DNC - Joelle Riddle's Day in the Life
Joelle Riddle
Joelle Riddle, 40, has been a La Plata county resident for most of her life completed her post-secondary education at Colorado State University and Fort Lewis College where she studied occupational therapy and social work. Joelle has long served in the political arena for La Plata County and including as a Young Democrat and then chair of the La Plata County Democratic Party. Joelle has always made community participation an integral part of her life. She co-founded the Four Corner’s Safe School Coalition and co-organized the Latino Health Fair and volunteered with Prom Til Dawn after-prom party. She volunteers regularly for the Women's Resource Center and was an advocate for Alternative Horizons, the county’s domestic violence support agency.
With a passion for Durango’s open space, our incredible quality of life and an avid bicycle enthusiast, she has given us some of her favorite suggestions of fun and unique Durango activities. Durango is not only a veritable biking Mecca, it is also a very bike friendly community, recognized for providing safe accommodation for cyclists and encouraging biking for transportation and recreation. Joelle highly suggests taking some time to take a scenic road ride or a fun and exciting mountain bike ride and reccomends visiting The Safe Roads Coalition.org for maps and more info about our bike friendly community.
Day 1:
Upon arrival to Durango, take some time to check in to your lodging property and head into the Historic Downtown area to see Durango at its finest. Enjoy our bustling arts community by taking in some of the great galleries and local shops - from artistic treasures to fun trinkets, there is a little of something for everyone. Some of Joelle’s favorite shops include Animas Trading Company and the Silk Sparrow and some of her favorite galleries include Sorrel Sky, Ellis Crane and the Shared Blanket.
While checking out the downtown area, visit the local Maria’s Bookshop and pickup a trail map or a book of favorite Durango trails and pick out a bike ride or hike for the next day. Some of Joelle’s favorites include the Hermosa Creek Trail, Horse Gulch, and the Dry Fork Trail. After taking in the Historic Downtown, Joelle enjoys heading over to The Office at the Strater Hotel for a great happy hour and a nice glass of wine - As a wine coinsure, Joelle recommends a glass of the Ménage à trois.
After a nice glass of wine and a taste of Durango’s local atmosphere at The Office, head to one of our great downtown restaurants like the Cyprus Café, the Mahogany Grill or East By Southwest for a taste of Durango's world class dining. For reservations, click here.
Day 2:
Start off your day with a java fix from one of our many local coffee shops like Durango Coffee Company, Durango Joe’s, the Steaming Bean or Pure Soul Coffee. Then head off to start a day of fun and excitement in authentic Durango. Enjoy our bike friendly community with a road or mountain bike ride. If you didn't bring your bike, we have top of the line rentals to check out our trails from Hassle Free Sports or you can take on a rental for some exciting downhill action with Durango Mountain Resort. More into relaxation? Take a trip on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge or a visit out to Mesa Verde National Park. If you make it out towards La Plata Canyon, try one of Joelle’s favorites for lunch – the Kennebec Café. If those aren’t your cup of tea, Joelle works a great deal with the Sky Ute tribe and recommends a shot at chance at the Sky Ute Casino.
After a day of adventure, drop by Trimble Hot Springs for a nice relaxing soak in a natural geothermal hot springs. Treat yourself to a soak and even a massage or spa treatment. After a soak, head back into Durango and grab another fantastic meal. One of Joelles favorite post-soak meals is at Zia Taqueria for great casual Mexican food. After dinner, save time to see the Diamond Circle Melodrama for a unique evening of Durango's entertainment that is fun for the whole family. This old-time Melodrama and Vaudeville show provides and evening of entertainment, history and laughs and celebrates over 43 years of Real Durango.
