with a coffee and good company, you understand why. Scott, the owner, is the heart of the place.

Ask anyone who's spent an afternoon here and the name comes up every time, whether it's for the easy conversation, the warm welcome, or the hard work he's put into building somewhere this unique. Esteban gets just as much love, known for setting folks up on the golf sim (they keep clubs on hand if you didn't bring your own) and for pouring the kind of lattes, chai, and strong double shots that people remember long after the trip is over. The word around Fairplay is that the hospitality here is genuine. On the cigar side, regulars rave about the selection and the obvious passion behind it.

Even people who stopped in just for coffee walk away impressed by the case. The atmosphere lands somewhere between a cozy den and a hangout for groups, manly but family friendly, with cool music and interesting decor. Fair pricing on the coffee gets mentioned a lot too. One of the highest-regarded spots of its kind in the area, this is a place worth building into your Fairplay stop.

A quick heads-up from the regulars: summer makes for an easier visit than the deep winter months up at this elevation. Make it your regular stop if you can.