Racquel's Guidebook

Racquel
Racquel's Guidebook

breakfast, lunch + dinner

stop by my personal favorite restaurant for a great meal and beautiful views in the heart of the valley. they currently have live music on Tuesday's and Thursday's! our favorites on the menu are the green chili pico burger, BLT, succulent steak sandwich (offered only on Friday's) and the carrot + kale slaw. if you enjoy kombucha, you will love the strawberry rhubarb haystack as it is similar in taste. they also have the BEST gluten free bun in town! be sure to stop by the market for some local goodies to take home with you!
35 locals raden deze aan
James Ranch Grill
33846 US Hwy 550
35 locals raden deze aan
stop by my personal favorite restaurant for a great meal and beautiful views in the heart of the valley. they currently have live music on Tuesday's and Thursday's! our favorites on the menu are the green chili pico burger, BLT, succulent steak sandwich (offered only on Friday's) and the carrot + kale slaw. if you enjoy kombucha, you will love the strawberry rhubarb haystack as it is similar in taste. they also have the BEST gluten free bun in town! be sure to stop by the market for some local goodies to take home with you!
our favorite brick fired pizza! they have the BEST gluten free, cauliflower pizza (my fave is the wifey + pepperoni)! they have a full service rooftop patio + the yummiest basil lemonade. if you go on a weekend, head over before you walk around town + put your name on the waitlist because they are always packed + don’t take reservations.
22 locals raden deze aan
Fired Up Pizzeria
735 Main Ave
22 locals raden deze aan
our favorite brick fired pizza! they have the BEST gluten free, cauliflower pizza (my fave is the wifey + pepperoni)! they have a full service rooftop patio + the yummiest basil lemonade. if you go on a weekend, head over before you walk around town + put your name on the waitlist because they are always packed + don’t take reservations.
union social is such a fun place to spend an evening! enjoy sliders from our fave food truck backcountry gourmet + yummy cocktails from the bar. they have an upbeat + welcoming vibe inside + also have the cutest greenhouses out back for a more private dinner with friends! be sure to check the website or give them a call because greenhouses usually need to be reserved!
7 locals raden deze aan
Union Social House
3062 Main Ave
7 locals raden deze aan
union social is such a fun place to spend an evening! enjoy sliders from our fave food truck backcountry gourmet + yummy cocktails from the bar. they have an upbeat + welcoming vibe inside + also have the cutest greenhouses out back for a more private dinner with friends! be sure to check the website or give them a call because greenhouses usually need to be reserved!
rgp's is just one of those hole in the wall's that do it right. it's one of those places that's best to order online + pickup to go because they are ALWAYS busy + don't have much seating. but it's truly probably our most frequented restaurant in town. our go to's: the superman w/ gf cauliflower crust + the southwest!
R G P's Flame Grilled Wraps
835 Main Ave
rgp's is just one of those hole in the wall's that do it right. it's one of those places that's best to order online + pickup to go because they are ALWAYS busy + don't have much seating. but it's truly probably our most frequented restaurant in town. our go to's: the superman w/ gf cauliflower crust + the southwest!
one of our fave lunch date spots! we personally love the switch fries w/ steak + both the shrimp + steak tacos + i get a side of pineapple salsa to drizzle on top!
6 locals raden deze aan
Switchback Taco Bar
741 Main Ave
6 locals raden deze aan
one of our fave lunch date spots! we personally love the switch fries w/ steak + both the shrimp + steak tacos + i get a side of pineapple salsa to drizzle on top!
this. place. is. delicious. we love their calzones or stromboli's + their pizza is yummy, too!
Father's Daughter Pizza
640 Main Avenue
this. place. is. delicious. we love their calzones or stromboli's + their pizza is yummy, too!
our favorite restaurant for date nights! our personal faves are the calamari, hanger steak + the filet. we also never leave without having the creme brûlée! they can also make everything gluten free!
43 locals raden deze aan
Eolus Bar & Dining
919 Main Ave
43 locals raden deze aan
our favorite restaurant for date nights! our personal faves are the calamari, hanger steak + the filet. we also never leave without having the creme brûlée! they can also make everything gluten free!
i love their build your own salad option! they also have rotating kombuchas on tap!
The Living Tree Live Foods Salad Bar
680 Main Ave
i love their build your own salad option! they also have rotating kombuchas on tap!
a fun + brand new restaurant in town! swing by for a couple sliders + a shake!
Famburger
1400 East 2nd Avenue
a fun + brand new restaurant in town! swing by for a couple sliders + a shake!
not only do we love the food but they've got a great vibe, too! our favorite time to visit el moro is for weekend brunch. we love the molly thompson (with bacon instead of ham) + the chorizo burrito (only available on saturday's)!
55 locals raden deze aan
El Moro Spirits and Tavern
945 Main Ave
55 locals raden deze aan
not only do we love the food but they've got a great vibe, too! our favorite time to visit el moro is for weekend brunch. we love the molly thompson (with bacon instead of ham) + the chorizo burrito (only available on saturday's)!
another fave of ours for date nights! so, so yummy. our favorite dishes are the ginger chicken potstickers, thai shrimp coconut curry + cedar plank salmon. they also have delicious soups + salads. you can't go wrong, really!
52 locals raden deze aan
Ken & Sue's
636 Main Ave
52 locals raden deze aan
another fave of ours for date nights! so, so yummy. our favorite dishes are the ginger chicken potstickers, thai shrimp coconut curry + cedar plank salmon. they also have delicious soups + salads. you can't go wrong, really!
if you enjoy food trucks, go check it out! there's something for everyone, even rolled ice cream!
33 locals raden deze aan
11th Street Station
1101 Main Ave
33 locals raden deze aan
if you enjoy food trucks, go check it out! there's something for everyone, even rolled ice cream!
this is our fave quick, order it to-go, pizza place in town. they have a really good broccoli + cheddar gluten free crust (it's better than their gf cauliflower) + you can personalize your pizza however you like! i recommend bbq sauce, smoked chicken + pineapple!
Happy Pappys Pizza n Wings
2411 Main Avenue
this is our fave quick, order it to-go, pizza place in town. they have a really good broccoli + cheddar gluten free crust (it's better than their gf cauliflower) + you can personalize your pizza however you like! i recommend bbq sauce, smoked chicken + pineapple!
alce' is located in the dalton ranch clubhouse across the street from our neighborhood. to be honest, it's not our favorite, but it's there if you need something close by.
Alce' Restaurant
589 County Road 252
alce' is located in the dalton ranch clubhouse across the street from our neighborhood. to be honest, it's not our favorite, but it's there if you need something close by.

