Vallen & Christopher
Things To Do
The Bookcase and Barber
In downtown Durango. Funky speakeasy-style bar with really good cocktails (they don't serve food). You could also get a haircut here, gentleman! You will need a password to get in. Go to their website, click Enter, then you will see something in quotes, such as, "SHOW ME THE MAN IN A GREEN HAT" beneath The Bookcase and Barber title. The text in quotes is the password!
Animas Brewing Company
Just on the edge of downtown by the river, this is a fun brewery option for those that want to try some local beer within walking distance of town. Food options are yummy too. Hop on the river trail afterwards if you want to stretch your legs!
Himalayan Kitchen
In downtown Durango. This is our favorite restaurant, if you're wondering! It's Indian, Nepalese & Tibetan cuisine. Everything on the menu is incredible. Highly recommend!
Durango Coffee Company
In downtown Durango. Our go-to coffee shop (and the place we both met Becca back in 2019!). It's cozy and they serve great coffee, pastries and a few lunch items. Don't you dare go next door to Hermosa Coffee or we will un-invite you to the wedding!!
El Moro Spirits and Tavern
In downtown Durango. Great cocktails, tasty food. Little bit fancy but not really. Highly recommend their KFC (Kentucky Fried Cauliflower) and espresso martinis!
Carver Brewing Co.
In downtown Durango. This spot is owned and operated by one of our buddies, Colin Carver, who Vallen was friends with back at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR! Very small world! This place has great beer, wide-ranging menu and overall good vibes.
Switchback
In downtown Durango. Modern Mexican spot with happy hour on weekdays, super good street tacos and tasty margaritas - we highly recommend getting the Switch Fries (vegan or regular are both great!).
Steamworks Brewing Company
In downtown Durango. If you don't go to Steamworks for at least one beer while you're here, then you really didn't visit Durango.. It's the most popular restaurant in town, but it all started as a brewery! Cheers :)
Colorado Trail
This trailhead is 1 mile from our house and the end terminus of the Colorado Trail! Easiest to drive yourself to the trailhead if possible (lack of cell service would make it difficult to get an Uber/Lyft back to town). This trail is beautiful and the first 1-1.5 miles along the creek is considered easy hiking. If you're up for more of a trek, you can do an 8 mile round trip hike up to Gudy's Rest - that's a bit more challenging!
Falls Creek Trail
Falls Creek trail is an open, flat, gorgeous trail that we bring Cashew to on a regular basis! About 3 miles from our house. Easiest to drive yourself to the trailhead if possible. Perfect place for a hike if you want to see some of Durango but not have to hike up any mountains!
Horse Gulch Trail
On "the grid" of downtown Durango. You can access these trails from town. There's a little hill at the very beginning of your hike, but then there's access to a lot of mellow, flatter trails after the first 1/2 mile.
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa
If you have a few hours and wheels to get out of town, the Durango Hot Springs are a 15 minute drive from downtown Durango and absolutely beautiful!
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The historic railroad from Durango to Silverton (and back!). Departs from downtown Durango. If you are able to get tickets at this time of year, and have half a day to spare, we've been told this train ride is absolutely breathtaking! There are options to go halfway, hop off, hike in the San Juans, and then hop back on to get back to town. Check out the website for more details.