Durango Magazine- Winter/Spring 23-24

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONNECTION

DURANGO’S ANNUAL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

DINING GUIDE

SEE INSIDE FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS

SILVERTON SPLITFEST

A CELEBRATION OF BACKCOUNTRY SPLITBOARDING

WINTER/SPRING 2023-24 EST. 1986

GETTING STARTED IN THE BACKCOUNTRY THE BASICS FOR SAFE & RESPONSIBLE BACKCOUNTRY EXPLORING

GATHERING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

THE BENEFITS OF LOCAL FOOD & AGRICULTURE AT JAMES RANCH

SAN JUAN SYMPHONY

THE FINEST REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA IN THE FOUR CORNERS AREA

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2 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

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C ON TR I BU TO R S

Matt Bodo

Lisa Branner

Billy Grimes

Jessilen Henderson

Zach Hively

Joy Martin

Matt is a third-generation native of Durango. After graduating from The University of Colorado Boulder with a BFA in acting, Matt spent 10 years in New York City writing for theatre and television, acting, and performing stand-up comedy. An avid snowboarder, he was eventually drawn back to the Rocky Mountains, ultimately putting the “rad” back in Colorado.

A New York City native who escaped to the mountains of Colorado, Lisa is cofounder of Silvertonbased craft manufacturer Venture Snowboards and is a talented wordsmith, designer, and digital marketer. Her passions include hiking, camping, mountain biking, and snowboarding, as well as exploring the connections between outdoor recreation and economic development.

After a 44-year career as a graphic designer working for magazine, corporate, and advertising clients in Texas, Tennessee, and California, Billy moved to Durango to work at Fort Lewis College.

Always interested in 3D design, he is now a builder and sculptor. His other interests are music, art, and writing.

Jessilen is a third-generation, on-again-off-again Durango native. In 2020 she left a good job with benefits to go back to school in pursuit of the ever-impractical English degree.

Because life is short, real jobs are boring, and turning problems into poetry makes it better.

Zach dances the Argentine tango, plays a passable harmonica, keeps bees, and eats. He is the founder of Casa Urraca Press. His second poetry book, Desert Apocrypha, won a Reading the West Book Award, and he writes the long-running Fool's Gold column. He teaches online writing workshops and is nearly outweighed by his two dogs.

Joy Martin loves plunging into alpine lakes, and the stories behind the people and places that shape Durango and the Four Corners region.

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David Jaffe

Elizabeth Miller

Kathy Myrick

Elizabeth Miller has worked and played in the mountains of southwest Colorado for most of her life. An educator in the area for 16 years and a lifelong learner, she holds an MFA in fiction from Spalding University and loves sharing her passion for the written word with the youth of Durango.

Kathy Myrick lives in Durango where she writes articles of local interest and photographs mountains, monuments, waterways, and wildflowers in the Four Corners area.

Kathleen O’Connor Kathleen moved to Durango with her family in 2011 after working for more than a decade as a wildlife biologist specializing in endangered birds and cave invertebrates found in and around central Texas. She loves hiking, biking and exploring new places, both above ground and below.

John Peel

Elizabeth Philbrick

Dr. Heidi Steltzer

After a 22-year career with The Durango Herald, in 2015 John established his own business, John Peel’s Life Preserver, to help people write their family and personal histories. When not sitting at a computer, he heads outdoors; in 2020, John authored the fifth edition of Hiking Trails of Southwestern Colorado.

Elizabeth Philbrick is the co-founder of EsoTerra Ciderworks, a hard cider company based in Southwest Colorado with the goal of crafting artisanal ciders that ring true to their history. She is proud to handpick some of America’s oldest apple orchards, so her husband can craft some of America’s top ciders.

Heidi Steltzer is an environmental scientist, speaker, and writer. She founded the Heidi Mountains Cooperative, a nonprofit that honors science and faith as ways of knowing.

She's a professor at Fort Lewis College in Durango and a master's student in theological studies at Iliff School of Theology in Denver.

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WINTER / SPRING 2023-2024 • EST. 1986

Volume 38, No. 2

Gathering For A

Brighter Future:

FEATURES

20 Gathering For A Brighter Future: The Benefits of Local Food & Agriculture at James Ranch

The benefits of local food and agriculture at James Ranch

34 Cortez to Telluride

Part two of your Primer on Touring for Fun, Adventure & History

54 Getting Started in the Backcountry

The Basics for Safe & Responsible Backcountry Exploring

20

CONTENTS

8 Letter From the Publishers 10 Excursions 12 Top Picks 16 Hello Durango 24 What’s New in the Four Corners 26 The Singles Line at Purgatory 28 History: Basketmakers in the Valley 30 Unlocking Potential in Career & Technical Education 38 Durango’s Annual Independent Film Festival 43 Artist Profile: Philip Raymond Brown 44 Featured Durango Art Galleries 46 San Juan Symphony 50 A Rocky Mountain Love Story 60 Photo Essay 66 Dining Showcase: Public House 701 68 Nightlife & Dining Guide 80 Dining Showcase: Prospector at Glacier

Cole Davis

SILVERTON

58 A Celebration of Backcountry Splitboarding: Silverton Splitfest

LIVING IN STYLE

84 Durango Dream Home: Reynolds Ash + Associates 87 Featured Realtors 90 Durango Kids 92 Mind, Body & Soul 94 Home Sweet Home: Artesanos Design Collection 98 Rural Philanthropy Days 100 Community Profile: Natalie McClain 102 Advertiser Index 103 Local Giving: Durango Nordic Center

34

Hank Blum

THE BASICS FOR SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE BACKCOUNTRY EXPLORING:

Getting Started in the Backcountry

ON THE COVER

"Red Dead" by Rhyler Overend: This panorama of downtown was taken from Rotary Park. I was walking my dog that evening on the Animas River Trail. She barked ferociously at the drone while I was trying to find a place to land it in the snow.

Courtesy of Visit Durango 6 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

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Embrace Your Soul Over 40 Natural Hot Springs Features World’s Only Oxygen Infused Geothermal Water Full-Service Day Spa New Private Access Day Club Private Ofuro Soaking Tubs Open Year Round Reservations Required www.dhsresort.com 970-247-0111

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LE T TER FRO M T H E P U B LI S H E R S

Welcome to Winter in Southwest Colorado!

Like you, we’ve been relishing the benefits of last year’s incredible snowpack. Summer in the San Juans was (mostly) fire-free, and we never tired of hiking into the alpine to enjoy the wildflowers that continued well into fall, alongside the region’s iconic golden aspen leaves that didn’t pop until later, thanks to the excess moisture and late-season rains.

We’re definitely not mad about savoring the extended warm, sunny days and harvest goodies before another projected wild winter sets in. While we wait for the snow flurries to start flying, we’re staying busy with Durango’s endless opportunities to recreate and support local businesses and organizations.

In this issue, we highlight some of our favorite winter activities, from cross-country skiing at the Durango Nordic Center to soaking the stress away at the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa. A drive along the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton is a treat no matter the time of year; make sure your car is equipped with snow tires and emergency gear in case the elements shift. After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just poor planning!

As for the evenings, we look forward to the dynamic sights and sounds radiating from the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. This season, the Concert Hall is hosting theatre performances from FLC’s theatre department, concerts from the San Juan Symphony, holiday classics like The Nutcracker ballet, and a highly anticipated event featuring Leftover Salmon, to name a few.

Before rocking out, we’re looking forward to trying more delicious dishes from Durango’s esteemed assortment of cozy restaurants. Discover more options in our restaurant guide. We can’t wait to see what our local chefs are cooking up with support from local farmers. After all, our love of food is only outweighed by our love of Durango.

Durango Magazine is published twice a year by Durango Magazine LLC. The Summer/Fall 2024 edition publishes in May. P.O. Box 3907 Durango, CO 81302 Phone: (970) 259-2599

DurangoMagazine.com No portion of this publication’s content may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the publisher.

Copyright © 2023-24 by Durango Magazine. All rights reserved.

Sincerely,

Marianne Hoover

Publisher/Editor Marianne & Corbet Hoover Design/Production Eric Emerson Account Executives Marianne & Corbet Hoover Photo Editor Ryan Nott Copy Editor Dawn Harth Staff Intern Lola the Dog

Corbet Hoover

EST. 1986

@durangomagazine

8 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

#durangomagazine

@durango_magazine

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E XC U R SIO N S Kim Todd

Elizabeth Philbrick

Elizabeth Philbrick

RED APPLE FLYER Spreading Seeds of History

by Elizabeth Philbrick

s you glance along the rail line bisecting the Animas Valley you may notice a curiosity of sorts: hundreds of unassuming apple and pear trees, the remnants of extensive orchards. Trees that better resemble shrubs, dotted with fruits that cause your mouth to both flood with saliva, and simultaneously tighten your cheeks. These are the historic fruits of the Old West.

When the Durango to Silverton stretch of the Rio Grande Railroads was completed in 1882, its primary goal was to service the over 4,000 mining claims in and around Silverton. In the few short years after the train’s arrival, the population of Silverton doubled, and with it a need to support this growing population. Trains would come down the mountain filled with silver and gold ore, but on their way up they brought miners and their supplies.

10 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring Winter/Spring

Because the mining towns of Silverton, Rico, Telluride and the like exist at an elevation inhospitable to farming, these miners would load up their packs with fruit from the highest elevations possible, many in the Animas Valley. Settlements like Hermosa were soon inundated with underground fruit cellars where miners would load up with fruits and hard ciders before trudging along Hermosa Creek toward Rico. Fresh fruit in the Animas was not a luxury. It was, in fact, quite abundant.

As the mining populations continued to boom, so did the supporting towns. In 1905, a 48-mile extension of the railway was added south of Durango, primarily to transport the abundant fruit crop of San Juan County. The Farmington Branch, as it was originally called, was quickly renamed the Red Apple Flyer, and was known for transporting 27,000 lbs. of

fruit twice weekly. That fruit would make its way from New Mexico to Denver by way of Durango.

Because apple seeds are genetically different than the apple they come from, this transportation led to hundreds of new apple varieties. Every time a miner threw a core along a streamside, or a bushel of apples fell from the train, a new type of apple appeared. To this day, La Plata and Montezuma Counties alone account for over 600 named varieties of apples; with hundreds more lining the trails and creeksides of the San Juan Mountains.

While the Red Apple Flyer may no longer exist, the echo of its past is all around us. 130- to 180-year-old trees, still in their original rows, can be seen all across our region. If you happen to find one on a path, feel free to reach up and enjoy a bite of history.

DURANGO

WINE EXPERIENCE April 26-27, 2024 Join us at our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Durango Wine Experience, to pour support into our community.

The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado fosters investments to grow opportunities in our region to ensure it is a great place to live, work, and play. We share grants, expertise, and education with nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in our community.

Pouring goodnes into the community:

Save water drink , wine

Sponsor of festivities:

For tickets: durangowine.com 11

TOP PI C K S

PINE NEEDLE LANGLAUF NORDIC SKI RACE On February 17, 2024, the Durango Nordic Center will host its toughest annual endeavor, the Pine Needle Langlauf Nordic Ski Race.

This freestyle event offers the best of the Nordic Center’s trails, from daunting climbs and thrilling descents to sweeping views and incomparable camaraderie. In 2023, Langlauf featured 150 skiers in five different race categories ranging from a Kinderlauf 2K to a 30K. Live music, excellent snow conditions, and good times are (mostly) guaranteed.

“We just have to wait and see what Mother Nature has for us,” Helen Low, manager of The Nordic Center, said.

Kathy Myrick

Langlauf is part of the Southwest Nordic Race Series, four events held in the San Juan Mountains throughout the winter season to crown the king and queen of Nordic Skiing in the Southwest.

Prizes are awarded to the top male and female winners, while all participants are eligible for the mega-prize drawing. Sign up for this iconic soiree and learn more about the Durango Nordic Center at durangonordic.org.

DURANGO DOG RANCH Ask anyone what is on their bucket list, and a frequent answer is dogsledding! It is an unforgettable experience perfect for people of all ages and skill levels, and there's no better place to try it than in the southwest Colorado mountains. At Durango Dog Ranch, you'll be led by experienced guides through the stunning scenery of the San Juan Mountains and be whisked through the snow by a team of friendly huskies. You'll learn about the history and culture of the region from knowledgeable guides. And, of course, the dog sledding adventure is complete with a hot drink and snacks to warm you up afterward. The ranch is located in Hesperus, Colorado, about 30 minutes from Durango. The season runs from mid-November to midApril, weather permitting. Tours are available for groups of all sizes, from families to corporate groups. Time to check an item off your bucket list! Visit: durangodogranch.com.

Courtesy of Grumpyhighlander

CONTEMPORARY NATIVE ARTISTS PRESENT VIBRANT TAKE ON STAR WARS Art exhibit “The Return of the Force” explores how Native artists interact with the cultural influence of the "Star Wars" films, while offering social and personal commentary through engaging, accessible visuals. The exhibit is a continuation of the popular and critically acclaimed exhibit “The Force Is With Our People”, which earned national coverage when it opened at the Museum of Northern Arizona in 2019. “The Return of the Force” features more than 20 artists with new work not seen in the original show. The exhibit will be on display at Fort Lewis College’s Center of Southwest Studies through August 2024.

Visit: swcenter.fortlewis.edu.

Courtesy of Center of Southwest Studies

12 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

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TOP PI C K S

SAN JUAN SYMPHONY The San Juan Symphony brings Passionate music to the stage in February 2024! Music director Thomas Heuser will conduct an orchestra of more than 50 professional musicians, and an auditioned group of local students will join side-by-side as part of this unique symphony event. New music for strings and percussion by Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate will be paired with powerful, impassioned works from the Romantic era by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. Every concert is a once-in-a-lifetime, babysitter-worthy event! The energetic setting of the concert hall brings the music to life in a way that must be experienced to be believed. Audiences from all walks of life are invited to join and “come as you are,” for a Passionate evening at the San Juan Symphony. Tickets are available online at www.durangoconcerts.com or may be purchased at the box office at the Community Concert Hall on the evening of the performance.

For more information visit: sanjuansymphony.org.

SHAMROCK EXPRESS Slàinte! Have a Guinness on the Shamrock Express! The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a cheery trip through the San Juan National Forest. Bring your best limericks, don your favorite lucky green pants, and get ready to dance a jig with local Celtic musicians. Four-leaf clovers and leprechauns decorate the cars as you roll past evergreens and plunging canyons en route to Cascade Canyon. Pre-order a delicious boxed lunch featuring corned beef, of course. A special selection of Guinness will be available for purchase in first-class and concession cars. Need a limerick for your back pocket?

Try this one: There was an old man in Durango, Who was known for being a slowpoke, He moved like a sad crow, Across a plateau, That old man from Durango. www.durangotrain.com

Courtesy of DSNGRR

SILVERTON WHITEOUT The Silverton Whiteout marks the start of Silverton’s winter event season. Taking place in early February, the Whiteout is an 8-hour relay race that laps an approximately 8- to 10-mile circuit on a groomed route around and through the town of Silverton, and along County Road 2 and a beautiful stretch of the upper Animas River.

Racers can choose to race solo, as 2-person or 4-person teams, and even as a family unit! Costumes and team themes are encouraged. Most racers choose to race on fat tire bikes designed for the snowy conditions, but participants can use any non-motorized conveyance they want: XC skis, running shoes, kick sleds…whatever you want, as long as it doesn’t have a motor.

The Whiteout kicks off on Friday night with a concert at the Powerhouse and closes with awards and more music. www.silvertonwhiteout.com Shanda Akin Courtesy of xxxxxxxxxx 14 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

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Like you, we love walking out of a salon experience feeling a little taller.

Durango’s hairstylists are masters of small talk who might as well hold a master’s in counseling as they wield their dual gift of listening intently while boosting your confidence—especially when they take the extra minute to massage your scalp during a washing. We’re thrilled to share some insights into Durango’s favorite self-care professionals, from their entertainment indulgences to tips on how to have better hair.

HECTOR CRUZ

TAYLOR WOOLVERTON

EUPHORIA

HAIR FUSION

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION A CLIENT ASKS YOU? The mane question that I get is… “Hair me out - will this look good?”

WHICH TV SHOW WOULD YOU PICK TO LIVE INSIDE FOR A WEEK? Hairy and the Hendersons because it’s hair-larious.

WHAT’S SOMETHING FRIVOLOUS THAT YOU DON’T MIND SPENDING MONEY ON? Hair Force Ones because I hair about what I look like.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST HORRIBLE MOVIE EVER? Conhair because hair cares.

ANY HACKS FOR WAKING UP WITH BETTER HAIR? A little hair of the dog.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION A CLIENT ASKS YOU? “What will look good on me?”

WHICH TV SHOW WOULD YOU PICK TO LIVE INSIDE FOR A WEEK? Yellowstone.

WHAT’S SOMETHING FRIVOLOUS THAT YOU DON’T MIND SPENDING MONEY ON? I don't spent money on frivolous things.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST HORRIBLE MOVIE EVER? Geez, so many bad movies out there.

ANY HACKS FOR WAKING UP WITH BETTER HAIR? Ponytail or a hat.

TYLER FRAKES

LEMON HEAD HAIR SALON WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION A CLIENT ASKS YOU? I always love a good, “how long have you been doing hair?” from a new client. They’re 1000% just trying to gauge what’s about to happen on top of their heads, so I usually like to answer with, “all day!”

WHICH TV SHOW WOULD YOU PICK TO LIVE INSIDE FOR A WEEK? It’s a tie between The Golden Girls and Schitt’s Creek. I like to think that in some alternate universe Dorothy Zbornak and David Rose could be my parents because I am exactly those two characters combined. Quick wit + sharp tongue + zero filter = ME ME ME … “Ew, David!”

WHAT’S SOMETHING FRIVOLOUS THAT YOU DON’T MIND SPENDING MONEY ON? Anyone who knows me knows that I will definitely drop some money on anything to do with my French Bulldog, Gigi.

I probably have around 40 designer collar-and-leash sets hanging in my closet right now. Is it my fault that each cute collar pairs perfectly with an equally cute matching poop bag? Absolutely not! It’s a real slippery-slope situation … that and CROCS!!

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST HORRIBLE MOVIE EVER? As an 80’s baby and self-proclaimed movie buff, my vote for worst movie goes to the 2020 remake of the 1983 theatrical masterpiece, The Witches. The reboot was so cringey I almost couldn’t make it through the whole thing in one sitting. I mean, I love Anne Hathaway as much as the next guy … but no one puts Angelica Huston in the corner!

Also, old-school animatronics and puppetry over computer-generated imagery ANY day!

ANY HACKS FOR WAKING UP WITH BETTER HAIR? The hands-down best hack for waking up with good hair is to just drag a brush through it every now and again.

Lol, kidding. Seriously though, sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. It naturally decreases friction and cuts down on breakage. It’s something you can do for your hair every day without even having to think about it … and since we live in such a dry climate, our hair needs all the extra help it can get!

16 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

EMMA DAKE THE CHAIR

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION A CLIENT ASKS YOU? This question brings funny responses to mind but one of the most frequent questions I get is, “Have you changed your hair?” Most often my answer is, “No, I just washed it”. A serious hair question I often get is “How do I keep my hair healthier?” My answer is based on their lifestyle with their hair, but most often it’s wash less frequently, use heat protection, and moisturize your hair.

WHICH TV SHOW WOULD YOU PICK TO LIVE INSIDE FOR A WEEK? Golden Girls. I love those ladies.

WHAT’S SOMETHING FRIVOLOUS THAT YOU DON’T MIND SPENDING MONEY ON? Sadly, everything. I love to spend money.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST HORRIBLE MOVIE EVER? The Ring. It traumatized me as a young teen and gave me anxietyridden, sleepless nights for weeks.

ANY HACKS FOR WAKING UP WITH BETTER HAIR? To preserve a blowout or iron-curled hair overnight, wear your hair in a high, twisted - not messy - bun using a soft, plush scrunchie.

SARA MASCARENAS INCOGNITO SALON

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION A CLIENT ASKS YOU? “What have you been up to? Should I change my hair?”

WHICH TV SHOW WOULD YOU PICK TO LIVE INSIDE FOR A WEEK? I guess MeatEater because I hunt and love to learn everything I can about how to fill my freezer with beautiful free-range organic meat.

WHAT’S SOMETHING FRIVOLOUS THAT YOU DON’T MIND SPENDING MONEY ON? Cocktails and dining. I love yummy food that requires no cooking or cleaning. After standing in the salon all day I don’t want to stand in my kitchen.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST HORRIBLE MOVIE EVER? The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Not because it’s a horrible movie but I found it horrible and I had to sleep with a nightlight as an adult after watching it.

ANY HACKS FOR WAKING UP WITH BETTER HAIR? Put your hair in rollers and brush it out in the morning.

PEDRO VIGIL

THE BOOKCASE & BARBER WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION A CLIENT ASKS YOU? “How long have you been cutting hair?"

