Herald Staff Writer

Durango was named one of “The 14 Coolest Towns for Your Summer Vacation” in Forbes magazine on April 26.

The designation came from Ann Abel, a travel writer and editor for 15 years, including several as a senior editor at ForbesLife.

Abel said Marty Beher, founder of travel website Revealed America, recommended Durango based on its downtown clustered with 19th-century buildings on the National Historic Register, including several restored hotels and fine restaurants. And surrounding the downtown area are extraordinary historic homes of the same vintage. Abel also noted Durango offers outdoor recreation aplenty, including whitewater rafting, hiking, ATV touring and more. And of course, she mentioned the 19th-century Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Crested Butte also made Abel’s list.