This week's Feature Friday is a new face to Durango.com, Bobbie Carll, owner of Bobbie Carll Realty, LLC. 
1. How long have you been in the Real Estate business and did you work somewhere before starting your own company?
Almost 40 years. I sold my first husband's (he was a builder) property in Atlanta, GA, Titusville and Melbourne, FL. Then I worked for Cache Cay Realty, on the Indian River in Vero Beach, FL. Following that I was Vice Pres. of Resort Operations for John's Island (a very prestigious development that encompasses both the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River) in Vero Beach, FL. Later I moved to Durango and was the property manager for Coldwell Banker. Next was Century 21 Caver RE in Durango where I won all the top awards. In 1998 I opened my own office and operated that until 2007 when I sold out to Realty Executives. We had 7 boutique offices thruout SW CO. In 2009 I re-opened my own company with 1 licensed assistant Gayle Webster. We love working out of our home offices and our buyers and sellers seem to like it too.
2. Over the years of selling Durango homes, who is your top buyer? Durango residents or out-of-towners moving into Durango?
I have had many of both over the years so it's hard to say for sure but since I have been here so long I would think it's locals moving up or down or moving away. Out of town buyers are generally higher dollar buyers. My highest dollar sale may have been a ranch that went for $1.5 about 10 years ago. But quite a few have been around $1mil. I do it all!
3. Of those who are moving into Durango from somewhere else, what are they most excited about when moving to Durango?
COMMUNITY, that's easy. When something is needed here people contribute financially and/or as volunteers. Very inter-connected and caring.

4. What's your favorite way to spend a day in Durango?
Walking my precious Westie's along the river trail where I see people I know to chat with and see Bald Eagles flying by as well as a myriad of other wildlife and birds. I am fortunate to live on the Animas River (River of Lost Souls).
5. What do you think is Durango's best kept secret?
Our people.
After a bit of a dry spell in Durango we're loving all this snow that's falling! Over the past week Durango Mountain Resort is reporting 20 inches of snow! A much needed addition to the mountain that has 99% of all the trails now open! There is a 49 inch base and they have just groomed STYX! It's a great weekend to hit the slopes Durango! Get your discounted lift tickets today and enjoy your weekend!
The Durango Marathon is back! A successful event that hasn't been around Durango since 2006 is finally making a comeback in 2012. The Animas Surgical Hospital Durango Double will host a full marathon, half-marathon and two trail runs, a 25K and 50K, October 6 - 7, 2012. There will be an event for everyone! The double comes from doing the trail runs on Saturday and the road races on Sunday.
Schultz writes that Durango is “an irresistible mix of history and activity” and dwells on the narrow gauge railroad with particular affection. Previously, Schultz, a travel writer for The New York Times, included Durango in her best-selling book, 1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die. The other 993 places listed in 1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die, did not make Shultz’s more-exclusive list, including the Grand Canyon.
The encomium is timely. Outside magazine just named Durango’s winter festival Snowdown, one of the five best winter carnivals in North America, noting that with events such as its contest to see who can stuff the most people into an outhouse at one time, “Snowdown may be the only winter carnival in the country that scares more people away from a town than it attracts.”
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The first Feature Friday of 2012 is one of Durango's most well known hotels - The General Palmer. The General Palmer is a very important and historic hotel in downtown Durango and the General Manager, Paula Nelson, has answered a few questions about the hotel for today's Feature Friday.
1. The General Palmer was built in 1898, tell me a little about the history of the hotel.
The Hotel was built by General William Jackson Palmer, who was a civil war General. He was the same man that built the Durango, Silverton Narrow Gauge. The hotel was built as a hotel and has always been one, it has also never been closed down. We have housed some celebrities in the past, I remember meeting Christie Brinkley, we have also hosted Ed Marinara from the old Hill Street Blues series, Michael J Fox stayed with as well as country singer Tanya Tucker.

2. The Victorian setting is such a unique touch for a hotel, are all the Victorian furnishings authentic?
All of our rooms are decorated in the Victorian theme and each room is different. Some of the furnishings are antiques but some are replicas, everything in the lobby is antique.

