A few weeks ago Budget Travel Magazine featured a story entitled We Stalked George Clooney that chronicled the journey of four girlfriends on a vacation to Lake Cuomo, Italy. Intrigued by the idea of finding travel inspiration in not only a favorite celebrity’s movies but also their vacation destinations, I have created a fun road trip through the best of the west.
Santa Fe, NM
Shirley MacLaine may be famous for exploring her past lives but in this one she calls Santa Fe, NM home. The Quintessential Southwestern spirit of Santa Fe can be felt in its many cultural, historical, and recreational destinations but this city has a few tricks up its sleeve too. First, the galleries of Canyon Road open their doors on Friday nights to create one large open air exhibit. Another surprise is gourmet tailgating at the Santa Fe Opera.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, NM is where Julia Roberts calls home when she isn’t working. Taos draws visitors from across the country for its variety of spas and retreats. Views of fiery sunsets against the dry desert landscape make the perfect backdrop for getting away from it all.
Telluride, CO
The third stop on our road trip is probably the most exciting for star seekers, Telluride, CO, a.k.a Tomkat’s home away from home. The town’s summers are packed with festivals drawing tourists from around the globe but it is Telluride’s funky charm and breathtaking views that keeps them coming back year round.
Aspen, CO
Finally, our trip ends in Aspen, Co, where Goldie Hawn’s clan famously spends Christmas and Mariah Carey goes skiing. Even if you aren’t a skiier, Aspen offers plenty of opportunities for great food and relaxing spa treatments.
The entire road trip is approximately 547 miles and would take 12 hours if driven non-stop. You can see the route below. Or step off the beaten path and take the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway while en route from Taos to Telluride. For fun, check out each of these star’s vacation homes on Google Earth. Simply search for the city or town and the actor (Telluride, CO Tom Cruise) and Google Earth will fly you by!
