Durango, CO April 2026

Rhythms of Spring

April sits right in the middle of a transition in Southwest Colorado. It’s the time of year when you can still squeeze in a few last runs on the ski hill and, on the same day, dust off the mountain bike for those first spring rides. Around here, the seasons overlap in the best possible way.

Spring also brings movement to our community. As the snow begins to melt, people start emerging from winter’s slower pace, and the rhythm of the town shifts again. Homes begin to hit the market, renovation projects get underway, and many of us start thinking about what the next chapter of our homes, businesses, and investments might look like.

In this month’s issue, we highlight a few local businesses and professionals shaping that story—from the craftsmanship behind custom home interiors to the vision that brings outdoor spaces to life — and a thoughtful look at how art itself can be part of a meaningful investment.

Whether you're planning to buy, sell, renovate, or just considering the longterm value of the spaces and places we cherish most, we hope these stories inspire you for the season ahead.

Let’s all have a safe month and take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful place we are lucky enough to call home.

Here’s to a fantastic April.

JAMES LEONARD, EDITOR

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Branden (Brandy) Murray

branden.murray@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Carley Ridley | carley.ridley@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com,

Kristy Belley, Susan Lanier Graham

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Wingerd, Scott Griggs, Janis Connell

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Hannah Leimkuhler

QUALITY

Flowers Make People Happy

Weddings. Birthdays. New babies. Get well soon. Congratulations. Sympathy. I’m sorry. I love you. Just because. Flowers have always been there for life’s moments—big and small. At April’s Garden, we believe everyone deserves flowers.

Don't forget to order your flowers for Mother's Day!

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Guys Who Give contributed to The Community Foundation serving SW and CERF Flood Relief Fund. 2: Durango’s Kim Schwartz and friends are taking advantage of the snow around Durango. 3: Graze Colorado is serving the ARC Foundation’s “Belonging Beyond Barriers” exhibit at First Fridays event. 4: Coffee Talk with the Durango Independent Film Fest Filmmakers at The Oxford Bar in Durango. 5: Supporters of Manna Durango Empty Bowl Fundraiser at 11th Street Station making their selections. 6: La Plata Humane Society helps find a new home for a furry client. 7: April’s Garden brings beautiful blooms at Southwest Rocks Awards with the Durango Chamber of Commerce

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Mesa Verde Estates

Assisted Living & Memory Care

A new senior living community is coming to Durango’s Three Springs neighborhood. Mesa Verde Estates Assisted Living, under development at 380 Crader Ranch Road, will offer 124 residences with assisted living and memory care services. Designed for comfort, connection, and supportive care, the community will feature chef-prepared meals, wellness programs, social activities, and 24-hour staff. Mesa Verde Estates aims to help meet the growing demand for senior housing in Southwest Colorado. Learn more at mesaverdeestates.com.

Sundward Credit Union

Sunward Credit Union recently opened its newest branch in Durango, expanding its community-focused financial services to Southwest Colorado. As a member-owned cooperative, Sunward offers checking and savings accounts, home and auto loans, business banking, and personalized financial guidance. The new Durango location reflects the credit union’s commitment to building strong local relationships while helping individuals and families reach their financial goals. Learn more about services and membership at sunwardcu.org

MORE Than A PRETTY Box

Why structure matters as much as style in

a kitchen remodel

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD

When embarking on a kitchen remodel, it’s easy (and downright delightful) to succumb to the siren song of Calacatta marble countertops—mmmm—polished brass fixtures—uh-huh—vintage pendant lights—oh my—and some Morracan zellige tile backsplashes—yes!

However, Nick and Lindsay Garrison of Durango Cabinet Company (DCC), note that without a solid foundation of cabinets supporting the function and organization of a kitchen, homeowners may wind up pouring money down the sink.

Nick, a remodeler and contractor with 25 years’ experience, points out that an exceptional cabinet begins with a quality box design, from the hinges to the dovetailing. He says, “The box build is really where a well-built cabinet begins and ends. I’ve torn apart cherry cabinets that looked gorgeous but were just flimsy.”

Besides the box, Lindsay notes that the doors on the cabinets not only need to look beautiful, but also need to withstand both the toll of daily life and the dry southwest climate.