- 12 years WHICH TV SHOW WOULD YOU PICK TO LIVE INSIDE FOR A WEEK? Full Swing on Netflix so I could attend all the majors.

WHAT’S SOMETHING FRIVOLOUS THAT YOU DON’T MIND SPENDING MONEY ON? My Harley Davidson Road King.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST HORRIBLE MOVIE EVER? Jack and Jill with Adam Sandler. Terrible on all fronts.

ANY HACKS FOR WAKING UP WITH BETTER HAIR? Buzz cut.

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DISTINCTIVE SHOPS OF DOWNTOWN

18 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

DISTINCTIVE SHOPS OF DOWNTOWN

CLOTHING J E W E L RY ACCESSORIES FUNSTUFF

822 Main Avenue, Durango | 970 385 7300

theresnoplacelikehomeinc.com

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Gathering For A

Brighter Future:

The benefits of local food and agriculture at James Ranch

by Elizabeth Miller Photos by Cole Davis

DURANGO DOG RANCH ARTICLE ( 3 PAGE FEATURE)

January snowflakes drift outside and winter air nips under the door as members of the Durango community meet for a unique dining experience at James Ranch: the Gather dinner, a four-course meal highlighting James Ranch products, local ingredients, and the ingenuity of culinary staff. Creating partnerships through the James family and other farmers in the region, late fall and winter Gather dinners look to further cultivate a network that 20 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

honors farmers, ranchers, producers, bakers, and other purveyors to understand all that goes into the making of a delectable, distinctive meal.

James Ranch started with a dream to live on the land and connect with nature, raise children to contribute to the food source and teach the values and hard work ethic that it takes to live and survive from the land. Cynthia Stewart, a James daughter and innovator of the Gather dinners,

came back to the family ranch years ago with her husband to raise their own daughter. Along with other James siblings, the ranch creates a beautiful team effort with each sibling running different aspects of the ranch: James Ranch Beef, The Gardens at James Ranch, the tree farm and James Ranch Market, dairy farming and cheese making, and James Ranch Grill, which Stewart owns. The ranch has also extended invitations to other farmers to use the

land, with the addition of the flower farm.

Both the Market and The Grill work together to utilize all components of James Ranch, as well as ingredients and crops from local farmers, providing ways for local farms to grow more and sell more.

The Gather dinners grant another opportunity to capitalize on the synergy of James Ranch and how each part influences the whole to create a coursed dinner using as many local and regional ingredients as

possible. “Often the people that eat the food before them may not understand what it takes to produce the meal on the plates,” Stewart ruminates. “I wanted to share the real story behind the process and give the farmers and producers of our ingredients a chance to describe and highlight all that goes into the food on diners’ plates.”

The Gather dinner in January included a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, starting with a butternut

squash carpaccio that guests at the table couldn’t stop exclaiming over, a soup or salad course, and the entrée: a perfectly seared James Ranch beef hangar steak with a smoked cherry jus, butternut puree, confit potato, chimichurri sauce, and complemented by a James Ranch Belford crisp. Dessert was a sour cherry compote with tarragon ice cream, utilizing cherries frozen from summer at the ranch, featuring crops and products being used 21

GATHERING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE: THE BENEFITS OF LOCAL FOOD AND AGRICULTURE AT JAMES RANCH

in innovative ways. “It’s an opportunity to understand what you’re eating and that everything on your plate is of the purest level and highest nutrient density we can get it,” Stewart added. “Our hope is to educate people about their food and where it comes from, and the importance of doing it right.”

Doing it right involves a complex network of inventive solutions to solve problems that arise in the business of living off the land. Population impacts on resources, drought, and solutions for chemical-free pest control have given James Ranch many opportunities to work with Mother Nature instead of against it. James Ranch utilizes regenerative practices for vegetation such as composting, rotating crops and field use, and fertilizing with kelp, which supports the harmonious ecosystem the ranch shares with local wildlife, providing an oasis for birds, bugs, and other living things.

Another aspect of James Ranch and the Gather dinner is the space to highlight the producers of the many components that go into making a meal, whether it be the James Ranch cheesemaking process, Buckel Family Wines, or James Ranch Beef, all with an eye on sustainability and regenerative practices that contribute to the Durango landscape. Joe and Jenn Wheeling, also a James daughter, were the guest producers of that Gather dinner evening from James Ranch Beef and The Gardens at James Ranch. James Ranch Beef boasts two hundred steers processed locally a year, which equates to 100,000 pounds of beef! Sustainability and utilizing all parts and products of the animal are important to the Wheelings and the James Ranch philosophy, down to an extreme level of detail to support the land as well as the animals. One inquisitive dinner guest inquired if these sustainability practices made cow flatulence less toxic, to which Wheeling replied, “We live in a biological world, with infinite possibilities,” eliciting a chuckle from dinner guests. James Ranch strives to provide the best life for their animals. The Wheelings suggest holistic management and community involvement leads to healthier and less stressed cattle, which in turn boosts the flavor and quality of their beef.

As the Wheelings spoke about their farm and the James Ranch community, it’s clear that relationships with their customers and guests’ connection to sustainable farming and the land are paramount. James Ranch is truly a family farm, focused on the Durango community.

The James’ family philosophy centers on refining practices, knowing where your food comes from, and providing care in how it is processed and used. The

22 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

attention to detail the James Ranch family and staff pour into everything encourages us to understand a little more about the sustenance that fuels our bodies.

James Ranch invites you to visit the Market, the Grill, educational panels, tours, or the unique experience of the Gather dinner. Gather dinners are Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30 P.M. at James Ranch Grill dining room, mid November through March, with limited seating through prepaid reservations. For more information on James Ranch events, tours, and reservations, visit jamesranch.net/grill.

DISTINCTIVE SHOPS OF DOWNTOWN

Local Art •Ceramics •Art Glass Jewelry •Contemporary Wall Art

934 Main Ave. • www.earthenvessel.com • 970-247-1281

T

l, Shop Local!

Globa k n hi

Locally Owned For Over 30 Years!

742 Main Avenue • Durango,CO • (970) 385-4526

23

What’s New in the Four Corners

by Zach Hively & Deanne Gallegos

Ryan Nott

Silverton Mountain New Ownership

Silverton Mountain, which is in the heart of the San Juan Mountain range and only 55 miles north of Durango, is now under new ownership. Aaron and Jen Brill, who created and have operated Silverton Mountain for over 25 years have turned the operations and ownership of the mountain to Andy Culp and Brock Strasbourger, cofounders of Heli.life. Culp and Strasbourger have the goal of 100% employee retention, and will spend the winter in Silverton learning about the community and local ski culture before making any changes to the ski area operations. Silverton Mountain offers guided, unguided and heli-ski experiences. Check out silvertonmountain. com for more information.

100 students received Wolverine work boots in addition to the financial support designed to help ease barriers to advancing their education.

The foundation, called All Within My Hands, was created by the members and management of the famous rock group. Its mission is to create and support sustainable communities by providing critical local services, including workforce education grants such as this one.

and collaborations” maintained over time.

The Renewal Partnership collaborated with several local governmental and nonprofit stakeholders to develop these townhomes (including income-qualified units) for ownership or rental by workers in the local community.

Courtesy of Tracks Across Borders

Courtesy of Durango.gov

Group Pushes to Preserve Historic Railroad Byway Workforce Housing Project Honored for Collaboration

Metallica Supports Local Trade Students

Through its nonprofit foundation, the rock band Metallica provided a $100,000 grant to students in the School of Trades and Technology at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico.

24 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

The Durango Urban Renewal Authority, known as the Durango Renewal Partnership, recently received accolades for its community partnership in developing the Animas City Park Overlook townhomes.

The housing project, which is creating 22 workforce housing units, earned the group the 2023 American Planning Association Colorado Chapter Honor Award in the category of Innovative Partnership & Collaboration. The award recognizes “extraordinary partnerships

The commissioners of the Tracks Across Borders Byway aim to maintain and promote a 128-mile stretch of the once-extensive Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) that connected much of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.

This route has received official byway status. While the byway is largely inoperable to locomotives (unlike the Durango & Silverton and Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroads, which were also historically part of the D&RGW), the commission emphasizes preserving the history of the area.

Visitors are encouraged to use an interactive app (available on app stores via Cumbres & Toltec) to engage with stops along the byway.

DISTINCTIVE SHOPS OF DOWNTOWN

Home of The Original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Store 561 Main Ave. | 970.259.1408 One block from the train, near the corner of College Dr. and Main Ave.

CAR AMEL APPLES | HANDMADE FUDGE | FINE CHOCOL ATES | TRUFFLES | GIFTS & MORE

25

Singles L ine The

b y M at t Bo d o

at Purgatory

“ I’m a Loner, Dottie. A Rebel.”

Pee-wee Herman – Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

Courtesy of Purgatory

ne of my top five favorite things in life is a day spent snowboarding.

The allure of winter bliss, combined with exercise, adrenaline, and mountain camaraderie is my ideal and, during the season, usually ranks number one.

I consider myself both privileged and lucky, but, unfortunately, I don’t always have the luxury of a companion on the mountain. The drawbacks of lonely isolation are outweighed, however, by the benefit of the “singles only” line. Waiting with your gang in a lift line that makes Disney’s Magic Mountain pale in its never-ending frosty shadow, only to look over to see a single skier shoot past everyone and squeeze in on the next chair, sparks instant envy.

I’m envious, yes. But not complaining. Complaining about a bad day snowboarding is like saying a plate of oysters is bad because there’s not enough mignonette sauce. It’s a First World problem, and if I don’t like oysters there’s no reason on earth I should waste my time and money eating them. So, I have no issue with riding single, the conditions, and, especially, the interesting characters that I get to meet on the way. Call it the benefit of being a lone wolf, but the bonus/curse of riding solo is that the singles line pairs you up with an array of them.

26 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Here’s my short list of the general packs that the single-line rider encounters and the pros and cons of riding in their company:

The Family – Unit Nuclearum • •

Pros – Usually keep to themselves. Always friendly and well-behaved.

Cons – Might be trying to load a toddler or even a puppy onto the lift, bringing the entire line to a halt.

The Social Media Influencers – Experientious Secondhandius • • •

Pros – Bolstered sense of existence by being tagged in their posts.

Cons – Danger of being stabbed when they whip out the selfie stick to capture the excitement of a 20-minute lift shutdown.

(Added Pro – Dropped phones, gloves, poles, hats, etc.

Hilarious!)

The Partiers – Gangani Legalitus or Spirit Intoxicatii • •

Pros – FUN FUN FUN Cons – Sparking a bowl on the lift or, worse, throwing up.

The Old-Timers – Durangatangus Knowitallus • •

Pros – Tend to keep to themselves.

Cons – Can’t help but regale you on what the mountain was like back when there was only a tow rope and they skied on aspen bark behind Teddy Roosevelt.

DISTINCTIVE SHOPS OF DOWNTOWN

27

H I STOR Y

Basketmakers in the Valley

Words & photos courtesy of Animas Museum

The La Plata County Historical Society recently received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to analyze the Museum’s collection of Ancestral Pueblo pottery. Visit the museum to see more examples of Basketmaker pottery on exhibit.

For centuries the scenic beauty and abundant natural resources in southwest Colorado have attracted residents.

Among the earliest inhabitants of the area were a people archaeologists have named the Basketmakers. They settled in small villages and lived in rock shelters and on terraces overlooking their corn fields. There is evidence that Basketmakers lived in the Durango area as early as 231 BCE. We know they were here because of what they left behind.

Rock art is one of the oldest forms of communication.

Basketmakers created both petroglyphs (picked into the stone) and pictographs (painted on the surface). Archaeological evidence of the Basketmaker II/ III community in the Animas Valley included rock paintings which would have been socially 28 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring Winter/Spring

and ritually significant. Paintings in different areas show a variety of mineral pigments in white, black, red, yellow, and blue/green. The artworks depict human figures, (both active and inactive), masks (or faces), handprints, and geometric designs. Animals such as bighorn sheep, snakes and birds are also common.

The Basketmakers were growing corn in the Durango area over 2300 years ago. Ripe corn was roasted and eaten. It was also dried and ground into cornmeal for storage. Stone tools known as a mano and metate were used to grind this corn.

The metate is the larger stone that sits in the ground. Corn kernels were placed on the metate and the mano, the smaller hand stone, was used in a back-and-forth motion to grind

Manos and metates on exhibit at the Museum.

the corn. Women and children shared the difficult and timeconsuming task of grinding the corn. To make grinding easier, they would place their feet against a wall. With their feet and backs to the wall they gained extra leverage, which helped with the grinding.

Hunting and gathering completed the Basketmaker diet. Edible plants in the area likely included wild tubers, grains, berries, nuts, and seeds. Archaeologists studying the culture have found evidence of the use of amaranth, a native plant whose seeds were collected and ground into a type of flour. Pinon pine nuts are flavorful and nutrient-rich. Wild tomatillo, purslane, wild sunflower, Indian ricegrass, and winged pigweed have also been found during archaeological studies. When the use of pottery ushered in the Basketmaker III period, beans became a staple food. Clay pots simplified cooking, replacing the use of hot rocks placed in baskets for boiling. Pottery items and sherds found by archaeologists indicate that Basketmaker III pottery was utilitarian and not highly decorated. As time passed, paints (either mineral or botanical) were applied with a yucca brush before firing, which was done in an open pit.

The atlatl and later the bow and arrow would yield a supply of mule deer as well as mountain sheep, mountain goats and pronghorn. Small game such as hares, gophers, porcupines, and some birds were caught using snares and nets. Plants and animals provided more than food for the Basketmaker people.

Large mammals such as deer furnished hides for clothing and shelter, bones and antlers for tools, sinew for cordage, hooves for rattles and other objects for domestic and ceremonial use. Ancient shoes and sandals were made from available materials such as hides, grasses and yucca.

The Basketmaker II period ended about 1500 years ago when two major changes ushered in the Basketmaker III period. Pottery vessels began replacing woven baskets and animal hide bags for cooking, and bows and arrows replaced the atlatl, used to throw spears or darts. This significantly changed the lives of the Basketmakers.

What happened to the Basketmakers of the Animas Valley?

Perhaps they departed to the south or west, assimilating with other Basketmaker groups. It is possible the population had decreased, so only a few families made that migration.

While the Basketmakers lived in the distant past, they did not vanish. It is widely accepted that the Basketmakers are the ancestors of today’s Hopi, Zuni, Acoma, Laguna, and Rio Grande Puebloan peoples.

Reproduction of the rock art found in caves in the Animas Valley drawn by James G. Allen as part of the NYA (National Youth Administration) study of local Basketmaker sites in the late 1930s. This image is found in the Durango Public Library’s 1938 report, available in the Animas Museum’s research library.

The Animas Museum’s Native American Gallery is the only local exhibit that interprets the life of the earliest residents of the Animas Valley.

29

INNOVATIVE EDUCATION AT ITS BEST:

Unlocking Potential in Career & Technical Education

by Elizabeth Miller Photos courtesy of Durango School District 9-R

Gov. Jared Polis and State Rep. Barbara McLachlan touring Impact with district leaders, board members and students .

M

otorists on Main Avenue may have noticed the construction of a sleek new building expanding next to Durango High School over the summer. With the community’s approval of Bond 4A in 2020, the Impact Career Innovation Center (Impact CIC) will be a new home for School District 9-R’s career and technical education programming. Set to open in January of 2024, the beautiful space is laid out to support collaboration and innovation, including computer labs, maker spaces, pitch rooms, sustainable features, and creative spaces that empower students to take charge of their educational journeys and find careers that support passions and interests.

Focusing on career and technical education pathways, student leadership organizations, K-12 learning, and community and district events, the Impact CIC provides a central hub of innovation and community collaboration. “The Impact Center is

30 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

part of what we call the ‘educonomy’,” Kricket Lewis, Career and Technical Education Coordinator at Durango 9-R said. “We want to foster real work experience and entrepreneurial skills, but more importantly a collaboration with our Durango community businesses and local entrepreneurs.”

The Impact CIC provides more exposure for students to industry professionals, internships, apprenticeships, and connection to Durango’s businesses for students to refine their skills and embrace the design process. Career and Technical Education provides students a chance to develop practical skills and contribute positively to the Durango community.

There are 13 pathways students can pursue including business management and marketing, agriculture, early childhood education, computer and digital technologies, design and multimedia arts, hospitality and food production, construction

trades, and health sciences among many others.

Led by 9-R’s guiding principle of Portrait of a Graduate competencies, students can pursue what they love, but also find ways to sustain a living and contribute to the community. The Impact Center provides exposure to different career paths, businesses, and trades with a beautiful space that invites engagement and connection.

“Imagine a learning journey where innovation meets practicality – that is Career and Technical Education. It's a launchpad that propels our students into the realm of high-paying, highskill, and high-demand careers. CTE seamlessly blends classroom learning with real-life savvy, equipping our students with both technical prowess and adaptable skills essential for excelling in the ever-changing modern workplace,” Lewis explained.

The Durango community will have several avenues to contribute. “We are excited to partner with businesses and members of the community as we move forward,” Lewis said.

For more information on how to get involved, contact Kricket Lewis at klewis@durangoschools.org.

Durango school district 9-R invites community members to the Impact CIC’s grand opening in January to celebrate the achievements of local builders, innovative educators, and most importantly, our students. For more information on the Impact Career Innovation Center and updates on the grand opening, visit durangoschools.org.

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32 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Durango.

THIS IS

• • • • •

THE STRATER. AND YOU.

Iconic landmark historic hotel in downtown 88 unique guest rooms for a luxury sleep Authentic Diamond Belle Saloon for bellying up to the bar The Office Spiritorium for cocktails/small plates The Mahogany Grille for casual fine dining

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strater.com | 800.247.4431

33

by John Peel

Hank Blum

34 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

This series continues our coverage

of the renowned “San Juan Skyway,” which traverses five counties in a dazzling 236-mile loop. This time we’ll head northeast from Dolores and travel up and over Lizard Head Pass, to a finish in Telluride. (Durango to Cortez was covered in the Summer/Fall 2023 edition.)

LODGING & FOOD:

Dolores (population 900) offers several good restaurant options, but those in the know often head to the Dolores Food Market at 400 Railroad Ave., which is the main drag through the narrow town. The market offers a surprisingly wide selection of culinary delights. The deli offers plenty of options, and if the scrumptious pies haven’t already been snatched, grab one quickly!

Tiny Rico (population 302) has a few lodging options, one being the frightening-sounding but very cozy Rico Mine Shaft Inn, located right along the main street, Glasgow Avenue (State Highway 145). Several bed-and-breakfasts are scattered around the charmingly rustic town. You can spend a whole week in Rico for about the price of a one-night stay in Telluride, boasts Rico’s town manager, Chauncey McCarthy.

Rico’s year-around (or nearly year-around) food options include the Fireweed Café, where you can get a latte and baked goodie; the 130-year-old Enterprise Bar & Grill, which offers pub food and a retro speakeasy downstairs; and Prospector for fine sit-down dining.

Telluride (population 2,500) has myriad options for both lodging and food, with an international smorgasbord of culinary choices. If it’s history you seek, head toward the 26room New Sheridan Hotel, built in 1895 and renovated most recently in 2008 (the original wood-frame building burned down in 1894). The hotel’s Victorian-era furnishings and carved mahogany bar help your mind wander into the past, where six-gun-wielding miners and ranchers would belly up for a shot (of liquor).

Courtesy of Dolores Food Market

WHAT TO DO:

How to spend the days? It’s season-dependent, but there’s always something. The drive itself is enough for some.

If water sports are your thing, McPhee Reservoir, the state’s second-largest reservoir, is located just west of Dolores. With 50-plus miles of shoreline, it’s easy to find elbow room. The reservoir is open mid-April through October.

The marina is on the south end, and there’s also a boat ramp at House Creek on the east shore. These are overseen by the U.S. Forest Service, and there are campgrounds at each site. On the water (a bit nippy at 7,400 feet) you’ll find everything from motorboats to stand-up paddleboards to pontoons, which can be rented at Doc’s Marina.

The Galloping Goose Historical Society museum and gift shop at 421 Railroad Ave. in Dolores offers a low-key and fun look at local history, with an emphasis on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Exhibits include a miniature train layout from the 1940s, an old-fashioned telegraph, and the funky-looking Galloping Goose No. 5 itself. The Goose, a self-contained railcar designed to haul people and freight, still runs periodically on the Durango & Silverton and Cumbres & Toltec tourist lines.

It’s easy to breeze through Rico without giving it much thought, but for the hearty (cold-tolerant), the old mining town at 8,800 feet has much to offer.

First settled in 1879 as a thriving silver mining district, Rico is making strides as an art and recreation community. The Artists of Rico exhibit local works during the summer, and in January rally the community for the annual Snow Sculpture

Courtesy of New Sheridan Hotel

Courtesy of the Galloping Goose Historical Society 35

Cortez to Telluride

Contest. McCarthy said the town now grooms a railroad-grade and other tracks around Rico for Nordic skiers, fat-tire bikers and those on foot. The Rico Trail Alliance maintains 117 miles of trails around the area for mountain bikers, hikers and horses, and often throws a winter bash for fat bikes.

