Among the many historic sights in Ouray, the Coachlight is definitely a classic sight to behold. It’s been around for more than 100 years under different names and it’s now functioning as a restaurant and tavern open to the public without losing an ounce of its historic charm.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Coachlight, allow us to provide a bit of history. The lot where it currently sits was originally purchased by George Wilder and Ira Munn on July 25, 1877, for a mere $86.05. Before it was called the Torchlight, it went by the name of the Tirol House, believed to be named after Tyrol, Austria. Its name was subsequently changed to the Belvedere Hotel and it even had a bowling alley at one point.
Fast forward to the late 1960s when the Belvedere Hotel was purchased by Carole Nicholson and F. Kelly. The pair were overseeing restaurant located in Ouray’s Main Street called the Coachlight. After purchasing the building, they decided to move their restaurant operations over to the Belvedere and carried the new name along with it. By the early 2000s, any remnants of its former status as a hotel were gone after the removal of the upstairs rooms in favor of a tavern.
This update is provided by Alpenglow vacation rentals located in Ouray, Colorado and presented by Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs. We provide unique Ouray Colorado condos and townhouses located near some of the best restaurants, shops, and activities in the city. Call 866.739.4917 or 970.919.0380 for more information or to make your reservation.