our favorite treats!

if you like smoothies, you'll love thimbleberry! visit kim + ryell at their food truck for an organic smoothie or smoothie bowl! my favorite is the rise up bowl + my littles love strawberry fields (we substitute pumpkin seed milk instead of hemp). thimbleberry is parked at the powerhouse museum during the week + at the farmers market on saturday's. be sure to check their website for current hours!
Thimbleberry Smoothie Co.
1162 Main Avenue
if you like smoothies, you'll love thimbleberry! visit kim + ryell at their food truck for an organic smoothie or smoothie bowl! my favorite is the rise up bowl + my littles love strawberry fields (we substitute pumpkin seed milk instead of hemp). thimbleberry is parked at the powerhouse museum during the week + at the farmers market on saturday's. be sure to check their website for current hours!
our favorite ice cream ever! their flavors are always changing but you can see what they currently have on their facebook page. * they always have 2-3 dairy free flavors!
13 locals raden deze aan
Cream Bean Berry
1021 Main Ave
13 locals raden deze aan
our favorite ice cream ever! their flavors are always changing but you can see what they currently have on their facebook page. * they always have 2-3 dairy free flavors!
such a cute little hole-in-the-wall + our fave for gelato! they've also just added a shaved ice stand outside with popcorn, too!
Magpies Newsstand Cafe
707 Main Ave
such a cute little hole-in-the-wall + our fave for gelato! they've also just added a shaved ice stand outside with popcorn, too!

explore durango!

