For more information contact:
Durango Area Tourism Office, www.durango.org
802 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-3500 1-800-GO DURANGO
Media contact: Anne Klein, anne.klein@madebyhco.com (970) 749-0991
For Immediate Release: March 15, 2014
What’s sprouting this spring in Durango, Colorado
Historic Southwestern mountain destination offers music, adventure, microbrews and more
Durango, CO (April 01, 2014)— Known as a four-season vacation destination, spring and early summer in Durango offer their own unique Colorado vacation experiences. Whether you’re after outdoor exploration and superb dining at a variety of local restaurants and craft breweries or cultural experiences offered by surrounding historic sites like Mesa Verde National Park, we’ve got it all. Check out epic mountain views from aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad, and enjoy local music and our notoriously friendly community. With over a dozen vacations in one destination, you’ll find Durango’s new attractions provide even more reasons to enjoy Southwestern Colorado. Plan your trip at: www.durango.org
Eats, Sights, Sounds, Adventures… What’s New for Spring 2014?
Eats…
Adobe House Farms – an urban farm tour
Located just a few blocks off the beautiful Animas River Trail, Adobe House Farms boasts a diverse array of vegetables and a luscious strawberry patch. Farm owner Linley Dixon offers weekly tours of the 2-acre farm. She will share knowledge from her background in Plant Pathology, years as a farmer and experience running Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Visitors to the farm can enjoy its bounty at the following local restaurants that incorporate Adobe House harvests into their menu: Seasons, Eolus, Linda’s Local Food, Zia Taqueria and Cream Bean Berry. http://www.adobehousefarm.com/
81301 – Local Coffee Roasters
81301 is the newest local roasting company founded in 2014 by a passionate group of Durango coffee nerds. Hailing from a long tradition of coffee roasters, the owners take the art seriously. Like many local breweries, 81301 offers a viewing room and tours of its roasting facilities, as well as a hip café atmosphere for tasting the final product. Located next to Zia Taqueria on north main, this new addition to the buzzing corner of 31st and Main is worth a visit. https://www.facebook.com/81301coffee/info
The Durango Farmers Market
Beginning May 10, visit local farmers, artists, musicians and restaurants at the Durango Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am – noon. A bustling atmosphere offers the chance to check out local producers of cheese, meat, fruits, veggies and more. Stop by the Bread stand for morning pastries, snack on pizza from Fired Up for lunch, grab some fresh-picked local flowers for your honey, and pick up steak for dinner from James Ranch or Sunnyside Farms. www.durangofarmersmarket.com
New food, fun food
Durango continues to attract small business entrepreneurs who offer a wide variety of products ranging from freshly imported Italian olive oil, homemade gluten-free pastas, breads, pastries and take-home meals to a new fresh juice bar. Eolus, a fine-dining restaurant on Main Avenue boasts a menu with plenty of local produce as well as homemade breads, buns and pastries.
Check out some of these great new stops in Durango:
Olive Oil: http://durangooliveoilcompany.com/, 640 Main Avenue
Intolerant Italian: www.intolerantitalian.com, 509 E 8th Avenue
The Durango Juice Bar: http://www.durangojuicebar.com/, 600 Main Avenue
Eolus Restaurant (formerly Cosmo’s): http://eolusdurango.com/, 919 Main Avenue
Sights…
“Native Views, Native Visions”
Visit the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College for this exhibit of contemporary artwork by Native American artists. The show highlights key pieces from the Center’s permanent collection. Many of the pieces were donated, and several notable new acquisitions have been selected for display, including works from Pablita Verlarde, her daughter Helen Hardin and granddaughter, Margerite Bagshaw. https://swcenter.fortlewis.edu, 970-247-7422
Mesa Verde National Park
Spring is an excellent time to visit this incredible cultural center. On May 24 and 25, the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center will host the 12th annual Indian Arts and Cultural Festival, where artisans’ work is judged and presented for public viewing and sale. In late April, the Balcony House, the most adventurous cliff dwelling tour, opens up to visitors. Tickets are $3.00/person and can be purchased at the Visitor Center. http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm For a guided park tour with shuttle service from Durango, contact Mild to Wild Rafting http://mild2wildrafting.com/family-fun/mesa-verde.html
