Before I started exploring the state of Colorado, I was familiar with only two locations, Denver, of course, and a little mountain town in the southwest corner of the state, and in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Durango, Colorado, with its panoramic views, quirky character, and enough outdoor adventures to make a mountain goat jealous, has earned a reputation of being, not just great but legendary.
           Durango doesn’t just have views; it has those kind of vistas that make you question whether you’ve accidentally stumbled into a Bob Ross painting. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Rockies, this town has mountains that stand tall like sentinels, providing a backdrop that could easily distract you from your morning coffee. The locals in Durango are a breed of their own, and in the best possible way. Imagine a place where the friendliness of your neighbor isn’t a relic of a distant past, where people still wave to each other on the street, and your barista knows your name, and coffee order by heart. That’s Durango. It’s the kind of town where community spirit is so strong that it’s practically a local currency.
Durango has a wealth of outdoor activities, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or more of a leisurely stroller, this town’s got something for you. If you are a thrill-seeker, there’s white-water rafting on the Animas River that will have you reevaluating your life choices, in a good way, of course. And for those of you who prefer their adventures a bit closer to solid ground, the hiking trails around Durango are like nature’s version of a choose-your-own adventure book. And just a short drive away is Mesa Verde National Park, with some of the most beautifully preserved rock-face dwellings you might ever encounter in the United States.
           Durango’s historic downtown is a charming time capsule that will transport you back to an opulent wild west. Picture, Victorian-era architecture lining the streets and boutique shops that are as unique as the town itself. The town is a cultural hub disguised as a mountain retreat. With galleries that showcase local artists, theatres that host live performances, and festivals that celebrate everything from bluegrass music to independent films. Durango proves that you don’t need a big city address to be a cultural heavyweight. The festivals in Durango are unbelievable. From the Snowdown Winter Festival that turns the town into a winter wonderland of costumes and laughter to the Animas River Days that celebrate all things water-related, Durango’s festivals are as diverse as the town’s inhabitants.
Durango may be tucked away in the mountains, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a culinary backwater. This town has more flavors than a bag of jellybeans. From farm-to-table bistros that take, “local,’ seriously to hole-in-the-wall taco joints that redefine your expectations. Durango’s food scene is a feast for both your stomach and your Instagram feed. And, of course, there’s the craft beer, because what’s a mountain town without a brewery on nearly every corner?
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the town’s very own time machine. Board this vintage steam locomotive, and suddenly you’re whisked away to the days when cowboys and pioneers roamed the land. The ride is not just a trip through the mountains; it’s a journey through history, with breathtaking landscapes as the backdrop. Durango, Colorado, is not just a great town, it’s a lifestyle, a mood, it’s a breath of fresh mountain air. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for a town where the altitude isn’t the only thing that’ll take your breath away. Durango, where charm meets the mountains, and every day feels like a postcard-worthy adventure.