beyond cinderella

Streets of Durango, doesn’t that sound like the title of a great western movie?

Bill and I are only an hour drive away from the Historic Downtown area of Durango Colorado. I love old western towns, so of course, we had to make the trip, and explore all there is to see and do in Durango.

The first thing that caught my eye when we rolled into town, was this magnificent old hotel building. This is the Strater Hotel. “Built in 1887, the historic Strater Hotel is one of the West’s iconic hotels and a prominent downtown Durango, Colorado landmark located two blocks north of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one hour from Mesa Verde National Park, several hours from the Four Corners Monument, and deep in the heart of the rugged San Juan Mountains and the San Juan Scenic Skyway. The Strater Hotel is adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, period wallpaper, and the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques which are used to decorate the hotel and guest rooms. Operated for three generations by the Baker family, the Strater Hotel invites you to experience the best of the Old West and an iconic Durango, Colorado hotel”.

The sidewalks of old town Durango are lined with pots overflowing with beautiful flowers.

There were several little shops that are closed due to Covid 19. Rose Duds, an adorable upscale consignment store, was not open when we were there, but upon checking their website I see it is open now. I thought the downstairs entry was cute, and was worth a look-see, so I guess we will just have to make a trip back to see what we missed!

I had to chuckle when I saw the sign “main mall” on the outside of this corner building.

There is a little something for everyone on the streets of Durango. Like a reversible colored cow peeking out of the entry way of a little shop,

because, why not?

Or a full-sized skeleton decked out in blue top hat and tails…

How about a giant green and white striped dinosaur drinking a beer? This one is practicing physical distancing, and wearing the required face mask…

Of course everyone knows there is no better way to scare off would be crooks, than to place a giant mountain lion right outside your store front. Makes you wonder what might be lurking inside right?

After we explored the streets of Durango, we decided to try the Lone Spur Cafe for some lunch. They were definitely practicing physical distancing with the tables placed six feet apart, and only putting folks in every other booth.

This is my kind of place with all the western artwork on the walls,

This painting reminded me of one of my Bev Doolittle western paintings I had in my house.

I loved all the antique things hanging all over the walls. Like this 1938 Colorado license plate.

And check out this sign above the pistol. “you can have my gun when I run out of bullets”. Can’t you just hear some cowboy, or cowgirl, saying that?

Who can’t appreciate boots and saddles hanging on the walls. Wow, I could live in this place. I love it!

And why not make a chandelier out of you deer or elk antlers…?

The food was great too. I had smoked pulled pork and onion rings. YUM!

On our way back to our car, we stopped in an adorable little shop called Animas Trading  Company. The sign said “for the free spirit in you”, so how could I resit? I bought some prayer flags. The information sheet said “traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, which is a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space”. I need all that, so I bought them… I think I have enough to wrap my whole motor home! Ha!! 🙂

If your like me, a cowgirl at heart, or if you just appreciate the history of the Old West, Historic Downtown Durango will not disappoint.

Stay Tuned!