“We use our kitchen as our showroom because we have two kids, two dogs, two cats, and a business—our kitchen weathers it all!” she says.

As a family-owned boutique operation, DCC offers a uniquely wide array of wraparound services. They are on-hand to help map out a project from start to finish. They can install the cabinets that a homeowner has already selected. And, they can also assist in creating custom solutions to round out a tricky remodel. Lindsay finds that Nick’s vast skillsets enable him to address more than attaching cabinetry to a wall.

From plumbing to flooring, DCC’s versatility cuts down on what might otherwise be a Pandora’s box of additional subcontractors and added expense. And at the same time, the Garrison’s maintain excellent relationships with local architects, designers, and subcontractors who gladly (and promptly) collaborate when called upon.

Whatever the project, Lindsay affirms, “We are meticulous.” And they delight in their labors. “We are house nerds! We love everything to do with home improvement.”

To ensure the homeowner’s vision infuses the final look, DCC conducts thoughtful dialogues. Inspiration photos from magazines or perhaps photos snapped while traveling abroad serve as excellent fodder for highlighting individual tastes.

With the design goals established, DCC visits the project site to survey the space and gather measurements.

Finally, Nick says, “We give everyone a 3-D rendering of the space.” These detailed renderings offer the homeowner a peek into the future. With a thumbs up secured, Nick launches into his favorite phase of any project: the installation!

He confesses, “When we take this empty space and transform it with cabinets—it goes from something on paper to something in reality and that’s exciting!”

“He has a knack for it,” Lindsay praises her husband and business partner. She explains that he started learning his craft at age 13 not simply because it was his father’s trade but more so because he was as innately fitted to the work as any custom cabinet is fitted to the room it occupies.

“She’s always been great with the minutiae of things,” Nick takes his turn to praise his better half and DCC’s project manager. “Ever since I first met her, she’s always been on top of that stuff. In the way I was born to build things, she was born to project manage.”

After 17 years together, Nick and Lindsay exude mutual respect and deep admiration. Their ability to notice each other’s superpowers extends to their talent for seeing cabinets as so much more than a box with doors. Cabinets store our assets, organize our equipment, and safeguard our treasures. They house our memories and relationships.

“The kitchen is the heart of our house. It’s a gathering space,” Nick says. “We always love taking a space that wasn’t the heart of the house and turning it into one.”

In other words, he and Lindsay love making a home feel less like a swoon, and more like a good relationship: open, inviting, and enduring.

Learn more about Durango Cabinet Company by visiting them online: www.durangocabinetco.com

Box of Tricks

Before your penchant for bells and whistles runs amok with your home improvement budget, DCC recommends the following cost-saving tricks:

• Sometimes, all a kitchen needs is a hardware upgrade. Consider swapping out old hinges for stronger, soft-close options.

• An organizational makeover can revolutionize your daily interactions with your kitchen! Swing-out doors, heavy appliance lifts, bottle caddies are just a few smart solutions worth considering.

• Lastly, remember that you can always up your cabinet-game in the garage, bathroom, study, laundry room, and the man-cave (or she-shack) in need of wet bar.

True Blue Landscape: Shaping the Land with Intention

Thoughtful design and enduring landscapes rooted in community and craftsmanship.

In Southwest Colorado, landscaping is more than just about appearance. It’s about understanding the land, respecting the climate, and crafting outdoor spaces built to last. For Josh Muzzy, owner of True Blue Landscape, that work brings both responsibility and pride.

True Blue Landscape is known for thoughtful design and strong execution in both residential and community projects. Josh has over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of what flourishes in our high-desert environment. Water-wise planning, durable materials, and sustainability are not trends for him — they are essential elements guiding every decision.

Well-executed landscaping isn’t just seasonal decoration; it offers long-term value.

In a climate like ours, careful planning protects both the appearance and structure of a property. It’s work that develops over time— enhancing usability, boosting beauty, and increasing investment value.

But fundamentally, his approach stays personal.

“This is art to me, and I love nature,” Josh shares on his company website. “We have planted thousands and thousands of trees in Durango!”

ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIS CONNELL

That perspective — viewing landscaping as art rooted in nature — explains why his projects feel intentional rather than merely decorative. A well-designed yard isn’t just installed; it’s shaped. It evolves. It becomes part of a family’s daily rhythm.

Long before founding True Blue Landscape, Josh was actively involved in shaping the community in various ways. He owned the Shred Shed, helped build the local skate park with Pete Sakadinski through Durango Parks & Recreation, and started “Muzzy’s Mountain Bike Camp,” a program later donated to Parks & Rec and now known as DEVO.

His leadership extended into adaptive and competitive sports, where he helped establish an early disabled snowboard program and later founded the San Juan Freestyle Team, mentoring generations of athletes.

It was during his time as Head Greensman at Tamarron, working under superintendent Mark Hansen, that Josh realized landscaping was his true calling — shaping terrain, understanding soil, and seeing possibilities where others saw raw ground.

“The land speaks to me,” Josh says. “I can see the design completed, and with 30 years of experience, I know the process. From the ground up, we do things right the first time. Your landscape should only become more beautiful over time. Living in one of the most beautiful places and increasing the value of your home is our goal.”

True Blue Landscape was founded on that foundation. The name reflects the values he follows: genuine and honest. Those principles still guide the company today.

Josh also emphasizes strong local partnerships. Working with Durango Nursery and rock quarries such as Durango Gravel, C&J, and Eagle Block, his team chooses quality materials suited to the region. “We could not do what we do without them — and without my dedicated True Blue team,” he adds.

Leadership at True Blue Landscape is hands-on. In an environment where climate, terrain, and water demand careful solutions, experience is crucial. Clients rely on clear communication, honest expectations, and follow-through — principles that maintain the company’s reputation.

As outdoor living continues to influence how we experience home in Colorado, landscaping remains one of the most impactful ways to enhance and safeguard property over time. The right landscape boosts usability, deepens connection to place, and offers lasting value.

For Josh Muzzy, this isn’t just a business. It’s a craft, a calling, and a deep commitment to shaping the land — and the community — for generations to come.

True financial confidence isn’t built on one decision—it’s built on alignment. I help individuals and business owners strengthen four essential pillars: eliminating inefficient debt, creating clear estate plans, building guaranteed retirement income, and preparing for long-term care. When these pieces work together, your plan supports not just today’s goals, but the legacy you’re building for the people and causes that matter most. Four pillars designed to protect, grow, and sustain your wealth

THE ‘ART’ OF INVESTMENT

INVESTING IN ARTISTS, OWNERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO & AND SCOTT GRIGGS

In downtown Durango, just off the steady rhythm of Main Avenue, Studio & Gallery has created something more than just a retail art space. Since opening in 2010, the gallery has operated as a cooperative—part studio, part exhibition space, and part shared experiment—designed to give working artists both visibility and ownership in the creative economy of Southwest Colorado. The original vision came from a group of artists who wanted more control over how their work was displayed and how decisions were made. Instead of following a traditional gallery model, the cooperative structure lets artists directly shape the space—sharing both the responsibilities and rewards of running a gallery.

Artist and co-owner Tim Kapustka, a founding member of Studio &, has been central to that vision. Trained as a designer and visual artist, Kapustka helped shape the gallery’s identity around collaboration and shared responsibility. In this cooperative model, artists are not just represented—they are invested in it. Members assist with daily operations, participate in exhibition planning, and help make decisions that shape the gallery’s future. The benefits go beyond sales; they include shared ownership and a voice in the gallery’s development.

That structure redefines the concept of investment. Buying art becomes a direct investment in an active artist’s livelihood. Membership in the cooperative becomes an investment of time and creativity. For the community, the gallery symbolizes an investment in cultural infrastructure—a stable, artist-run space that has been part of downtown Durango for over a decade.

Like many businesses, Studio & adapted during the early months of the pandemic. While the gallery was temporarily closed to indoor visitors, the lights stayed on, and the windows became a gallery display—inviting people walking along Main Avenue to pause, look in, and experience art from outside. Even during uncertain times, the goal remained the same: to keep art visible and maintain a connection with the community.

