During summer, the acclaimed Durango Melodrama & Vaudeville, at the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave. ([tel] 970/375-7160; www.durangomelodrama.com), presents authentic late-1800s melodrama—hiss the evil villain and cheer the beautiful heroine—plus a vaudeville review of singing, dancing, and comedy. Tickets are $18 to $30.
You’ll get a tasty meal and a live Western stage show at Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers, 8080 C.R. 250 ([tel] 970/247-5753; www.bardchuckwagon.com), north of Durango via U.S. 550 and Trimble Lane (C.R. 252). Open Memorial Day to Labor Day , Bar D offers a choice of roast beef, chicken, or steak, with all of the fixings. After dinner comes the show: Western music with fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, and great singers, plus some really hokey comedy. Reservations are required. Cost includes supper and show, and is $24 to $34 for those 9 and older and $10 for kids 8 and under.
In July and August, the long-running Music in the Mountains brings virtuosos from all over the world for a series of chamber and orchestra concerts at Durango Mountain Resort, Fort Lewis College, and other venues. Some performances are free; tickets for others run $10 to $54. For the schedule and other information, contact Music in the Mountains ([tel] 970/385-6820; www.musicinthemountains.com).
As Durango is both a college and tourist town, the bar scene is especially lively. Stalwarts include El Rancho Tavern, 975 Main Ave. ([tel] 970/259-8111), a historic local favorite with pool tables and TVs; the very authentic Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave ([tel] 970/403-1200); and Lady Falconburgh’s Barley Exchange, 640 Main Ave. ([tel] 970/382-9664), with over 140 beers on tap; as well as Steamworks Brewing Co. (p. ###) and the Diamond Belle Saloon at the Strater Hotel (see p. ###).
Just south of downtown at 225 Girard St. is the world headquarters of Ska Brewing ([tel] 970/247-5792; www.skabrewing.com)a commercial brewery with a lively taproom open Monday through Saturday until 7 or 8pm. The beer is excellent and there is live music on Thursdays.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
