Flanked by the rushing Animas River and sharp summits of the San Juan Mountain Range, Durango has activities to fill up any nature lover’s itinerary. But historians will want to start crafting their list of things to do, too. Start with a stay at Gable House Bed & Breakfast and explore southwest Colorado staples like the Old Hundred Gold Mine, the Durango & Silverton Railroad and the ancient cliff dwellings scattered across Mesa Verde National Park.
Originally built during the Colorado Gold Rush and on the National Register of Historic Places, Gable House Bed & Breakfast blends modern comforts with Victorian-style architecture and antique furniture. Rest your head in beautifully restored rooms of the former hospital building, surrounded by sepia-toned photographs and period-specific decor. Then, wake up to homemade breakfast — with all the fluffy eggs and crispy bacon your heart desires — before you explore.
The building’s three-story Queen Anne brick walls, wraparound porch and iconic gabled roofs were originally erected back in 1892. And since then, more than a century’s worth of Coloradans have called the Gable House home. The first residents ran a flour mill and mercantile in town. By the early 20th century, one of the most renowned doctors in the Four Corners region, Dr. Ochsner, purchased the home and converted the building into a private clinic — and, in 1942, it became the county’s first public hospital. The community staple was converted into the Gable House Bed & Breakfast in 1970, welcoming guests to experience its homey, Gold Rush-era ambiance.
Fast forward to today, where the current owners make it their mission not only to share the building’s rich history with visitors, but also to support the community by serving up Durango-made delicacies like Animas Chocolate, 81301 Coffee and fresh produce from the local farmers’ market. This special spot perfectly encapsulates this corner of Colorado.
We’re going with the view right outside your window. Snag the Schutt room (the chamber of the very first owners) featuring a balcony. It’s perfect for sitting out and sipping fresh-brewed coffee in the morning while gazing at the La Plata peaks. Depending on the time of year, they may be speckled with golden aspens, capped with snow or blanketed with a rainbow of wildflowers (you’ll have to plan a hike or two to see those babies up close). Options like the Marie room overlook the home’s lush, flower-speckled gardens below.
It’s gotta be the decor in the Gable House’s perfectly preserved interiors, dotted with antique furniture and elegantly revived pieces that nearly all have a story to tell. When you walk into the foyer, you’ll see the home’s original wood floors and accents — except for the banister, which was lowered during Ochsner’s time, so patients could be hand-carried upstairs for treatment. Up on the third floor, the surgical quarters now act as a shared gathering space perfect for socializing, drinking tea and playing board games. When you arrive, your hosts will regale you with tales of past residents, many of whom are honored through photos and room names.
While the home’s fascinating history, delicious homemade breakfasts and cozy rooms simply cannot be overhyped — the same goes for the dining, nightlife and activities a few blocks away. Want a little locals’ tip? When you’re craving libations, head to the Bookcase & Barber, a small barbershop with a secret speakeasy hidden behind the bookcase. The way in? Give the barber a password from the shop’s website (which changes regularly) and take a seat in a big leather chair for craft cocktails and an expansive list of local and specialty spirits.
For dinner, head to nearby haunts like Eolus, which serves up everything from fresh seafood to thoughtfully prepared vegetarian dishes. For dessert, order some scoops from Cream Bean Berry, where their rotating ice-cream flavors highlight seasonal specialties, including local honey, coffee beans and Palisade peaches — best served squished between two chewy cookies.
“Our experience was wonderful. The hosts/owners were most pleasant and accommodating. The pictures of the house don't do it justice. It is immaculate down to the last detail. We enjoyed our one evening sitting at one of the yard benches in our bare feet taking in the lush grass and beautiful garden surroundings. Our room (Heather) was pristine. In the morning (6 a.m.) we served ourselves coffee and tea from the third-floor common area before conversation on the porch with one of the other guests. Our host joined in just before our hot, delicious and large (eggs, bacon and fruit) breakfast was served (8 a.m.-ish). Our hosts joined for a bit to share the home’s history and surrounding area activities. It was a most pleasant stay and we’ll be recommending it to our friends and family.” — Mike and Irma, Tripadvisor
Come winter, the ski lifts start humming at Purgatory Resort. Spend a bluebird day carving through Colorado’s light and fluffy powder and take advantage of affordable lift tickets. Once your hamstrings are ready for a rest, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, where 32 steaming, mineral-rich pools with towering mountain views await. For a more private experience, solo travelers or couples should reserve a personal ofuro tub, where you can adjust the temperature to your preference for a tranquil soak in solitude.
In the warmer months, finding fun is easy. Begin your weekend at the Durango Farmers’ Market to sample fresh-squeezed juice and buttery croissants as you explore artisan jewelry, handcrafted pottery and other one-of-a-kind artworks. If your crew is looking for an adventure, get in touch with a local rafting outfitter like Durango Rafting Company for a trip down the Animas River along rip-roaring rapids. For a day trip, take an hour drive to Chimney Rock National Monument, where you can walk in the footsteps of Ancestral Puebloans in the Chaco Canyon, admiring more than 200 ancient dwellings, gathering spaces and ceremonial sites.
Photos courtesy of Gable House Bed and Breakfast.