Over time, the cooperative has grown from its founding members into its current ownership team, which includes Kapustka along with fellow artists Shawn Lotze and Jenn Rawling. This structure allows the gallery to expand while preserving its original spirit, with artists dedicating their time and perspectives to advancing the space.

One of the qualities that sets Studio & apart is how it invites visitors into the art process itself. Because the gallery serves as both a working studio and an exhibition space, it’s common to see artists installing work, preparing exhibitions, or discussing ideas with visitors. The experience becomes less about simply viewing finished pieces and more about gaining insight into the creative process behind them.

Today, Studio & continues to rotate exhibitions featuring member artists while collaborating with regional creatives across various mediums. The cooperative structure also fosters an environment where artists gain experience beyond creating art—learning to present their work professionally, engage with collectors, and contribute to the space’s long-term sustainability.

Sixteen years after opening its doors, Studio & continues to show that investing in artists is really an investment in the community. To learn more about how you can invest in Studio & and our thriving artistic community, visit studio & at 1027 Main Ave., Durango, or at anddurango.com .

THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON AND SCHUSTER

Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful.

We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.

1 2 BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ

ONE UP ON WALL STREET

One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.

HOW TO INVEST

How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.

POWER YOUR PROFITS

Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments,  Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.

THE WEALTH DECISION

The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.

HOW TO INVEST

How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY

The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY

INCOME TAX cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth

• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth

• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters

• Orange Twist

• Glass Type: Coupe

DIRECTIONS:

1. Squeeze your OJ.

2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.

3. Shake.

4. Pour into your coupe.

5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.

6. Garnish.

7. Enjoy being done with taxes.

8. And a good cocktail.

The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.

Where Horses and Riders Come to Rest and Recover

Salt of the Earth Ranch offers a unique retreat designed for both horses and their people.

Our equine-friendly Airbnb retreat invites riders, travelers, and competitors to stay where their horses can relax in safe paddocks with panoramic views of Southwest Colorado's wide-open landscape. Beyond the retreat, we offer a mobile holistic wellness trailer providing innovative therapies that help horses recover, relax, and perform at their peak.

Investing in Yourself

GROWTH, LEARNING, AND THE QUIET RETURNS THAT SHAPE A LIFE

ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE

When people discuss investment, the conversation often shifts to real estate, retirement accounts, or market fluctuations. However, one of the most impactful investments anyone can make has nothing to do with stocks or property. It starts with a simple yet powerful decision: investing in yourself.

In a place like Durango, that idea takes many forms. It might start with something small—a class taken out of curiosity, a workshop that sparks a new skill, or a conversation that opens the door to a new direction. Over time, those small steps can shape careers, creative pursuits, and even entirely new chapters in life.

Across town, opportunities to learn and grow are woven into the community’s fabric. At the Durango Arts Center, residents of all ages gather to explore painting, ceramics, photography, and other creative practices—sometimes rediscovering artistic interests they had set aside years earlier. For others, investing in themselves might look more entrepreneurial. The Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center regularly hosts workshops and advising sessions that help aspiring business owners refine their ideas, build marketing strategies, and take the first steps toward launching a venture.

Education doesn’t always happen in traditional classrooms. Community lectures, continuing education opportunities, and cultural events at Fort Lewis College encourage residents to broaden their knowledge and explore new perspectives. For many, simply attending a lecture, performance, or discussion can ignite new interests and connections.

Personal investment also includes caring for the foundations that support everything else. In a town surrounded by mountains and rivers, growth often happens outdoors. Clinics and training programs hosted by local outfitters such as Backcountry Experience help adventurers develop mountain safety skills and confidence in the backcountry. Others find renewal in wellness workshops, yoga programs, or simply time spent on Durango’s trails and along the Animas River.

These choices—whether creative, professional, or personal—rarely produce immediate results. Instead, they develop slowly through curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to try new things. A class results in a new skill. A workshop sparks a business idea. A lecture fuels a deeper interest in the world around us.

In a community like Durango, the ripple effects of that growth are easy to observe. A personal passion turns into a small business. A creative hobby develops into gallery shows or performances. Leadership skills gained through professional learning often lead to volunteer work, nonprofit involvement, or mentoring.

