Spring Has Sprung?

Welp, according to the birds outside my window, spring has sprung. Although my cat started shedding his winter coat in January, and found out that was a bit premature, hey? The real question remains: Do we have another snow storm in us, or are we putting away our skis? This weather makes me long for Summer but also wary of being done with Winter so soon. 

If you’re waiting for the in-town trails to dry, check out Sand Canyon, which was 95% dry, as of last Saturday, Feb 22nd. (Phil's World also looked quite dry, as I was driving past.) When visiting Sand Canyon, make sure you go to the entrance across the street from Sutcliffe Vineyards which makes for an excellent stopover. Apparently they're now serving pizza from their brand new pizza oven, along with their delicious wines. 

Openings and Closings

Speaking of Sutcliffe, they have recently closed their tasting room downtown ☹️ I’m sad to see them go, but I will say that Barons Creek a block away has been a welcome addition to the downtown scene. Other notable openings downtown include Durango Sustainable Goods and Maria’s Reading Room, an adorable “youth-focused” gathering space has set up shop in the old Dryside Supply.

If you find yourself in the Mancos area, be sure to stop at Moondog Cafe for breakfast, brunch or lunch (previously Absolute Bakery & Cafe.) The newly remodeled space is light and airy, the food is tasty, the service excellent . . . and they have their liquor license. Yes to mimosas.

Analog Experiences

The NYT recently wrote an article about the resurgence of board games and it’s fun to see that play out in Durango (hehe) with clubs like the SW Mahj Club, hosting various Mahjong events around town. Or host your own game night with the Guild House Games, located in the Main Mall downtown, which has a vast array of games and puzzles.

Also - did you know that there are 15+ opportunities to play trivia in and around Durango? I find that astonishing. 

Trivia

• Every Tuesday, 6 pm @ 11th Street Station and 8 pm at The Tangled Horn
• Every Thursday, 7:30 pm @ Starlight (Drag Trivia)
• Every other Thursday, 6:30 pm @ the Powerhouse
• Every second Wednesday @ Zia Cantina

You know what else is astonishing? The fact that we have not one but two circus groups in Durango… who knew? You do now: Secret Circus Society and San Juan Circus.

Trying New Things is Always in Season

• Join the circus and learn how to fly, with an aerial class at San Juan Circus
• Learn west coast swing with the West Slope Westies: a new 3 week introductory class starts March 5th
• There's (probably) a pole waiting for you at the new pole dancing studio in town: Durango Pole
• Learn how to be funny or at least how to "Yes And" with Lower Left Improv.
• I've heard endlessly wonderful things about this pottery class with Chyako Hashimoto

Festival Season is Upon Us - Upcoming Ticketed Events

Durango Independent Film Festival: March 5-9

Banff Film Festival in Durango: March 7 - 8

Durango Celtic Festival: March 28 - 29

Durango Bluegrass Meltdown: April 11-13

Durango Wine Experience: April 25-26

Durango Blues Train: May 29-31 and August 21 - 23 (This is the first year I’ve seen these tickets not immediately sell out, and I don’t know why. But if you’ve ever had your eye on this experience, here’s your chance.  There are still tickets available for both weekends.)

P.S. I started a new full-time marketing almost exactly 1 year ago, and it temporarily consumed all of my creative juices, which put these on a pause. However recently reading "How To Break Up With Your Phone" has made me want to spend less time on instagram and more time.. really doing anything else. There also seems to be lots of people who prefer the newsletter format, as I've somehow come back to 100+ subscribers (yikes!) So I'll try to keep these more consistent for y'all - thanks for your patience!