3. With over a hundred years in existence I'm sure the General Palmer has quite a few interesting stories, what's your favorite?
You are so right many, many things have happened here at the Palmer since it’s inception, I have worked here the past 19 years! There are always the random ghost stories or unexplainable incidents.
One of my favorite memories is the French family who stayed with us for a week, their little boy of about 5 years old had half a piece of a toy rubber snake that he loved and would carry around and play with much of the time he was here. Well darned if he didn’t loose that little piece that he had, he just knew it was somewhere her in the hotel. We looked all over the place and didn’t find a thing. It was so small about maybe 4 inches long and black so it wouldn’t be very visible to begin with. Anyway about 2 months later, long after they had left, I was vacuuming in the solarium and behind a chair I found that piece of snake, I was so excited. We tracked down their address from our records and was able to send the treasured toy home to the little boy. Of course the family was ecstatic. About 3 years later an older gentleman -82 years old- came into the lobby, he was a cyclist visiting from France who was participating in Ride the Rockies, he and I began chatting and it turned out that he was somehow related to the little boy and knew of the lost snake incident. He was able to relay to me how thrilled the boy was and how he “drug” that little piece of rubber snake all around with him.
4. What's your favorite way to spend a day in Durango?
My favorite way to spend a day is to grab a bit of Cold Stone Ice Cream and sit outside and watch the people go by, can’t get enough of that! Sometimes people will stop and chat with you and you hear some of the most amazing stories from them. I always ask where they are from and how they like Durango, they are so envious that I actually get to live here, in paradise.
5. What do you think is Durango's best kept secret?
Not much of a secret but I think to appreciate it you really have to be able to access it and enjoy it. For me it will always be the “Outback”. Getting out into the high mountains that surround us will always be dear to my heart! Hiking trails that are barely visible and mapping out where you would like to end up is so challenging and wonderful to me.
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The Henry Strater Theatre has just announced "Comedy Nights at the Hank" a three part comedy series with shows in January, February and March.

The first show is this Saturday, January 7, at 8 pm. The headliner, Jeff Wozer is based out of Denver’s world famous Comedy Works, has clean and clever material that makes him a regular on the national club and corporate circuit. He was recently one of only 24 comedians in the nation to be invited to the Great American Comedy Festival. He’s worked with Lewis Black, Brian Regan, and Martin Short. Jeff is a writer too and his humor has been heard on NPR and his articles have appeared in more than 30 publications including Rocky Mountain Sports, Dining Out Chicago, and the prestigious Explorer Club’s Explorers Journal. This show will also feature Sarah Kennedy, a native of New Mexico, only recently started doing comedy in 2009, and in that short time has opened for Bruce Baum and the Upright Citizens Brigade. She's been in five episodes of Peacefield Production's Duke City Comedy League television show, was part of Angel Fire's 2010 Powder Keg Mountain Festival, and a finalist in NBC's Stand Up for Diversity nationwide online comedy contest. In April she'll be opening for Dana Goldberg and Erin Foley as part of the 2011 Southwest Funny Fest and then performing as part of the Ladies Are Funny Festival in Austin, TX. Sarah keeps her comedy on the clean side and is guaranteed to never say what you expect.
Show number two will be on February 25 at 8 pm with headliner Lori Callahan featuring Brett Crandall. Callahan is a Colorado native based out of Denver. She is one of the funniest working female headline comedians working today. Her style makes you feel like you’re right in your own living room. Lori has performed with Jeff Foxworthy, Paula Poundstone, Richard Belzer, Mark Curry, Bobby Collins, Carrot Top, Brett Butler, and the late Sam Kinison to name a few. Television Appearances include: “Showtime’s Comedy Club Network”, Ken Weinstock (director); “Almost Live Comedy Show”, Jeff Valdez (producer / director); Comedy Central ESPN’s “The Lighter Side of Sports”, Emmy Winning Episode. Her Club appearances include: Funny Bones, Laffs, Comedy Works, Wits End, Comedy Productions, Slapstix, Looney’s, Comedy Zone, Nuts Comedy Clubs, and Comedy Club. Crandall delivers an act largely inspired by his personal experiences and passions. His quick wit, instant likability, and unique way of engaging any audience has made him a favorite at many clubs and bars in Colorado. With a laid back, likable, yet biting style, Brett is sure to bring big laughs.
The last show on March 24 at 8pm with headliner David Testroet featuring Curt Fletcher. Testroet was born in Iowa and has an easy Mid-West delivery. From comedy clubs and theaters across the United States and Canada, to flying across seas for five different tours to entertain the U.S. Military, David has a fast and funny show anyone can enjoy. His material twists from Darwin to Grizzly Bears with sharp improvisation skills developed with over 20 years of stage experience. He is also a well-established harmonica player, from rock and roll to original songs like the Big Guy Blues. Fletcher lives in Denver and is one of the top young entertainers around. Originally from the cornfields of Iowa, he took his dry sense of humor to the desert in Albuquerque. Shortly after starting comedy he won the 2003 Great Southwest Laff Off, beating out 21 other comics, including Marc Shuter. In 2005, he made his acting debut starring in independent film, "Mismatch.com," and in 2006’s "Pink Slipped." Recently he played Nazi Soldiers in the movies, "Valkyre" and "Inglorious Basterds". In 2007, he advanced to the semifinals of HBO’s Lucky 21 contest. He also performed for the University of New Mexico football team before their bowl game.
Tickets are $10 dollars in advance and $12 at the door. For additional information and interviews please contact Emily Flood at 970.375.7123. HenryStraterTheatre.com | Strater.com
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Planning a summer trip to Durango? Get to planning today to get the best deals! We also have a great Summer Planning guide to help you plan for all the warm weather activities.
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We're ready for Christmas here at Durango.com! Downtown Durango is filled with lights and Durango mountain is covered with snow the perfect combination for a Merry Christmas in Durango!