take a ride on the train to experience the majesty and up close, "off road" view of the San Juan Mountains. it is a ride unlike any other!
134 locals raden deze aan
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
479 Main Ave
134 locals raden deze aan
take a ride on the train to experience the majesty and up close, "off road" view of the San Juan Mountains. it is a ride unlike any other!
my favorite hike in all of durango! an easier climb for kiddos though it is a long way up!
Engineer Mountain Trail Head
my favorite hike in all of durango! an easier climb for kiddos though it is a long way up!
follow junction up to the trailhead for a beautiful hike along junction creek!
Junction Creek Road
Junction Creek Road
follow junction up to the trailhead for a beautiful hike along junction creek!

fun things for littles

the Powerhouse is a great museum for toddlers, children and teenagers! they have exhibits that change often so check their website to see their current offerings
16 locals raden deze aan
Powerhouse Science Center
1333 Camino Del Rio
16 locals raden deze aan
the Powerhouse is a great museum for toddlers, children and teenagers! they have exhibits that change often so check their website to see their current offerings
our littles LOVE the train museum! it's free to visit even if you aren't taking a ride on the train!
9 locals raden deze aan
DSNGRR train station
479 Main Ave
9 locals raden deze aan
our littles LOVE the train museum! it's free to visit even if you aren't taking a ride on the train!
enjoy dinner + a show at the bar d. a local favorite + so fun for kids!
17 locals raden deze aan
Bar D Chuckwagon
8080 Co Rd 250
17 locals raden deze aan
enjoy dinner + a show at the bar d. a local favorite + so fun for kids!
my littles favorite park in town. try to go in the mornings because the afternoons are the busier part of the day
7 locals raden deze aan
Santa Rita Park
2700 Main Ave
7 locals raden deze aan
my littles favorite park in town. try to go in the mornings because the afternoons are the busier part of the day
okay, i know this is a restaurant but there's also putt putt, which is why it's a fun stop for littles! the food is also great + a local favorite so that's a plus. take your littles one evening + enjoy a texas taco + delicious sweet tea + a fun, joyful game of putt putt with the fam!
18 locals raden deze aan
Serious Texas BBQ South Durango, CO.
650 S Camino Del Rio
18 locals raden deze aan
okay, i know this is a restaurant but there's also putt putt, which is why it's a fun stop for littles! the food is also great + a local favorite so that's a plus. take your littles one evening + enjoy a texas taco + delicious sweet tea + a fun, joyful game of putt putt with the fam!

the spa's

visit the newly renovated Durango Hot Springs for a relaxing day or romantic evening. there are several hot pools for soaking and a large, heated swimming pool for families. there's also a food truck + bar! be sure to check out the website and make a reservation
68 locals raden deze aan
Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs
6475 Co Rd 203
68 locals raden deze aan
visit the newly renovated Durango Hot Springs for a relaxing day or romantic evening. there are several hot pools for soaking and a large, heated swimming pool for families. there's also a food truck + bar! be sure to check out the website and make a reservation
such a relaxing place to spend a few hours. the quiet room overlooks the animas river + is the perfect spot to read or just sit + be after your massage or facial. p.s. if possible, schedule a massage with mariah or olivia. they are the best!
7 locals raden deze aan
The Woodhouse Day Spa - Durango
1521 Main Ave
7 locals raden deze aan
such a relaxing place to spend a few hours. the quiet room overlooks the animas river + is the perfect spot to read or just sit + be after your massage or facial. p.s. if possible, schedule a massage with mariah or olivia. they are the best!

sights to see

drive north through the san juan national forest for the most beautiful mountain views. you can stop in silverton then head on to ouray + take the long way home through telluride, rico + mancos for a whole loop. or you can just drive a little ways + turn around for a different view of the same mountains you "ooo'd + ahh'd" at on the way up.
13 locals raden deze aan
Million Dollar Highway, Ride Across America
U.S. 550
13 locals raden deze aan
drive north through the san juan national forest for the most beautiful mountain views. you can stop in silverton then head on to ouray + take the long way home through telluride, rico + mancos for a whole loop. or you can just drive a little ways + turn around for a different view of the same mountains you "ooo'd + ahh'd" at on the way up.

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get fresh + local goodies at the Farmers Market!

the Farmers Market is open from 8-12 on Saturdays in the TBK Bank parking lot downtown. have my fave breakfast bowl from The Living Tree booth, the chocolate ricotta muffin from Serious Delights + the sunrise smoothie bowl from the Thimbleberry food truck. be sure to also grab some beautiful flowers from local farms!