Highway 145 keeps climbing north of Rico to the top of Lizard Head Pass, 10,246 feet. Before starting down to Telluride, maybe it’s time for a ski tour?

The Telluride Nordic Association maintains several cross-country ski venues. The most scenic is the Trout Lake Railroad Grade, accessed atop Lizard Head Pass. A bit lower down, the dog-friendly Priest Lake trails are just south of Matterhorn Campground on the east side of Highway 145.

Telluride may be your destination but consider a stop at the town of Mountain Village (9,545 feet), which incorporated in 1995 as a sort of adjunct to Telluride. Fancy and casual dining are available, and first-class accommodation at Mountain Village includes the ritzy Franz Klammer Lodge, which Klammer, the legendary Austrian downhiller, helped develop.

You can drive between Mountain Village and Telluride, but it’s much more fun to take the gondola, enjoying awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views along the way. The gondola, used by commuters as well as visitors, runs from 6:30 a.m. to midnight most of the year, and – check this out – it’s free.

Telluride, once a small, rugged mining town, is now worldrenowned for its skiing as well as its cornucopia of captivating entertainment extravaganzas. The mid-June bluegrass festival began it all, and now there’s an internationally significant film festival, the renowned Blues and Brews, as well as events for lovers of cars, balloons, mushrooms, yoga and food.

36 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Looking for something to brighten up the winter doldrums?

Check out the Telluride Comedy Festival, which brings famous and not-yet-famous comedians to the Sheridan Opera House from Feb. 15-18, 2024.

And of course, as a skiing/snowboarding venue, with its challenging terrain and its stunning scenery, Telluride Ski Resort is hard to beat.

CONTACT INFO: • • • •

• • • • • •

Doc’s Marina: Call or text 970-560-4801 McPhee Boat Rentals: 970-676-1119 Dolores Food Market: doloresfoodmarket.com, or 970-882-7353 Galloping Goose museum (summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; mid-October through mid-May open only for special events): 970-882-7082; gallopinggoose5.org/museum Dolores Chamber of Commerce: visitdolores.com Rico Mine Shaft Inn: 970-967-4996 or ricomineshaftinn.com Mountain Village: Townofmountainvillage.com, or 970-728-8000 Telluride’s festivals: telluride.com/festivalsevents/festivals Telluride Nordic Association: telluridenordic.com/ nordic-trails Telluride Ski Resort: Tellurideskiresort.com

37

DURANGO’S ANNUAL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONNECTION:

FILMMAKERS & THEIR STORIES TAKE FRONT SEAT

by Kathleen O'Connor Photos by Kathy Myrick

"If you made a sign that reveals something you normally hide, what would it say?"

That's the question independent filmmakers Gabriel Diamond and Candice Holdorf posed to passing strangers in their poignant documentary short What Would Your Sign Say?.

The film, depicting the quiet beauty found in silently sharing one's vulnerabilities with others, was among approximately 100 feature films, documentaries, and shorts presented at Durango Film's 18th Annual Independent Film Festival last March. This five-day event brings a spirited distraction from the winter blues as local, national, and international filmmakers and film geeks alike come together to celebrate the unique ethos of independent cinema amid the backdrop of scenic snow-capped mountains. And what a spectacular, jam-packed five days it is. Along with multigenre films that explore the full spectrum of human experience, the festival also includes rich, educational panel discussions, coffee talks with filmmakers, fun and quirky events like a special screening of the striking 1920 German silent film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (accompanied by a piano performance by Tellef Johnson) and, of course, parties. Here, attendees may hobnob with writers, directors, and other industry collaborators amid drinks and engaging conversation. "The festival is a great place 38 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

for filmmakers to mingle with other filmmakers and possibly find a writer or a director or maybe a cinematographer from England," notes festival director Cornelius Hurley. "We have tons of filmmakers who show up and get deals done," he says. "That's valuable. At our core, we’re a filmmaker's festival."

This year also marks the debut of two film shorts produced as part of the festival’s Native Lens Media Fellowship Showcase. In collaboration with Vision Maker Media, the program offers a range of workshops for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians aged 18-24 years old that empower aspiring storytellers to explore the art of filmmaking and gain proficiency in various aspects of film production.

As a festival first-timer, I soon realized that, given the vast selection of films, meticulous planning would be key. My friend Beth, a seasoned festival attendee, shared some valuable advice: "Be sure to check out the film summaries and plan out your daily viewing schedule beforehand," she advised. “And always chat with other attendees about what films they’ve enjoyed so far.”

First up was the feature Boy Makes Girl, which tackles the complex topics of free will and consciousness after a socially awkward software programmer creates a self-aware robot girlfriend. Like other mainstream films exploring similar themes,

From left to right: Filmmaker Travis Mills, Festival Director Cornelius Hurley and Tom Dragt

Festival Kick-Off and Sponsor Party at Animas Chocolate

such as Ex Machina and Her, the protagonist's journey blurs the boundary between humans and artificial intelligence, leading to inevitable complications and emotional challenges.

Next was Texas Red, based on the true account of an African American man hunted across Mississippi in 1940 by an unrelenting posse, and highlighted in the festival's special programming, Profiles of Independent Film. This programming featured an extended Q&A session with the film's director, Travis Mills, who in 2020 (during Covid, no less) completed the production of 12 feature-length Western films in 12 months, including Texas Red. "Sometimes, you gotta try things that sound crazy," Mills remarked during the Q&A. I spent one afternoon in the darkened theater of Durango Arts Center, viewing Past and Present Voices, a series of Native Cinema shorts highlighting indigenous voices across the country. Some shorts were lighthearted, like writer and director Ryan Redcorn’s Dead Bird Hearts, a sweet and humorous tale of an inept, antisocial Native American man and his dog. Others, like Remember the Children, were heart-wrenching, shining a much-needed light on the forgotten indigenous children of the Rapid City Indian Boarding School.

One adventure documentary, Between Giants, was also on my

From left to right: Brooke Pepion Swaney, Bird Red and Cassandra Atencio

carefully crafted itinerary, and I looked forward to bringing my 12-year-old son along with me to the screening. The film documents two friends on a challenging quest for healing and connection as they bike more than 3,500 rugged miles across the Himalayas. The touching documentary, by filmmaker Maxwell Frost, took home the festival’s jury and audience awards for Best Adventure Film.

As Durango Film prepares for its 19th annual film festival, scheduled to run from Feb. 28 to March 3, fresh excitement abounds with the appointment of new Durango Film executive director Carol Fleisher, who takes the helm as leader Joanie Leonard steps down after 18 years of dedicated service.

Fleisher, an award-winning filmmaker with over 46 years of experience in screenwriting and film production and who has worked with the Jackson Wild Film Festival since the mid-90s, looks forward to this next stage in her career. "I'm so excited to help young filmmakers communicate through cinema and be a part of something that acts as a powerful catalyst for conversation in our community," she says. "That’s so much fun, especially in our town."

For more information on the upcoming Durango Independent Film Festival, visit www.durangofilm.org.

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40 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

41

SINCE 1898

WWW.GENERALPALMERHOTEL.COM

42 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

AR TIST PRO FI LE

Weirder than Fiction: Durango Author Fuses Sci-Fi with Unexpected History

by Zach Hively Photos courtesy of Philip Raymond Brown

We’ve all heard some variation of this dream: When I retire, I’ll finally write my book. Durango author Philip Raymond Brown is living, thriving proof that those when-I-have-time dreams can actually come to fruition— and end up taking on unexpected lives of their own.

“I don’t think it’s unusual that people slog through their life of work and dream of something bigger or different,” Brown says.

His own dream has emerged in an ongoing series of novels fusing scifi and historical fiction. It Gives You Strength and its sequel, Harvesting Earthlings for Fun and Profit, follow an alien scientist who gets stuck in a human host during Prohibition (later the Great Depression) and must complete his missions to avoid Earth’s destruction.

Brown has been writing his entire professional career—just not at the intersection of these disparate genres. He wrote every day of his life while serving as a trial lawyer, both for other firms and as head of his own practice.

“As a civil litigator, most of my time was spent writing,” he says. “I was just writing facts based on evidence, though. It wasn’t until I closed my practice and moved to Colorado that I had time to write fiction.”

That fact-based writing experience got him started. He conducted extensive research into the Prohibition era in Vermont and upstate New York, where Brown was raised and his family has roots, looking to write a historical account. But history proved weirder than fiction, which led to the integration of the otherworldly elements of his novels.

“I take a historical fact, and I weave it into the plot,” Philip says. “It’s difficult to do, but people have commented that they learn about interesting points of history while being entertained.”

All this creative work has emerged since Brown and his family relocated from Hawaii to Durango several years ago. Here, his wife and children have thrived as much as Brown has, steeped in the artistic culture that has welcomed them so readily.

“I’m so impressed by this town and the way people treat each other,” he says. “In Hawaii, they called it the aloha spirit. In Durango, people don’t refer to it that way, but they take care of each other in the same way.”

It remains to be seen how and whether our corner of Colorado factors into Brown’s future writings. But there is no doubt that his family is here to stay.

Both of Philip Raymond Brown’s titles are available at Maria’s Bookshop in Durango.

43

AR T G A LLER I E S O F D U R A N G O

Art Galleries Galore

Step out of the elements and into one of downtown Durango’s locally owned art galleries, where Durango’s art scene invites you to reconnect with your own inner artist. Lose your breath taking in larger-than-life photos at Sorrel Sky or Scenic Aperture galleries. Expand your awareness of indigenous art and culture at Toh-Atin and A Shared Blanket. Find glass creations, jewelry, and other unique multimedia gifts at Azul Gallery. Shake up your perspective at Karen Gabaldon Arts, where nature meets fine art.

Sorrel Sky Gallery 828 Main Avenue sorrelsky.com 970-247-3555

Part of the Durango community for over two decades, Sorrel Sky Gallery proudly represents local, regional, national, and international artists. Our newly remodeled and expanded downtown location showcases an impressive range of fine art, from contemporary to traditional Western and Native American paintings, photography, jewelry, sculpture, and more. Owner Shanan Campbell and her team are passionate about art and how it enriches our lives. Visit our downtown location. Make a discovery. Be inspired at Sorrel Sky.

Scenic Aperture

708 Main Avenue scenicaperture.com 970-385-5853 Scenic Aperture features landscape, wildlife, and nature photography from the Four Corners area of the American Southwest. Located in the heart of Durango’s vibrant art scene, the gallery will transport and transform you.

Scenic Aperture showcases the photography of Durango’s own internationally collected nature photographer, Frank Comisar. Comisar’s photos are infused with colors and details so vivid they are more of an experience than a simple viewing. Stop by and see for yourself!

Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts 680 Main Avenue karyngabaldon.com 970-946-8292

Artist Karyn Gabaldon features her acrylic paintings inspired by the beauty of our region.

Her work is contemporary and nature-oriented, with an intuitive Zen grace. Gabaldon’s work is colorful and dramatic, stirring the imagination with a calming touch. Her gallery has been a Durango mainstay for 40 years, carrying unique jewelry, bronze and stone sculpture, wood, glass, metal prints, clocks, mirrors, and ikebana vases. Across from the historic Strater Hotel.

44 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

A Shared Blanket 104 E 5th Street asharedblanket.com 970-247-9210

A Shared Blanket is a museum-quality Native American gallery in Durango featuring authentic artwork from tribal members throughout the United States.

The gallery emphasizes Navajo weavings, Zuni fetishes, Pueblo storytellers and pottery, Alaskan sculptures, drums, flutes, baskets, and jewelry. All the original art comes directly from the artist. An exceedingly knowledgeable staff can guide you through the various artists, tribes, artifacts, and ceremonies to help you collect the finest pieces. Staff members know each artist personally, and they guarantee authenticity.

Azul Gallery

781 Main Avenue azulgallery.com 970-375-7742

Azul is a multimedia art gallery located in the heart of Durango’s historic Main Avenue.

The gallery features local, regional, national, and international artists, specializing in fine jewelry, multimedia wall art, art furniture, and more. Founded in Santa Fe in 2003, Azul takes pride in its unique and eclectic collection. They provide a warm and friendly atmosphere and offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Toh-Atin Gallery 145 West 9th Street toh-atin.com 970-247-8277

Navajo medicine man and one of the tribe’s few male weavers, Anthony Tallboy and his family share his Blue Ribbon award-winning Storm Pattern from the 2023 Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial.

45

THE FINEST REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA IN THE FOUR CORNERS AREA:

San Juan Symphony

By Billy Grimes Photos by Kathy Myrick

W

hat a special gift we have in our semiremote mountain town to share the San Juan Symphony with our neighbors to the south in Farmington, New Mexico. The caliber of musicianship is outstanding, and the selection of innovative programs is rewarding and fresh.

This unique combination began in the early 1970’s, when musicians in the two cities performed as separate orchestras. In 1985, the two groups combined as the San Juan Symphony and today, it serves as the finest regional professional orchestra in the Four Corners area.

The Symphony performs concerts at Henderson Fine Arts Center at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico and at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College in Durango, seating 750 and 650 respectively. They have also performed at the Bayfield Performing Arts Center, Michael D. Palm Theatre in Telluride, and Montezuma-Cortez High School in Cortez.

Dr. Thomas Heuser was appointed

46 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

the fifth music director of the San Juan Symphony in 2016 and he also serves as music director for the Idaho Falls Symphony where he has been for 12 seasons. Ever youthful and with boundless energy, Dr. Heuser has led the San Juan Symphony to tremendous growth and popularity.

The son of two molecular biologists, Heuser originally hails from St. Louis and started playing violin at an early age then switched to the piano as his primary instrument. After discovering his love for conducting, he has studied internationally and directed multiple orchestras across the U.S. You may ask yourself, how is classical music still relevant? Every sound in a piece of classical music has a context and a purpose, and those sounds can move and transmit emotions. The swirling rise of a string section can take your breath away and the thunderous rumbling of a timpani drum can set your heart racing. It is

important that we play, share, appreciate and learn from this gem of history for future generations.

The San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra is an active part of the orchestra’s mission and includes educational programs which provide intermediate to advanced orchestral training and an invaluable full orchestra experience for young musicians in the Four Corners. It remains a credited ensemble opportunity for Fort Lewis College students, and the Junior Orchestra now offers a satellite group in Farmington.

Masterclasses, family concerts, side-byside concerts, and lectures by the music director are all part of the symphony’s extensive educational programming.

A few days before each performance, Dr. Heuser hosts a “Musically Speaking” event at Durango’s Powerhouse Science Center to discuss the upcoming program. Heuser loves music history and enjoys giving context to what was happening in the world when the piece was composed.

The performance I enjoyed in February featured works by Beethoven in “Visionary Beethoven”. The audience was mainly older, but the concert hall was full. As I listened to the beautiful cacophony that occurs when a large group of classical musicians warm up together, I could hear a taste of what was to come.

With metronomic precision that can only come from knowing the music so intimately, Maestro Heuser coaxed and guided the musicians through the labyrinth of notes and in return, the players gave their rapt attention to him.

As conductor, he was in complete control as he led them with great vigor through the dynamics of soft to loud with multiple crescendos. As the last notes hung in space, the group was thanked with prolonged applause.

During the performance, I was struck by how physically demanding the act of conducting really is. I was told that the players work on their parts individually for some time before the orchestra meets as a group for only two rehearsals before a performance.

2023 has been a big year for the San Juan Symphony; besides instituting a new visual identity, they absorbed 3rd Avenue Arts in July and will now bring even more classical music programming to Durango including the Bach Festival, Chamber Music Festival, and the Chamber Singers in a series called “Beyond the Concert Hall”.

Examples of the Symphony’s diverse programming this year include collaborating with the Santa Fe-based Latin band “Nosotros” to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fort Lewis College’s

Community Concert Hall, performing film music in short evening family concerts, and playing in the True Western Roundup in the arena with trick riders of the Riata Ranch in Three Rivers, California.

The 38th season, titled “New Horizons,” will feature performances by renowned pianist Kara Huber, Young Americans: Emerging Composers with The Chamber Singers, Maurice Ravel’s choreographic poem “La Valse”, The Nutcracker performed with the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, as well as concerts by the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestras and the San Juan Symphony String Quartet.

As demand continues to intensify, with audiences vying to save their seats for increasingly sold-out events, it’s a good idea to reserve your tickets early. Bravo!

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A RT S O F T H E F O U R C O R N E R S

48 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

49

ELEVATED ELEGANCE:

A Rocky Mountain Love Story

By Elizabeth Miller Photos by Colt + Hannah Photography

A

s the snow piles up in drifts and skiers make their way up to the mountains, many couples are dreaming of weddings in fields of wildflowers at the The Black Diamond Lodge. Formerly the Silverpick Lodge, the newly renovated Black Diamond Lodge, located north of Durango near Purgatory Ski Resort, features a year-round wedding experience that is truly set apart: an experience where couples can utilize the entire building for lodging over three days, creating an intimate and unique wedding experience for the bride and groom and their guests.

The lodge can house up to 46 people in 12 ensuite bedrooms, with amenities such as a breakfast room, a sauna, steam room, and massage room with three hot tubs, a movie room, a game room, and a downstairs space that features an outdoor area. Couples can choose an all-inclusive or a more DIY approach to their event. The reception area seats up to 100, complete with bar and dance floor to dance the night away.

For bride Lauren and groom Sam, the decision to hold their wedding weekend at The Black Diamond Lodge was personal.

The bride’s mother was also married at the Lodge, and the connection and feeling of home drew the bride and groom to the gorgeous mountain views, as well as the opportunity to work with local vendors. Emily Smith from Mountainesque Weddings & Elopements contributed to the design of the wedding. “She has been outstanding in helping us find the right vendors, the right

50 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

look of things,” Lauren said. “The different components of the lodge are beautiful for certain aspects of the wedding, but for me, I wanted to be outside in the mountains as much as possible and give guests that experience too.”

The day arrives, and wedding guests settle onto seating in a meadow strewn with flowers. The Needle Mountains loom impressive against a backdrop of dazzling blue sky as the wedding party hides the bride amidst aspen trees, fluffing her dress and diaphanous veil while Colt + Hannah’s cameras capture the perfect moments. The hush before the processional is punctuated with birdsong as the groom and his father quietly converse, arms draped over each other’s shoulders. The bride and groom’s dog trots down the aisle, adorned with a flower garland as the guests all share a smile.

Bouquets and flower arrangements of blush, maroon, and sage from April’s Garden sway delicately in the breeze as the bride and her father share a moment in the aspens before gliding down the aisle, the romance of the meadow highlighting the heartfelt vows and connection the bride and groom share.

The staff of Black Diamond Lodge and coordination team at Durango Event Planners leave no detail unexplored during the weekend stay and the big day. Wedding guests returned from the meadow either by the meandering path or by lodge shuttle to a festive cocktail hour on the patio. Comfy suede seats and

tables adorned with florals made the space feel elegant and cozy. Guitar music by Rob Webster wafted on the air as hors d’oeuvres circulated through the group of laughing, chatting guests. A bar in the lobby area of the lodge manned by bartenders from the Thirsty Rooster kept guests well hydrated, colorful signage and a creative seating chart with cocktail recipes from Knapp Design helped guests find their way and added elegant whimsy to the event.

After cocktail hour, guests usher into the dining room, the space transformed by blushing flowers, flowing silk, and elegant table settings by Mountainesque, complete with a sweetheart table framed by April’s Garden florals and an aspen grove backdrop.

“The fresh air, the trees, it’s like a fairy tale up here,” one guest remarked. The evening summer light slanted through the floorto-ceiling windows as guests were seated and Lauren and Sam shared a peaceful moment reflecting on the day.

Bride and groom made their way to their table amidst cheers and whoops, surrounded by the excitement and love of their friends and family. Laughter and cheers enveloped the couple and guests as they shared a meal from Durangourmet and then cut dozens of personal cakes, delightful confections made by local bakery WhiskIt. The rest of the evening was spent toasting, dancing and chatting, with enjoyment shared by all. Guests then reveled in an after-party in the lodge downstairs. Love and laughter lingered in the air as guests departed to their individual rooms and said goodnight to the bride and groom as wedding memories were made at The Black Diamond Lodge.

Romance, stunning mountain backdrops, skilled local vendors, and a chance to come together in a beautiful setting are just some of the reasons couples choose to have their big day here in Durango.

51

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52 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

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53

THE BASICS FOR SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE BACKCOUNTRY EXPLORING:

Getting Started in the Backcountry Words and photos courtesy of Visit Durango

Any

Adventurou dventurous s Spiri pirit t who's walked around Molas Pass, La Plata Canyon, or Vallecito Reservoir during the winter has felt the urge to step into fresh, untracked snow.

Whether via skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile, the calling to explore the untouched wilderness areas around Durango is high during winter.

