Durango, CO October 2023

Thank you to our Founding Partners.

Branden (Brandy) Murray Durango City Lifestyle Publisher Aligned Living Carentruske.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Bhhscoloradoproperties.com

DWolf Designs Fine Art & Custom Framing Dwolfdesigns.net

Durango Cabinet Company, LLC Durangocabinetco.com

Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa Durangohotspringsresortandspa.com

Durango Sustainable Goods Durangosustainablegoods.com

Flatrock Solar Flatrocksolar.com

Glow to Go Durango Wellness Spa Mobilefacialsglowtogodurango.com

Handcrafted House Handcraftedhouse.com

Happy Wags Pet Services Happywags.pet

Reynolds Ash + Associates Architecture and Engineering Ra-ae.com

Mountain Beauty Med Spa Mountainbeautymedspa.com

Mountain Luxe Interiors Mountainluxeinteriors.com

River Bend Ranch Riverbendranchdurango.com

Salt 360 Float Studio Salt360float.com

San Juan Symphony Sanjuansymphony.org

Sky Ute Casino Resort Skyutecasino.com

The Strater Hotel Strater.com

Wagon Wheel Liquors Wagonwheelliquors.com

Wild New Way Wildnewway.com

A Love Letter to Durango

Hello and welcome to the Premier Issue of Durango City Lifestyle,

This publication was born from my love of our community and my passion for helping others experience success. First and foremost, thank you to all of my founding partners for taking this leap with me. It is an honor to be part of your business's growth and to see where this publication takes you. I want to thank my family for supporting this new venture. I could not have done this without them. I also want to thank our friends and business community who encouraged and supported the launch of this magazine. I especially want to thank my editor, Rachel Rosenthal, for her dedication to this publication.

Twenty-five years ago, I moved to Durango and quickly fell in love with its outdoor beauty and the friendliness of the residents. I can honestly say that I am as in love with Durango today as I was in the beginning, maybe more. I am constantly inspired by the surroundings, outdoor activities, people, and art in our small city. I have had the honor of meeting hundreds of local residents during my venture, expanding the circle of friendly faces I have met exponentially.  This experience has solidified what I already knew - Durango is a treasure nestled in the mountains, and I am so lucky to have landed here.

I look forward to highlighting the best of what Durango has to offer to its residents and visitors.  Thank you for coming along on this journey; we look forward to connecting with you.

Sincerely,

BRANDEN (BRANDY) MURRAY, PUBLISHER @DURANGOCITYLIFESTYLE

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rachel Rosenthal | rachel.rosenthal@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Brandon Mathis

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @durangocitylifestyle

1: Crowds cheer as they enjoy flat track races at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. 2: Concertgoers enjoy music this weekend as part of the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally festivities. 3: Buying some sweet merchandise aboard the Durango Blues Train. 4: Fun times call for some relaxation and recuperation at Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa. 5: Escaping to the high country with a four-legged friend is the best! 6: Students return to Fort Lewis College campus for the fall semester. 7: The Durango & Silverton Railroad winds its way up towards Silverton.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Mountain Beauty Med Spa Offering IPL Laser Treatment

Mountain Beauty Med Spa is excited to offer its intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatment. This machine magically turns back the hands of time by targeting hyperpigmentation and broken capillaries to create an even tone appearance to the skin. The treatment only takes 30 minutes with little downtime associated. New patients receive 20% off their treatment, and clients who purchase a face treatment may receive a complimentary neck treatment ($100 value).

Scan to read more.

Wagon Wheel Liquors Brings 100 Years of Combined Experience

The team at Wagon Wheel Liquors is excited to bring their years of experience in the food and beverage industry to create a unique shopping experience for the community of Durango. With free delivery via their website and app, Wagon Wheel Liquors makes it easy to shop for your favorite brands. Refer to their website and learn more about their popular Bourbon of the Month Club, Wine Club, and rewards program.

Scan to read more.

DWolf Designs Offering Custom Framing and Unique Art

DWolf Designs Fine Art and Custom Framing provides framing and fine art at an affordable price. Stop by the studio at HWY 3 Plaza and browse a selection of unique art and frames to spice up any wall space in need of new life. Each piece is handcrafted with love and is truly one of a kind.

Scan to read more.

