As we savor Colorado’s beautiful fall weather, the holiday season and the winter months are already on the horizon. Whether you are considering Durango as a destination for your holiday festivities or you’re a local seeking the ideal spot for a staycation, the Leland House, located in the heart of Durango’s Second Avenue District, blends historic charm, modern comfort and convenience, and proximity to everything our wonderful city has to offer.
Things to Do in Durango in November
With cool but relatively mild temperatures, November is a great time to explore both downtown Durango and the natural beauty that envelops it. For winter sports enthusiasts, November also marks the beginning of the season, with nearby ski resorts opening their trails to skiers and snowboarders. For instance, Purgatory Resort—located about a half hour from the Leland House—opens for the season on November 16. With 85 trails that span over 40 miles in the stunning San Juan Mountains, beginners to experts and everyone in between will find an adventure at Purgatory.
If you’re looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit—particularly if you will be visiting with children—the Polar Express™ Train Ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers an enchanting, immersive experience. From November 22 through January 4, this magical journey on a vintage steam train features a theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story written by Chris van Allsburg. Climb aboard at the Durango Depot, which is a short walk from the Leland House, and voyage to the North Pole, where Santa Claus awaits. The ride includes hot chocolate, holiday treats, and a dazzling light show set to festive music, creating an unforgettable experience for families and holiday enthusiasts of all ages.
The Leland House: Your Home Away from Home in the Heart of Durango
At the Leland House, we pride ourselves on combining the home-like conveniences of an Airbnb with the quality service of a boutique hotel. Located in a beautifully restored building that was originally constructed in 1927, the Leland House offers original architectural charm alongside modern amenities, including high-speed WiFi, split-unit air conditioning, and comfortable beds and desk space in every room. Our suites range from efficiency studios to two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, providing the perfect accommodations whether you’re a solo traveler looking for a place to work remotely while exploring the area, or a family seeking a hub for holiday festivities.
Live Like a Local: Meet Desert Sun Coffee Roasters
A key part of our mission at the Leland House is enabling our guests to live, work, and play like locals. One of the ways in which we do this is by providing locally sourced products at the hotel and at our neighboring sister property, Lola’s Place. For instance, in each room and at Lola’s Coffee Bar, guests will find coffee from Desert Sun Coffee Roasters. A Durango-based staple for 20 years, we’ve chosen to partner with Desert Sun because their values align with those we embody at the Leland House and Lola’s Place. As a pioneer in the fair-trade movement and a member-owner of Cooperative Coffees, a co-op that ensures producers get the best price for their beans without middlemen or market pressures, Desert Sun offers ethically sourced, sustainably produced coffee—which is also delicious! We were pleased to host Desert Sun’s 20th Anniversary Celebration at Lola’s Place on Friday, October 25!
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Durango’s vibrant culture, the Leland House team looks forward to welcoming you and providing you with a comfortable and convenient home away from home. Contact us today to book, and be sure to ask about our discounts available for extended stays!