Where to detour to wait out I-70 traffic jams in Colorado mountains

Here are some of our favorite places to stop:

Eats: The Craftsman Brew Co. in Edwards and its sister restaurant, il Mago Pizza, are two of the tastiest places for a bite.

• In Frisco, Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• In Idaho Springs, the original Beau Jo's is always a great stop for Colorado-style pizza.

Coffee shops: It's easy to find a good cup of coffee along the interstate, but Plume Coffee in Silver Plume, The Frothy Cup in Idaho Springs, and Mountain Dweller in Frisco are our favorites.

Breweries: A beer after a long day on the slopes hits the spot. And you can find some of Colorado's best breweries just off the interstate.

• Westbound & Down Brewing specializes in IPAs but offers all sorts of styles at its Idaho Springs taproom, which also is a restaurant.
• Outer Range Brewing's flagship brewery (its second location is in the Alps) is the place to get a hazy IPA with big flavor and little bite. Its partner restaurant, Bird Craft, sells Thai-spiced fried chicken.
• Vail Brewing west of the ski resort boasts a large taproom, outside seating and a Rocky Mountain Taco food truck.

Entertainment: Exit at Silverthorne for fun. If the kids need a break, visit the four-story, indoor PlayGarten at Bluebird Market. 

• If the dog needs a walk, the Blue River Trail goes through town and with possible stops at Angry James Brewery and Thirsty Pika Taproom.
• Silverthorne's Recreation Center offers day passes to enjoy four indoor pools, three water slides, as well as a jacuzzi tub, sauna and steam room.
• Go shopping. The Outlets at Silverthorne offer a retail respite.