We love Colorado and since we were only 45 miles from Durango, we decided to make the drive. One thing we both love about this part of the country…very little traffic. What a sharp contrast to southeastern PA (where we used to live).
Making a quick stop at the Durango Visitor Center, we picked up some information about local parks. The people in these places always have a lot of good information.
John loves the Old West and this town has that feel. We wandered in and out of many locally-owned shops.
The Strater Hotel is the oldest one in Durango (built in 1887 for about $70k). It is landmark in the historic district with period pieces throughout. Writer Louis L’Amour spent time writing some of his books here, always requesting Room 222 above the saloon. It remains a popular destination for visitors to Durango.
Nearby is the Henry Strater Theater (looked interesting). And I loved this bronze statue, too.
Santa Rita Park was our next stop. We had our girl, Sadie, with us, so we wanted to spend some time enjoying the outdoors.
The Durango Whitewater Park is located here in the Animas River. Conditions (flow data) for rafting or kayaking is available online. Slalom gates can be seen over the rapids.
As we looked upriver, we saw several rafts making their way towards us.
I snapped a few action shots of the rafters…looked like a great time!
The Emma Sweeney is a full-sized model of a train that was the star of a 1950 movie, A Ticket to Tomahawk. The Durango Railroad Historical Society acquired and relocated it to the park in 2011.
This steel sculpture, Parade Formation, by Mick Reber (2003) is located near the parking area.
I made a quick tour through the lovely Santa Rita Park Garden. The Garden Club of Durango has participated in its design and maintains it (which is awesome). The pergola, perennial garden and roses were just stunning. What a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of life.
One of the most popular attractions here in Durango is a trip on the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. It continues to run on the narrow-gauge railroad carved through the mountains of the Animas River Valley over 100 years ago. For additional information about Durango, go to www.durango.org.
Every town has an interesting story to tell!
No comments:
Post a Comment