Daytripper: Durango
For your daily bread
Locals know that Bread serves the best baked goods in town, so grab a handful of “Sow Your Oats” cookies and a hearty sandwich—like turkey with cranberry chutney between slabs of campagnolo bread—at this insider spot before a picnic at Mesa Verde National Park. 42 County Road 250 at Florida Road. breaddurango.com
For the perfect pick-me-up
Durango’s first and only wine bar, Eno serves a trifecta of delights: coffee, wine and tapas. Stop by this chic watering hole—a contemporary oasis in the mountain town—any time of day and you’ll find something to satisfy, from fair-trade organic coffee to savory small plates and sweet bites. 723 East Second Avenue. enodurango.com
For beautiful sounds along the slopes
Expect nothing less than goose bumps from performances by an outstanding lineup of virtuosos at Music in the Mountains (pictured above), July 8-29. Now in its 26th season, the festival features orchestra, chamber and conservatory performances of classical and world music in jaw-dropping venues (Durango Mountain Resort is among them). Start cultivating your kids’ musical appreciation at the special Family Festivo on July 17. musicinthemountains.com
For the thrill of a lifetime
Take flight on the longest zip-line course in the world with Soaring Tree Top Adventures—a must for any bucket list. The remote one-mile-plus course, which gets high marks for safety and is accessible only by first-class seats on the Durango & Silverton train, offers the full shebang: an entire day of soaring on 27 different spans, a gourmet picnic lunch served in the trees and an eco-tour of local flora and fauna as you fly. soaringcolorado.com
For those who like it hot
Nearly everything on the menu at Brix Stone Fired Kitchen—small plates, artisan pizzas, fire-roasted steaks—gets prepared in one of the restaurant’s two 700-degree-plus stone hearth ovens. Fun fact: Owners Michael and Birgitte Lutfy are former chefs for Michael Andretti’s IndyCar racing team. 862 Main Avenue. (970) 946-8036
FOR A FULL DAY
STAY Step back in time with an overnight stay at the 125-year-old Strater Hotel, which currently houses the world’s largest collection of American Victorian antiques, placed throughout its 93 well-appointed rooms. If the buttoned-up ambiance makes you want to cut loose, head to the hotel’s Diamond Belle Saloon, one of the Wild West’s original ragtime piano bars. 699 Main Avenue. strater.com
FORAGE Become an agritourist and wander Durango’s Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday through fall from 8 am to noon. Avail yourself of a smorgasbord of edible souvenirs, such as San Juan Mountain Mustard, roasted chili peppers, artisan goat cheese and, of course, the locally harvested fruits of the season. 259 West 9th Street. durangofarmersmarket.com
SHOP Stroll down Main Avenue and pop inside eclectic shops: There’s No Place Like Home for gifts with an Asian twist; Oohs and Aahs for a discriminating display of high-end furnishings; and Giddy-Up 409 (970-385-4409) for unique clothing
