I’m heading back on the road and ready for new adventures. I had a choice of three different ways to get to my next destination and decided to take the route that would place me directly in the Four Corners area. I remember going there as a kid and it was a lot of fun running in a little circle going from Arizona to New Mexico to Colorado to Utah all in under 10 seconds. I knew I’d be in for a drive going through some of the most beautiful but desolate lands in America. I would be passing Sedona and needed to resist the urge to stop and take pictures if I was to get to my final destination on time. If you do decide to travel in this time of Covid my advice is to plan ahead but be prepared to be as flexible as you can. Things change on a daily basis so your plans may also have to change. I stopped in Flagstaff to fill up my tank because I was about to drive across the Navajo (Dineh) Indian Reservation and knew services were few and far between. What I wasn’t ready for was the two lane highway where tractor trailers are coming at you at 75 miles an hour with only a solid yellow line to separate the lanes. I guess as a kid I was probably sleeping or reading or day dreaming through much of this route.
The land through this part of Northern Arizona is simply like nothing on Earth. As a matter of fact in some places you might even think you’re driving on Mars or another distant planet. The wide open spaces and layers of rock formations that have been shaped by the wind and rain are breathtaking. Many times I wanted to pull over and take a few pictures but the narrow shoulder kept me moving on. I was lucky enough to find a couple places to pull over safely and take the pictures you see in the post. I was torn between going through Monument Valley or getting to Four Corners before it closed and I opted to forgo the Monument Valley portion. Remember what I said about being flexible? I got to Four Corners Park 45 minutes before it was to close only to find out it was closed due to Covid. So I had missed Sedona, Monument Valley and Four Corners. You can’t let things like this disappoint you while traveling now and days. I simply switched my sights on my final destination for the day, Durango Colorado.
Durango, is positioned on the Animas river and was organized in the 1880’s to serve the San Juan mining district. One of the many attractions is the Durango, Silverton narrow gauge railway, which is a steam powered train that takes you to the old mining town of Silverton. There is a 9 mile river walk that runs directly through downtown Durango and many people use it to walk or bike to work. White water rafting and world class fly fishing are also attractions in Durango. About 25 miles south is Mesa Verde a national park that protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States dating back to 7500 BC. Black Canyon is to the north and Purgatory ski resort is 25 miles from Durango, so if you love the outdoors this is the perfect city for you.
Main Avenue in Downtown Durango is on the National Historical Register and has many restaurants, bars, galleries, boutiques and fun and funky shops. One of it’s most famous buildings is the Strater Hotel where American author Louis L’Amour wrote many of his Western novels in suite 222 which is situated above Strater’s Diamond Belle Saloon. He chose that room because the sound of the Honky Tonk piano inspired his stories. The people of Durango were all very friendly and hospitable. It’s one of those places where you feel instantly at home. I had asked my waitress if there was any ice cream in town as the urge had come across me. She came back in a few minutes with a beautifully hand written note with the name and address and directions on it. The fact that she took the time to write all that out told me a lot of the people of Durango. I was so glad I asked because the Cream Bean Berry ice cream shop has some of the best ice cream I have ever had. It’s locally sourced organic ingredients and best of all its served by friendly happy people. They have some interesting flavors like honey lavender or blueberry chévre or you can get an Affogato which is a scoop of coffee ice cream served in a shot of espresso. If you visit you have to try it!
Another place that was surprisingly good, especially coming from NY was the Durango Bagel. Hot fresh bagels in Colorado? You betcha! I like this area of Colorado because they embrace the cuisine of the Native Americans, New Mexicio and Arizona, so I’m always looking out for things made with green chili’s and you guessed it, Durango Bagel’s makes a green chili bagel with Hatch green chilis and a Jalapeño Cheddar bagel. However, their most interesting creation might possibly be the cinnamon sugar bagel with honey cream cheese. I know it sounds a little stifling but its basically a giant delicious cinnamon roll masquerading as a bagel. My only problem with Durango Bagels is that they are noticeably smaller and they don’t have that crunchy , chewy goodness of a real NY water bagel. As with pizza I’m not expecting a NY Bagel and these match up relatively close.
I’m a little sad that I’m only getting a couple of days in Durango. I can’t possibly do all of the great things that are offered here in such a short amount of time. I can see why country rocker the late Charlie Daniels made Durango a second home. It’s a small town of less than 20,000 people but it has the vibe of a vibrant hip city. Live music feels the air, the people are friendly and kind. The food is varied and delicious and you feel healthy just breathing in the air! I will certainly make an extra effort to come back to Durango soon. It’s not easy to get the real feel of a place during Covid times but Durango is doing it’s best to make me feel welcomed.
If you’ve ever been to Durango and have anything to add please do so in the box below. As always if you have any questions or comments please leave them in the box below as well and I’ll get back to you soon. Thanks for stopping by, until next time Boone Appétit!