That is the subtle strength of investing in yourself. The benefits go well beyond just the individual.

Financial markets may fluctuate, but the knowledge you gain, the skills you develop, and the confidence you build stay with you. Over time, those personal investments strengthen not only your own path but also the community around you.

And in a space built on creativity, curiosity, and connection, those might be the most valuable rewards of all.

“In a place like Durango, investing in yourself often begins with curiosity.”

APRIL 7TH-9TH

Maria's Bookshop - Author Series

events

Maria's Bookshop, 960 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

Durango’s beloved independent bookstore hosts three evenings of author conversations and book signings. Meet R.E. Burrillo discussing American Archaeology (April 7), Matthew Moseley with Words on Water (April 8), and Mark Stevens presenting his mystery Two Truths and a Lie (April 9). (mariasbookshop.com)

APRIL 8TH

Pilobolus: Other Worlds Collection

Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301 | 7:30 PM

Internationally acclaimed dance company Pilobolus brings its signature blend of athleticism, illusion, and storytelling to the Community Concert Hall stage. Known for inventive choreography and breathtaking human sculptures, the troupe creates a mesmerizing visual experience that blends dance, theatre, and imagination. Tickets at DurangoConcerts.com

APRIL 10TH-12TH

Durango Bluegrass Meltdown

Downtown Durango

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, a beloved spring festival featuring concerts, workshops, and latenight jams across downtown venues. Performers include Lonesome Ace String Band, Shelby Means, Tray Wellington Band, Songs From The Road Band, and Michael Prewitt & CrunchGrass Supreme. For more information, visit https://durangomeltdown.com/

APRIL 16TH

Ragtime Train with Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301 | 9:00 AM

Step back into the Roaring Twenties aboard the Ragtime Train, part of the Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival. Enjoy live performances from festival musicians in your railroad coach as the train winds through the Animas River canyon. After returning to the depot, continue the celebration with music inside the Railroad Museum. Visit DurangoTrain.com to reserve your seat!

APRIL 18TH

Earth Day Durango

Downtown Durango | 10:30 AM

Celebrate Earth Day with Durango’s beloved community gathering featuring the colorful Procession of the Species Parade down Main Avenue at 10:30 a.m., followed by a festival at Buckley Park from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. with booths, food, family activities, and live music by The Afrobeatniks. (Earth Day Durango)

APRIL 24TH-25TH

Durango Wine Experience

Downtown Durango

Sip and savor the flavors of spring during the Durango Wine Experience, a two-day celebration of wine, spirits, and regional cuisine. The weekend includes the Friday Walkabout through downtown businesses and the Grand Tasting at Buckley Park, featuring hundreds of wines paired with dishes from local chefs. For more information, visit DurangoWine.com

SCAN

No need to search for furniture, coordinate deliveries, or figure out what works together. We curate, source, track, install, and style every piece so your mountain home is movein ready and beautifully layered from day one. All you have to do is enjoy.

Elevation Home Management

Luxury home oversight, vendor coordination, & project management

Owning a second home should feel like relief when you arrive, not a list of things that didn’t get done while you were gone.

Most of the people we work with didn’t start out looking for a new home manager. They started with small frustrations. Missed visits. Vendors who weren’t followed up with. Projects that stalled. Someone who said they’d be there—and wasn’t. Missed visits. Stalled projects. Work that wasn’t followed through.

Elevation Home Management was built for owners who want their home actively managed, not passively checked on.

We oversee your property the way an owner would if they lived here full time. That means managing vendors, coordinating projects, keeping an eye on the details, and making sure work is actually completed the way it was agreed to—not just scheduled. Not just “checked.”

If something needs to be repaired, improved, or handled, you don’t have to track down three different people or wonder who is responsible. You have one point of contact who knows your home and follows things through.

Many of our clients tell us they didn’t even realize this level of service existed. They just knew something wasn’t working before.

We work with luxury secondhome owners who are away for weeks or months at a time and want confidence that their home is being looked after with consistency, discretion, and care.

Most of our clients didn’t know this level of service existed.

to learn more about our approach and availability.