But before you take that first step into untouched snow, you must have a solid understanding of backcountry safety and responsibility.

We've put together this helpful resource to provide the basics of how to safely and responsibly explore the backcountry and where to get training around the Durango area:

interpreting weather patterns, understanding snowpack conditions, and applying safe travel techniques in the backcountry.

It's a blend of education, experience, and good decision-making that can make all the difference in the wilderness around the Durango area.

Avalanche Awareness in the Backcountry

Why is Avalanche Awareness Important?

In the backcountry, there’s no lodge and no ski patrol - you're on your own to make decisions regarding your safety.

In the San Juan Mountains, the avalanches are particularly bad compared to other portions of the United States. The high elevation, cold temperatures, and dry air are a recipe for continuous avalanches throughout the season.

Some of the most active avalanche areas around the state are right in our backyard: La Plata Mountains, Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Red Mountain Pass, and Wolf Creek Pass. We see consistent avalanche activity throughout the winter season.

In fact, statewide, Colorado sees the highest number of avalanches per year out of any state in the United States.

What is Avalanche Awareness?

Avalanche awareness is the understanding of the factors that contribute to their occurrence, and the necessary precautions to take when exploring avalanche-prone areas.

This encompasses identifying potential avalanche sites, 54 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Avalanche awareness is vital because it's a matter of life and death. Colorado sees over 5,000 avalanches yearly, and those unprepared face severe risks.

You Will Likely Encounter Avalanches in Your Backcountry Career Around Durango.

Avalanches are fast and powerful; they can sweep away everything, including explorers. It doesn’t matter whether you're on skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, or just walking through the woods.

Knowledge of avalanche awareness helps ensure that your exploration of the snow-covered wilderness is safe and enjoyable.

Different Types of Avalanche Safety Training

When it comes to training, there are a number of different educational routes you can go, depending on your interests.

Here are some of the standard classes: Introduction to the Backcountry

A simple half-day class where you'll be introduced to standard safety equipment, how to deploy probes and work beacons, and the basics on snowpack and mitigating avalanche hazards.

AIARE 1- also known as "Avy 1"

AIARE 1, also referred to as "Avy 1", is a three-day foundational course offering an in-depth exploration of avalanche terrain, snow science, and rescue techniques.

Participants learn to recognize and evaluate potential hazards, make informed decisions, and execute effective rescue maneuvers in the event of an avalanche.

Throughout the course, there's a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning in a real backcountry environment.

AIARE Rescue

AIARE Rescue is a one-day intensive course that hones your skills in search and rescue techniques specific to avalanches.

The course focuses on improving decision-making skills under pressure, efficient use of avalanche transceivers, strategic shoveling methods, and teamwork coordination.

The goal is to equip backcountry adventurers with the skills to respond effectively and efficiently to an avalanche incident.

AIARE 2- also known as "Avy 2"

AIARE 2, colloquially known as "Avy 2," is a comprehensive fourday course aimed at experienced backcountry adventurers.

This course delves deeper into the nuances of snow science, terrain analysis, and hazard management.

Providing extensive field experience empowers learners with advanced skills to assess and navigate complex avalanche terrains, conduct detailed snowpack analysis, and make sound decisions in challenging conditions.

It's an investment in your safety and the safety of those who venture with you into the backcountry.

Where to Get Avalanche Safety Training Fortunately for us in southwest Colorado, there are a number of local outfitters and guides that can provide the necessary safety training for those looking to explore in the backcountry.

Here are some of our local outfitters that regularly have avalanche safety during the winter season: • Silverton Avalanche School • Purgatory Snowcat Adventures • San Juan Expeditions • Pine Needle Mountaineering • San Juan Mountain Guides Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking the thrill of snowmobiling or a nature lover looking to find tranquility through a serene snowshoe hike, Durango's winter wonderland has something to offer every adventurer.

Be safe and have fun exploring Durango's winter wonderland!

55

MEET ME AT

THE BLOCK Silverton, Colorado’s foremost brewery on the historic Golden Block

Serving wholesome wood-firedpizzas, paninis & salads

970.387.5962 | goldenblockbrewery.com 1227 Greene St. - Silverton, CO 81433 56 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Matthew Cecil

Silverton, Colorado

is the basecamp for winter adventure,

offering many backcountry high-alpine recreation opportunities, and plenty of options for lodging, shopping, and dining experiences in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. If you like to ski, snowbike, snowmobile, snowboard, snowshoe, cross country ski, or just take winter dog walks, Silverton should be your next adventure. San Juan County has endless snow-groomed trails for all winter adventures starting from Molas Lake area, the town of Silverton, or even out in the east end of the county. No matter what your level of ski skills, we have the ski area for you from the beginner hill right in town, Kendall Mountain Ski Area, to the more expert area of Silverton Mountain. The San Juan Mountains offer all types of winter outdoor recreation for all types of user groups and all experience levels, or take a guided-tour adventure like snowmobiling, skiing, ice climbing or backcountry skiing. Go to silvertoncolorado.com to check out things to do, places to dine, lodging options and all scheduled events. Silverton is open year-round and located just one hour north of Durango on Highway 550.

57

A CELEBRATION OF BACKCOUNTRY SPLITBOARDING

Silverton Splitfest

by Lisa Branner Photos courtesy of Venture Snowboards

I

magine ascending a snow-covered peak, bluebird skies above and a sturdy splitboard beneath your feet. You slide one foot in front of the other, gliding upward in the skin track. As you settle into a rhythmic pace, you hear only the rasp of your own breath and the sound of your skis on the snow. You continue this uphill slog until reaching the summit, where you are rewarded with mindbending, panoramic views. Your euphoric buzz then intensifies as you drop into the epic line below, surrendering to gravity and carving through untouched snow until you reach the valley floor.

This is the magic that draws more than a hundred backcountry enthusiasts to the San Juan Mountains each spring for Silverton Splitfest.

58 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

What is Splitboarding?

A splitboard is a specialized snowboard that comes apart into two “skis,” allowing the rider to ascend more efficiently than with snowshoes. The board is then reassembled for the ride down. Splitboarding is not just a sport; it's an experience.

It's a human-powered version of snowboarding that offers riders the chance to experience an unparalleled sense of freedom while exploring the backcountry. The concept of earning your turns has gained increasing popularity over the past decade thanks to the evolution of splitboard technology and an increasing desire to escape overcrowded ski areas.

The Essence of Splitfest

From Washington’s Cascade Range to Vermont’s Green Mountains and Canada’s Selkirks to the Bernese Alps, splitfest is a growing phenomenon. While set in different mountain ranges, these festivals share common elements. They bring splitboarding enthusiasts together to enjoy new terrain, educational seminars, and gear demos. The days are filled with backcountry tours, and the evenings with great food, beers, and a camaraderie born on the skin track. The weekend is generally topped off with a charity gear raffle supporting local snow safety and avalanche education causes. In Silverton, proceeds go to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and Silverton Avalanche School.

A Glimpse into Silverton Splitfest's History

Silverton Splitfest was started in 2012 by Durango’s Jason Bushey and Denverite John Keffler. In year one it was a modest gathering of only 30 intrepid souls. By 2017, the event doubled in size, and Bushey and Keffler decided to pass the torch. They asked Silverton-based manufacturer Venture Snowboards to carry the event forward. “Given our involvement as a key partner from the beginning and that this event happens in our backyard, having Venture take this on was a natural fit,” said Klem Branner, Venture’s founder and co-owner.

Recognizing an opportunity to give the local economy a boost at a typically slower time of year, Venture has since grown the event to 130 - 150 annual participants from across the region plus further flung locations like Vermont, Montana, and Canada. “It was important to us to honor the roots of the event and keep its original vibe, even while opening it up to more backcountry shredders. I think we’ve been successful in finding that balance. It’s an annual pilgrimage for many, and every year we look forward to seeing old friends and welcoming new ones to the mountains we call home.”

Safety is Paramount

One of the core tenets of Silverton Splitfest is safety. Given the notoriously unstable snowpack of the San Juans, hosting the event in April is deliberate. “By then, much of the avalanche hazard has eased and it’s safer to get after some of the more iconic, higher consequence lines,” says Branner. The evenings are dedicated to learning about current snow conditions, avalanche safety, rescue skills, wilderness first aid, and other topics that help participants recreate responsibly. “We always emphasize that safety comes first, so we can all live to ride another day,” says Branner.

An ongoing partnership with Silverton Avalanche School (SAS) also underscores this focus. As the oldest continuously operating snow safety and avalanche education program in the U.S., SAS empowers its students with “the tools, technologies, tactics and techniques to make competent decisions in consequential mountain terrain.” During Silverton Splitfest, SAS offers a variety of “Edutours” that pair attendees with experienced instructors for guided backcountry tours. Combining education with adventure, these workshops help participants to acquire new skills, refine technique and deepen their backcountry knowledge.

If You Go

The 11th annual Silverton Splitfest is scheduled for April 12-14, 2024. While gear demos will be available from several manufacturers, participants are advised to come equipped with their own complete splitboard setup and safety gear, as well as a basic knowledge of snow safety (to find a course near you visit www.avalanche.org). As always, this event promises self-guided touring opportunities, learning experiences, and the chance to be part of a growing community of backcountry enthusiasts that values adventure and safety in equal measure.

Learn more at www.venturesnowboards.com.

59

GET OUT & EXPLORE A

P H O T O

E S S A Y

60 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Shanda Akin

Matthew Cecil

Jeff Laydon

Rhyler Overend

61 Aspen McCarthy

GET OUT & EXPLORE A

P H O T O

E S S A Y

Kim Todd

Erin Lopez

62 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Cole Davis

Grady James

Dream big, shop small.

The North Face proudly supports local outdoor outfitters. Gear up locally for your next adventure.

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SHOP FROM OUR FEATURED BRANDS...

63

64 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

65

D I N I N G G U I DE SH O WC A S E

Public House 701 COMFORT ON THE CORNER

by Joy Martin Photos by Cole Davis

Chicken and waffles drizzled in maple bourbon syrup and arancini dipped in house-made pesto and marinara bookend the soulful menu at downtown Durango’s latest gathering place, Public House 701.

Dave and Connie Tolle opened the pub in March 2023. Bolstered by brilliant chef and manager Kailey Hatem, the Public House team showcases familiar fare, cocktails, and a unique craft beer selection guaranteed to zest up any average or extraordinary day in southwest Colorado.

“We wanted to feature the food we like to eat,” Connie Tolle said. “It’s pub fare with a little something special.”

Owner Dave Tolle polished his food and beverage skills in the 1980s, catering concerts for rockstars like Sting and Eddie Van Halen. In 1992, during a stint in Las Vegas, he directed a banquet for Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, and 4,000 of her guests.

To pull off the five-course extravaganza, Tolle’s catering company posted a citywide request for reinforcements.

Connie, then a blackjack dealer in Vegas, answered the call. She and Dave met, married, and had two kids. All the while, they dreamed and schemed about the restaurant they would open together someday. After Connie’s father passed away last year in Farmington, where Connie grew up, the couple moved back to the area to be closer to Connie’s mother.

They figured it was time to make good on their goal to open a restaurant.

66 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

“We’re a comfortable place for the community to gather, affordable enough that you could return with your family every week,” Connie said. “We want to be flexible and provide what the community needs, from a snack before a play or football game or a destination for prom dinner.”

After more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Connie and Dave are passionate about creating and maintaining a healthy work environment for their team.

“People don’t understand how hard the restaurant industry is on workers,” Connie said. “Many hospitality personnel are homeless or hungry; that’s offensive.

We aim to take care of our people as much as we can. All employees get meals before and after shifts, and as we grow, we plan to offer health insurance and retirement planning options. Why can’t

serving food to people be a career that provides for a family?”

Connie and Dave’s commitment to supporting their staff is reflected in how Chef Hatem runs the back of the house.

“A healthy kitchen revolves around flexibility, open communication, and a willingness to learn and not think you know everything,” Hatem said. “I want to see my colleagues excel. There will always be stress, but I try to remember why we’re here: to make people smile.”

Hatem and her sister Gina grew up near Columbus, Ohio, with their mother, who loved cooking creamy potatoes, homemade noodles, and “the world’s best egg sandwich” for the girls. When they were at their father’s, the girls savored Middle Eastern cuisine, passed down from his parents and grandparents who migrated to the States from Egypt and Lebanon. Hatem and Gina would set the table for Sunday dinners while their grandfather, Henry, prepared his secret spaghetti sauce or lamb stew with Hungarian peppers.

“Talking and laughing around the table at Sunday dinners shaped my passion for cooking,” Hatem said. “And that sense of family drives me every day.”

After high school, Hatem had to pass on a college soccer scholarship for financial reasons and got her first job in professional cooking when she was 18. She spent more than a decade traveling the country with mobile catering gigs and learning from chefs nationwide before accepting

the sous chef position at the renowned City O’ City restaurant in Denver. When the Public House 701 opportunity materialized, she moved to Durango with her partner, Kristy, and Kristy’s 10-year-old daughter, Annabelle.

From fixing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for Annabelle to crafting one of her signature sauces for Public House 701, Hatem puts her heart into every morsel. Even when the restaurant is busy, she’ll take time to chat with tables and has no problem accommodating dishes to meet any dietary need or food allergy. The seasonal menu celebrates crowd-pleasers, including deviled eggs, a wedge salad with charred tomatoes, and Southwest classics with a twist, like the Four Corners green chili-blended burger or vegetarian cauliflower tacos. One ingredient flows through all of Hatem’s creations: “I put love into every dish,” she said. “You never know what kind of day people are having.

I hope if someone’s had a bad day, they’re open to an experience that could change their mood. My philosophy is that you take the first bite with your eyes. Then, they’ll take that real first bite and find comfort. I love the look on their faces when they try something extra delicious.”

Public House 701 (701 East 2nd Avenue in downtown Durango) is open Tuesday through Saturday 4-10 p.m. with Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. and live music Thursday through Saturday evenings.

67

N I G H TLI FE & DI N I N G G U I D E

Courtesy Bookcase and Barber 68of The Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

NIGHTLIFE ANARCHY BREWING COMPANY A neighborhood nano-brewery featuring small batch, frequently rotating beers. The brewery is a “homegrown” taproom built, decorated and run by the founder and friends. They are brewing both traditional and unique beers, as well as collaborating with other local brewers. 225 E 8th Ave., Unit C (970) 422-8088, www.anarchybrewingco.com 8TH AVENUE TAVERN Neighborhood favorite just south of College Drive in College Plaza. Top notch karaoke three nights a week, Thursday through Saturday. Choose from over 46,000 songs to sing before a nonjudgmental crowd. Bar snacks available.

Off-Main beverage prices! 509 E. 8th Ave., 970-259-8801.

BALCONY BAR & GRILL The Balcony and The Balcony Backstage is the Four Corners’ destination for live music, tasty beverages, great food & good times. “Gotta come up to get down!” Full lunch and dinner menu, weekend brunch, salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers and more. 600 Main Ave. #210, 970-422-8008.

BOOKCASE & BARBER Showcasing Durango’s local talent while transporting guests to another time with an intimate atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails and superior service.

Do you know the password? 601 E. Second Ave. Suite B, 970-764-4123, www.bookcaseandbarber.com DURANGO CRAFT SPIRITS Distillery and tasting room. Durango’s first legal grain-to-glass distillery since Prohibition. 1120 Main Ave. #2, 970-247-1919, www.durangospirits.com DURANGO WINERY Join Durango Winery tasting room on historic Main Ave. in downtown Durango to learn about and enjoy local wines by the taste, glass or bottle, in a comfortable and welcoming environment. 900 Main Ave, Suite E, 970-903-4375, www.durangowinery.com ERNIE’S Located within the lively 11th Street Station, Ernie’s is a service-station-themed bar and is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer from the front of a ’57 Chevy Bel Air, or sample from the assortment of specialty cocktails or extensive list of Mezcal and tequilas. Boasting a daily happy hour, Ernie’s is a win-win choice.

1100 Main Ave., 970-422-8482, www.11thstreetstation.com/ernies-bar EL RANCHO TAVERN Founded in 1942, El Rancho is a local pub in downtown Durango. Breakfast and lunch service from Durango Diner. 975 Main Ave., 970-259-8111, www.elranchotavern.com ESOTERRA CIDERWORKS Family-owned and operated cidery serving one-of-a-kind artisanal ciders, No colors, additives, or flavoring, just apples, yeast & time. Enjoy a cider in a relaxing atmosphere with great conversation. 558 Main Ave., 970-422-8017, www.esoterracider.com FOUR LEAVES WINERY Charming downtown winery and tasting gallery. Over 20 wines made on site: varietals, ports and specialty crafted wine. Tastings by the glass, or take home a bottle. Local chocolates for pairing. Appetizers include artisan cheeses, hummus and artichoke dip. 528 Main Ave., 970-403-8182, www.fourleaveswinery.com THE GARAGE Previously known as Ponga’s, The Garage is a modern and energizing option for entertainment in downtown Durango. Featuring live performers, an array of billiard tables and a fantastic variety of food and drink. 121 W. 8th St., 970-382-8554.

MOE’S STARLIGHT LOUNGE This fun lounge is a local favorite for food and live music, plus one of the area’s best patios. Largest selection of vodkas in Colorado; world-famous Bacontini.

Great appetizers, over 90 martinis. Happy hour Monday–Friday, 4:30–7pm: half-price well drinks and appetizers, discounted drinks. 937 Main Ave., 970-259-9018.

THE NUGGET MOUNTAIN BAR Take a walk back in time to an old miner’s cabin. From the exterior, the rustic log cabin looks like the setting of a Jack London novel. The lawn area is enclosed by old railroad ties, complete with gas firepits, cornhole and a giant game of Jenga. A large deck area blankets the front, making the perfect spot for an elevated view of the surrounding peaks and listening to live music.

48721 N. HWY 550, 970-749-4412, www.nuggetmountainbar.com Editors’ Pick

OFFICE SPIRITORIUM Locals’ favorite happy hour. Perfect after-work and late-night Victorian bar at the historic Strater Hotel. A wide selection of creative libations, local beers and fabulous wines. Amazing interior setting. Daily happy hour, dinner and live music. 699 Main Ave. inside the Strater Hotel, 970-375-7260, www.strater.com/dining/the-office-spiritorium/ ORIO’S ROADHOUSE One of Durango’s “last REAL bars,” Orio’s is a sports bar and much more, with pool tables. 652 Main Ave., 970-259-6120.

THE OXFORD Craft cocktails in an upscale-casual environment. The bar boasts an impressive selection of premium spirits, mixers and wines, all of which are used to create imaginative and delicious cocktails that are sure to impress even the most discerning drinker. 119 W. 8th St., www.theoxfordbar.com

UNION SOCIAL HOUSE Featuring live music, vintage decor, full bar, delicious food from a food truck, and fun for the whole family. A great gathering place to relax and enjoy.

3062 Main Ave., 970-759-4144, www.unionsocialhouse.com WILD HORSE SALOON Durango’s favorite for live country and western music and Southern rock National artists and talented locals. Giant dance floor, dance lessons, special concerts, karaoke, DJ Crazy Charlie. “A fun-loving redneck’s dream.”

601 E. 2nd Ave., Suite C, 970-375-2568, www.durangowildhorsesaloon.com ZIA CANTINA Zia Taqueria has partnered with Peach Street Distillers to add a new upstairs bar, rooftop patio, and event space to Zia Taqueria’s north location. Serving creative cocktails featuring local spirits and draft beer, Zia Cantina brings a unique, fun, and family-friendly environment to the community.

2977 Main Ave., 970-247-3355, www.ziataqueria.com/zia-cantina

SUTCLIFFE VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM Charming little spot with Sutcliffe wines by the glass and bottles to take home.

Tasty bites, art shows, movie nights, readings, exquisite meeting rooms, and more. 120 W. 8th Street. 970 565-0825, www.sutcliffewines.com 69

N I G H TLI FE & DI N I N G G U I D E

COFFEE SHOPS 81301 COFFEE HOUSE & EASY COFFEE ROASTERS Coffee house and roasting company using the pour-over coffee-making process. Offering hot coffee, iced drinks, mochas, lattes, chai and homemade baked goods in a laid-back atmosphere. 3101 Main Ave. #1, 970-385-1941, www.81301coffee.com ANIMAS CHOCOLATE & COFFEE COMPANY Casual and comfortable atmosphere, where chocolate lovers can relax while tasting amazing chocolates. From decadent truffles to divine darks, chocolate confections made on the premises using the highest-quality chocolate, simple ingredients, no preservatives. 920 Main Ave., 970-317-5761, www.animaschocolatecompany.com ANTHUS PARK COFFEE Drive-through coffee service at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Camino del Rio. Amazing breakfast burritos with Hatch green chili, sausage, bacon, or chorizo. Homemade muffins. 802 Camino Del Rio, 970-799-5282 COMMON GROUNDS CAFÉ Staffed by high school students who want experience. Sandwiches, yogurt, chips, fruit, and cold drinks. Featuring baked goods from Bread bakery and coffee from Desert Sun coffee roasters. It’s the perfect snack spot for kids, library patrons, and river trail users. 1900 E. Third Ave. inside the Durango Public Library, 970-375-3380.

