Tag

animas mountain

Browsing

Durango City Guide

DurangoTravelCityGuide

In 2012, my parents bought a home in Durango, much to our dismay, as we were rooting for a lake house in Austin. We are now so glad they ignored our pleas, as this old-timey city has definitely won over our hearts (and the lack of Texas humidity is a huge bonus). Durango has everything you could possibly need in a getaway city – great food and drinks, amazing views, fun activities, good shopping (well, not high fashion), and perfect weather (ahem, except perhaps the freezing cold winters). We’re fortunate enough to live just two streets over from Main Avenue, which is where most of the restaurants and shops are found. Given that most things in Texas are driving distance, it’s nice to be able to walk to dinner. We also take advantage of the proximity to the mountains and Animas river, and spend the days outside hiking, biking, rafting, running, etc.

If you’re looking for a fun Colorado vacation spot, I highly recommend making a trip to Durango. And if you come, I suggest trying some of the following restaurants, juice bars, ice cream shops, parks and adventure centers. If you have already been to Durango, am I missing anything?


 Food and Drinks

Carver’s Brewing Co.: This brewery is a favorite in our family, as it’s just two streets over from my parent’s house and the food is delicious. I typically order the Sesame Seared Ahi Stir Fry (substitute tofu for Ahi) or the veggie burger without the bun and a salad versus fries. Both options are delicious. Sasha normally gets the Tatanka (buffalo) burger and also loves it. They have big to-go beers called “Growlers” (discounted refills), so naturally Sasha and Dad have to drink one or two of those to prove their Colorado manliness.

Week 5 in Durango

Week five has come and gone, and ohmygosh, I am not ready to go back to the ‘real world’ (i.e. Texas). However, I do miss everyone like crazy, and cannot wait to hug all of my family and friends. This past week flew by in anticipation of one of my best friends, Kirby, arriving on Thursday. I managed to run every day this past week, clock between 13,000-20,000 steps every day, enjoy short hikes to the top of a nearby mountain in the mornings, continue my Illustrator 101 and Floral Arranging 101 classes, work on the blog (some fun giveaways coming up soon!), and spend lots of time with Sasha, Belle (our dog) and sweet Isla. We also hiked the 6 mi. trail of the Animas Mountain together for the first time – Sasha and I did it last Labor Day when we were visiting (see photos here).

As you can tell from the thousands of photos below, I love taking pictures of Isla’s cute face, because I know I won’t have as much time to once we are back in Houston (and because she cannot yet tell me to stop).

In case you want to keep track of our Colorado sabbatical, you can also read about Week 1, Weeks 2 and 3, and Week 4.

DSC_0793

week5_2

DSC_1085

Isla being sassy in her Carter’s Romper (similar here) – that last face kills me – her personality is shining through

week5_1

Pretty in pink (and white!)

DSC_1059

Cheesin’ it up

week5_3

DSC_0426

week5_4

Hot pink is my absolute favorite (similar bodysuit here)

DSC_0508

Someone was none-too-pleased with us taking photos before she got to eat ‘lunch’

week5_5

Bows on bows on bows (buy dress here) – and Sophie the Giraffe making an appearance (and Isla loves her hands if you can’t tell!)

DSC_0316

I swear this isn’t a hunger cue, Isla just adores her hands (praying this is ‘self soothing’!)

week5_6

Kisses from her ‘Tata’ and (the much dreaded) tummy time (similar outfit here)

DSC_0367

week5_7

Saturday mornings are for PJs and superman time with dad

DSC_0254

Her hair is seriously out of control, but I love it

week5_7

Isla’s little Gap peplum top and leggings

DSC_0473

This was taken after five minutes in her new heaven – i.e. the Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym… she’s enamored (this is a GREAT baby shower gift)

week5_11

DSC_0301

week5_8

DSC_0509

Loving the views from the top of the Animas Mountain – Isla loves the view from over my shoulder (her favorite holding position)

week5_9

DSC_0218

Vegan ice cream at Cream Bean Berry – my one true weakness!

week5_10

Isla LOVES (eating) this lovie!

DSC_0004

A sneak preview of my first homework assignment from Floral Arranging 101 (more to come tomorrow!)


Three weeks left! Have a great day. xo