Where are you spending the holiday season? If you planning on visiting Durango be sure to check out all the fun events happening when you will be here and don't forget to purchase your lift tickets in advance to get the best deals! One of the top things on your list of things to do in Durango this holiday season should be take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad's Polar Express Train where the award-winning book, and movie The Polar Express, comes to life on a magical journey. What a perfect way to celebrate the holidays with non-stop service to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express™! Inspired by the book by Chris Van Allsburg, you can experience the magic of The Polar Express™. Read along with the story as the train makes it’s round-trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Kids are even encouraged to wear their pajamas! The departure times will be 5:15, 6:50 and 8:25 through Friday, December 23, Saturday, December 24 will have 5:15 and 6:50 departure times and December 26, 27 & 28 will have 5:15, 6:50 and 8:25 departure times. Make your reservations today!

Durango, Telluride, Montrose, and Boulder are all new to the list for 2012. Durango is a particularly notable choice: According to USA Pro Cycling Challenge promoters, "Durango is home to more professional cyclists, national champions and Olympians per capita than any other town in the United States."
The race has also been upgraded to a 2.HC ranking, "the highest registration level next to the Tour de France," according to race promoters. Be sure to check out the full 2012 stage breakdown of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge!
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HeidiTown.com just released their top 5 Colorado Christmas Towns and guess who was on the list? Yep, our Durango, Colorado made it! They noted that HGTV recently named Durango a Top Ten Christmas town and of course we would have to agree! Durango with our famous Polar Express production by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a must for the Christmas season. This train ride is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas with the kids! They read the Polar Express story on the train ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa and all passengers get to enjoy hot chocolate and a treat served by your
personal chefs. While Santa visits each car, your chefs
will lead you in specially selected Christmas carols on the return to
Durango. All the kids aboard the train will receive a special gift from
Santa! As in the story everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas on this special journey, but be sure your pockets don't have any holes! HeidiTown.com also said that "There’s never a dull moment and
always something Christmassy happening" and again, we agree! If you're visiting Durango this Christmas season you will love walking through downtown Durango during HOLiDAZZLE with all the store fronts decorated for Christmas! 
Discounted
lift tickets are available Friday to Sunday for $43 adults, $33 students
(13 years to high school) and seniors (65-69), $23 children (6-12) and
goldens (70 and older). These prices won't last long so if you're around be sure to take full advantage! Not visiting Durango for a few weeks? Check out these discounted lift tickets for your next trip to Durango!

