Durango, Colorado: Discover A Dozen Vacations in One Destination

DURANGO, CO - 3/3/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET) -- Whether your ideal escape includes adrenaline-pumping adventure or restful relaxation, a Durango mountain holiday offers "A Dozen Vacations in One Destination"^TM.  Vacation days are valuable, so pack your itinerary with diverse outdoor, culinary and cultural offerings filled with exciting experiences and memorable moments. On your next Durango holiday, discover a dozen vacations in one destination.

Historic Steam Train

Few experiences are both as thrilling and unique to Durango as riding the rails of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. From breathtaking views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains to the authentic old-world atmosphere created in the cars, touring the area by train track is a family-friendly activity with something to offer everyone who boards. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while you chug through Cascade Canyon, sampling traditional Irish food, drink and music. Solidify your steam-train adventure with a yard tour or a visit to the historical and captivating museum.

Archeological Heart of the Southwest

With its prime location and storied past, you won’t have to dig long to find a treasure-trove of archeological offerings in the Southwest. Step in the footsteps of the ancients and explore civilizations of the past with a hike at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like Mesa Verde National Park or Chaco Canyon. Stand in awe at the ageless splendor of the San Juan National Forest. Archeologists old and young can take a step back in time at one of the museums featuring the diverse and rich past of the Southwest, like the Center of Southwest Studies, the Southern Ute Cultural Center or the Anasazi Heritage Center.

Elevated Outdoor Adventure

From mountains to rivers, hiking to biking, climbing to zip lining, Durango’s natural outdoor offerings are only matched by the ways you can experience them. Hike, bike or climb some of the stunning natural playgrounds in the Durango area. Experience the area from a new perspective: from the back of a horse or in the backseat of an off-roading Jeep. Make a splash rafting, paddling or kayaking the Animas River, or cast your line in Vallecito Lake.

Genuine Rocky Mountain Experiences

Looking for ways to spend your days that are filled with 100% Rocky Mountain magic? For opportunities you won’t get anywhere else but nestled among the magnificent mountains, wander the Weminuche Wilderness or swing by the State Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. Fill up the tank and hit the Million Dollar Highway or one of the other abundant Colorado Scenic Byways for breathtaking views you won’t see anywhere else.

Nationally Acclaimed Galleries

While the natural splendor of Durango puts up a tough fight, the nationally acclaimed galleries that decorate the town have a corner on the art market. From photography to painting to sculpture to jewelry, the mountain town is a hot spot for unique art finds that marry the historic beauty of the Southwest with cutting-edge cultural offerings.

Taste of the Old West

Calling all cowboys! Durango offers unique experiences that pay homage to the rich and celebrated history of the Southwestern corner of Colorado. Explore old world downtown Durango by taking a walking tour of 3^rd Avenue or riding a horse and carriage down the picturesque Main Street. History comes to life in authentic, Victorian-style hotels, like the Strater Hotel, whose Diamond Belle Saloon features saucy saloon girls, delicious food and a cowboy standoff. For a genuine taste of the cowboy culture, spend an evening dining and singing along at the Bar D Chuckwagon or take part in the artistic array of events offered during the Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Entertainment and Festivals

Durango’s distinct and wide-ranging entertainment scene ensures plenty of excitement in this mountain town. Catch a show, some tunes or the latest art exhibits at one of the many theatres in town, like the Durango Arts Center. Whet your appetite and prep your palette for the many food-centric festivals that fill the town’s streets, like the Taste of Durango, Apple Days and the Durango Wine Experience celebrations. Whether your preference is a night at the symphony or jamming at a concert in the park, Durango caters to all musical favorites with events and institutions like Music in the Mountains, the San Juan Symphony, concerts in the park or the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown.

Family Winter Wonderland

For unique and original ways to make the most of family time, Durango’s winter outdoor offerings provide the perfect playground. The magnificent mountains offer the unspoiled backdrop for bonding while you cross-country ski, snowboard, snow tube and snowshoe through Mother Nature’s glorious handiwork. For a unique way to spend the day with your loved ones, try an off-the-beaten path activity that adventurers both young and old will enjoy, like dogsledding, snowmobiling, fat-tire biking and sleigh riding. For an inclusive combination of high-adrenaline thrill and quality family chill, take a ski vacation at Purgatory Resort. For holiday-themed happenings, ride the Polar Express Train^TM, browse local products at Noel Night or brush up on your carols at Singing with Santa.

Award-Winning Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries

You may come for the mountains, but you’ll stay for the food scene. One-of-a-kind restaurants feature a distinct Durango flair combined with culinary classics. Farm-to-table programs ensure that the town’s tastemakers are using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Six craft breweries, local wineries and distilleries ensure your glass will always be filled with a taste of Durango. Sample local meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, pastries, breads and artisanal products at the Durango Farmer’s Market, or head straight to your meal’s source with a farm tour at James Ranch or a stop at Honeyville Honey.

Simple Vacation Pleasures

Durango provides the perfect backdrop for vacation relaxation, highlighting the simple joys of mountain living. Enjoy the soothing sounds of nature as you stroll the Animas River Trail, a gentle walking path that winds along the river shore. Indulge in a tantalizing treatment at one of the town’s sensational spas or soak in the local hot springs. For an experience to soothe all of your senses, spend some time at one of the town’s charming coffee shops, bakeries or chocolate shops. For friendly faces and the local scoop, swing by the Durango Welcome Center to learn how to best experience Durango’s 300+ sunny days a year.

Base Camp for the Four Corners

With the incredible array of recreational and cultural offerings in the surrounding area, Durango provides the perfect home base for your exploration of the Four Corners. After a day of hands-on history in neighboring towns like Silverton, Ouray and Telluride, continue your old-world experience with a stay at one of Durango’s authentic Victorian hotels. Wipe the dirt of Moab or Monument Valley off your boots at the front door when you stay at one of Durango’s independent hotels. From RV parks to campgrounds, the quintessential mountain town’s outdoor accommodations guarantee a night of rest after exploring nearby cultural locations.  

Where friends gather, families celebrate

Durango’s essence of community living and storied heritage is found wherever friends and families come together. With a variety of stunning venues and an array of exciting and family-friendly activities, the mountain town provides an ideal setting for weddings, family reunions, business events and other special gatherings. Locally treasured and nationally renowned, Fort Lewis College features sports facilities ready to support athletic tournaments. Adrenaline-filled activities, delicious dining and artistic adventures ensure Durango is the ultimate destination for anniversaries and family vacations.

To make the most of your holiday days, choose a destination that offers a variety of vacations, all in one. Durango, Colorado, provides the perfect playground for outdoor, culinary and cultural activities, all set against the backdrop of the stunning San Juan Mountains. Come to Durango, Colorado and discover a dozen vacations in one destination.

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.  1-800-525-8855, www.durango.org

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