The Friends and Family Itinerary
It's Summer time which means so many fun things including . . . hosting visitors. Oh how exhausting it is to live in a place where people actually want to visit! Time to ask the age-old question: "What do people actually do around here for fun, again?"
It's Summer time which means so many fun things including . . . hosting visitors. Oh how exhausting it is to live in a place where people actually want to visit! Time to ask the age-old question: "What do people actually do around here for fun, again?" Have no fear! Below you'll find several ideas for Summer fun that are sure to please anyone.
Activities
Ride the train: Yes, locals like to hate on it, but you can't deny it's the #1 tourist attraction for a reason. Have I ridden it? No. I have to wait until my Mom comes in town! (Right?) Keep in mind that riding it back and forth between Durango and Silverton is a LONG day; there are options to ride it one way and take a shuttle back or even just go to the halfway point.
Durango Hot Springs: This is the best hot springs I've ever been to based on the variety of pools at different temperatures, the availability of food & drink, entertainment (live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Sundays) and it's just dang pretty.
Farmers Market: the best way to start your Saturday, especially if you're staying in town. Every Saturday from 8 am - noon. Head to a local coffee shop or diner afterwards for some grub. Taste on 2nd Ave and Hermosa Cafe are my favorites.
Enjoy the scenery: Hang out by the river at Paradise Beach or watch all the action happening at the white water rapids at Santa Rita Park. If dog owners are visiting, take them to the dog park located across the river from Santa Rita.
Live Music: There's so much live music to be found in Durango in the Summer. See instagram where this was originally posted.
🪕 Union Social House: every Wed, Fri & Sat
🎶 James Ranch: every Tues & Thurs (6-8:30 pm)
💃🏻 Lola's Place: every Tues & Thurs (6-8 pm)
🕺 Durango Hot Springs: every Tues & Thurs and sometimes Sunday (6-9 pm)
🎶 Ska Brewing: every Thursday (5-7 pm)
💃🏻 Buckley Park: every Thursday for Concerts at the Park (5:30-7:30 pm)
🕺 Fox Fire Farms: every Friday (6-9 pm)
🤠 Wild Horse Saloon: every Saturday (7 - 11 pm)
🎶 The Office: every day, 5:30 pm
🤠 Bar D Chuckwagon: every day
Other places to check for live music; schedule varies:
@thenuggetmountainbar
@rochesterhotel
@11thststation
@elranchotavern
@balcony_durango
@animascitytheatre
Drive to Silverton and/or Ouray: If you're not riding the train, this is another excellent way to get into the mountains, enjoy cooler temperatures and awesome views. And also potentially scare the bejeezus out of your guests who are not accustomed to mountain driving, especially if you drive to Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
For the active
Take a hike! These are my top 5 hikes in Durango. Bikes can easily be rented from 2nd Ave Sports if you want to bike the Animas River trail instead.
Raft, Kayak, Paddle Board or Tube the Animas River. Rafting can be booked through any of these outfitters and most offer kayak rentals as well: Mountain Waters, Mild to Wild, Durango Rivertrippers, Southwest Raft & Jeep and Colorado Outback & Adventures. Is the river low enough for tubing? Grab a cheap tube at Walmart and have at it! (Would recommend taking out before the train bridge in order to avoid a bumpy ride) You can also rent paddle boards at Lake Nighthorse if you're seeking calmer waters.
Eats and Bevies
James Ranch: good food, beautiful views and a market to peruse after your meal
Primi: yummy fresh Italian food and an excellent wine menu
2nd Deli: a sandwich shop with a dive bar feel; who knew I needed this in my life?
In the mood for a rooftop? Check out Fired Up or Eolus. Both have dreamy rooftop dining; both are located on Main Ave.
For patio seating, check out Lola's (2nd Ave), Switchback (Main Ave - best margarita in town) or Union Social (North Main.)
Looking to go a bit more upscale? Try Ore House, Eolus, or El Moro
Breweries: Steamworks (the most popular and therefore most crowded; plentiful food options), Animas Brewing Company (located by the river; tasty beer, but I would personally eat somewhere else...), and Ska Brewing (out of town but excellent beer selection and a local favorite.)
Not a fan of beer? Check out EsoTerra, an awesome cidery, or Sutcliffe Vineyards, both of which now have tasting rooms in downtown Durango. If you want the full vineyard experience, I highly recommend driving to Cortez CO where the actual Sutcliffe vineyard is located (about 1 hr away from downtown Durango.)
Late Night
Durango is known for many things, but nightlife it is not. However if you do find yourself out and about after 9 pm, here are some places to check out: El Moro (lively restaurant with excellent cocktails), Bookcase & the Barber (think low-key lounge speakeasy; the "password" is on the front page of the website), the Oxford (nicely appointed bar in the heart of downtown), or Roxy's (an Indian restaurant that turns into an EDM club at night.) Looking for a more... collegiate atmosphere? Head on down to The Ranch. (Don't call it El Rancho, unless you want people to know you're a tourist.)
Sample Itinerary
You can probably see how many of these activities can be combined to form 1 to 7+ day itineraries. Heck, the hikes alone will take you 5 days. For someone who is active, wants to see as much as possible but is not much of a foodie/drinker or fan of the nightlife aka my Mom, a good itinerary might be:
Day 1: Ride the train (possibly shuttle back or stay the night in Silverton at The Wyman - my favorite.)
Day 2: Hike Castle Rock or Cascade Creek, eat at James Ranch and visit the Hot Springs (all located north of town.)
Day 3: Visit a local coffee shop, bike the river trail and then see some live music later in the day
Day 4: Visit the Farmer's Market and then go rafting or kayaking on the Animas in the afternoon.
Contact Me
Need help planning your vacation or are you hosting guests and still unsure what to do? I can help! Contact me, Sheri, at godurango.co@gmail.com