Introducing You to Your New Durango Hometown
We live in La Plata County because we love it and our hearts are here. Of course, we love our incredible mountain scenery, but there’s so much more: Unlimited outdoor recreations, year-around events, fabulous restaurants, a nationally-renowned college, a vibrant arts and music scene, a caring community – and all topped off by blue skies, summer wildflowers and winter’s mantel of champagne powder.
Welcoming you to our hometown is our pleasure. We’re glad you’re here and we’re happy to share our community with you.
So, allow us to introduce ourselves...
Roberta Eickman, owner of New-In-Town
I started New-In-Town Welcome Service because I’m proud of our community and I feel blessed to live here . Anytime I meet a new resident I’m excited to share information about the area and the vibrant businesses that participate in the New-In-Town welcome program.
I moved to Durango in 1984 to ski and to raft the rivers of the Southwest and in the process I discovered my home. The scenery and the outdoor activities of the Four Corners area are beyond compare. But much more makes me feel at home – the people, the healthy lifestyle, the great businesses, the wonderful cultural diversity, the heart-warming sense of community.
Through New-In-Town I help new residents connect with their new community; I help businesses connect with new customers; and I meet new people and make new friends. That’s what I call a win-win-win!
And in case moving has given you sore muscles, an achy back, a stressed psyche, or you’d just like some healing touch, I’m also a massage therapist with more than 25 years of experience. I guarantee I can ease the pain or help you relax.
Martha McClellan, greeter
Like many people, I left the dreary East Coast for better weather and to live closer to my kids. I am so glad I made that move in 1993. It didn't take long for me to realize that I belong here. I’ve made lots of close friends in a community full of people who really care about each other.
I also work in early childhood education in Durango, so I know dozens of families and kids who are such a joy to work with and help out.
The people I meet through the New-In-Town Welcome Service are here because they choose to be here. People continue moving to Durango because they value the natural beauty, the environment and community. The variety of new residents adds to the great mix of folks here in southwest Colorado. There are retired people, young 20-somethings, middle-aged couples and young families with kids. They are happy to be here, and I’m happy to welcome them to our special corner of the West.
Juliet Whitfield, greeter
After visiting Colorado on a family vacation as a teenager, I vowed that I would spend my life here. I followed my dream and have lived in southwest Colorado since 1982.
After more than 20 years in Telluride, I moved to Durango because I love the feel of a real town with a true sense of community. The recreation and cultural activities here are second to none.
Meeting new residents through New-In-Town is so much fun and so fascinating. I’m always interested to hear where people moved from and why they chose Durango. Without exception, everyone I meet as a greeter is excited to be in Durango. Like me, they all chose to follow their dreams and move here.
Helping to introduce people to my community feels great. And I always end my visit with this question: “Is there something you’re looking for that I can help you find?”
A Welcome from the Dogs
Sure, a lot of people live in Durango, but it’s the dogs that rule this place. So, as we like to say “bow wow, ruff ruff, and don’t forget to carry poop bags on the trail.”
Ayla
I’ve been Roberta’s owner for ten years. She relies on me to get her up in the morning, to take her for walks, to get her home at a decent hour, and to remind her to buy hamburger – my favorite food. I’m a Wheaten Terrier and I love to cool off by dipping my belly in the cold water of the Animas River. If you see me, I'll take just about any treat you can offer – except vegetables.
Minnie
I’ve been Juliet’s owner for 10 years. I take her rafting on the Animas River every chance I get. I’m a Jack Russell Terrier and even though I’ve got short legs, I can swim faster than any dog on the river. When I’m not in the water, Juliet helps me with the family doggie day-care business – Durango Dogs. If you see me on the street I’d really like a piece of cheese. Asiago is my favorite.