Want

to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Durango

Photography Deb Wolf

Photography Wagon Wheel Liquors

Photography Mountain Beauty Med Spa

Mountain Living in the Heart of Durango

Take a Look at Reynolds Ash + Associates’ Twin Buttes Beauty

ARTICLE BY RACHEL ROSENTHAL

An ancient mesa meticulously carved into identical buttes long ago creates a striking landmark as you leave Durango heading west on US HWY 160. A trail system builds a web of winding singletrack that draws in many outdoor enthusiasts to revel in the beauty and excitement that awaits at each bend. While it has all the trappings of an isolated mountain oasis, this picturesque area, known as Twin Buttes, is surprisingly within city limits.

The homes dotted throughout the landscape lend to the natural beauty while boasting a distinctly modern feel. Residents of the Twin Buttes neighborhood have all the convenience of in-town living plus front-row seating to the wild beauty of Southwest Colorado.

Let’s take a step inside one of the gems of Twin Buttes with Reynolds, Ash + Associates,

and see how modern living and local history go hand in hand to create a one-of-a-kind living space.

This stunning home features all of the modern amenities with plenty of outdoor space to take in the natural beauty that surrounds it. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to enjoy all the views, whether you are relaxing indoors or out on the spacious deck or patio. Ideal for enjoying family time at home, exploring the 14 miles of trail surrounding the neighborhood, or running into town to grab dinner, this home has something to offer every desire.

Along with all the convenience of town and the comfort of modern living, this spacious home feels far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The views allude to rustic mountain living, but city water and plumbing mean

This modern kitchen is a chef's dream with plenty of light and storage space.

you never have to deal with some common headaches associated with living in the great outdoors.

One unique aspect of this location is its proximity to historic sites and the area’s connection to Durango’s mining roots. Jutting up from the rocky earth below, the buttes top out at approximately 7,700 feet above sea level. The first stewards of the land were the Ute Tribe, who settled the area centuries ago. In 1901, the Boston Coal and Fuel Company extracted coal from an area located just northwest of Twin Buttes and built a train line that carried coal and brought service to a town of 200 residents. You can still hike along the long abandoned switchbacks and spot remnants of the once-thriving community of miners.

This coupling of history and modern living is characteristic of the innovative services RA+A provides. Their work ranges from architecture and structural engineering to land planning and interior design. Drawing inspiration from the natural environment, RA+A designs “structures that are compatible with the natural environment, taking advantage of the natural landscape, solar orientation, and existing adjacent land features.” With a focus on sustainable design, the firm creates comfortable living spaces that are in harmony with their neighbors and the natural environment.

Their home at Twin Buttes is just one example of how the firm’s design and execution create a cozy, modern living space that offers both convenience and wonder.

If you want to learn more about what Reynolds Ash + Associates are working on, visit their website, www.ra-ae.com , and become inspired.

An open floor design makes meal time more intimate.

Floor to ceiling windows help bring the outdoors in.

HOST A SUSTAINABLE FALL GATHERING

There is an undeniable glow in the air as the leaves shed their green to reveal their vibrant golden hues. As this change ushers in cooler temps, one cannot help but feel the tingling of anticipation for the season's festivities and time spent with friends and loved ones. Here in Durango, we are lucky to have such proximity to the natural beauty surrounding us.

Hosting a gathering that highlights some of those natural elements – while being mindful of protecting this special place we call ‘home’ – is important to us.

Claire Attkisson, owner of Durango Sustainable Goods, sat down with us to discuss the importance of sustainability and how she provides better access to sustainable products in our community. She also shared some guidance on hosting a sustainable fall gathering to remember.

“As a firm believer in the necessity of a thriving local economy, Claire takes great pride in supporting local artisans and goods producers. In her shop, you can find unique products from over twenty artists, farmers, florists, and entrepreneurs in Durango and our neighboring communities.”

Clair Attkisson of Durango Sustainable Goods Discusses Sustainability, Community, and Hosting the Ultimate Soiree

Claire founded Durango Sustainable Goods with a mission to bring a ‘next gen’ shopping experience to the community. Next-gen products are created from leading-edge sustainable materials like apple leather, cork (harvested without harming the tree), recycled glass, and other sustainable materials. Nixing fast-fashion and toxic plastics in favor of these creatively sustainable materials makes the items in Claire’s store good for people and the planet.