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Continuing in March, hop aboard for daily rides to Cascade Canyon on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Near town trees and flowers are beginning to bloom and spring is apparent. As the train climbs into the epic San Juan Mountains, snow-capped peaks are reminiscent of the melting winter and the creek is flowing to the brim with the spring runoff and early-season rafters can be spotted. On April 19 enjoy Peanuts™ the Easter Beagle Express. Passengers can participate in crafts, storytelling, musical entertainment, refreshments and other Easter- themed activities. The Easter Beagle will be waiting for photo opportunities, and the Easter Bunny will join on the ride home, passing out special treats. http://www.durangotrain.com/, 970-247-2733
Blue Lake Ranch Annual Iris Sale
Head out to the country to witness the acres of irises and peonis Shirley and David Alford have cultivated. Propped up against a backdrop of the La Plata Mountains, the irises are accompanied by Columbines, lilies, hollyhocks, asters and other perennials. The irises and the Alford’s bedding plants will be for sale. http://www.bluelakeranch.com/
Sounds…
The 20th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
Regional and local bands take the stage at Henry Strater Theater, the Durango Arts Center, and the Wild Horse Saloon. Come dance with bands like Blue Highway, Town Mountain, The Earl Brothers and Dave Richey & the Ruined Nation Boys. www.durangomeltdown.com, 970-335-9771
The Durango Blues Train
Backed by popular demand, the Blues Train will run in both May and August. Also new for 2014, each night on the train will feature a different group of musicians – so don’t rule out riding more than once. Traveling on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive, passengers will dance their way between six different cars hosting six different bands and musicians. The breathtaking canyons, rivers and mountains of the San Juan National Forest provide an excellent backdrop. Enjoy 3.5 hours of music, dancing, views and laughter. May 30 & 31, and August 22 & 23. http://www.durangobluestrain.com
Adventures…
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic:
Watch or take part as cyclists from near and far race the train to Silverton. In it’s 42nd year the Iron Horse has become a western cycling classic. Memorial Day weekend is packed with everything from the main race to criterions, circuit races, road races, tours, BMX races, mountain bike races and more. Boasting more than 3,500 participants, this is a fabulous two-wheeled, weekend celebration.
http://ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/
Animas River Days
Now in its 32nd year, Animas River Days is a weekend of river contests for locals and visitors. It is one of the state’s premier whitewater festivals, boasting one of few full-length world-class slalom courses in the country. Aside from the slalom race, other events include kayak and inflatable rodeos, the Smelter Smackdown raft spring, the sassy river diva fashion show, Ska beer garden, live music at Santa Rita Park and more. The event will kick-off with local whitewater films at the Smiley Building Theater on the evening of Thursday, June 5th and the races will take place on June 7-8. www.animasriverdays.org
Whitewater Rafts & Brewery Crafts
After playing on the river, head back to your hotel room to freshen up before hopping aboard the Mild to Wild bus to quench your thirst at three of Durango’s breweries. Trips are scheduled on the follow dates: May 24 & 31, June 7, 13 & 21, and July 10 & 12. Call Mild to Wild for booking information and specific details. 970-247.4789
Record Spring Water Levels at Vallecito Lake
With a seemingly warmer than average early spring, Vallecito’s waters are estimated at 90% capacity before the spring snow run-off. Early season fishing should be outstanding. You can fish in Colorado without a license on the weekend of June 7-8, 2014. All other rules and regulations apply. This is a popular weekend at Vallecito Lake, so check your lodging and camping options by visiting the Vallecito Lake Chamber of Commerce: http://vallecitolakechamber.com/lodging-and-rv-parks.
More Spring Fun…
Relax in the natural mineral waters at Trimble Hot Springs. The Durango Discovery Museum and Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum will inspire and inform; our galleries and art museums unveil the beauty of western and contemporary art. Experience our quintessential Colorado mountain town as you stroll, shop and dine along our Historic Main Avenue. Visit www.durango.org for information on all our summer festivals and events.
About the Durango Area Tourism Office
The Durango Area Tourism Office is a not for profit organization operating with the mission to promote Durango and La Plata County’s multitude of tourism attractions, events and services. 1-800-GO DURANGO, www.durango.org
Like us at “visitdurango” on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
####