Breakfast, a Holiday Performance and More: Saturday,December 17, 2011. The Strater Hotel along with 1887 Catering and the Henry Strater Theatre are pleased to announce that this year’s Morning with Santa will be held Saturday, December 17 from 9am to 11:30am in the Henry Strater Theatre. From 9 - 11:30 am there will be a buffet breakfast available. Starting at 9:30 there will be a Holiday Sing Along Performance of How Santa Got His Christmas Tree. Then at 10 am there will be photos with Santa.
Tickets are $5 for ages 4 and under, $9 for ages 5 thru 10 and $19 for 11 and over. These tickets will include food, crafts, entertainment and photos. All participants will be able to decorate their own pancakes, sing along with the elves during their performance, make handcrafted art to take home and more! All guests are welcome to donate hats, gloves and blankets for the Strater Hotel Project Merry Christmas. You can purchase your tickets at the Henry Strater Theatre website or by calling 970.375.7124.
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With the first of December right around the corner the it's officially the holiday season! HOLiDAZZLE is in full force and you will see beautiful window displays all around Downtown Durango! Here are a just a few upcoming events to get you ready for the holidays!
Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar at the Animas Museum - Friday, December 2nd, 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Vendors from the Four Corners will fill the museum with pottery, quilts, fine art, photography, hand-spun wool and knitted apparel, jewelry, stained glass, hand-milled soaps and lotions, baked goods and so much more! The museum store will offer holiday sale prices on their stock of jewelry, pottery and Navajo rugs. Help support local artists and crafters this holiday season at Durango’s most unique holiday bazaar.
Noel Night on Main Avenue in Durango this Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Noel Night is more than just great shopping in over 90 fantastic boutiques in downtown Durango. The evening features holiday music and entertainment. There is a gift wrapping station. The Victorian Aid Society strolls the streets wearing victorian-era fashions. Each participating boutique creates their own unique Noel Night atmosphere with special discounts, raffles, holiday refreshments, and parties. It is arguably the most creative night downtown – in some stores you will even find the staff dressed up as elves and other holiday characters.

Festival of Trees at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train
Museum Friday December 2 - Sunday December 4. Activities include a silent auction of decorated trees and
wreaths. You could win one of these coveted trees, ornaments, gifts,
skirt, and travel bag valued at over $400 by entering the drawing
($10/3 tickets). 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Be sure to mark your calendars for the Backcountry Experience BrewSKI Demofest! Three of your favorite things combined, snow, beer and gear! Thursday and Friday December 17 & 18 come up to Purgatory to demo all kinds of great winter gear from Backcountry Experience. After then be sure to sample some great craft beer from Steamworks & Ska.
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1.
The Durango Lodge is a perfectly placed hotel in Downtown Durango, tell
me a little history about the Durango Lodge and how long has is been
there?
It's that time of year again! Things start to get busy with holidays right around the corner and it's easy to forget about those who might need our help! Unfortunately there are still many families in Durango who continue to struggle to make ends meet. One vulnerable segment of our population can be specifically impacted by this situation, our sweet babies. And the story is still the same, when money is tight; buying diapers can be a real challenge. Babies can be left in diapers too long, causing diaper rash or infection, which can cause them to be cranky and irritable which can then be a cause for abuse. Disposable diapers are even sometimes reused…Yuck!
So what can you do to help? Through December 9th please bring diapers, formula and/or baby wipes to any of the following locations:
First National Bank of Durango main lobby
First National Bank- Bodo Location 10AM-3:00PM
First National Bank in Bayfield,
Boxes in the entries of City Market North and South, Albertsons beginning the 17th
The diapers, formula and baby wipes will be delivered to the following agencies for their clients who request diapers: Manna Soup Kitchen, Advocacy for La Plata, Durango Food Bank, Bayfield Food Bank, The Family Center, VOA – Safe House and Durango Community Shelter
It costs approximately $75/month for diapers for a baby. Formula can be $100 and baby wipes are additional. So let's all take a few minutes to help these familes out!! Last year there were over 9500 diapers, 6000 wipes and several cases of formula collected. Let’s beat that this year!
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Six adults and four kids celebrated Harry Letterman’s birthday on the train, who turned 8 on November 3. Al Harper, owner of the D&SNG train met Letterman and his family and even gave them a tour of the museum and the roundhouse. “He could not have been nicer,” Harper said. “Very humble. His wife and family are very outgoing. He’s a little more reserved.” Letterman told a hostess that he loved the train and loved Durango and planned to talk about his trip on his show “Late Night with David Letterman.”
Other celebrities have ridden the train, including one of Letterman’s favorite targets, Oprah Winfrey.
*This article made the Wall Street Journal! Go Durango!
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During this month of thanks here at Durango.com we would love to
send out a great big THANK YOU to all our Durango visitors, those
of you who read our blogs, follow us on twitter, fans on facebook and those who receive our eNewsletter! To
show our thanks we will be giving away one Durango.com DRO sticker every
day now ( November 8 ) through Thanksgiving Day! All you have to do to
participate is go to Durango.com
and sign up for our eNewsletter, then leave a comment below. (eNews sign up is on the right sidebar under Holidazzle)
Want extra entries?
Re-tweet our giveaway tweet to all your followers and let us know if you’ve
re-tweeted. The giveaway winner will be contacted each day. Good
luck!