Ear to the ground
“Man, the whole town’s going to be drunk this weekend.”

“Sounds like last weekend.”
– A local conversation on the eve of Durango Beer Week, Oktoberfest, Steamworks 15th anniversary….

Durango to Cisco
Athleta has taken off its Durango Dress and headed west. The women’s active clothing company recently released its fall catalogue, and the entire glossy was shot against the backdrop of nearby Moab. Athleta also released 190 new styles, and it’s worth mentioning that the “Durango Dress” is no longer in the active clothing company’s stable.

The Durango Dress first saw daylight last season and promptly drew local jabs for its very un-Durango price tag and skimpy cut. “We’ve finally developed a flattering sweater dress in a perfectly soft organic yarn that will keep you cozy without weighing you down,” Athleta crooned of the unusual full-zipped turtle-neck sweater dress. However, the $128 garment was apparently not a big seller, was dropped from the line and is currently on sale for $49.

Having gotten the Durango treatment, the California-based company went farther afield for new inspiration. Locals may also enjoy the fact that the “Cisco Tee” has been added to the lineup. Named for the dusty, run-down collection of junk cars and dilapidated trailers near the Westwater takeout, the T-shirt costs a mere $49. Unlike its threadbare namesake, the garment is made of “heathered Teelicious® tissue-weight” fabric and offers “wicking performance over every excursion in this travel-ready style.”

Behind the curtain
On the subject of the Beehive State, beer and liquor are going back behind the “Zion Curtain” in Utah. New liquor laws have been added to the books. As a result, some bars and new restaurants will be required to keep sinful behavior on the down-low and pour their drinks out of view of customers.

The law goes on to require the “Zion Curtains” – physical partitions that will block view of the pernicious pours – so that underage patrons will not be tempted. Not surprisingly, the ordinance is drawing criticism from one end of the hive to the other.

However, many establishments have also dodged the crackdown. Restaurants that had beer-only licenses before Aug. 1 can continue to pour the suds in full public view. Those with new licenses, however, must erect barriers.