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Durango,
Reno, and Tahoe:
We recently took just that kind of getaway not once but twice to Durango because we were so hooked by this charming little Colorado town. We went for a three day weekend and ended up returning again because there was so much to do and enjoy in just one weekend. With its historical train rides, historic mining hotels, excellent bike trails, outstanding leather stores, and arts and culture, this diverse little getaway has something for everyone. Offering both extremes, there are both therapeutic hot springs and world class ski resorts all within an hour. Durango is high in charm, bringing to mind a blend of Truckee, Nevada City and Placerville. We stayed at the Doubletree Hotel in Durango, overlooking the river, just 2 blocks from the hub of historic downtown where we rented a bicycle built for two at the friendly, local downtown bike shop. After meandering for miles over peaceful, secluded scenic bridges and through pristine parks on a wonderful bike trail we worked up an appetite for about the best dinner we’d had in years. Ken and Sue’s one of the best regarded restaurants downtown, offers delicacies like pistachio crusted grouper with sweet potato mash, sautéed spinach and a vanilla rum butter sauce that I’ll surely never forget for as long as I live. We tried the cedar planked salmon served with the best tomato cucumber salsa I’d ever had and fresh dill from the garden. Award winning crème brule and apple tart were served with local Durango creamery ice cream---truly unforgettable along with a licorice martini for mom and dad. Although the restaurant is elegant and refined, it is completely kid-friendly with a healthy yet deliciously kid-pleasing children’s menu, and we spied many other families also enjoying a real quality-meal in a relaxed yet classy atmosphere. I’ve never seen such a high quality restaurant pull off such a stage for exquisite food in a family friendly restaurant. After dinner one night we stopped in to join many other families who also opted to get family old time western portraits done at Thru The Lens Photography. Another night we were glad we visited the Diamond Circle Melodrama & Vaudeville Theater for Durango’s best live entertainment. We loved “boo-ing and hiss-ing” at the villains and cheering for the good guys along with fresh popcorn and refreshments. The service was outstanding and the show’s quality and live music were excellent. Another night we enjoyed the best ribs I have had in 10+ years at the Ore House restaurant downtown and again only 3 blocks from our hotel. Durango is a great place to put on your walking shoes and just have a blast exploring. Should you make it to Durango in the fall, spring or summer be sure to check out the Anasazi Heritage Center, rafting, horsebackriding, mountain tours, golf at Pagosa Springs or a train ride. There’s even a famous beer pub downtown that offers countless quality beers from around the world like none I’ve seen in years. Just ask the locals, they’ll point you in the right direction. Everyone recommends the place. No matter when or what you decide to visit in Durango, chances are you’ll return quickly as the friendly people, clean air, and great recreation will enchant you and far exceed your expectations. Another fantastic weekend getaway is to Lake Tahoe. Whether you ski or not, Tahoe offers a beauty and serenity that is hard to explain unless you just go yourself. Mike Lafferty at Tahoe Lake Cottages has been hosting families for years in a tranquil, comfortable setting close to so much of what Tahoe offers for families looking for a short respite away from the crowds. Tahoe Lake Cottages has become our family favorite Tahoe getaway destination for years now because with a playground area, Jacuzzi, kitchens and cable TV, just unwinding in the cabins in the woods is anecdote enough for the pressures and stresses of back home. Half an hour either direction around the lake from Tahoe Lake Cottages you’ll find casinos, excellent restaurants, shopping and the whirl of activity that some may enjoy, while the peaceful lake is across the street and it’s beaches and bike trails beckon just a stone’s throw from the cottages. We took a day cruise out of Zephyr Cove on the MS Dixie II for lunch and a tour of Emerald Bay. Even with the cold weather outside we were comfortable on the voyage and thoroughly enjoyed the history, narration, and food from the enclosed restaurant deck. A huge sourdough bowl full of hot clam chowder was a treat for us all along with the sandwiches and burgers. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and made the cruise fun, interesting and thoroughly memorable. We often took a walk up on the top open air deck to breathe in the invigorating air and catch glimpses of osprey nests and wild life. It was a relaxing and entertaining time for all four generations in our family group. Cruising the lake is certainly not limited to summer; just think outside the box. Back at Tahoe Lake Cottages we’d warm up at night in front of the fire, pop some popcorn and watch movies as a family with all the creature comforts of home at a more than reasonable price while enjoying the continued hospitality of the Lafferty family in our little home away from home. Just a minute from Homewood Ski Area, the Lafferty family offers guests discounted ski tickets and rentals. They’ll even offer ADULT LIVING TODAY readers a special half price promotion during non holiday stays till June. Just call and ask for details. Finally Reno is the last escape clause. If you stay at Tahoe Lake Cottages you can jog over to Reno for a day trip in about an hour and a half or make it an entirely separate weekend getaway by staying at Circus Circus, the Reno Hilton or Boomtown, three of the top family destinations in the greater Reno area. Reno offers families much more than slots and show girls these days. Wild Island Amusement park may offer water slides in the summer but during winter months there is so much to enjoy with miniature golf, High Ballocity for the little ones, Indy cars, a roller coaster, an arcade and a deluxe family bowling alley. Circus Circus provides renovated spacious rooms, top notch live circus acts from around the world all day and night along with arcade, games, six sensational restaurants and excellent hospitality. The Courtyard Buffet offers many special touches for youngsters’ palettes and pleasures and Bonici Brothers Pizza serves great family pizza prepared in an open kitchen. Don’t forget to visit the candy shop and Main Street Deli and Ice Cream. The Reno Hilton is undergoing some big changes and continues to be a great family destination so keep checking in on the changes there. We always visit the friendly and clean bowling alley there and no pool in Reno beats the one there for family fun. And Boomtown still offers non-stop fun with a clean, safe and always fun Family Fun Center with awesome 3D motion movies, western themed rides and games and full video arcade, not to mention the beautiful carousel. The steak and lobster buffet at Boomtown is always a pleasure with so many choices for everyone in our family to enjoy. Save a huge appetite for that one! Any way you choose to recover from the holidays, these three family getaways are perfect for a two or three day jaunt. So pack some warm clothes, walking shoes, and a spirit for discovery, Durango, Reno, or Tahoe---let’s go!
Submitted by: Carmel L.
Mooney
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