Celebrate Mother’s Day in Durango

Mother’s Day can be a tough one to celebrate with new ideas every year, so everyone defaults to brunch. Brunch, brunch, brunch. And don’t get us wrong — we love a good brunch, especially with mimosas, a Bloody Mary and/or bacon. But there are so many other ways to celebrate your mom in Durango this Mother’s Day. And what do moms want most of all? To get to spend time with the people they love, to be appreciated, and, of course, to have you put away your dang shoes.

Here are some non-brunch ideas for things to do in Durango this Mother’s Day that Mom will love.

Mother’s Day Train

This Mother’s Day, book a seat for Mom on the Durango train! The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Mother’s Day Train Adventure departs Durango at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 13, takes passengers on a scenic journey through the Animas River Valley and the San Juan Mountains to Silverton. There, passengers can disembark for a two-hour stint in the picturesque Victorian-era mining town before boarding to return to Durango. On the trip back, mothers will receive a fresh flower and a chocolate treat and can sip on some special Mother’s Day rosé while listening to strolling musicians play in the passenger cars.

Art Experiences

The Art Experience in downtown Durango has several art classes and painting parties planned Mother’s Day weekend (although none on actual Mother’s Day). Take Mom out for an early celebration with the “Owl Painting Party” Friday night. During the two-hour event, an instructor will walk painters through the process of an acrylic painting from start to finish. Other options include a watercolor painting class Saturday evening and an acrylic pouring workshop Saturday night. Acrylic pouring is extra cool, and participants will create up to three different pieces of acrylic poured art!

Another artsy option is the Annual Spring Gallery Walk on Friday, May 11, in downtown Durango. The evening will kick off with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. at Sorrel Sky Gallery with Colorado artist Edward Aldrich. Several downtown art galleries will be open 5-9 p.m. for visitors to explore and enjoy.

 

Shopping

Maybe you’re like me and your early tween mother-daughter bonding experiences involved retail therapy. Which, sometimes meant you needed actual therapy afterward, but hey. Some of my fondest memories are shopping with Mom, so you may want to take Mom shopping this weekend — and you have plenty of options. In addition to the great everyday shopping in historic downtown Durango, you have some special shopping options this weekend.

The Durango Farmers Market opens this Saturday for the summer! The Farmers Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of First National Bank of Durango at 259 W. Ninth St. Peruse local produce and products including fruits, veggies and herbs, local meats, cheeses and eggs, and handmade arts, crafts and jewelry.

Also, on Mother’s Day, the Durango Flea Market is an open-air market every Sunday in the La Plata County Fairgrounds parking lot. Shoppers will find everything they’re looking for (and plenty they’re not but need anyway): antiques, housewares, clothing, jewelry, toys, sporting goods, food and who knows what other treasures!

All of these options are close to — you guessed it — us, the Durango Econo Lodge Inn & Suites! We’re located at 20th Street and Main Avenue in Durango, so we’re within blocks of downtown and nearby restaurants, shops and galleries. If you want to treat Mom to a weekend away, or bring her for a visit, we’re one of the best hotels in Durango. Book your room at the Econo Lodge Durango today!

New Year’s in Durango

There are two types of people in this world: Those who go out on New Year’s Eve, and those who don’t. Oversimplification? Sure, but sums it up pretty nicely, no? Extroverts vs. introverts, homebodies vs. party animals — you get the gist.

For those who don’t want to miss all the action, there are plenty of things to do in Durango on New Year’s Eve. And for those who want to stay home, warm and cozy to watch the ball drop, there’s plenty to in Durango on New Year’s Day.

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort knows how to party on New Year’s Eve. The resort is offering several New Year’s Eve dining options, including a New Year’s Eve dinner at Hoody’s; pizza at Paradise Pizzeria along with all the New York City New Year’s festivities on the big screen; and extended dining and bar hours at Purgy’s, where the party will continue with Durango bluegrass band The Outskirts playing until 1 a.m.

For something super duper special, you can also reserve a spot for the Snowcat dinner. Ride in a Snowcat from the base area to Powderhouse Restaurant to enjoy a five-course dinner with wine pairings.

Purgatory’s signature NYE event, though, is the torchlight parade and fireworks show. The resort’s entire ski school lights up the slopes as they ski down the mountain carrying torchlights. When the parade arrives at the base area, it’s time to light up the sky with a fireworks show!

After the fireworks, catch another show: the New Year’s Eve Night Rail Jam. The area’s best talent will showcase their skills under the lights at DC terrain park.

On both New Year’s Eve afternoon and again on New Year’s Day, guests can also take a Snowcat tour — sans dinner but plus hot cocoa and sweeping views.

The best part? Purgatory is offering a free shuttle to and from Durango daily during select times from 9:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. through Jan. 7. The resort shuttle will run from Purgatory Plaza to the heart of downtown Durango and from downtown Durango to Purgatory.

Strater Hotel Dinner and Music

Mahogany Grill located in the Strater Hotel is something of an institution when it comes to holiday dinners, and New Year’s Eve is no exception, except for the exceptional holiday spread the restaurant will be serving from 5-9 p.m.

After you’ve had your fill, simply walks a few steps to Diamond Belle Saloon or the The Office Spiritorium, both located in the hotel, for a drink (or two or more) and some live music.

New Year’s Day Brunch Train

Hop aboard the Durango train to enjoy the New Year’s Day Brunch Train. The Durango & Silverton steam-powered train will huff and puff along the rails as passengers enjoy a hot brunch buffet, live music and winter-white scenery sliding past the windows. Premium Class tickets include a catered hot brunch that features a yogurt bar, Belgian waffles, skillet scrambles and plenty more as well as free non-alcoholic drinks and live music. Standard class tickets don’t include brunch, but passengers will have access to the concession car.

During a 45-minute stop at Cascade Canyon wye, passengers can disembark to take a stroll to the footbridge and then warm up by the stone fireplace — or they can choose to stay warm and comfy in their cars.

Durango Hotels

If you’re looking for Durango hotels for your long New Year’s weekend in Durango, stay with us at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Durango near downtown Durango. We’re located on Main Avenue, just a few blocks from the hub of downtown, and Purgatory is a straight shot north of us. Warm up by the fireplace in our newly renovated lobby! Book your holiday stay with the Econo Lodge Durango today.