Hello Durango! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Parade of homes returns, free Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and sporty STEAM camp + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Community event returns: After a 2023 hiatus, Durango’s three-day Parade of Homes will return under a new volunteer nonprofit, opening sponsorships beyond builders, with all proceeds supporting local charities and community programs -- see what’s changing.
Rafting season stays steady: Durango outfitters adjust as the Animas runs low. Early June flows hovered near 900 CFS, far below the 2,800 median. Low water favors beginners, and summer bookings remain strong -- see rafting’s summer outlook.
Local history takes center stage: The Animas Museum in Durango hosted a look at La Plata County’s past ahead of Colorado’s 150th, spotlighting Ute history and the Brunot Agreement with Charles DiFerdinando and Susan Jones -- explore La Plata history.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Brighten your week: April's Garden has those just-right bouquets, hardy houseplants, and gift-y extras that make your place feel less like laundry central and more like, well, you. They’re pros at weddings and life’s little moments, and they deliver around town so you don’t have to hunt parking.
A little local wizardry: For a weeknight pick-me-up that actually pulls a rabbit out of your routine, Mysto Magic Show brings vaudeville vibes, big-stage illusions, and laugh-til-it-hurts energy to town, with acrobats and sleight-of-hand that play just as well for date night as for the kids.
Quick riverfront reset: Rotary Park is a tiny green pocket with picnic tables, a shelter, and restrooms, right off the Animas River Trail. It’s perfect for a takeout lunch, a mellow fishing break, or a meet-up spot before a cruiser ride... simple, close, and very Durango.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🍝 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs @ Durango Stadium 9 | Wednesday (6/24) at 9:00 AM – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is taking over the Summer Kids Series every Wednesday, and yes, it is free for all ages. Expect big laughs, bigger snacks, and blessed air conditioning. Seating is first come, which is basically our local sport.
📖 Reading Room Meet Up @ Maria's Reading Room | Wednesday (6/24) at 10:00 AM – Maria’s Reading Room is a low-key hang for little bookworms and their trusty grownups, all about stories, squirming, and early literacy. The cafe’s closed, so thermos people, this is your moment. Expect sweet chaos, new parent friends, and kids proudly “reading” upside down.
🎶 Concert Hall @ Buckley Park | Thursday (6/25) at 5:30 PM – Season kickoff at Buckley Park, a free Concert Hall at the Park night with The Sweet Lizzy Project mixing Cuban roots, rock, and soul into a joyful groove. Think danceable, not try-hard, under the Durango sky. Expect blanket sprawl, neighbor run-ins, and accidental cardio.
🐱 Yard Sale Fundraiser for Cat Care Durango @ Pet Haus | Sunday (6/28) at 8:00 AM – Whether your garage is full or you love a good rummage, hit the Pet Haus yard sale supporting Cat Care Durango’s TNR program. Snag bargains, treasures, cotton candy, and lemonade, knowing every dollar helps spay, neuter, and spare future litters.
🔬 Sporty STEAM (3rd-4th) @ Animas High School | Monday (6/29) – Got a rising 3rd or 4th grader who treats recess like the World Cup? This active camp breaks down their favorite games into physics, biology, and stats, complete with drills that double as experiments. They burn energy, you get quiet, and the ball makes sense.
🎶 LePlatt's Pond Locals Night @ L-J Ranch (Bayfield) | Tuesday (6/30) at 5:00 PM – Slide over to LePlatt’s Pond for Locals Night, a summer hang where Bayfield, Durango, and the usual suspects spread out on the lawn to cool off and listen to live music. It’s basically a small-town reunion, fewer awkward hugs, better breeze.
💎 Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show @ La Plata County Fairgrounds | Friday (7/10) at 10:00 AM – Three days of rock-hounding bliss with gems, fossils, crystals, meteorites, and artisan jewelry from 67 dealers across the country. Upgrade the windowsill collection, or finally admit that driveway pebble is not quartz. Admission is $5, kids under 12 free, cash and cards welcome.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Durango report Weather forecastToday — High: 91°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 24%
Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. West northwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North northwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow — High: 87°F — Low: 49°F — Precip: 29%
A slight chance of rain showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. This house is wildThis 7,059-square-foot San Juan Mountains estate brings luxury and adventure together on 9.12 landscaped acres bordering national forest. A carved wood entry, vaulted living room with stone fireplace, Thermador chef’s kitchen, and dreamy primary suite set the tone, while the walkout lower level adds a bar, wine cellar, and media space.
Take a peek inside → |
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