Seven for 2017: Spice up your New Year goals in Southwestern Colorado

  DURANGO, CO - 11/01/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

While you might be pondering your personal resolutions for 2017, Durango, Colorado, offers their list of the top seven things to experience in the New Year. If you’re seeking outdoor amusement, family fun or farm-fresh food, there’s something for everyone, from adrenaline-junkies to art lovers! Here are the seven must-dos on your visit to Colorado’s quintessential mountain town; capitalizing on the community’s stunning natural offerings, thriving culinary and cultural scenes and rich Southwestern heritage. It’s a New Year with incredible experiences in Durango, Colorado.

1. Ride a train                                   

With a storied past and nostalgic appeal, train travel has never been a more popular vacation activity. Locals and visitors alike agree that the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the town’s most unique and exciting attractions. Ride the rails through the stunning San Juan Mountains for breathtaking natural views on the route to Cascade Wye (winter route) or the mining town of Silverton (summer route). Take a tour of the railyard or explore the antique artifacts and locomotives at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Museum. For an unforgettable time on the tracks, try a themed train, like the New Year’s Day Brunch Train, Brew Train, the Blues Train, Wine and Rails Train or The Polar Express.

2. Take it outside

Whether you've committed to be more active or try something new in 2017, there's nowhere better to check items off of your resolution list than the great outdoors. Durango’s ideal natural setting and wide array of activities make it an unbeatable destination for wilderness activities. Whether you explore the trails of the San Juan National Forest or the Weminuche Wilderness on a mountain bike, horseback or from the comfort of your own hiking boots, there’s no shortage of trails. When the flakes fall, Durango’s winter recreation scene heats up, with outdoor opportunities ranging from skiing, snowtubing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort, snowshoeing and snowmobiling to unique and exciting ice climbing, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing. In the summer, try off-roading, rock climbing and backpacking, as well as rafting and fly-fishing on the beloved Animas River or a lake escape at Vallecito Lake for fishing and boating.

3. Taste local fare

From mouthwatering images on social media to culinary guides and recommendations, an increased awareness and appreciation for quality ingredients and creative approaches to food have made the restaurant scene an exciting and delectable part of any destination. Ask any local for their favorite food spot in town and you’re guaranteed to get a delicious and diverse list of Durango’s thriving culinary community. Rethink fast food at one of the mountain town’s speedy and sensational quick-casual restaurants, like the organic fare at Grassburger or either of the community’s favorite BBQ joints, Serious Texas Bar-B-Q or T's Smokehouse. Sip on a stout or savor a spirit at one of the six local craft breweries and two distilleries. A flourishing farm-to-table commitment keeps restaurants like Cyprus Café, the Mahogany Grille, Seasons, Chimayo and El Moro serving locally sourced and seasonal menus with distinctive Durango flair.

4. Strive for heaven in the afterlife; experience Purgatory in this one

No longer limited to winter snow sports, activity-packed ski resorts are year-round vacation destinations. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to fun-for-the-whole-family, Purgatory Resort has something to keep everyone entertained. Featuring million-dollar updates, the mountain is the ideal place for skiers and snowboarders to make the most of the area’s stunning natural offerings. Perfect your time in the powder at Snowsports School, or bundle up for a thrilling sleigh ride or snowmobile adventure. During summertime, the resort offers an Alpine Slide, zipline, ropes course, jeep tours, mountain biking and hiking. For more relaxing activities, take in breathtaking views on the scenic chairlift or try your hand at miniature golf, disc golf or the climbing wall.

5. Stroll a vibrant downtown

The heart of America flourishes in small-town downtowns with personality-filled pulse points of events and entertainment. Downtown Durango offers a unique blend of Southwest heritage and contemporary entertainment. Get to know the locals and tap your toes to some hometown tunes at one of the town’s several live music venues. Spend the night in one of Durango’s historic hotels, like the Strater Hotel, the Rochester Hotel or the General Palmer, all featuring authentic Victorian décor and atmosphere. From a historic walking tour to a wide array of engaging and entertaining museums, explore Durango’s rich and storied history. On the edge of downtown, the 7-mile paved, multi-purpose Animas River Trail runs alongside one of Durango’s favorite attractions, the Animas River, and connects to the heart of downtown.

6. Be in four places at once

Escaping the bustle of everyday life is easy with the wide array of national parks, monuments and roadways providing the perfect chance to unplug and unwind. With so many exciting and engaging opportunities in the Four Corners, Durango makes the perfect basecamp to explore all the wonders of the surrounding area. Fill up your tank and feast your eyes on the stunning scenes of the San Juan Mountains available from the San Juan Skyway, a 235-mile loop that takes you on a tour of the best natural views Southwest Colorado has to offer. Explore the rich heritage of the surrounding area at one of the nearby national parks and monuments, like Mesa Verde National Park, Chimney Rock National Monument, the Four Corners National Monument or the Aztec Ruins.

7. Explore and experience arts and culture

Arts and culture form an integral foundation of community personality. Inspired by its surrounding natural beauty, rich heritage and contemporary flair, Durango’s flourishing art scene ensures there’s always something to see, hear and enjoy around town. Visit one of the community’s premier art galleries, from the Southwestern-inspired Toh-Atin Gallery or Sorrel Sky to the cutting-edge, artist-owned Studio &. For art-in-action, stroll the streets to discover the 34 permanent pieces that are a part of Durango’s public art program. Sample the community’s live music and theatrical offerings, including the crowd-pleasing Bar D Chuckwagon—an authentic and immersive country stage show with a genuine chuckwagon dinner. Tap into talent you can take home with visual arts classes ranging from live figure drawing to printmaking at the Durango Arts Center. Let your creativity loose and take home a souvenir with a visit to the hands-on Cocktails and Creations or the paint-your-own-pottery destination, the Clay Room.

WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRg-C1nak9o 

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

Like us at “visitdurango” on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.