Five years had passed since we were last in Durango, and that’s a long time not to have visited one of my favorite Colorado towns. This month, it was for IN THE GAME, a conference by Downtown Colorado, Inc. I was hosting a Dine Around Session and speaking at the event, so this was a super professional trip for me.
Ryan and Fritzi tagged along as it’s a seven-hour drive for us and I needed the company. Thankfully, Strater Hotel, where we were staying, is dog-friendly.
Since I was there as HeidiTown Consulting, I was in serious work mode, something that happens, especially when I’m doing public speaking. My speaking engagement was scheduled for the last morning of the conference, and we headed home that day. So, I was uptight for the entire visit, which doesn’t occur on a normal HeidiTown trip.
The Prettiest Drive in Colorado: Denver to Durango
Two experiences took the edge off, and I want to expand on each one.
Ska Brewing Co.
On a Durango trip, visiting Ska Brewing is a tradition, so we went there for beer and dinner when we got to town. During the now-defunct Southwest Tourism Summit 2013, where I taught a workshop, we enjoyed Modus Hoperandi right off the canning line at Ska Brewing. From that moment this place has had a special place in my heart. I’d been on many brewery tours, but never got a can of beer off the canning line! That’s fresh beer, and, apparently, the way to my heart.
This time, we started outside and Fritzi approved.
Eventually, the weather pushed us inside where we sat at the bar, not far from a still visible HeidiTown Fest sticker. It’s on a pole in the taproom, stuck there in 2015 (after we stuck a now-covered HeidiTown sticker in some previous year). HeidiTown Fest happened once in Ouray, Colorado, but who knows, it may come back one day.
For the first time, we ordered dinner at Ska Brewing; the pulled pork tacos for me, and the Skabano for Ryan (Ska’s take on the classic Cubano sandwich). The food was good, my tacos were huge and an incredible value in this pricey world. But of course, it’s the beer that’s standout here. There isn’t a bad beer at Ska and we left with a mixed pack of cans and very full bellies. I’m drinking one of those cans right now! It’s good, not as good as a Modus Hoperandi off the canning line, however.
We bought a lot of beer to take home on this trip; a six-pack from Steamworks Brewing and a couple of six-packs at Three Barrel Brewing in Del Norte. Ryan came back with a t-shirt from Animas Brewing.
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
We managed to sneak away from the conference on one beautiful afternoon. Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, our objective, was a Colorado hot springs destination we hadn’t visited before, and we’ve been to a lot.
Picking the Right Colorado Hot Spring for You
About 15 minutes out of town, heading towards Purgatory Resort, this hot springs has undergone a multi-year renovation. The spa is open and still being expanded, but the main hot springs venue is done.
A soak here is an experience, not just another outing. The moment we entered the property it felt like cares were melting away. The sign at the front indicates that the area to the right is kid-friendly, and the area to the left, with hot spring pools dotting the hillside, is adults-only.
“A good start,” I thought.
There’s nothing less relaxing than having children splashing and playing next to you at the hot springs. I was one of those kids who loved playing in the water, so I completely understand, but I also understand an adults-only section, and I sincerely appreciate it.
A destination, Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa features a small food and drinks building with seating, a fireplace, and several permanent food trucks.
When the weather permits, which it did on our visit, live music is played in the stage area fronted by a large lawn separating the adults-only pools and the family section.
We ordered a wine and beer and made our way to a hot springs pool at the top of the hill. Here, I spotted a few daffodils daring to bloom in the brisk mountain spring of Durango.
Eventually, once the live music started, a guy and a guitar, we went to a lower pool to soak and listen. Two little girls danced to tunes like “Jack & Diane” as the sun filtered through the trees. There’s no doubt, with fires burning in the firepits and with the sun going down, it was a little magical.
Being media, I’d gained access to the spa which provided lovely changing rooms and robes and smelled delightful. Am I the only one with a thing for a spa smell? A spa service of more than 50 minutes means the spagoer has complimentary soaking access for two hours. It would be a delightful Mother’s Day experience or bridal party outing.
A normal soak here must be booked and slots are for two to three hours. Bring your towel as there are no rentals available, purchases only. Reach the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa for reservations at 970-247-0111.
A wonderful way to enjoy the incredible scenery of the San Juan Mountains, the hot springs are also a memorable addition to any Durango getaway. We want to make this part of all our future Durango visits, and of course, we’ll go to Ska Brewing too.
Thank you to the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa for hosting our visit to this beautiful Colorado hot springs venue.
