Shoulder season — that prime travel period between peak and non-peak season — is a perfect time to snag cheap flights, cozy lodging, and alone time in your favorite mountain town.

For a quiet November retreat equipped with cool weather, zero crowds, and plenty of outdoor activities, Durango is a hub for shoulder season relaxation. 

With new restaurants popping up around town and the busy summer season behind us, November offers one of the best opportunities to spend time with the locals. Here’s what’s happening around town. 

1. New Restaurants To Enjoy

New Italian, wild game, and taco restaurants recently popped up in Durango. 

Primus, the destination to dine and unwind with wild game and fresh seafood, opened in June of this year. Mamma Silvia’s, launched by Durango’s own Chef Sergio Verduzco and East By Southwest owner, offers authentic Italian cuisine right next door to its sister sushi restaurant. While Mountain Taco & Tequila may be gone, a new taco eatery has taken its place on Main Avenue. Switchback Taco Bar is bringing a minimalist vibe and new spin on street favorites to the scene. 

2. Cozy Cabins prepped for your stay

While vacation season is over, hunting season is in full swing. Cozy cabins meant to soothe sore hunting muscles are prepped and ready for your stay. Whether you’re hunting or just looking for a place to rest, beloved locations like O-BAR-O Cabins, the Bear Paw Lodge, and Blue Lake Ranch are just some of the favorites open for business.

3. Farm-to-Table agritourism events

After the much-anticipated upgrades to the James Ranch Grill and Market, Durango’s premiere farm-to-table destination is now open for business. Their winter hours are Thursday thru Sunday 9 am -7 pm. Visit the ranch for tours, events, and specialized products at the market. 

The ranch celebrated its harvest party and grand opening October 12th with live music, pumpkin carving and cheese rolling. This marks the first of many more wonderful days to come. 

4. A Welcome New Thanksgiving Destination

It’s no secret that Durango is the best town to spend Thanksgiving. Make this the year that you try something new by bringing the entire family on a southwestern thanksgiving vacation.

You’ll enjoy Durango as it makes its transformation into winter, discover plenty of dinner providers with farm-to-table, local ingredients, and take part in this tight-knit community at the best time of the year. 

5. Train Rides to see the colors and first snow 

The historic Durango train is active year-round. November poses one of the last opportunities to see the fall colors and first snow before winter. The Polar Express begins its cycle on November 15th, marking the inaugural beginning of spreading Christmas cheer.

6. Colorado’s largest wilderness area at your doorstep 

With the crowds gone and the cool quiet of fall to enjoy, you can expect minimal activity on the trails. Enjoy solitude in Colorado’s largest wilderness area before the landscape is transformed by winter. November is a special time to sit still, recharge, and recalibrate before the hectic holiday season.