Happy Fourth of July to all visitors and locals in the Durango area!
Fourth of July will be different this year without parades, street dances and fireworks, but we can still celebrate with our families what the 4th is all about – the birth of American independence.
Here are a few updates on Downtown Durango. The Bump Out for Businesses program has seen nearly every space activated over the last couple of weeks. Carver Brewing Co. and Rice Monkeys are sharing a space on the 1000 block, as are Primus and Cream Bean Berry. Carver Brewing built the first patio in their space, complete with a bike theme.
On the 900 block, Maria’s Bookshop has built an amazing space as a waiting area outside the store, and their neighbor Tequilas will activate their space soon. El Moro Spirts and Tavern has a nice space, and soon will bring in a platform, module type structure to make the experience even better. Irish Embassy will be activating their space soon as well.
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen has the only space on the 800 block. On the 700 block, Seasons has its own space, then Durango Rug Company, Switchback, Fired Up Pizzeria and Derailed Pour House are sharing one of the largest bump outs. Derailed has built a wonderful patio area. Durango Coffee Co. and Hermosa Roasters are also sharing a space. DCC has very nice shade tents, and Hermosa Roasters is nearly finished with their patio.
The 600 block features a space for The Living Tree and Fuzziwigs Candy Factory, which will soon feature a lemonade stand. Lone Spur Café has been packing its space since day one. On the other side of Main, a temporary art parklet has been created until several businesses on that side of the block are ready to occupy their bump out. Thank you to the Durango Creative District for the partnership to make this unique space which has outdoor carpet, benches for seating, and interactive art exhibits. Check it out the next time you’re downtown.
BID has created a new summertime parking campaign, aimed at locals and visitors to help you find the quickest and easiest places to park. Watch for new signs to pop up downtown to direct you where to go soon, and be sure to visit DowntownDurango.org and click on the “Summertime Parking” button to learn more.
Speaking of visiting Downtown, make sure you bring your face covering when you come downtown. Face coverings are required to enter any business by city of Durango ordinance. If you do not have a face covering, many businesses have extras they can give you. If there is a medical reason you cannot wear one, businesses are happy to make a special appointment for just you to visit their store.
I also want to note that the city ordinance says if you can stay six feet apart from others when outside, you do not have to wear your mask. However, downtown sidewalks can get crowded, so when they do and you cannot stay six feet apart, pull on your mask please.
Tim Walsworth is the executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District. Contact him at timw@downtowndurango.org.