CROSSROADS COFFEE Just inside the Alpine Bank building serving locally roasted coffee, baked goods, and specialty drinks. Gluten-free items, 1099 Main Ave., 970-903-9051 DURANGO COFFEE COMPANY Coffee shop and café. Comfortable meeting place. Locally roasted coffees.

730 Main Ave., 970-259-1011, www.durangocoffee.com DURANGO JOES COFFEE Nine convenient locations in Durango, Farmington, and Aztec, serving the best espresso/coffee drinks, blended drinks, and smoothies paired with tasty pastries, breakfast burritos, salads, and sandwiches. Enjoy “legendary customer service.” Loyalty programs; fair trade and certified organic coffees and teas. 40 Town Plaza, 970-375-7891; 732 E. College Dr., 970-375-2121; 3455 Main Ave., 970-375-6384; 331 S. Camino del Rio, 970-764-4848; 1211 Escalante Dr., 970-382-5911; www.durangojoes.com HERMOSA CAFÉ Dedicated to providing the highest-quality specialty coffee along with unparalleled customer service. Serving a wide variety of coffee from around the world, fresh food, and beer and spirits, connecting the Durango community in the process. 738 Main Ave., 970-259-2059, www.hermosacafedurango.com MAGPIE’S NEWSSTAND AND CAFÉ Sunny sidewalk patio in the heart of downtown. Most affordable sandwiches in town. Traditional or grilled panini. Breakfast burritos, salads, smoothies, espressos, house-brewed chai and fresh-made gelato. Selection of magazines, cards, games, puzzles, candy, and sodas. 707 Main Ave., 970-259-1159 SINGLETRACK CAFÉ Known for great coffee and espressos, and for amazing and healthy breakfast burritos, quality baked goods, great soup and sandwich lunches in a fun, friendly café. 555 Rivergate Ln., #B1-103, 970-422-8558, or 100 Jenkins Ranch Rd., 970-422-8474, www.singletrackcafe.com

CHOCOLATE CO

CHOCOLATE CAFE HANDCRAFTED CHOCOLATE Espresso | Iced Drinks | Coffee | Beer | Wine | Cocktails

ANIMASCHOCOLATECOMPANY.COM

920 MAIN AVE. | DURANGO, COLORADO | 970.317.5761 70 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

SMILEY CAFÉ A cozy and inviting coffee shop in the popular Smiley Building. Serving fresh, local coffee from 81301 Coffee, breakfast burritos, salads, sandwiches, and a delicious variety of home-baked, gluten-free goodies. 1309 E. 3rd Ave., 970-844-0771, www.thesmileycafe.com STARBUCKS COFFEE Fresh-brewed coffee, mochas, Frappuccinos®, lattes, pastries, bagels, and more. Outdoor seating. 6 Town Plaza, inside South City Market, 970-247-4475; 311 W. College Dr., inside Albertsons, 970-382-2224; 3130 Main Ave., inside North City Market, 970-385-4340; 2817 Main Ave., 970-382-1783, www.starbucks.com STILL LIFE COFFEE & BOTANICALS A new coffee and houseplant shop located on Florida Road, at the base of north College Drive. Featuring organic specialty coffee and tea, craft pastries, house plants, and fresh cut flowers, 970-501-0960, 1301-C Florida Rd., www.still-life-coffee.com TASTE Featuring fair trade certified organic coffee locally roasted from Desert Sun Coffee. Believing all the details matter, we make everything from scratch; baked goods and desserts to our seasonal coffee syrups. 2915 Main Ave., 970 403-3078, www.tastecoffeedurango.com UPPER EAST SIDE COFFEE DELI In the Grandview area. Gourmet coffee/espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, bagels, healthy breakfast sandwiches, delicious burritos and fresh in-house baked goods. Hot, toasted lunch sandwiches, soups, and salads. Free Wi-Fi. 28902 U.S. Hwy. 160 E., 970-385-5747

DINING 11TH STREET STATION A culinary collective with a progressive vision that honors the history of the location. With pizza, salads, sliders, even seafood, their independent food trucks cure any craving. Outdoor deck is perfect for relaxing with a cold drink or quick lunch. 1101 Main Ave., 970-422-8482, www.11thstreetstation.com 2ND DELI & SPIRITS Fast, convenient and delicious takeout combined with a laid-back and enjoyable bar atmosphere. Offering hot and cold sandwiches along with a full bar. 601 E. 2nd Ave., 970-259-1000, www.2nddelidurango.com 425 DEGREES TAKE & BAKE PIZZA “Who bakes the best pizza? You do!” Offering traditional, thin and glutenfree pizzas to take home, as well as wings, cookies, and salads. Order by phone for pickup. 50 County Road 234, inside Elmore’s Corner Store, 970-259-0399.

636 MAIN AVE An American bistro featuring personally crafted seafood, steak, and Asian-inspired dishes. Start your meal with a selection from the extensive wine menu or a specialty cocktail, finish with a decadent dessert, Yearround patio. Reservations are encouraged. 636 Main Ave., 970-385-1810, www.636mainave.com AKAMI POKE AND RAMEN A haven for Japanese ramen, Hawaiian poke bowls, and an extensive menu of Izakaya and other fusion delicacies. Dine and enjoy a variety of sake in their casually hip dining room or on the charming patio. 309 W. College Dr., 970-764-7653, www.akamipokeramen.com

ALCÉ RESTAURANT Located in the clubhouse of Dalton Ranch Golf Club just 8 minutes north of Durango. Offering one of the area’s best outdoor patios. Not just with great views but often cooler summer temps. Chef Antonio Ayala has recently rejoined our team and brings both his Mexican and European influence to his culinary creations. 589 County Road 252, 970-247-4980, www.daltonranch.com/dining ANIMAS BREWING COMPANY Just off the Animas River Trail near Rotary Park. A relaxed, family-friendly brewpub serving house-made beers and Colorado wine and spirits, along with a spin on comfort food and plenty of kid favorites. Comfortable outdoor seating. 1560 E. 2nd Ave., 970-403-8850, www.animasbrewing.com ANIMAS RIVER BEER GARDEN The Animas River Beer Garden features a diverse selection of mile-high sandwiches and ''Grille'' specialties. Featuring beer from Breckenridge Brewery. Seasonal summer hours for lunch and dinner. Enjoy casual, open-air dining on the river while watching the rafters float by.

501 Camino del Rio, inside the DoubleTree Hotel, 970-259-6580.

ANIMAS RIVER GRILLE Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for casual or celebratory events.

Enjoy stunning river views. Daily specials; kids’ menu. For the healthyminded, the Animas River Grille has its “eat right menu.” Easy-order takeout by phone. 501 Camino del Rio, inside the DoubleTree Hotel, 970-259-6580.

APPLEBEE’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL & BAR Serving delicious family favorites, from their famous boneless wings to mouthwatering salads and chicken dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nine televisions, full bar, casual, comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

800 Camino del Rio, inside Durango Downtown Inn, 970-259-5850, www.applebees.com BAR D CHUCKWAGON SUPPERS Old West music and comedy stage show with traditional barbecue supper.

Fun for the whole family. Nightly, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Reservations required. 8080 County Road 250, 970-247-5753, www.bardchuckwagon.com BART’S DELI Delicious breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos. Tasty burgers, hot dogs, fries, hot pastrami, salads, specials and much more. Boasting “the best Reuben in town.” 1220 Carbon Junction Rd., inside the Exxon gas station across from Walmart, 970-247-1144, BASKIN-ROBBINS Serving 42 delicious ice cream flavors, as well as a variety of ice cream cakes, smoothies, sundaes, shakes, and blasts. 32 Town Plaza, 970-247-1231, www.baskinrobbins.com BREAD Fresh homemade breads, pastries, cookies, and deli sandwiches served daily. From whole wheat to rye, ginger snaps to scones, Bread is fast, friendly, and fantastic. 42 County Road 250, 970-247-5100 and downtown at 135 E. 8th St., 970-247-2220, www.breaddurango.com

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N I G H TLI FE & DI N I N G G U I D E BURGER KING Redrock Foods, a Burger King Corp. franchisee, owns and operates the Durango location and 19 New Mexico and Colorado stores. Visit Burger King for the famous Whopper and chicken sandwiches. Order online, via phone, or in person. 1415 Main Ave., 970-247-9095, www.bk.com BURGER THEORY Lunch and dinner menu features burgers and Colorado craft beers, with a breakfast menu focused on the morning classics. Thirteen high-definition TVs promise no bad seat in the house, and the daily happy hour will keep your glass full. 21636 U.S. Hwy. 160 W., inside the Holiday Inn & Suites, 970-385-6387.

CARVER BREWING COMPANY One of the Southwest’s original brewpubs – and located in historic downtown Durango – Carver’s offers tours of its solar/wind-powered brewery and has 12 award-winning handcrafted brews on tap. Hearty and fresh creations for every meal. Kid-friendly. Organic produce grown at Carver Farms and other local sources. 1022 Main Ave., 970-259-2545, www.carverbrewing.com CHANG THAI DURANGO History has created the Thai recipes that have been around for generations. Eating at Chang Thai Durango isn’t just a culinary experience, but one rooted in culture. 2477 Main Ave., 970-501-0000 CHIMAYO STONE FIRED KITCHEN Contemporary American bistro with a Southwestern flair. Creative small plates, salads, artisanal pizzas, plus fire-roasted steaks, chicken and seafood. Stone hearth ovens in an open-exhibition kitchen. Specialty cocktails, fine wines and local tap beer. Unique, casual fine dining.

862 Main Ave., 970-259-2749, www.chimayodurango.com CHINA CAFÉ Favorite longtime Durango restaurant, offering delicious and traditional Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. Full bar and beautiful riverside patio.

Parking. Dine in or take out. 1525 Main Ave., 970-259-0868, www.durangochinacafe.com COLD STONE CREAMERY The secret recipe for smooth, creamy ice cream is to make it fresh daily in the store and then customize it with your choice of mix-ins on a frozen granite stone, and Cold Stone does this perfectly. Custom, signature ice cream cakes, pies, and cupcakes. 598 Main Ave., 970-259-5052, www.coldstonecreamery.com COLLEGE DRIVE CAFÉ Creative and large menu, fresh-roasted organic coffee, friendly folks and atmosphere. Daily, delicious specials and tried-and-true entrées. Everyone is treated like a regular at College Drive Café. Free Wi-Fi and cozy dining room. 666 E. College Dr., 970-247-5322, www.cafedurango.com CREAM BEAN BERRY Born of a desire to serve ice cream you can feel good about. This means using as many locally produced and organic ingredients as we can, as well as reducing waste through recycling and composting. 1021 Main Ave, 970-903-1300, www.creambeanberry.com CUCKOO’S CHICKEN HOUSE & WATERIN’ HOLE Family sports eatery. Broasted chicken, 20-plus kinds of wings, most menu items under $12. HDTVs, satellite sports. Full menu and bar. Dine in or take out. 128 E. College Dr., 970-259-6322, www.cuckooschicken.com DENNY’S Family-friendly menu selections to satisfy everyone of all ages. Serving delicious and classic breakfasts, like pancake or egg platters; seafood, salad, and steak lunches and dinners, Denny’s provides affordable and delicious meals. 666 Camino del Rio, 970-247-1512, www.dennys.com 72 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

DERAILED POUR HOUSE An 1890s bar with a stage for local and touring musicians. Offering martinis, wines, 14 beers on tap, and fresh cocktails. Menu items made from scratch and eight sports screens. Everyone feels like a local.

725 Main Ave., 970-247-5440, www.derailedpourhouse.com DIAMOND BELLE SALOON Legendary Old West saloon in the heart of historic downtown. Famous ragtime piano, costumed Belle girls, cowboys and bartenders. Daily live music, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Sunday brunch. Gunfights Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30 p.m., June through October. 699 Main Ave., inside the Strater Hotel, 970-247-4431, www.strater.com/dining/diamond-belle-saloon/ DOMINO’S PIZZA Fast, friendly delivery or carryout. A variety of delicious pizzas, chicken wings, breadsticks, pasta, sandwiches, salads, sodas, and more. Enjoy a classic meal anytime you crave it. Open for lunch, dinner, and late night.

1485 Florida Rd., 970-259-3660: 1185 S. Camino Del Rio, 970-478-3030, www.dominos.com DUNKIN’ DONUTS Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items, an assortment of coffee beverages, and of course, their famous donuts. Sign up for rewards through the Dunkin’ app as well as order ahead for quick and easy pickup.

1254 Escalante Dr., 970-764-4949, www.dunkindonuts.com DURANGO BAGEL Voted the “best bagel in the Four Corners.” Freshly baked bagels, cinnamon rolls and pastries. Great breakfast selections and lunch bagel sandwiches. Takeout lunches. 106 E. 5th St., next to the train depot, 970-385-7297.

DURANGO BEER AND ICE COMPANY First founded in 1887, and continuing the tradition with a restart in 2020, the new railroad-inspired tasting room offers local brews from High Trestle Brewing Company, along with great “pub grub,” including a variety of burgers and homemade red and green chile. 3000 Main Ave., 970-7644466, www.durangobeerandice.com

DURANGO NATURAL FOODS CO-OP Durango’s first and only community-owned food market and deli. The best local, organic produce; non-GMO groceries and bulk foods; locally raised meat and eggs; cruelty-free body-care products; and more.

575 E. 8th Ave., at the corner of College and Eighth, 970-247-8129, www.durangonaturalfoods.coop

DURANGO DELI For a warming soup, a satisfying sandwich or mouthwatering burger, the airport deli is just the ticket. For a quick bite or just a place to relax while waiting for a plane, the Durango Deli is the perfect traveler’s haven. 1000 Airport Rd., inside the Durango-La Plata County Airport, 970-259-6964.

EAST BY SOUTHWEST Voted Durango’s best happy hour, hottest date night, best dessert, best cocktail, and best bartender. Full sushi bar, vegetarian options, sake, Asian beers, libations. Comfortable, upscale urban setting. Kids’ menu.

160 E. College Dr., 970-247-5533, www.eastbysouthwest.com

DURANGO DINER On historic Main Avenue, “The Diner” is one of the town’s landmark eateries, known for its nostalgic no-frills meals and local camaraderie.

Brand-name green chile and Southwest salsa are sold nationwide.

Breakfast and lunch all day. 957 Main Ave., 970-247-9889, www.durangodiner.com

EL MORO SPIRITS & TAVERN Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. El Moro is named after the early-1900s saloon that occupied the historic site. Comfortable, with exposed red-brick walls and hardwood floors. A “farm-to-table” restaurant featuring local fresh foods. 945 Main Ave., 970-259-5555, www.elmorotavern.com

DURANGO DOUGHWORKS Fresh donuts and bagels, breakfast burritos, lunch favorites—something for everyone. Grab a breakfast burrito or bagel sandwich or relax in the comfy dining room for a full breakfast or lunch. 2653 Main Ave., 970-247-1610, www.durangodoughworks.com DURANGO GOURMET POPCORN At Durango Gourmet Popcorn, we are passionate about creating the perfect snack experience. Our commitment to quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and exceptional customer service sets us apart in the industry. We can't wait to welcome you to our store and share our love for popcorn and more with you. 600 Main Ave., Ste 110, 970-403-3833, durangogourmetpopcorn.com/

EOLUS BAR & DINING Locally owned and operated since 2013, Eolus is named for the famous peak near Chicago Basin. Featuring farm-to-table and vine-to-wine.

Contemporary American cuisine. A fine array of local products. Elegant dining room, comfortable bar, rooftop patio with views. Reservations recommended. 919 Main Ave., 970-259-2898, www.eolusdurango.com ELEVATED EATS Two locations to choose from. Local chefs that know flavors. Some of the most amazing and fresh dishes you’ve ever enjoyed. Stay elevated! Food truck inside Durango Hot Springs, 6475 County Road 203 or 939 US Highway 3, 970-403-3696, www.elevatedeatsdurango.com

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N I G H TLI FE & DI N I N G G U I D E FAMBURGER Burgers, coney dogs, hand-battered onion rings, soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, floats, and fries. Everything you and your kids could want in a walk-up diner. Just 500 feet from the Animas River Trail. 1400 E. 2nd Ave., 970-422-8082, www.theoriginalfamburger.com FATHER’S DAUGHTERS PIZZA Family owned and operated and with a full bar, featuring the East Coast flavor of Sicilian- or New York-style pizza. Dough made fresh daily. Great salads, wings, and soups. Private parties welcome. 640 Main Ave., 970-385-0420, www.fathersdaughterspizza.com FIRED UP PIZZERIA Devoted to quality local and imported ingredients and the traditional method of artisan wood-fired baking. Always fresh, handmade, wood-fired pizza, plus sandwiches and salads. Gluten-free options, daily specials, full bar, family friendly, seasonal rooftop patio. 735 Main Ave., 970-247-0264, www.fireduppizzeria.com FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS Retro-style chain restaurant offering steakburgers, hot dogs, and other fast-food staples, plus frozen custard galore. 1246 Escalante Dr., 970-422-8655, www.freddysusa.com/store/durango FRIDAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND CANTINA Come try homemade recipes made only with the freshest ingredients.

Enjoy a full bar with expertly made drinks and traditional Mexican cuisine all while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere. 2525 Main Ave., 970-385-1595, durangofridascantina.com

74 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

GAZPACHO Voted Durango’s favorite for Mexican food and margaritas. Traditional northern New Mexican fare. Hatch red and green chiles. Carne adovada, tamales, blue-corn enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, and vegetarian menu.

Full bar. Parking. 431 E. 2nd Ave., 970-259-9494, www.gazpachodurango.com

HERMOSA CREEK GRILL Locally owned café in the Animas Valley north of town, the perfect stop on the way to the mountains. Delicious and unique egg dishes, pancakes, cinnamon rolls. Daily specials. Sandwiches, burgers, authentic gyros, and salads. Full espresso bar. 32223 U.S. Hwy. 550 N., 970-247-0014, www.hermosacreekgrill.com

GOOD ON THE BUN Located in the Durango Elks Lodge parking lot. Open Monday-Friday, 1030-230 for lunch. The Bun serves authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, hoagies, sandwich specials, and a selection of homemade soups. 901 E. 2nd Ave., 215-813-4205 Daily menu available at GoodontheBun@facebook.com.

HIGHWAY 3 ROADHOUSE & OYSTER BAR Open Wednesday – Friday known as a locals’ hangout. Serving Cajun/ Creole/Southern based menu with oysters and catfish Unique appetizers and full bar. Great for private parties. Weekly specials posted to Facebook on Wednesday. 955 CO Hwy. 3, 970-385-7444, www.highway3roadhouse.com

GRASSBURGER Award-winning restaurant serving burgers from 100% grass-fed, USAraised beef; turkey and vegan burgers; sweet and regular fries; salads.

Indoor/outdoor seating, kiddie corral. Vegan, allergy, gluten-free friendly.

The American burger made healthy, ethical, and delicious. Dine in or carry out. 726½ Main Ave., 970-247-1081, www.eatgrassburger.com

HIMALAYAN KITCHEN Tastes from such top-of-the-world regions as Nepal, India, and Tibet. Daily gourmet lunch buffet. Dinner temptations include yak, lamb, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian. Fresh bread from the tandoor oven.

992 Main Ave., 970-259-0956, www.himkitchen.com

GRIEGO’S RESTAURANT This very reasonably priced, popular Southwestern and American diner serves fajitas, carnitas, enchiladas, smothered burrito plates, and burgers.

Vegetarian and kids’ meals and takeout. Great food and friendly service.

Considered a classic, local favorite. 2603 Main Ave., 970-259-3558.

HOME SLICE PIZZA Gourmet pizza, salads, and sandwiches, plus a full bar. Dine in, take out, or order online for in-town delivery. If you love fresh homemade pizza and friendly service, this is the place for you; just ask the locals. 441 E. College Dr., 970-259-5551; 2915 Main Ave., 970-422-8337; and 125 Mercado St., #105, 970-764-4207; www.homeslicedelivers.com

HAPPY PAPPY’S PIZZA & WINGS New to the Durango area, Happy Pappy’s has a wide variety of build-yourown pizzas, flavorful wings, and beer. Using longtime family dough and wing recipes along with the best ingredients possible. Order online, over the phone, or in person. 2411 Main Ave., 970-764-4213.

HUNT BROTHERS PIZZA Carry-out pizza located inside the 4 Star Market, 10 toppings to choose from, 20800 W. US HWY160.

J. BO’S PIZZA & RIB COMPANY Known locally as Bo’s, this fast, casual, family eatery serves pizza, ribs, grinders, burgers, salads, local microbrews, and more. Pool tables, jukebox, video games, live music. Eat in, take out, or delivery.

