“Our town is more fun than your town” is what we’d like to say; true, maybe, but impolite. An important travel industry segment is called VFR, short for Visiting Friends and Relatives.
This sub-segment of tourism brings revenue into our economy and takes photos, souvenirs and memories back home to their jealous friends. If you live in a place such as Colorado, your couch and sometime whole house can be a revolving door for friends and family. That happy burden and a permanently broken windshield are two things we Coloradoans must accept with pride.
This year, our family already has hosted Chicagoans and are currently preparing for friends from Missouri and England. In late fall, buddies from Wisconsin and California have already reserved our extra bedrooms. Take it as a compliment.
So, because Durango is the epitome of all great things Colorado, others of you also may be preparing to play host sometime this summer. For your friends’ itinerary, don’t overlook recommending Durango’s mainstay attractions that may be all too familiar to us and sometimes taken for granted; the train to Silverton, the free train museum, the Farmers Market, the Bar D Chuckwagon, river rafting, hot springs and spas, lakes and boating, bikes and trails, the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Discovery Museum, Durango Art Center and summer activities up at Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. These are all unique Durango attractions that continually improve operations and depend heavily on summer business. Remember, if you haven’t done it lately, it’s new to you, too.
On the list of new places and experiences to try is the new Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center right at the entrance to the national park, and the return of the Dinosaur Train this month. Be sure to give the folks out at Vallecito a visit, and don’t miss this year’s Motor Expo and Daddyfest, both to be held June 15 downtown.
Several downtown restaurants are featuring new open-air front entrances, as well as back-patio operations, sidewalk bistro seating and even rooftop dining. Consider one-of-kind experiences such as a horse-drawn carriage ride, the outdoor crêpe wagon, attending a theater play or old-time melodrama, or visit our fifth brew pub or winery downtown.
Sometimes, those lovable relatives can be a little to invasive or your friend’s friend has those annoying dietary restrictions. Local lodges may have a “locals” deal if not sold out. Also, the new Holiday Inn and soon-to-open Homewood Suites will expand the local hotel bed base by nearly 200 rooms – so there is “relative relief” for those who need it.
Durango is dressed up and ready to help you play host to your visiting family and friends. Just make sure you’re in pictures and videos that your friends and family send home, otherwise, you can’t brag that your town is better than their town.
kunkelra@ci.durango.co.us Bob Kunkel is downtown business development manager for the city of Durango.