In “The Daily Traveler,” he made a recommendation about what to skip in a visit to Southwest Colorado: “All of the old mining towns in the area – Durango, Silverton, Ouray – have a single main street largely lined with shops selling tacky souvenirs and cookie-cutter Native American crafts.”

Lump did say that a walk in any of the three towns along the San Juan Skyway wouldn’t be a total waste of time.

“The streets are still worth a stroll to appreciate the Victorian facades,” he wrote, “and stumble on coffee shops, antiques stores and the occasional gallery.”

In particular, he pointed out Studio &, enjoyed the scenery along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad route and liked Mancos and Mesa Verde National Park.

Herald Staff