1301 Florida Rd., 970-259-0010, www.jbosdurango.com

KACHINA KITCHEN Delicious and traditional Southwestern foods along with Mexican and Native American dishes prepared fresh daily. Fast and efficient service, great prices and free parking. 325 S. Camino del Rio in the Centennial Center, 970-247-3536.

JAMES RANCH MARKET & GRILL Where unforgettable food and memories are made. Experience a tableon-the-farm organic restaurant, farm market, and ranch tours.

33846 U.S. Hwy. 550, 970-764-4222, www.jamesranch.net/grill

KENNEBEC CAFÉ Taste Tuscany in the La Plata Mountains, just 10 miles west of Durango on Hwy. 160. Mediterranean- and American-inspired cuisine, bistro setting.

Extensive wines, full bar, takeout, ever-changing seasonal menu. Events and banquets welcome. Reservations accepted. 4 County Road 124, Hesperus, 970-247-5674, www.kennebeccafe.com

JEAN PIERRE BAKERY, CAFÉ & WINE BAR Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wine room for small business meetings or private dinner parties. Live classical and/or jazz music on the weekends. Traditional yet innovative dinner menu. Full bar. Reservations recommended. Top-rated sweets on Trip Advisor. 601 Main Ave., 970-247-7700.

JIMMY JOHN’S The popular franchise has featured gourmet sandwiches since 1983.

Jimmy John’s is known for its irreverent attitude, low prices, great and healthy food, and speedy delivery, with more than 2,000 stores nationwide. 1316 Main Ave., 970-259-0577, www.jimmyjohns.com THE JOINT Located on old HWY 3 serving breakfast and lunch, open select evenings for dinner. Come enjoy delicious Southwest menu items and truly amazing local favorites that shouldn’t be missed. Indoor and outdoor seating.

939 Colorado HWY 3., 970 403-3696. www.elevatedeatsdurango.com

LA BONNE PATISSERIE Seasons change and so do their baked goods. Quality and consistency go hand-in-hand at La Bonne Patisserie. 3101 Main Ave, Unit 2, 970-403-3776, www.labonnedurango.com LA HACIENDA Recently changed to La Hacienda, this colorful family restaurant on the north side of town offers great margaritas and delicious, authentic Mexican food. 2850 Main Ave., 970-375-2492.

THE LIFT Located at Cascade Village just north of Purgatory Ski Resort, The Lift serves authentic modern American cuisine with impeccable views of the San Juan Mountains. 50827 U.S. Hwy. 550 N., 970-749-6200.

LOLA’S PLACE Gather to enjoy healthy food from food truck partners, refreshing beverages from their bar and Taste Specialty Coffee, and exciting events offered by the diverse cohort of businesses that call Lola’s Place home.

725 East Second Ave., (970) 385-6884, www.lolasplace.com

LOS AMIGOS DEL SUR In the Main Mall downtown, this unassuming restaurant is small but features a great Mexican menu and handcrafted margaritas. Friendly, comfortable atmosphere serving everyone’s favorite dishes, including “street” tacos and vegetarian platters. 835 Main Ave., #106, 970-764-4042, www.durangoamigos.com MACHO’S FAST MEXICAN FOOD & DRINKS Fresh and bursting with flavor, great dishes prepared with the highestquality ingredients. Beto’s Burrito Bowl is a favorite! Authentic Mexican meals. Great atmosphere, friendly service, affordable prices. Take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. 1485 Florida Rd., 970-422-8540.

MAHOGANY GRILLE Featuring something for everyone. Menu items crafted by their master with meats, produce, and ingredients from local family-owned farms and ranches. 699 Main Ave., inside the Strater Hotel, 970-247-4431, www.strater.com/dining/the-mahogany-grille/ MAMMA SILVIA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN Traditional Italian cuisine crafted by East by Southwest owners Hydi and Sergio Verduzco, featuring delicious and unique antipasti, farinacei, and insalate. Once inside, there’s a modern and comfortable design. Fun for the whole family. 150 E. College Dr., 970-247-5533, www.mammasilvias.com MATTY’S HOT FIRE DOGS Authentic Chicago-style dogs with a southwest attitude. Open late every night at the corner of College and Main. Enjoy the famous flavors of the Windy City right here in Durango. 600 Main Ave., 970 764-4068.

Elevated Rustic Fare with 360° Mountain Views Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience with farm-fresh dishes and Italian-inspired flavors, or unwind with cocktails and dinner at our full-service bar.

Join us for Aprés Ski & Dinner Wednesday–Sunday 4pm–8pm | Open to the Public

VALLEY CLUBHOUSE, 212 N TAMARRON DRIVE

970.382.6775

theglacierclub.com

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N I G H TLI FE & DI N I N G G U I D E MAY PALACE RESTAURANT Some of the town’s best and most delicious Chinese food. Traditional specialties: Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, and 38 lunch specials. No MSG. Full menu for takeout. Full bar. Great location downtown. 909 Main Ave., 970-259-4836.

MCDONALD’S Fast and friendly service. Order from the dollar menu or the regular value meals. Enjoy favorites like the Big Mac and classic French fries.

201 W. 6th St., 970-247-2446, www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html MI RANCHITO Family restaurant offering real street tacos. Daily specials, dine in, curbside pickup, delivery. 117 W. College Dr., 970-422-8514.

MICHEL’S CORNER CRÊPES Longtime Durango chef Michel Poumay brings authentic sweet and savory French crêpes to the heart of downtown. Each made fresh to order.

Perfect for grabbing unique fare to go or dine on the patio. 598 Main Ave., 970-769-0256, www.michelscorner.com MINESHAFT BAR & GRILL Open year round and to the public, dine-in or take-out. The Mineshaft offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads and pizza to fuel your mountain adventures. Conveniently located in the Valley Clubhouse. 212 N Tamaron DR, Durango, 970-382-7860, www.theglacierclub.com MONGOLIAN GRILL Located in the Walmart shopping center and featuring tasty Peking and Mongolian barbecue, plus Hunan, Chinese, Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. A variety of beer and wine, free parking, and all-you-can-eat dishes. Dine in or take out. 1135 S. Camino del Rio, #230, 970-259-7228, www.mongoliangrill.uorder.io

s r e i l e m m o S WINE CLUB

(970) 247-1655

Explore Wines from around the world!

Hand Picked by our Sommelier!

Exclusive access to special wine buying opportunities One Bottle of Red or one Bottle of White each Month

MOUNTAIN DOUGH BAKING CO. Offering a wide variety of tasty treats, from classic chocolate chip cookies to whimsical cupcakes and cakes and fun desserts. They also offer dessert catering services for any event, big or small. 1537 Florida Rd, Suite 101, 970-422-8235, www.mountaindoughbaking.com NATURE’S OASIS Durango’s great natural market is the largest provider of natural and organic products in the Four Corners. Fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, and hot foods daily in the deli. Largest selection of supplements and beauty-care products in the region. Also home to Jack’s Meat & Seafood, River Liquors, and Serious Delights Bakehouse. Locally owned since 1993.

300 S. Camino del Rio, 970-247-1988, www.naturesoasismarket.com NAYARIT RESTAURANT Named after the Mexican state of Nayarit, offering authentic Mexican food that cannot be found anywhere else in Durango. Best known for their selection of tequilas and margaritas, fresh seafood, and delicious tacos.

1135 S. Camino del Rio, #290, 970-259-4114, www.nayaritmexicandurango.com NINI’S TAQUERIA Food so good, you won’t trust the water! Funky, casual Mexican restaurant with a unique take on traditional Mexican food. Giant burritos, grilled quesadillas, and tasty tacos. A wide selection of world-famous margaritas and local beers. 552 Main Ave., 970-259-4221, www.ninistaqueria.com

Interested? www.wagonwheelliquors.com 30 Town Plaza Durango CO 81301 76 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

OLDE SCHOOLHOUSE CAFÉ & SALOON Lively place for great pizza, calzones, beer, and spirits. Just three miles south of Purgatory Resort, across from Needles Country Store. Stop in after a great day of skiing! 46778 U.S. Hwy. 550 N., 970-259-2257, www. oldeschoolhousesaloon.com

OMNI BAGELS Durango’s first sustainable, inclusive, accessible cafe. Creating a unique product with locally sourced ingredients. 1259 Main Ave, Unit B, 970-946-6653. www.omnibagels.com ORE HOUSE Established in 1972, the Ore House is one of Durango’s oldest and finest restaurants. Hand-cut, USDA-certified prime and choice steaks; sustainable wild seafood; seasonal produce; a selection of award-winning wines, and handcrafted seasonal cocktails. Reservations encouraged.

147 E. College Dr., 970-247-5707, www.orehouserestaurant.com OSCAR’S CAFÉ Voted “Durango’s best breakfast,” a ’50s-style diner with a train.

Homemade hash browns, chili verde, pancakes, omelets, biscuits and gravy, French toast, cinnamon rolls, soups, salads, homemade pies, shakes, burgers, Reubens, and club sandwiches. Kids’ menu. Takeout.

18 Town Plaza, 970-247-0526.

PAPA MURPHY’S TAKE ’N’ BAKE PIZZA Freshly prepared, ready to pop into the oven, pizzas, including Gourmet Delite®. Choose from Papa’s All Meat, Cowboy, Papa’s Favorite®, vegetarian.

Gourmet, stuffed to thin, crispy crust, there’s a Papa Murphy’s pizza for everyone. 12 Town Plaza, 970-382-0961, www.papamurphys.com PIZZA HUT Find all your favorites at this national chain pizzeria. Pan-style, stuffed crust, thin and crispy, or hand-tossed styles. Ask about the Pizza Supreme.

Buffalo wings, bread sticks, salads, sodas, and much more. Delivery and takeout. 1316 Main Ave., 970-259-2112, www.pizzahut.com

PJ’S GOURMET MARKET Just north of Durango on U.S. Hwy. 160. Rare treats or necessities, fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood. Deli with the best salads, meats, cheeses.

Freshly baked breads, sweets, pastries. Everyday groceries. Fresh local and regional products: coffee, snacks, chips, sodas, salsa, honey.

67 Trimble Crossing, 970-247-0100, www.pjsgourmetmarket.com PERBACCO CUCINA ITALIANA Featuring all homemade pastas and desserts from the owner’s north and southern regions of Italy along with a variety of other delicious family favorites. Reservations recommended. 505 Main Ave. 970-403-3092.

POP SUSHI Restaurateur Jimmy Nguyen, owner of Rice Monkeys, unrolled Pop Sushi.

As executive chef, Ray Srisamer oversees a Japanese tapas restaurant with a full bar. Urban atmosphere, seating for 70. 42 County Road 250, #400, 970-422-8182, www.popsushidurango.com PRIMI PASTA & WINE BAR PRIMI, meaning first course in Italian, serves a unique and tasty variety of authentic and handmade pasta dishes, sauces, paninis, salads, gelato, and wine. Offering a casual atmosphere to relax in and enjoy.

1201 Main Ave., #102, 970-764-4138, www.primidurango.com PRIMUS Chef John Daly III provides a beautiful array of fresh seafood, wild game and locally produced grains and produce in this tasteful setting. With both upstairs and downstairs dining areas, Primus offers a unique and exciting menu to those seeking to enliven their taste buds. 1017 Main Ave., 970-259-1945, www.primusrestaurant.com

PROSPECTOR AT GLACIER Set amid the stunning grandeur of the San Juan Mountains, there lies a new dining experience at Glacier. Offering the best in casual comfort, indulge in refined mountain fare and farm-fresh flavors at the new Prospector restaurant. Open to the public and located in the Valley Clubhouse. 212 N Tamaron DR, Durango, 970-382-6775, www. theglacierclub.com

PUBLIC HOUSE 701 A new-to-Durango upscale casual dining spot. Featuring personally crafted food, as well as beer and cocktails. Reservations encouraged through the RESY app. 701 E. 2nd Ave., 970-403-3079. www.publichouse701.com PURGATORY RESORT RESTAURANTS The resort offers fun, convenient bars and restaurants, including indoor and al fresco options. From pastries, salads, gourmet burgers, pizza, steak, and pasta to fish entrées, choose a variety of delicious dining options. 1 Skier Place, seasonal hours apply, 970-247-9000, www.purgatory.ski RAIDER RIDGE CAFÉ Locals’ choice for healthy meals. Tasty wraps, deli sandwiches, breakfast burritos, vegetarian green chili, local organic coffee, and the very best fresh-fruit smoothies in town. Takeout orders welcome. 509 E. 8th Ave., 970-375-9727, https://raiderridgecafe.simdif.com/ RGP’S FLAME-GRILLED WRAPS Homemade dough grilled over an open fire and filled with the freshest ingredients. Local favorite: Southwest turkey club. Also, pulled-pork barbecue and chicken pesto panini. In the heart of downtown, inside the Main Mall. 835 Main Ave., #107-B, 970-382-9868, www.rgpswraps.com

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RICE MONKEYS Healthy, creative, delicious Asian food in a fast, friendly environment.

Sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, traditional Vietnamese. Specialty rolls, rice bowls, egg rolls, and platters with such favorites as ceviche, seared black-pepper tuna, Saigon noodles, beef pho, ginger chicken. To-go party platters, delivery. 1050 Main Ave., 970-403-3852, www.ricemonkeysdurango.com

SERIOUS DELIGHTS BAKEHOUSE Local family bakery provides a wide variety of fresh breads, pastries, and desserts, and proudly offers delicious gluten-free options. Treats are always handcrafted from scratch using local, organic ingredients when possible. Inside Nature’s Oasis market. 300 S. Camino del Rio, 970-749-8263, www.seriousdelights.com

ROADHOUSE PIZZA COMPANY Carryout pizza and wings, 123 CO-172, 970-247-4933

SERIOUS TEXAS BAR-B-Q Selected by Sunset Magazine as one of the best barbecue restaurants in the West. Smoked meats, huge sandwiches, and legendary ribs. Outdoor deck. 18-hole mini golf at south location. 650 S. Camino del Rio, 970-259-9507, and 3535 N. Main Ave., 970-247-2240, www.serioustexasbbq.com

THE ROOST Brought to you by the owners of Cuckoo’s Chicken House & Waterin’ Hole and The Animas City Theatre. Serving traditional American food—burgers, French fries, and prime rib. Wide selection of beer and wine. Dine in or take out. 128 E. College Dr., 970-764-4661, www.theroostdurango.com ROXY’S Roxy's serves up a playful harmony between the flavors of Mexico and India. We offer tacos, grilled burritos, naan, nachos, and rice bowls loaded with your choice of our handcrafted curries, guisados, and chutneys, all topped with citrus-herb kale slaw. 639 Main Ave, 970-422-5025, www.roxiestacos.com SAGE: FARM FRESH EATS From soil to soup and sprout to salad, Sage marries local food with fast, casual convenience. 3101 Main Ave., #5, 970-764-4270, www.sagefarmfresheats.com SEASONS ROTISSERIE & GRILL Changing dinner menu to showcase the area’s bounty. Wood-fired grill, great service, award-winning chef. Critically acclaimed, internationally awarded wine list. Main Avenue views, private-cellar dining, patio.

Reservations encouraged. Dinner nightly beginning at 5:30 p.m.

764 Main Ave., 970-382-9790, www.seasonsofdurango.com

SEVEN RIVERS STEAKHOUSE For an authentic steakhouse experience, this restaurant wows with selections of mussels, giant prawns, lump crab, scallops, and shrimp.

Prime cuts of beef, such as petite filet and New York strip. Beautiful décor.

Reservations available. 14324 County Road 172, Ignacio, inside Sky Ute Casino Resort, 970-563-6235.

SIZZLING SIAM A locals’ favorite with the wonderfully different, delicious, and healthy foods of Thailand made with the freshest ingredients by native Thais. Call in, carry out, or dine in. Very affordable, healthy, and delicious.

519½ Main Ave., 970-385-9470.

SKA BREWING Eat local while enjoying fresh craft beer right from the source. Built from repurposed shipping containers. Chef Jeremy Storm serves brick-oven pizzas, sandwiches, soups, salads, kids’ options. Live music on Thursday nights. 225 Girard St., 970-247-5792, www.skabrewing.com

SKY UTE CASINO RESORT For dining options: Seven Rivers Steakhouse for upscale steaks and seafood; Willows Café Bistro for breakfast, lunch, dinner; Rolling Thunder Grill for pub fare; 49 Lounge with TVs for sports fans, a full bar, and appetizers; Shining Mountain Café for Native American fare.

14324 Hwy. 172 North, Ignacio, 970-563-7777, www.skyutecasino.com/dining

SONIC DRIVE-IN Breakfast and main menu items all day – American classics like cheeseburgers and fries. Happy hour (half-price fountain drinks and slushes) every day, 2-5 p.m. Monthly specials. 240 E. 8th Ave., 970-247-8160, www.sonicdrivein.com SOUP PALETTÉ Serving food out of their snazzy truck. Their passion is preparing healthy and delicious food. Vegan, gluten-free, meaty, and fresh. Truck is available to reserve for special events. 725 E. 2nd Ave., 970-759-9921, www.souppalette.com STEAMWORKS BREWING CO. Great spot for a casual lunch or dinner. Award-winning selection of beers, cocktails, and wines. Nightly food and drink specials. Games on several TVs. 801 E. 2nd Ave., 970-259-9200, www.steamworksbrewing.com SUBWAYS IN DURANGO Fast, inexpensive and ready to go when you are. Perfect for backpacks or picnics. Delicious salads and sandwiches. Fresh meats, crisp veggies, breads baked daily. 2101 Main Ave., 970-259-0887; 1145 S. Camino del Rio, 970-382-9511; https://restaurants.subway.com/united-states/co/durango

The Table-on-the-Farm Aprés-Ski Experience!

Dinners Tues 33846 Hwy 550→Located 10 miles N of Durango, just past Honeyville 78 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Call for the most updated days & times of business: Grill (970) 764-4222 Market (970) 385-6858 Visit us: www. jamesranch.net

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SUNNYSIDE FARMS MARKET A full-service retail butcher shop with a complete line of fresh meats, poultry, and seafood. Sunnyside Farms Market provides grocery and butcher shop needs, and deli to-go orders. 1305 Escalante Dr., #101, 970-375-6400, www.sunnysidefarmsmarket.com SWITCHBACK TACO BAR Featuring unique Mexican-inspired street food like Sonora dogs, elote, and tacos; fresh cocktails; affordable prices; fun, laid-back environment.

741 Main Ave., 970-422-8074, www.switchbacktaco.com T’S SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL Fast becoming a local favorite, with hickory-smoked barbecue, po’ boys, fresh-ground burgers, and Creole fare. Newly renovated interior. Largest patio in downtown, with a horseshoe pit and great views. Eat in, take out, delivery, catering. #3 Depot Pl., 970-259-6000, www.tssmokehouse.com TACO BELL Known for “thinking outside the bun” with original tacos, burritos, gorditas, Mexican pizza, chalupas, nachos, cheese roll-ups, quesadillas, taquitos, and taco salads. Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, extra cheese, rice, beans. 2902 Main Ave., 970-259-5588, www.tacobell.com TACO BOY Tacos, enchiladas, tamales, burritos, guacamole and chile rellenos.

Everyone’s favorite Mexican dishes in the Three Springs neighborhood.

Beer and wine. Fresh, authentic Mexican food. New “fast-casual” eatery seats nearly 100. Family-operated by Silvia, Juan, and Miguel Aguayo.

150 Confluence Ave., #101-C, 970-422-8399, www.tacoboycolorado.com

TACO LIBRE TAQUERIA AND COCKTAILS Wrestle down some tacos at Durango’s newest taqueria. Serving lunch and dinner for dine in, take out, and delivery. Enjoy signature drinks at the full bar. 1150 Main Ave., 970-764-4186, www.tacolibredurango.com TEQUILA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Hola! For an authentic Mexican food experience, Tequila’s is highly inventive, always surprising customers with their daily specials. Known for the town’s best margaritas. Wonderful food, drinks, and great service that you won’t soon forget! 948 Main Ave., 970-259-7655, www.tequilasmexicandurango.com THAI KITCHEN Tucked inside the Alpine Bank at 11th and Main, authentic Thai cuisine such as spring rolls, egg rolls, chicken satay, crab rangoon, wonton soup, chicken peanut salad, pad Thai noodles, curry dishes, and stir-fry. at in or carry out. 101 W. 11th St., 970-385-3903, https://thaikitchen99.wixsite.com/my-site TURTLE LAKE REFUGE CAFÉ Locally grown, wild-harvested, living-foods lunch. Soup, salad, entrée, dessert for suggested $15 donation. Raw, organic, vegetarian and vegan ingredients. Sharing the Victorian brick building with Rocky Mountain Retreat. Patio in summer; warm (greenhouse) second floor in winter. Open Tuesday and Friday 11:11 a.m.-2:22 p.m. 848 E. 3rd Ave., 970-247-8395, www.turtlelakerefuge.org

WEMINUCHE WOODFIRE GRILL A fun family-oriented atmosphere on the edge of Vallecito Reservior serving fresh food and great drinks. After your adventures enjoy a meal with us, you’ll keep coming back again and again.