With a brick-and-mortar storefront and a beautiful website, Claire has created an accessible and enjoyable experience for shoppers to find sustainable gifts, beauty products, lifestyle, and home goods.

As a firm believer in the necessity of a thriving local economy, Claire takes great pride in supporting local artisans and goods producers. In her shop, you can find unique products from over twenty artists, farmers, florists, and entrepreneurs in Durango and our neighboring communities. She lovingly says, “We are Durango’s mini-Amazon of sustainable goods.”

No stranger to hosting memorable events, Claire loves bringing the community together to learn about sustainability and interact with local creators. From a variety of fun, sustainable DIY workshops to mocktails on the patio and tasty goodies from co-located Omni Cafe, there is always something fun and interactive to check out at Durango Sustainable Goods.

Here is Claire's step-by-step guide to hosting your own fall festivity, with next-gen products you can purchase in-store or on her website.

Recycled glass vases, dried locally grown flowers, and handmade ceramic plates create a stunning tablescape.

BRING IN COLOR

When planning your special gathering, incorporate seasonal colors into the mix. Fall has many colors to inspire your menu, table setting, and decor. Surprise your guests with splashes of color. Take inspiration from the crisp blue skies and vibrant yellow aspens.

(M)OCKTAIL HOUR

Add a booze-free option at your event with a seasonal mocktail to get guests in an autumnal mood. You can find products such as a Mexican Citrus Juicer and Whiskey Stones in-store and online. These sustainably sourced products will elevate your drink creations and make you look like a pro.

DINNER

Feature a seasonal main dish and have guests bring an appetizer or a dish to share. The key to a zero-waste dinner party is to have a manageable amount of food. Compost any scraps or send guests home with leftovers. *Tip: Make some of the cooking a shared experience for guests to help break the ice.

TABLE SETTING AND DECOR

Repurpose thrift store purchases or shop Durango Sustainable Goods’ line of sustainable glassware for centerpieces and fun accents. Handcrafted plates from a local ceramic artist featured in Claire’s store make for fascinating conversation starters and give your table a unique flair.

Claire also suggests letting nature inspire your decor and featuring dried flowers from a local florist like Mountain Belle Flower Farm or some from your garden. Local apples incorporated into your tablescape will add to the fall ambiance. Instead of party favors, invite guests to take a centerpiece home or give them a small house plant from Botanical Concepts.

Like what you see? All items pictured can be found at Durango Sustainable Goods, located next door to the Durango Herald and across the street from Buckley Park. Each item seen here contains sustainable, high-quality materials. You can also shop online at www. durangosustainablegoods.com and check out the events page for upcoming workshops and other social events.

Dig into a scrumptious seasonally inspired main dish and take every moment in.

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET 01

8 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

BY KIND AND COLOR 02 03 04 05

NEGATIVE SPACE HIDDEN STORAGE

Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

CONTINUED > 23 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/DURANGO OCTOBER 2023

UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

07

BAG & SHOE STORAGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

06 08

MAKE A STATEMENT

Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ELEVATED GRILLED CHEESE

This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Sliced sourdough bread

• 1-2 tablespoons butter

• 4 ounces Brie, sliced

• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam

• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced

• Arugula

• Thinly sliced ham, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

CHOCOLATE and WINE

The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.

Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.

For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.

While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.

Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.

We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

TIP 1: MATCH SUGAR WITH SUGAR

When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, you don’t want to strike a balance, you want to match sugar to sugar. Sweeter chocolate like white chocolate does better when consumed with sweeter wines and bitter chocolate like dark chocolate enjoys being paired with dryer wines. Think of it as matching sugar with sugar. A good rule of thumb is to always pair wines that are equally or slightly more sweet than the chocolate being eaten with it.

TIP 2: MATCH INTENSITY WITH INTENSITY

If you pair an incredibly delicately flavored dark chocolate with a full-bodied, heavy red, the intensity of the wine will destroy any of the subtlety that might have been present in the chocolate. The opposite is also true: strong-tasting chocolate will blow a delicate wine out of the water. Keep this rule of thumb in mind: light-flavored chocolates enjoy being paired with light-bodied wines and intensely flavored chocolates prefer being paired with full-bodied wines.

