<\/p>\n
Durango versus Steamboat Springs: Which is the Best Town Ever?<\/p>\n
Outside looked for \u201cgreat access to trails and public lands, thriving restaurants and neighborhoods, and, of course, a good beer scene,\u201d and asked its Instagram followers for nominees. Durango made the list with several other Colorado and southwestern towns, and it has survived two rounds in the bracket-style voting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have some friendly competition,\u201d said Bob Kunkel, executive director of the Durango Area Tourism Office. \u201cWe\u2019re going back and forth with Steamboat Springs. They say, \u2018We have this,\u2019 and we say, \u2018Well, we have a train.\u2019 This is a fun way to raise awareness about the things you\u2019re touting and known for. We have everything the state of Colorado promotes. River rafting, biking, climbing, the train: We have all that stuff. If people want to recognize it, that\u2019s great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sixty-four towns faced five rounds, competing with others with similar recreational offerings, and the winners will advance until two nominees remain. Whichever receives the most votes by May 27 will be the overall winner.<\/p>\n
Round 3 leaves Durango and Steamboat Springs nearly tied in the \u201cmountain town\u201d category. Other Colorado cities have made the list, including Aspen (knocked out by Taos, New Mexico) and Denver (competing in Round 3 against Seattle) for \u201cculture.\u201d Salida, which offers world-class rafting and river sports on the Arkansas River, was beaten in Round 2 by Bend, Oregon.<\/p>\n