18044 County Road 501, Bayfield, CO 81122, 970-884-7153, www.weminuchegrill.com/

WENDY’S OLD-FASHIONED HAMBURGERS Hot, juicy 100 percent pure beef burgers, savory chicken sandwiches, garden sensation salads, delicious French fries and frosty shakes. Try the Baconator®! Take out or eat in. Drive-through until midnight.

1840 Main Ave., 970-247-4505, www.wendys.com YELLOW CARROT RESTAURANT AND BAKERY Modern dining from Sari Brown. Creative vegetarian choices, including roasted cauliflower with kale rice; mango and coconut curry; tomato bombs with cabbage, raisins and caramel vinaigrette. Also featuring bisque, chowders, steaks, chicken, ribs, grits, and burgers. Catering available. 3206 Main Ave., Suite #1, 970-259-3773, www.theyellowcarrot.com ZIA TAQUERIA resh-Mex: burritos, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, tamales, soups, fish tacos, salads, rice bowls. Beer and margaritas. Daily specials, kids’ menu.

Eat in, take out, catering, or online ordering. 2977 Main Ave., 970-247-3355, and 400 S. Camino del Rio, 970-247-1002, www.ziataqueria.com

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D I N I N G G U I DE SH O WC A S E

Prospector at Glacier REFINED MOUNTAIN FARE & FARM-FRESH FLAVORS

by Billy Grimes Photos by Ryan Nott

One of Durango’s newest fine-dining experiences, Prospector, can be found just a short 18-mile drive north of town in the Glacier Club development.

Located at 7,400 feet and nine miles from Purgatory ski resort, the setting is stunningly magnificent and a perfect spot for an après-ski meal or a destination dinner date.

After a short turn off US Hwy 550 N., you enter the club’s confines and see the rust-colored stone and metal Valley Clubhouse at the southwest corner of the parking area. The building houses the golf pro shop, The Mineshaft Bar & Grill, and the restaurant. Although Glacier Club is a member-only community, the restaurant is open and welcoming to the public.

Glacier Club owner Rick Carlton, who purchased the development in 2001, saw that the success of the much smaller Mineshaft Bar & Grill next door gave an opportunity to expand the dining options available in the north valley. The previously open-plan space hosted many events and gatherings over the years. It underwent an eight-month renovation to become the new cozy dining room it is today. The restaurant opened in June of 2023.

As you enter the building, past a giant print of a David Yarrow Western photograph (see Durango Magazine Summer/Fall

80 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

2023 for the full story about David Yarrow), a mineshaft-like hallway leads you to the romantically lit room that now features an open-display kitchen to the left and a full bar to the right. Outside dining on the covered patio is available in good weather as well. The décor is like a modern mountain lodge with a nod to our area’s mining history. Our candle-lit table, with a view through the spacious patio, was delightful. The dining room seats 80-90 patrons and the patio seats 30-40.

Offering refined mountain fare, the restaurant had us excited to sample a variety of inspired dishes prepared by Executive Chef Adam Bergtold, along with tasty cocktails from the bar. Our server, Patty, was attentive and helpful with our menu choices. The menu changes five to seven times a year, featuring seasonal meals and farm-fresh flavors.

We thoroughly enjoyed the grilled Sicilian-style ahi tuna with an Italian salsa

verde as an appetizer. Other starters include crispy Brussels sprout chips served with sweet soy-glazed shishito peppers, Mediterranean shrimp, and an antipasto and charcuterie plate.

The soup & salad section of the menu features, among other offerings, a classic French onion soup, candied bacon Caesar salad, and a grilled romaine wedge salad. We chose the Burrata Peach & Rocket (arugula) salad with a creamy mozzarella burrata, grilled peaches, prosciutto, and roasted garlic croutons with pomegranate balsamic gastrique.

We are always looking for great pizza, and we found it with Prospector’s Southwest Pizza that combines red chili pulled pork, roasted poblanos, green chili, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Other brick oven pizzas offered include Margherita, White Out (with alfredo sauce), Burrata, Peach & Prosciutto, White Clam, and Calabrian. There is an option to build your own pizza as well.

For a lighter, hand-held meal, Prospector offers their signature Prospector Burger and a rotisserie Italian porchetta sandwich.

We splurged on the entreés and ordered the Chicken Francese; pan-fried crispy pounded chicken breast with lemon butter sauce on herb capellini, the pan-seared

Chilean sea bass; with sun-dried tomato butter and fennel-roasted fingerling potatoes, and last but not least, the Rocky Mountain Field & Stream: pan-seared elk tenderloin filet with rosemary demi-glace accompanied by brick-oven-roasted trout with garlic lemon butter. Garlic mashed potatoes, balsamic mushrooms, and cipollini onions are served alongside.

The rotisserie prime rib and ½ chicken are always available.

Though we were stuffed, the desserts sounded too enticing to pass up! We shared the four-layer chocolate cake and the pecan pie with vanilla ice cream.

A truly delicious dining experience awaits you at the new Prospector restaurant located in Glacier Club.

Winter hours started October 1st (dinner only), 4-8 pm Wednesday-Sunday.

The restaurant will return to breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the holidays and

again in the spring.

The Mineshaft Bar & Grill next door is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8 am to 8 pm and is open to the public.

You can also get to-go food and alcoholic beverages to take with you and enjoy the spectacular views of the nearby Hermosa Cliffs.

To contact Prospector directly, please call 970.382.6775.

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Frustration-Free Zone Insider tips on avoiding problems on your next new build or remodel

We all know the trope—halfway through any home show, the builder takes the designer or homeowners aside with a serious look on their face and says the five dreaded words: “We’ve run into some problems.”

The homeowners cringe, the builder looks annoyed, and the timeline falls to pieces.

While that makes for entertaining television, unfortunately, it happens all too often in the real world. Here are some tips from local millworks and building supply expert, Ryan Siggins, owner of SoCo Wood & Windows, to help you avoid unexpected issues and get your project completed on-time and on-budget.

Owner Ryan Siggins and his wife, Kerry.

1

Spend Time Upfront

Communicate

Too often, suppliers rush ordering material, using incomplete or even completely inaccurate numbers. “‘Measure twice, cut once’ isn’t a saying for nothing,” Ryan says. “At SoCo, our sales team puts in extra time before ordering to look for any potential issues, so we can prevent drama before it happens.” If your supplier isn’t coming to the job site to take measurements and talk to your builder, WALK AWAY.

2

The building industry is still dealing with postpandemic supply chain issues and global economy disruptions. “This has doubled, even tripled lead time for even common materials,” Ryan explains. “You’ve got to make sure you’re working with a supplier that communicates with you regularly. And even better, talk to them way in advance so you can order your products early enough so they arrive when you need them.”

3

Find a United Team

4

Work with Locals

“Working with too many suppliers can cause significant confusion,” Ryan says. “When one supplier doesn’t know what the other supplier is doing, stuff inevitably falls through the cracks. Our customers love working with our team because they provide a united front across a wide range of products.

Windows, doors, cabinets, millworks, even hardware work together to make sure our customers get exactly what they need.”

“It’s probably not surprising,” Ryan says, “But national chains and big box stores are going to be fine whether you work with them or not. That means they can get away with terrible customer service.

When you work with a local supplier like SoCo Wood & Windows, you’re going to get a much higher level of support because they’re literally invested in your success.”

Are you ready for a frustration-free home project?

Visit SoCo Wood & Windows showrooms in Durango and Pagosa Springs to meet the team that will help you not just solve your problems, but help you avoid them altogether. Learn more at socoww.com.

82 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

CONTENTS:

Cole Davis

84 87 90 92 94 98 100 102 103

DURANGO DREAM HOME REALTOR PROFILES DURANGO KIDS MIND, BODY & SOUL HOME SWEET HOME RURAL PHILANTHROPY DAYS COMMUNITY PROFILE ADVERTISER INDEX LOCAL GIVING 83

REYNOLDS ASH + ASSOCIATES

A MODERN MASTERPIECE THAT TAKES MOUNTAIN LIVING TO A NEW LEVEL

Durango Dream Home Reynolds Ash + Associates

by Jessilen Henderson

Ask most people what they picture when imagining a dream home in the Rocky Mountains and they will probably describe something rustic, with log siding, maybe a big stone fireplace, and lots of windows to capture those mountain views. Well, they would be right about the windows at least.

Copious amounts of glass and stunning mountain views are about the only things this Durango dream home has in common with the typical mountain getaway.

84 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

The homeowner specifically wanted to emphasize a cutting-edge modern design, something not often seen in Durango. Glass was one of the main design features of this home by Reynolds Ash + Associates architect Lauren Davis. Like most people living in Colorado, the homeowners wanted to make sure that those amazing mountain views were one of the primary focal points of their home, but they also wanted a breathtakingly open and modern feeling. The master suite

even includes floor-to-ceiling glass panels that open onto the second-floor balcony.

The house features large windows in almost every room. But privacy wasn’t forgotten in this striking, contemporary design.

The expansive living room window wall that faces the street is infused with a gas that allows it to shift from translucent to opaque. As with every other aspect of this home, the client and the designer wanted to take it to the next level.

Photos courtesy of Wells Group Durango

Davis says this house was both challenging and a joy to work on. She especially enjoyed getting to work on something so unabashedly modern in an area that usually leans more toward rustic, or contemporary farmhouse at best. Davis also cites having a great client to work with as part of what made this project so uniquely innovative and fun. The client, a builder himself, and his wife had some very specific ideas about what they wanted going into the design of this home. Davis says that they came to her “with a loose sketch, basically just some rectangles.” One thing they knew they absolutely wanted was a large outdoor living space on the upper floor, one that included the central feature of the home’s exterior: an infinity-edge swimming pool.

That swimming pool and the stunning modern lines of the house make it look like something straight out of Hollywood. The interior only reinforces this impression. In addition to all the glass, the house features gleaming marble floors, a massive custom fireplace, sunken living room, and a movie room complete with a projector and theaterstyle seating. The kitchen also opens up to the outdoor living space on the extensive deck and pool area, with yet more floor-toceiling glass panels. At more than 3,500 square feet, this home doesn’t skimp on luxury or detail-oriented design features. It even has a hot tub.

There were a number of challenges to creating a home this complex. According to Davis, having the pool on the second

floor meant a lot of work had to go into streamlining and disguising all the infrastructure required for the installation and upkeep. On a lot that is anything but flat, most homeowners and designers would tackle that problem with a walkout basement. But in this case, the homeowners wanted their outdoor living space to be situated on the second-floor deck. The shape of the property itself was one of the most difficult aspects of designing this home.

Wedge-shaped, and with a sharp drop-off, the unique shape required a lot of work manipulating the floorplan of the house to fit. Davis says that it took a lot of time spent with the clients and going back over the design and the drawings to get “the right balance of vertical and horizontal lines.”

85

Not to mention getting all of it to fit on an angular, sloped lot of less than half an acre. And of course, there were HOA regulations to follow, drainage issues to sort out, and all the particular challenges of building in an established neighborhood which also happens to be in the Rocky Mountains. But the end result is something of which both Davis and the homeowners can be incredibly proud.

The design process started way back in 2020, and it took months just to finalize the plans. Though the process was arduous and time-consuming, Davis says “It was fun to have a client who wanted to go big like that.” The homeowners took great care in going over each draft of the plans with Davis, and they invested plenty of time in visiting shops and suppliers to pick out the perfect finishes. No detail was left out, and Davis delivered, giving the homeowners their dream come true of a modern and airy house on a hill.

Davis studied for her undergraduate degree in Tennessee at the University of Memphis, before moving to New Mexico to pursue her master’s degree at UNM. After that, it didn’t take her long to migrate further north, and she landed in Durango some ten years ago and

86 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

has been designing Colorado dream homes ever since. She joined Reynolds Ash + Associates in 2022.

Reynolds Ash + Associates has been an innovator in home design for Southwest Colorado since 2002. They emphasize a holistic approach that takes into account all aspects of the home design process, from understanding the client’s needs, to utilizing the landscape and sourcing the best materials for the job. Leaning more and more into the sustainability model, Reynolds Ash + Associates balances pragmatic solutions and creative design with the awareness that the client relationship always comes first.

Davis certainly understood the importance of that client relationship. Though these clients wanted something that was undeniably larger-than-life and atypical for Durango, Davis was more than ready for the challenge. After working with this client, she says “I really love it. I think that they were really willing to push the envelope.” There is no doubt that the house she designed for them pushes the envelope of luxurious mountain living. This is one mountain dream home that won’t soon be forgotten.

R E ALTO R PRO FI LE S

Zach Morse

Michelle Brown

LEGACY PROPERTIES WEST SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

BLACKMORE GROUP

743 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 970-391-2600 Zachmorsedurangorealestate.com Zach@lpwsir.com

2901 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 970-759-6958 Michellebrownhomes.com Michelle@homesforsaledurango.com

Zach Morse is the owner/broker for Legacy Properties West Sotheby's International Realty. Zach has been directly involved in high-end property sales of over $350M for the past 15+ years. He has an intimate knowledge of active and private residential, ranch, and recreational properties in the region. Known for his positive attitude, "win-win" mentality, and solid reputation among his colleagues, clients and other professionals in the real estate industry, Zach is the top choice for buyers and sellers who want high-quality representation to smooth the sales process and maximize value.

I’m a luxury collection specialist and negotiations expert who relocated to Durango 25 years ago. I have been successfully serving my clients for the past 15 years; working every day to help them buy and sell real estate to live, build wealth, and sell investment portfolios. I am privileged to serve in God’s country, one of the most beautiful locations in the U.S. – Durango, CO. I will make the process of buying and/or selling your home easy. I offer a full-concierge service and work with many affiliate professionals; including photographers, videographers and designers to get the job done. Most of all, I offer my extensive knowledge, expertise, and good old-fashioned grit to give my clients more than they expect consistently and cheerfully. I will never give up and will work like no other to help you to find or sell your Colorado dream home!

Muriel Martin

Jeremiah Aukerman

MM GLOBAL REALTY

EXP REALTY

7995 East Hampden Ave - Suite 100 Denver, CO 80231 303-898-2134 mmglobalrealty.com

1315 Main Ave #208 Durango, CO 81301 970-769-2407 Durangohomesales.com

Born in Paris, France, Muriel Martin grew up in Africa and Asia. She married an American and moved to Denver, Colorado to raise their three children. Her cosmopolitan upbringing and passion for people inspired her to pursue a career in real estate.

Building on her travel experiences and professional networks, Muriel obtained her Certified International Property Specialist designation to complement her MBA in international marketing.

In 2014, she launched MM Global Realty, a brokerage firm that offers international relocation support, helping clients buy, sell, or rent global investment properties. She chairs the Global Business Committee of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®.

Meet Jeremiah Aukerman, your trusted real estate professional in the greater Durango area. With a passion for real estate and a deep understanding of the local market, Jeremiah is your go-to agent for all your property needs.

Jeremiah's commitment to excellence and his dedication to client satisfaction make him the best choice in Durango. He brings a wealth of experience, market insight, and negotiation skills to every transaction. Whether you're buying your dream home or selling a property, Jeremiah's personalized approach and attention to detail ensure a smooth and successful real estate journey.

Choose Jeremiah Aukerman as your realtor and experience topnotch service, unmatched expertise, and a seamless real estate experience in the beautiful Durango area. Your real estate goals are his priority.

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HOME SPECIALISTS

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HOME SPECIALISTS

89

DURANGO KIDS

Photos by Ryan Nott

THE DURANGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S

Youth Programs Open a World of Possibilities

by Kathleen O'Connor

The Durango Public Library, located next to the scenic Animas River Trail, is more than just a repository of over 108,000 books, magazines, games, downloadables, and other forms of education and entertainment.

It's also one of the most popular community hubs in town; a place to attend a city-sponsored public meeting or a class on Japanese cuisine, join a book club, or gather with fellow history buffs to talk about your favorite historical fiction or nonfiction. There's more than enough to entice even the most demanding avid learner. And when it comes to Durango kids, the plethora of youthfocused programs is no exception.

The library provides educational and entertaining programming for all youths – from toddlers to teenagers – whether they're Durango residents or just passing through town with their families. The library’s Youth Services Supervisor, Callie Blackmer, strives to make all the youth programs interesting 90 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

for the kids while also fostering enrichment and amusement along the way.

For the little ones, the library has two weekly story times. Baby Storytime, for newborns up to 2 years old, exposes babies to the act of hearing books read aloud while also demonstrating to parents the skills that promote early literacy in children.

And that's a good thing. According to research, early exposure to reading has many benefits for babies, including positive effects on cognition and language skills. One recent study found that daily reading of at least one book to babies, beginning at two weeks of age, improved language scores by the time they reached nine months. "Reading to babies sets a foundation that will serve them through their lifetime," Blackmer said.

Additionally, the library hosts a weekly family storytime geared towards 2- to 5-year-olds. These are generally around 30 minutes long and include various activities that help keep those toddler brains active and engaged. "We do read books, but we also incorporate repetitions and rhymes and encourage a lot of moving around to get those wiggles out," said Blackmer.

In partnership with the nonprofit organization Early Childhood Council of La Plata County, the library also offers a sixpart Play and Learn workshop series twice

a year for parents, caregivers, and their preschool-age children. With workshop titles such as "A Way With Words: Early Language-Talking and Singing" and "All

By Myself: Gross Motor Skills & Independence," these sessions cover key topics that support growth in early literacy, math, motor skills, and social-emotional skills.

"These workshops are great because they build upon each other and really teach the kids the skills they need as they begin kindergarten," said Blackmer. The workshop series is typically offered in the spring and summer and lasts six weeks.

For elementary school-aged kids, the library offers a fun and engaging way to spend a Friday afternoon and kick off the weekend on a high note. Beginning at 3:30 p.m., kids can come to the library after school to imagine and build their dream castle fortress or create the ultimate techno-mobile in LEGO Club. On alternating Fridays, the library offers STEAM Lab, which provides activities with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. These sessions allow kids to learn and execute coding skills or create upcycled mobiles from recycled materials, among many other STEAM-powered activities offered.

But the "littles" and "quasi-littles" aren't the only ones who get to enjoy the library's youth programs: tweens and teens can join

in the fun, too. One night a month, after the doors are closed and locked to the general public, the library hosts a "Teen Night" for those in grades 6-12. Each month offers a different theme, such as last March when it was Night of the Leprechauns, where participants were encouraged to dress up in leprechaun garb. More recently, organizers embraced the ever-popular murder mystery theme and hosted a Whodunit Mystery Night, where kids invoked their inner Sherlock Holmes to solve a murder case.

"It was kind of like a live-action Clue," said Blackmer with a smile.

Incorporating bilingual programs is another essential component of the youth services at the library. In addition to including Spanish language books during story times, the library recently collaborated with Durango High School for a language exchange program where native Spanish speakers could practice English and English speakers may practice Spanish through entertaining conversational activities.

These offer a great way to make new friends while practicing language skills with peers.

For kids ages 7-17 who are eager to hone their strategic skills and maybe even become the next world chess champion, the library offers a weekly drop-in youth chess club.

Participants of all proficiency levels are encouraged to join in. The library provides chess sets, but you can always bring your own if preferred.

All told, the Durango Public Library offers an impressive array of youth services catering to the community's diverse needs while also providing a space for children and young adults to learn, grow, and thrive.

From fun and educational storytimes for babies and toddlers to engrossing elementary-age activities and zany theme nights for teens, the Durango Public Library is undoubtedly an invaluable asset to the youths in our community.

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M I N D, BO DY, S O U L

Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa

Rejuvenate Mind, Body & Soul After an adventure-fueled day, treat yourself to a soulful reset. Book a soak and massage at the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Soothe your skin with a facial or book a consultation with a qualified aesthetician at Aesthetics and Wellness to discuss how you can look and feel like your best self. Chat with the husband-and-wife team, Dr. Brian and Andrea Rike, at R Med+Spa to discover the latest technology in non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Experience the stress melting away as your body relaxes into a pool of Epsom salts that allows you to float into oblivion at Salt 360 Float Studio.

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6475 COUNTY ROAD 203 • dhsresort.com • 970-247-0111 Nestled among the mountain pines, the day spa at Durango Hot Springs brings together awe-inspiring natural beauty, warmhearted people, and healing energy. Soak in one of 40 outdoor mineral pools while taking in fresh mountain air. These unique geothermal waters from deep in the earth contain over 32 distinct minerals, while notably absent of sulfur. Skilled massage therapists help release tension, accelerate healing and indulge your senses with a decadent pampering experience to support overall health and well-being. Talk to the local, knowledgeable staff for enhancements tailored to your lifestyle or itinerary. After your treatment, relax and unwind among the botanical gardens in harmony with nature in over 40 thermal water features.

