DNC - Wally White's Day in the Life
Wally White
Experience a day in the Life of Durango through the eyes of our local democratic county commissioner, Wally White. White, 65, a Democrat who represents District 3, has been a La Plata county resident since 1979. Wally is passionate about preserving the wonderful quality of life that we enjoy in La Plata County and possesses a deep interest in our areas rich cultural heritage. Wally also spent many years raising and tending to Llama and Alpacas and is dedicated to preserving our agricultural heritage and dealing with the issues that are affect our community, including responsible growth, oil and gas development, water issues, intergovernmental relations and he is an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
La Plata County is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Because there is so much to see and do, Wally has given his fellow democratic visitors some of his best suggestions on how to experience the Southwest corner of Colorado and has a couple different suggested itineraries with a little of something for everyone.
1) For the Adventurous spirit:
Our area has something for all activity levels, from scenic touring to high country adventure. Wally has laid out some of his favorite places and suggestions for any energy level.
Day 1: After a beautiful trip to Durango by flight or drive, Wally suggests that outdoor adventure fans save enough time as you come in to enjoy a rafting trip down the lower Animas. If the River is not your cup of tea, Wally would suggest world-class mountain biking on one of our many trails or one of Durango’s beautiful hiking trails. After your trip, settle into one of our great in-town hotels/motels and then head into the Historic Downtown area and enjoy a fantastic meal at one of our world-class restaurants. Wally’s favorites include Carver’s (a well known local Democratic hang out) for a great local microbrew and food, Ken and Sue’s restaurant for spectacular fine/casual American food or East By Southwest for unbelievable Asian cuisine. Wally’s other favorites include Cosmos or the Mahogany Grill (for fine dining) and Steamworks or Zia Taqueria for more casual foods. To make your dinner reservations,click here. As beer fans, we would be remised if we didn’t tell you to sample some of Durango’s local beers at any of these restaurants. Wally’s favorites include Ska Pinstripe, Durango Brewing Co.’s Wheat, Carvers Lager, and Steamworks Steam Engine.
OR:
Get up early to enjoy one of Durango’s most exciting trips – the Trails and Rails package. With this package, you will enjoy a Four Wheel Drive tour up into the historic ghost towns of Silverton, CO and then experience a touch of the Old West with a ride back to Durango on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad. If you’re not feeling the train and four wheel drive tour, you could take a guided Full day hike with a Llama that will bring along wine, cheese and lunch for a memorable day in the mountains with the San Juan Mountain Association.
2) For a Cultural experience:
The Four Corners is an area that is rich with some of the most interesting and fascinating cultural heritage of anywhere in the U.S. To experience some of the wonders our area has to offer and come away with a deep understanding and knowledge of our area, Wally has made some great suggestions.
Day 1: Again, after a beautiful trip to Durango by flight or drive, Wally suggests that you settle into Durango at one of our historic downtown hotels such as the Rochester/Leland House, Strater or General Palmer Hotels. Once you have settled in, take a quick jaunt up to Fort Lewis College’s Center for Southwest Studies and learn about our areas history as well as see FLC, one of Durango’s pride and joys. Head back downtown to enjoy world-class dining and take in some of Durango’s great Arts culture at our many downtown galleries. In the evening, experience a great piece of history with a fun and family friendly Diamond Circle Melodrama show, an old-time vaudeville and melodrama show.
Day 2: Head out to Crow Canyon Archaeological center to tour alongside professional archaeologists at a current excavation site and laboratory to view ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) artifacts that have been unseen and untouched for over 800 years (Available on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s only). Another incredible way to experience our areas cultural heritage is to visit the world heritage site, Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde National Park is the nation's richest archaeological preserve with over 4000 sites and over 600 documented cliff dwellings. Learn about the culture and architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people, truly a one of a kind experience. After your tour, finish off your day again with great beer and great food back in Durango. If you have extra time and want to see some more of our area, you can take tours of the Anasazi Heritage Center, a tour of Hovenweep, Aztec Ruins or the incredible (but hot) Chaco Canyon.
To learn more about Wally White, our Colorado representative for District 3, visit his website.
To book your trip to the four corners, click here and experience all that the Four Corners has to offer. For other Democratic National Convention Packages, Click Here! From rich cultural and historical heritage, to exciting outdoor adventure, La Plata County has something for everyone.
