shop
Downtown
Durango The discovery of gold built the rugged Western town, and now hundreds of local businesses sustain it. Find your own riches on and around Durango’s historic Main Avenue
By Mary Barthelme Abel
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Sorrel Sky Gallery
n 1860, a little glint in the sunshine signaled the discovery of gold and the creation of the town of Durango. Nestled in Southwestern Colorado’s Animas Valley between the La Plata and San Juan Mountains at a sky-skimming elevation of 6,512 feet, this tiny mountain town flourished with the construction of the Silverton Branch of the famed narrow-gauge railroad. The fiercely independent and entrepreneurial spirit of those original settlers mining for riches remains alive today in thriving downtown Durango, a nationally registered historic district that contains hundreds of boutiques, art galleries, museums and restaurants. As in all mountain towns, outdoor sports rule here, with winter skiing and summer biking leading the pack. But the sport of shopping is in full swing all year long; take a day to wander the charming streets and discover your own little golden nugget.
Grab a Bite
Toh Atin Gallery
A favorite local watering hole, Steamworks Brewing Co. (801 E. 2nd Ave.), not only pours award-winning craft beer, but serves up healthy fare that features regionally-raised meats and sustainable seafood.
durango area tourism office/durango.org
Strike it Rich
Spend the Night
at the Strater Hotel (699 Main Ave.). Built in 1887, this historic landmark features the world’s largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques— and stunning accommodations.
Decorate: For modern furnishings and accessories, fun kitchen- and barware and sassy gifts, head to Urban Market (865 Main Ave.); for Southwestern and rustic items, try Casa Decor (742 Main Ave.). Funky art, antiques, linens and garden accents can be had at RERUNS (572 E. 6th Ave.).
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen (862 Main Ave.) is an occasion-worthy destination. Patrons rave about the stone-fired pizzas and braised pork tacos at the self-described “Contemporary American Bistro with a Southwestern Flair.” Featuring premium, fair-trade coffee from around the world, Durango Joe’s (732 E. College Dr. and 3455 Main Ave.), also offers drive-through service and locally-made snack items.
Gaze: Browse through Toh-Atin Gallery (145 W. 9th St.), for quality Native American and Southwestern art; Sorrel Sky Gallery (828 Main Ave.) offers contemporary Western art and stunning jewelry. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Maria’s Bookshop (960 Main Ave.) carries over 40,000 titles and is delightfully decorated with antique sports equipment and local art. Wear: Get your cowboy (or cowgirl) on at Appaloosa Trading Co. (640 Main Ave.) or spoil yourself with something pretty from Silk Sparrow (801 Main Ave.). For all things hip and trendy, Blu Boutique (651 Main Ave.) specializes in designer denim. Play: No shortage of outdoor gear here: Pine Needle Mountaineering (835 Main Ave.) carries top brands of equipment for mountain adventures; Mountain Bike Specialists (949 Main Ave.) will set you up with some pedal power. Pop into Ski Barn (3533 Main Ave.) before you hit the slopes.
durangodowntown.com
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