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER, DURANGO HOT SPRINGS RESORT + SPA SERVICES INCLUDE: • Access to soaking pools, therapeutic gardens, robe, slippers and locker • Massage: Swedish, deep tissue, athletic, reflexology, couples or prenatal • Treatments: Detoxifying and rejuvenating scrubs • Enhancements: Hot oil hair & scalp massage, reviving foot ritual and more • New: private Japanese-style cedar ofuro tubs • Gift certificates available

Aesthetics & Wellness Durango

3057 MAIN AVENUE • aestheticsdurango.com • 970-799-3610 Aesthetics and Wellness of fers a variety of services in a warm and comfortable setting. Their team, owner Sarah Packard Normand, RN, BSN, CLT, and Katie Bates, CLT, CE, will help you achieve your aesthetic goals. They are the only MedSpa in Durango that offers Ultherapy, which builds collagen to tighten and lift skin, and ResurFX, a photofractional laser that treats tone, texture, pigmentation, Morpheus 8 Laser treatment and Semaglutide Weight Loss. Other treatments include PDO Thread Lift, IPL pulsed-light therapy, microneedling, and now bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Aesthetics and Wellness is proud to be one of the best aesthetics clinics, and was voted the Best of Durango for the past three years.

SERVICES INCLUDE: • Botox, Fillers, and Kybella • Ultherapy, Photofractional Laser, IPL • Aqua Gold “Red Carpet” Facial • Microneedling, chemical peel, teeth whitening • Laser hair reduction, PDO Thread Lift

R Med + Spa

679 E. 2ND AVE SUITE 1 • RMedSpaDurango.com • 970-501-0610 At R Med+Spa, we of fer individualized treatment plans depending on your goals.

We are excited to introduce the HALO hybrid fractional laser by Sciton, which helps to restore the damage done by sun, time, stress, and everyday living including sunspots, fine lines, and loss of your natural healthy glow. HALO’s laser technology works to eliminate years of damage by triggering your body’s natural healing response, helping with discoloration, sun damage, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, roughness or tex ture, dull skin tone, and more.

HALO PRECISELY TARGETS YEARS OF DAMAGE TO YOUR SKIN, INCLUDING: • Discoloration • Fine Lines • Sun damage • Wrinkles • Visible signs of aging • Acne scars • Enlarged pores • Improves roughness or texture • Poor skin appearance • Improves dull skin tone

Salt 360 Float Studio

3750 MAIN AVE #5 • salt360float.com • 970-422-8284 Whether you want to support your active lifestyle or improve your focus on health and wellness, Salt 360 has what you need. As a client floats in a saltwater tank, the absence of sensory input and the buoyancy of the water create an environment designed to promote overall well-being. Benefits include decreased stress, pain relief, reduced fatigue, and speedier recovery from injuries.

Salt 360 also offers a state-of-the-art infrared sauna experience. Patented technology produces the healing aspects of sunlight while eliminating the harmful effects of UV rays, resulting in clinically proven health benefits.

No matter which service you choose, you’ll experience the best in equipment, sanitation and service.

SERVICES INCLUDE: • 60-, 75-, or 90-minute floats • Sauna sessions for singles or couples 93

HOM E SWEE T HO M E

PRESS THE RESET ON YOUR HOME’S LOOK AND FEEL

Home Sweet Home Artesanos Design Collection

by Joy Martin Photos courtesy of Artesanos Design Collection

Artesanos designers collaborated with Interior Designer: Mini Irwin

With its serene textured walls accented by 140-year-old brick, and stucco and wooden beams paired with high-quality, handcrafted furniture and decor, Artesanos Design Collection has attracted the attention of locals and visitors alike. Located at the corner of 2nd Ave. and 7th Street in historic downtown Durango, this eye-catching home furnishings and décor boutique has become a mecca for fans of “mountain modern” home design over the past thirty years.

When local owners Jen and Rich Brown purchased the business in 2002, they knew they wanted to create a warm and inviting space that reflected the Southwestern landscape we all know and love, and they have done just that. Between the live-edge hardwood dining tables, shelves stocked with handwoven organic textiles, hand-blown glassware, pendant lighting, and hand-forged copper and iron tables and mirrors, it is easy to see the modern organicmeets-artisinal fusion.

“Interweaving our natural surroundings with our interiors can really be what makes a space feel like a home and to do so in a sustainable way is what we’re after,” Jen says. “We have worked hard to cultivate direct and fair-trade relationships with our suppliers and local artisans over the years in order to supply unique, high-quality, long-lasting furnishings to our customers.

Our namesake is ‘artisan, handmade’ and that’s really a huge 94 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

component of what we want to emphasize in our brick and mortar.”

It’s easy to see why Artesanos has received multiple awards since its start. The business places a priority on enduring style and durable, high-quality materials with an affordable price tag.

As a result, the shop is a cornucopia of functional yet artisanal handmade customized sofas and sectionals, accent chairs, dining table and chair sets and worldly decor that can stand the test of time. Nestled one block up from the Strater Hotel on historic Main Ave., the 7,500-square-foot space has quickly grown into one of the Four Corners’ most covetable home furnishings and decor stores, attracting prospective homeowners, builders, residents, nonresidents, realtors, and interior designers bent on finding unique pieces at a variety of price points.

Jen mentions, “It’s really a collaboration. We work with all budgets and types of clientele, discussing your ideas one room at a time with your preferences, lifestyle and use of home in mind.

Do you have children? How about pets? Do you like to entertain large groups? Whatever the details, we have an amazing team who are eager to help you make decisions based on your distinct mode of living. Our customers appreciate our complimentary in-home design consultation services as a way to assure we are achieving the aesthetic that they desire in their home.”

Whether you step foot into their brick and mortar or shop them

Artesanos designers collaborated with Interior Designer: Mini Irwin

Home by Steve Gates Architects / Interior Design by Artesanos

Artesanos designers collaborated with Interior Designer: Mini Irwin

Interior Design by Artesanos

online, Artesanos offers seasonal sales and nationally competitive pricing that make investment pieces approachable. And if a piece just isn’t quite right after you take it home, the team is quick to offer returns and exchanges until you find exactly what you're looking for. The tranquil, laidback setting and friendly staff at Artesanos only further invite customers to linger at leisure, which is highly encouraged.

“We want to make Artesanos feel comfortable when you walk in; a place to escape the fast-paced culture that seems to consume our day-to-day lives. A place to call home!”

Whether you live within the rocky peaks of the San Juans or are just dreaming of a home with a mountain aesthetic, elevate your living with a visit to this historic home furnishings and decor shop. You’ll be sure to find all your home design needs right here at Artesanos.

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96 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

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Rachel Kuss CFP® AIF® CRPS® Vice President - Investments 970.403.8570 Office 3710 Main Avenue Suite 101 Durango, CO 81301 Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Western Wealth Management, a registered investment adviser. Kennebec Wealth Management and Western Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial.

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DECOLONIZING PHILANTHROPY PANEL AT:

Rural Philanthropy Days

by Dr. Heidi Steltzer PhD

Have you ever had the honor of listening to and receiving the experiences of someone who has lived a different life from you?

Most of us have. Though, many of us may not have felt honored in the moment. Often those who have different lived experiences from our own will say things that vex us. Have you had that experience?

I hope so. These experiences of stepping outside our comfort zones into new perspectives – whether it be while we travel or at home, for work or play – are essential for our well-being and our world. I realize what I’m suggesting is that we do ‘hard things’, even on vacation.

We can then notice what shows up in us as an opportunity for personal growth and, hopefully, connection to new ideas and people.

This is generative pluralism, a process of encountering and honoring difference, and even celebrating it, because this coming together of difference leads to communities that evolve and thrive.

Durango is a rural, ever more affluent community in a region where few have had the opportunity to accumulate material wealth, aka capital. Median home and land prices exceed what folks who farm, teach, caregive or run a small business can pay. The affluence here has generally been acquired by living in an urban region prior to moving here. Like those in many other mountain communities in Colorado, some folks have security and others lack certainty about where they will lay their heads each night.

Furthermore, southwest Colorado is the traditional homeland of the Ute and is a place of community and ceremony for four other 98 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

tribes, Indigenous Peoples killed and forced away. Despite this, southwest Colorado is a cosmopolitan place where many Native Americans live within towns and county lands on and off the two reservations. The indigenous diversity of the region is broadened by the students attending Fort Lewis College, who may come from any of the 574 U.S. federally recognized tribes at no cost for tuition.

Southwest Colorado is a place we can step into generative pluralism – listening to and learning from one another.

Leaders from across the nonprofits in the five southwest Colorado counties coordinated for a panel discussion on ‘decolonizing philanthropy’ during a three-day networking and skills-building event this June. It’s called Rural Philanthropy Days, and takes place once every four years. The host community this year was Durango, with events also taking place in nearby Ignacio and Silverton. We welcomed philanthropists from Colorado’s Front Range to sit with us as we heard from six community members, counting the panelists and facilitator, Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, most of whom are Indigenous. They were asked: what’s it like for you here? For the people you serve?

They all shared – it is tough.

This was not unexpected. Our country is reconciling its past. Can we sit and listen to the voices of those who are oppressed? And what shows up in us when we do?

Indigenous People live with distrust every day. Words are said. Actions do not follow. Or actions take place that are different than what was promised. Without power, what can one do? Ask. Hope. Wait to see if the long arc of people residing in the region for tens of thousands of years will bend to a more equitable and just time. The panelists shared that this is their hope not just for the Indigenous Peoples of southwest Colorado, but for all people of the region.

Colonization was defined – it is taking control of place and people often by force.

Decolonization was not defined, perhaps because what is in the past is known and understood in a different way than what is still to be lived.

Simple requests may be disregarded. For example, the request for there to be a land acknowledgement at a national conference one of the panelists attends regularly. He offered the request again each year for ten years. This year, there was approval for the land acknowledgement. Stories like this were shared, highlighting that we can get there. We are learning to decolonize.

How we gather may be essential for decolonization to take place more quickly. The format of this event was a panel.

Esther Belin, a panelist who is Diné and a lecturer in Native American and Indigenous Studies at Fort Lewis College, said, “we should be in dialogue”, noting discussion circles as necessary. I heard from at least one funder that they agreed. Ideas arose for them that they would like to have shared.

Dominant cultures of a country – in this case white, European, settler culture – affect philanthropic giving practices. The when, what, and how of the interaction can be transactional with rules reducing the opportunity to attend to the why.

What could be done differently? It’s important that timelines aren’t as rigid, grants are multi-year, and more funding is unrestricted – not obligated to specific programs within a nonprofit and or to a specific aim of the funder. Cultural norms of Indigenous communities can be inherent in the process – nothing due during ceremonial time periods, centering community rather than individual success, trust and relationship rather than evidence-based review of work completed, and awareness that it is hard to ask for funding.

Hopes are that by meeting one another and listening, understanding can grow.

Systems can shift. We can step outside our comfort zones and value difference, because it is this difference from which new ideas arise for a more perfect Union, a democracy that will continue to feel messy, but also alive and wonderful. Rather than apart, we will feel a part.

Cole Davis

Left to Right: Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, Michael Roberts, Bruce LeClaire, Esther Belin, Matt Karkut Cole Davis

Andy High

Andy High

,

Left to Right: Michael Roberts, Bruce LeClaire, Esther Belin, Matt Karkut

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C O M M U N I T Y PROFI LE :

THE FLORAL ARTISTRY OF

Adela Flora’s Natalie McClain

by Kathleen O'Connor

Photo courtesy of Photo Divine

Durango creative Natalie McClain is living life in full bloom. As the owner and chief designer behind Adela Flora, a flower boutique for all occasions, McClain artfully weaves stunning floral designs that beautifully reflect the emotion and character of those special moments in life. Whether designing a unique floral arrangement for a wedding ceremony or creating a lovely bouquet for local delivery to family or friends, McClain's gift for flower-crafting shines through.

Originally from Albuquerque, McClain moved with her family to New Orleans as a teen, where she attended high school and later Loyola University. It was in the South where McClain acquired her graceful aesthetics for color and composition that would serve her well later in life. "Color is a passion of mine, and I have a good eye for it," explains McClain. "And I really enjoy creating art without having to draw or paint. If I had to draw or paint something, nobody would buy it," she says with a laugh. "I get to create beauty from something already beautiful."

In 2004, after college graduation, McClain relocated to Durango, a favorite family vacation spot she'd grown to love over the years. But as a New Orleans transplant, McClain struggled with the cold mountain winters. After daily walks by a local flower

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shop, she soon devised a remedy for her seasonal sadness. Why not work among beautiful flowers to combat the winter blues? "I thought if I surrounded myself with flowers, maybe the winters wouldn't be so hard," she says. With much determination and persistence, McClain landed a job at the flower shop where, for the next 11 years, she honed her skills in flower artistry and the fundamentals of running a business. When the flower shop came into new ownership in 2017, McClain began pondering her next move. "The stars aligned and told me to believe in myself and make a jump. So, I did,” she says. As a result, Adela Flora, named after McClain's Italian great-grandmother whose portrait now hangs in the shop, flowered into existence.

Since then, McClain's talents have been recognized in numerous publications, and just last fall, Durango's Chamber of Commerce awarded Adela Flora "Small Business of the Year."

Now working in her shop located in historic downtown Durango with a staff of up to nine creative talents, McClain has discovered her latest passion: teaching others the art form of floral design. "I love teaching, both my staff and through our workshops," she says.

"I love coaching others as they go through the process of learning.

That's what gives me goosebumps."

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AD V ER T ISER I N DE X A Shared Blanket...............................................................................................45 Adela Flora............................................................................................................40 Aesthetics and Wellness Durango................................................... 93, 96 Animas Chocolate & Coffee Co................................................................... 70 Animas Museum................................................................................................48 Animas Surgical Hospital..............................................................................33 Animas Trading Company.............................................................................23 Artesanos..............................................................................................................96 Azul...........................................................................................................................45 Backcountry Experience................................................................................18 Bank of the San Juans.....................................................................................52 Berkshire Hathaway..............................................................................Cover 2 Black Diamond Lodge......................................................................................15 Blackmore Group, Michelle Brown........................................................... 87 Bookcase & the Barber..................................................................................69 Brown's Sport Shoe..........................................................................................23

Center Of Southwest Studies......................................................................40 Christmas in Durango.................................................................................... .27 Closets Plus..........................................................................................................89 Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties, Rebecca Applegate & Kathy Hall........................................................32 Coffee Bear, The.................................................................................................. 57 ColoradoJo.............................................................................................................40 Community Concert Hall...............................................................................48 Crow’s Closet....................................................................................................... 27 Crystal Boutique................................................................................................25 Durango Arts Center........................................................................................48 Durango Craft Spirits.......................................................................................69 Durango Dermatology..................................................................................…37 Durango Dog Ranch..........................................................................................31 Durango Gourmet Popcorn...........................................................................18 Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa...................................................... 7, 92

Navajo Weavings Authentic Native American Jewelry Baskets R Kachinas Pueblo Pottery R Paintings Sculpture

THE VERY BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST!

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Durango Magazine............................................................................................ 97 Durango Mountain Realty..............................................................................13 Durango Organics.............................................................................................52 Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.........................................42 Durango Smoke Shop.....................................................................................52 Durango Wine Experience..............................................................................11 EXP Realty, Jeremiah Aukerman................................................................ 87 Earthen Vessel Gallery...................................................................................23 East by Southwest.........................................................................................…77 Elevation Custom Builders...........................................................................64 Eolus..........................................................................................................................74 EyeD...........................................................................................................................19 Festival of Trees..................................................................................................33 Fridas....................................................................................................................... 72 Four Corners Foot & Ankle............................................................................31 Gardenswartz......................................................................................................25 General Palmer Hotel......................................................................................42 Genesis Land and Waterscapes................................................................89 Gold Law Firm, The...........................................................................................49 Golden Block Brewery....................................................................................56 Guild House Games ..........................................................................................18 Highway 3 Roadhouse.................................................................................... 72 Honeyville..............................................................................................................32 JT Builders..........................................................................................Back Cover Jack’s Meats, Poultry, Seafood....................................................................53 James Ranch Market & Grill......................................................................... 78 Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts.............................................................................44 Kendall Mountain..............................................................................................56 Kennebec Wealth Management................................................................ 97 La Plata on Main................................................................................................23 Legacy Properties West, Sotheby’s Int'l Realty, Zach Morse.....3, 87 Lively a Boutique................................................................................................19 Living Solar......................................................................................................….88 Louisa’s Electronics.........................................................................................88 Lorax Tree Serive............................................................................................…89 MM Global Realty, Muriel Martin............................................................... 87 Mamma Silvia’s Italian Kitchen...................................................................77 Maria’s Bookshop........................................................................................... …19 Nature’s Oasis......................................................................................................53 Parts Unknown...............................................................................................…63 Pedal the Peaks............................................................................................... …18 Pella Windows.................................................................. Inside Back Cover Pine Needle Mountaineering..................................................................…63 Prime Painting................................................................................................…88 Primus.....................................................................................................................76 Prospector at Glacier, The............................................................................. 75 Public House 701............................................................................................ …70 Quality House Interiors...............................................................................…101 R Med Spa...................................................................................................... 64, 93 Raindrops of the Four Corners.................................................................. 101 ReLove Consign & Design........................................................................ …27 Reynolds Ash + Associates........................................................................…2 River Liquors........................................................................................................53 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.........................................................25 Rugmasters of Durango............................................................................….88 Salt 360 Float Studio........................................................................................93 San Juan Symphony.........................................................................................48 Scenic Aperture.................................................................................................44 Silverton Avalanche School......................................................................... 57 Silverton Chamber of Commerce..............................................................56 Ski Barn.................................................................................................................. 37 Sky Ute Casino Resort.....................................................................................…1 SOCO Wood & Windows.................................................................................82 Sorrel Sky Gallery…...................................................................................... 9,44 Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum..............................................41 Strater Hotel.....................................................................................................…33 Sunnyside Farms Market............................................................................ …71 SWAG...................................................................................................................... 104 Target Rental........................................................................................................89 Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant..................................................................... 79 There’s No Place Like Home..................................................................... …19 Tippy Canoe..........................................................................................................25 Toh-Atin Gallery.........................................................................................45, 102 Ultrasteam.............................................................................................................88 Urban Market..................................................................................................... 104 Visit Durango.......................................................................................................65 Wagon Wheel Liquors..................................................................................... 76 Wee Love............................................................................................................... 27 Weminuche Woodfire Grill, The.................................................................. 73 Westwood Culligan......................................................................................….97

LO CA L G IV I N G

A WINTER WONDERLAND FOR EVERYONE:

DURANGO NORDIC CENTER

By Joy Martin Photos by Kathy Myrick

Across the street from Purgatory Resort, the Durango Nordic Center offers a recreational alternative to downhill skiing and snowboarding. This winter wonderland features 23 kilometers of trail for classic and skate skiers and another five kilometers for snowshoers. From a peaceful ramble through snowy forests to a lung-burning workout, skiers enjoy glimpses of the majestic Needle Mountains in the background and up-close wildlife footprints.

Helen Low, the Nordic Center’s manager, described the terrain as “wedding cake topography,” layered-on benches of limestone that roll flat and then drop off and ease back to flat. Trails are groomed daily, ranging from blacks like Deadman’s Drop to greens like Aspen Loop, inviting skiers to be as brave or mellow as they feel.

Peace and quiet can be found even when the parking lot is full.

Newcomers are encouraged to embrace their inner Bambi-on-ice awkwardness and gaze in amazement at the old-timers gliding along gracefully. Programs are catered to all ages, beginning at five years old, and no one is too old to start.

“The little kids’ programs are the best,” Low said, adding that more than 100 kids participate each season. “They’ll head out on the trails and play silly games to get them thinking it’s fun without realizing they’re learning. And then you’ll hear a gaggle of moms rounding the corner, laughing and enjoying the freedom of a couple of hours of playing in the snow while getting a good workout.”

Volunteer instructors offer affordable lessons every day of the week. Rentals include classic and skate skis, boots, poles, and snowshoes for preschoolers up to “the biggest dudes you can find,” Low said. Each lesson starts with how the gear works, body mechanics, and basic techniques, like how to fall and get back up. Instructors offer gentle reminders to “Engage your core.”; “Get into your body and your breath.”; “Slow down!”; “Be grateful for the cadence your body is asking of you today.”; and “Listen, focus, and enjoy!”

The Nordic Center runs on the power of volunteers who return every year in the tradition of the Durango Nordic Ski Club, founded in 1952. Today, the Nordic Center is operated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit club, funded through memberships, trail fees, programs, events, and generous donations from sponsors and community members. In 2016, a local family of philanthropists, who wish to remain anonymous, bought the parcel to ensure mansions and developments don’t overrun this haven for making memories.

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104 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring

Windows & Doors

Viewed to be the best

Showroom by appointment • 691 Co Rd 233, Suite B2, Durango, CO 81301 (970) 759-7400 • Pellasw.com • blakeleycn@pellasw.com 105

106 Durango Magazine Winter/Spring