Downtown Durango has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and service-based businesses. The Durango Business Improvement District’s online business directory has 300 businesses listed in it!
Within those listings are several hidden downtown gems. These are off the beaten path perhaps, or just not as well known, but they are unique places that offer quality products.
A Shared Blanket is located at 104 E. Fifth St, next to the railroad depot. This shop features museum-quality Native American art and artifacts, directly from the artists. A Shared Blanket is open daily.
Did you know downtown has its own winery? Four Leaves Winery is located at 528 Main Ave. Inside, they ferment, blend and bottle all of their wines. You can have a personalized label designed for you or for your next special occasion.
Anyone remember Randy’s? Now that space is filled by The Roost, and is owned by the folks behind Cuckoos and Animas City Theatre. Located at 128 E. College Drive, The Roost features prime rib Thursday through Saturday, and barbecue ribs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Downtown has several coffee shops, but did you know it has a tea shop too? Old Barrel Tea Company is located at 713 Main Ave., in the space formerly occupied by Stuarts. They sell loose-leaf teas and offer a tea club subscription service.
Have you ever stepped inside Scenic Aperture? Located at 708 Main Ave., this art gallery features amazing nature photography from the Four Corners and beyond. Owner Frank Comisar offers photography classes designed to help the aspiring photographer develop skills.
Do you like authentic Cajun food? Look no further than C’est Bon of Durango. Located at 835 Main Ave. inside the Main Mall, C’est Bon offers a specialty market of Creole and Cajun foods, spices and more. Ask owner Shane how to make an ettouffee – he is the real deal.
Also in the Main Mall is Los Amigos del Sur Mexican Restaurant. Southern Mexico dishes are served that are truly authentic to the region. Open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this place is not to be missed.
Make sure you visit YESS the Book Hutch at 143 E. Ninth St. Owner Terry has a rich history of teaching reading to the Durango community, and has a great collection of new books for sale. Also check out Second Story Used Books, located at 862 Main Ave., Suite 205. It’s upstairs and worth the trip. If you are on the River Trail, you should stop at White Rabbit Books and Curiosities just north of the Powerhouse Science Center.
Next time you are on East Second Avenue, be sure to visit Artesanos Design Collection at the intersection with Seventh St. Artesanos features an eclectic mix of home furnishings, with handcrafted furniture and accessories from around the world.
Art Supply House and Custom Framing is located in Town Plaza, and just completed renovations inside their store. They are the premier art supply store in the Four Corners, and also offer custom framing.
Don’t forget to use the online business directory at DowntownDurango.org for information on these hidden gems in downtown Durango, plus many other local businesses.
Tim Walsworth is the executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District. Contact him at timw@downtowndurango.org.