TIP 3: PAIR FLAVORS WITH FLAVORS

Wine and chocolate both carry their own intense flavors. If the chocolate contains other ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavors will play with the wine. This is especially helpful to remember when enjoying truffles with wine. To avoid creating a palate power play between the two, do your best to match fruity or floral chocolates with fruity wines like Moscato or White Zinfandel. Enjoy chocolate-covered nuts alongside a nutty wine like a Madeira or Marsala. Chocolate studded with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruit-forward red with berry undertones.

CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR

DARK CHOCOLATE

Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.

Pairs well with:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE

Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE

White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.

Pairs well with:

Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY (SELECT SUNDAYS)

Live Music at Durango Hot Springs

DURANGO HOT SPRINGS | 6:00 PM

Soak at Durango Hot Springs and enjoy live music every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9. Select Sundays as well. Check the website for a schedule of musicians.

OCTOBER 1ST - 31ST

Spoketober Durango

DURANGO, CO

This event is put on by Visit Durango and The City of Durango along with other organizations every October. It is a month-long celebration of all things cycling. Go to durango.org for a full list of events.

OCTOBER 6TH - OCTOBER 7TH iAM Music Fest!

THE IAM MUSIC INSTITUTE

725 E 2ND AVE

Check out the iAM Music Fest! in October. Over 20 bands will perform across five stages throughout the weekend. Visit iammusic.us/ events for a detailed list of events, times, and locations.

OCTOBER 7TH & OCTOBER 8TH

14th Annual Apple Days Festival

DURANGO FARMERS MARKET

Check out the 14th Annual Apple Days Festival in October! This event is held at The Durango Farmers Market and is fun for the whole family. Try your hand at pressing locally grown apples into fresh cider. Saturday, October 7 at 7 AM to Sunday, October 8 at 10 AM.

OCTOBER 8TH

Making a Sustainable Travel Journal with Heather Leavitt Martinez

DURANGO SUSTAINABLE

GOODS 1259 MAIN AVE. | 1:00 PM

Join workshop presenter Heather Leavitt Martinez and learn how to make a travel journal using recycled and upcycled materials. Perfect for backpacking, road trips, and everyday journaling, the workshop will discuss content, composition, and mark-making tools that reflect your experiences in a fun, unique way. Plus, you get to socialize and have fun.

OCTOBER 15TH & NOVEMBER 5TH

Pottery 101: Handbuilding with Forms to Create Trays and Dishes

DAY 1: DURANGO

SUSTAINABLE GOODS; DAY 2: MICHI POTTERY

Learn the basics of how to make your own hand-built pottery in this 2-day workshop. Michelle Herringer of Michi Pottery will lead this interactive workshop. Day 1: Sunday, October 15 1-3:30pm; Day 2: Sunday, November 5 1-5pm (choose time slot)

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Durango

Step Into Your Power

Introducing Cindy Schmidt, Master Jungian Life and Relationship Coach, your guide to transformation and empowerment—a beacon of light for high-achieving professional women on their quest for purpose and profound fulfillment in life and relationships.

meet the

Brandy Murray Shares Her Local Favorites

ARTICLE BY RACHEL ROSENTHAL

After over two decades and raising two daughters in Durango, Brandy has developed a love for several activities and products enjoyed by many in our community. From sipping on a frothy drink to taking in the crisp mountain air while enjoying a healthy outdoor activity, she loves living the Durango lifestyle alongside her family and friends. Here are just a few of her favorite things in Durango.

01. Her favorite beverage is something warm and cozy from Durango Joes.  // 02. In summer, Brandy can't get enough satisfaction slicing through our crisp mountain waters atop a SUP board or exploring the never-ending trails that surround Durango.  // 03. In the throws of winter, her favorite thing to do is slap on the cross-country skis and head out for some mountain views and bluebird skies.  // 04. Are you really a Durango local if you don't love animals? One of Brandy's favorite aspects about life in Durango is that we are a community built on our love for our furry family members and the plethora of wildlife that live here too.  // 05. Relaxation is essential for happiness. Brandy's favorite spot to relax is in the soothing waters at Durango Hot Springs. // 06. Brandy is an avid birder, and her favorites birds to observe around Durango include the eagle, hawk, and majestic blue heron.