Things to do in Durango
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Steamworks Brewing
Industrial meets ski lodge at this popular microbrewery, with high sloping rafters and metal pipes. There's a large bar area, as well as a separate dining room with a Cajun-influenced menu. At night there are DJs and live music.
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Maria’s Bookshop
Maria's is a good general bookstore - independently owned and well stocked.
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Durango Mountain Resort
Durango Mountain Resort, 25 miles north on US 550, is Durango's winter highlight. The resort, also known as Purgatory, offers 1200 skiable acres of varying difficulty and boasts 260in of snow per year. Two terrain parks offer plenty of opportunities for snowboarders to catch big air.
Check local grocery stores and newspapers for promotions and 2-for-1 lift tickets and other promotional ski season specials before purchasing directly from the ticket window.
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Ska Brewing Company
Big on flavor and variety, these are the best beers in town. Although the small, friendly tasting-room bar was once mainly a production facility, over the years it's steadily climbed in the popularity charts. Today it is usually jam-packed with friends meeting for an after-work beer.
Despite the hype, the place remains surprisingly laid-back and relaxed. Ska does weekly BBQs with live music and free food. Call for dates - they are never fixed.
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Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs
If you need a pampering massage or just a soak in some natural hot springs after hitting the ski runs or mountain bike trails, then this is the place. Qualified massage therapists can work out those knotted muscles and tired limbs with treatment ranging from acupressure to trigger-point myotherapy. Five miles north of Durango.
Phone or check the website for last-minute specials, which sometimes include two-for-one deals and other discounts.
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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a Durango must. These vintage steam locomotives have been making the scenic 45-mile trip north to Silverton (3½ hours each way) for more than 125 years. The dazzling journey allows two hours for exploring Silverton. This trip operates only from May through October. Check online for different winter options.
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Mild to Wild Rafting
In spring and summer white-water rafting is one of the most popular sports in Durango. Mild to Wild Rafting is one of numerous companies around town offering rafting trips on the Animas River. Beginners should check out the one-hour introduction to rafting, while the more adventurous (and experienced) run the upper Animas, which boasts Class III to V rapids.
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Durango Diner
To watch Gary work the grill in this lovable greasy spoon is to be in the presence of greatness. Backed by a staff of button-cute waitresses, Gary's fluid, graceful wielding of a Samurai spatula turns out downright monstrous plates of eggs, smothered potatoes and plate-sized French toast. The best diner in the state? No doubt.
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El Rancho Tavern
A bar with a long history, this place attracts loads of loyal locals who come to drink their whiskey well into the night. A dive with attitude, its long bar is made for serious boozing. Don’t miss the mural on the outside, and there are pool tables in the back. El Rancho gets progressively rowdier as the night progresses.
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Diamond Belle Saloon
Ensconced in the imposing 1887 Strater Hotel, this is an elegant and cozy period place right down to the waitress dressed in Victorian-era fishnets and garter, and with a feather in her hair. The piano player pumps out ragtime tunes and takes requests. There are half-price appetizers and drink specials from 4pm to 6pm.
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Olde Tymers Café
Voted as having the best burger in Durango by the local paper, the Olde Tymers is popular with the college crowd, especially during $5-burger nights. Well-priced American classics are served at cozy booths under pressed-tin ceilings in a big open dining room or on the patio outside. Ask about the cheap daily specials.
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Randy’s
Randy's is a fine-dining establishment serving an eclectic menu of mainly seafood and steak. It's an intimate place that's popular for romantic coupling. Eat between 5pm and 6pm and get the same menu for $12 to $14. Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm. Locals say this is the finest restaurant in town for top-end dining.
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Jean Pierre Bakery
Visit this charming patisserie for a taste of France in Colorado. The mouthwatering delicacies are made from scratch. Don’t miss the soup-and-sandwich lunch special ($12), which includes a sumptuous French pastry chosen from the large counter display. Well worth at least one meal.
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Lady Falconburgh's
It's no secret that this place, which has the largest selection of microbrews and imports in the Four Corners region, is popular. There's a brick-and-brass theme with original murals on the walls and more than a hundred beers on offer - 38 of which are on tap.
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Ore House
The best steakhouse in town, with food served in casual and rustic environs. Order a hand-cut aged steak, or try the steak, crab leg and lobster combo known as the Ore House Grubsteak. It's easily big enough for two people. There's also a large wine cellar.
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Durango Soaring Club
One- and two-person gliding flights are a memorable way to see the spectacular scenery around the San Juan Mountains and Animas River. In the summer afternoons, when the earth is warmed, the chance of catching rising thermal air currents is best.
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East by Southwest
Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Japanese cuisine, including a full sushi bar, is served in a congenial low-key setting. The food is delicious and can be washed down with a creative martini or sake cocktail. Locals rave about this establishment.
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Pedal the Peaks
This specialist bike store offers the works from mountain- and road-bike sales and rentals, custom-worked cycles, trail maps and accessories. The staff are all hardcore riders, and their friendly advice and local knowledge are second to none.
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Durango Rivertrippers
This family-operated outfit is the oldest accredited rafting operator in Durango and highly reputed. It offers various river-rafting trips on the Delores and Animas Rivers, from two-family runs to six-day wilderness adventures.
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Carver Brewing Co
A local institution and longtime favorite among beer drinkers, this relaxed brewery churns out 1000 barrels of brew annually; enjoy a pint with burgers and sandwiches in the outdoor beer garden.
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Durango Brewing Co
These guys concentrate on the brews with tap-room tastings and sales open seven days a week.
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2nd Avenue Sports
This sports store offers skiing and mountain-biking gear for sale and hire.
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