Howdy! It is Small Town Saturday and I am so excited to explore Durango, Colorado with you. Durango is more than just skiing. It is also home to some of the best outdoor, historic and cultural attractions Colorado has to offer.
Grab your cup of coffee and let’s discover what makes this small town so special.
History
Nestled in the Animas River Valley and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the La Plata Mountains, you’ll find Durango. In 1881, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad established a railway to supply miners working in the San Juan Mining District. This narrow gauge railway connects Durango and Silverton with 45 miles of track. Now the railway is a Registered Historical Landmark. Visitors can now board this historical train and enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Juan National Forest from their beautifully restored coach or an open-air gondola.
Getting There
Road trips are always an adventure in the U.S! However, if that is not your cup of tea, you can fly into their primary regional airport-the Durango-La Plata County Airport. For those looking for the closest international airport, you can fly into Albuquerque International Sunport airport. There are no direct flights from Albuquerque to Durango. So, you would need to rent a car and make the easy, yet beautiful 3.5 hours drive into Durango.
Accommodations
Durango offers a variety of options to ensure your stay is unforgettable. You can choose from some of the West’s most iconic hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, cabins, vacations rentals and even camping spots where you can be fully immersed in nature.
The Strater Hotel was built in 1887. The Barker family has operated the hotel for over 3 generations. You will find beautiful handcrafted wood work, period wallpaper, and the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques.
You can take a history tour, enjoy “Belly up at the Belle” theatrical performance at the Henry Strater Theatre, or enjoy a cocktail and live music in the Diamond Belle Saloon. Enjoy steak and seafood at the Mahogany Grille.
The Lone Wolf Cabins are 18 miles outside of Durango and are nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountain Valley. Your cabin or vacation home is surrounded by ponderosa pin, blue spruce, fir and aspen trees.
At the Blue Spruce Bed & Breakfast, you can kick up your feet and relax. Your suite includes gorgeous views, a private sitting area and private bath.
Dining
Agriculture is the heart of the Durango community, so you will enjoy locally grown and raised meat and vegetables. Your taste buds will enjoy spicy New Mexican food, hearty steaks and burgers, and a plethora of other culinary delights.
At the Sunnyside Farms Market the majority of their meat locally raised without synthetic hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. The beef, pork lamb and poultry are certified for being Humanely Raised. Your body will thank you after fueling it with scrumptious meals that are also good for you.
The Himalayan Kitchen delivers the most authentic flavors of Tibet, Nepal, and India. Enjoy Mo-mo, a traditional Tibetan dish. Or Dhaal-Bhaat-Tarkaari-lentils, rice, and curry. You can even order Sekuwa, their tandoor-oven roasted vegetable and meat dishes.
What To Do
From outdoor adventures to downtown culture and art, Durango can cure any visitors curiosity. Any road warrior will enjoy the various scenic drives you can take around Durango. Take the 25 mile trip from Durango to Silverton, also known as the million dollar highway. You will enjoy their million dollar views at every twist and turn.
At the Durango Museum of Impressionism you will view the works of John Modesitt. He is one of the only living artists whose work exemplifies the paintings of the first impressionists.
Any outdoor adventurist can zipline, hike the Colorado Trail, Mountain Bike at Horse Gulch, or try their hand at fishing at Vallecito Reservoir.
No vacation is complete without a visit of peace and relaxation at one of Durango’s many spas and salons.
So what are you waiting for?! Your Travel Guru is happily standing by to help plan your perfect vacation in the idyllic Durango, Colorado. Oh, and if you need a payment plan to fund your adventure-we got those too!
Namaste
