Power, speed and performance – those are the three major traits of a muscle car. When first produced, muscle cars were just pretty darn amazing because they combined the efficiency of a lightweight, mid-sized body with the performance of a high- power V8 engine and special design features that further increased the cars? acceleration capabilities. Because muscle cars topped all other vehicles in terms of power, speed and performance, they were ideal for racing.

Muscle cars were produced from the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, but the production of such beasts fell drastically due to a number of factors. First was the controversy over whether it was wise and responsible to make such powerful vehicles available to the general public, primarily due to road racing. Because muscle cars were often used irresponsibly, liability relating to them was pretty high which forced insurance companies to increase rates for insuring muscle cars. Emission control requirements intended to curb pollution also played into the picture making it near impossible for automakers to produce muscle cars that met the standards they had to adhere to.

Needless to say, the muscle car industry changed quickly due to these influences. Demand decreased because many ?would-be? buyers of muscle cars couldn?t fathom paying the enormous insurance rates for a high-power vehicle and automakers had to meet the challenges presented by pollution control standards.

Since muscle cars were produced for a limited number of years, they are valuable items for collectors and are still highly desirable to those who enjoy racing or desire a quick, powerful, mid-sized car. Since the decline in the production of muscle cars, some automakers have attempted to bring the muscle car era back to life by producing powerful vehicles that resemble the legendary muscle cars, but in my opinion, they don?t hold a candle to classic muscle cars like the GTO, the Road Runner or the Chevelle SS.

It will be interesting to see how the history of muscle cars plays out. Will present day automakers renew production of true muscle cars that are fast and powerful? Will there be enough demand to make muscle car production worth it to them? Or, will muscle cars continue to be limited to those classic models that were produced in the 60s and 70s?

Classic muscle cars are pretty amazing pieces of machinery. One that is restored and in cherry condition is really worth a lot of money. As time goes on, there are fewer muscle cars available which makes them even more valuable to classic car collectors and muscle car enthusiasts.

— By Mari Clifton, Colorado Correspondent. Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo.
14ac Step Back To The Old West At The Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado
Read the full feature in Jetsetters Magazine www.jetsettersmagazine.com or at this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/colorado/strater/strater.html

There is only one place to stay in Durango, the town's grandest living icon — the Stater.

Just keep in mind that you may never be satisfied with any other hotel after staying here. The Strater has been hailed down the ages as Durango's home away from home. I am willing to give up my home and live here . . .!

I arrived tired and travel weary. I strode into the Strater with mixed expectations; this hotel is renowned by the locals as not only a historical landmark, but as part of the life of this Old West town.

The Strater, in fact, has bridged the past into the present, bringing the grand quality of 100 years ago forward and merging it with modern technology and conveniences, all accomplished without any compromise in quality. The result is a perfect blending of the best of both worlds that has made the Strater not only a legend in its own time, but a true masterpiece of time.

Only one-step into the lobby, and I stepped back a century in time. It is incredulous.

The Strater is drenched and framed in warm woods, carved, notched, and formed everywhere you look. The lobby just opens up before you, and yet there is a comforting feel to it that just invites you in. Every bit of space is thoughtfully laid out to maintain the solid elegance of this great hotel.

I walk across the lobby and try to take it all in, and I am amazed by the style and grace. I simply could not have imagined the quality of craftsmanship and the attention to the smallest detail, all defying words.

After a moment of adjustment, leaving the weariness of travel and the bustle of the streets behind me, I find myself snapped up by my surroundings and proceed to the front desk. The staff match up to the environment with grace and style in action . . . professional, friendly and personal, I was clearly a welcomed guest..

I was attended to in detail, then offered a drink (they had me at hello . . . but now they really had me), and tending to my needs. Soon I had not one, but several staff all offering to make my night easy by helping to park my car, and getting me into the fully booked Mahogany Grille for dinner. There was not a table available, as the entire night was completely reserved, but somehow they got me in. To be honest, I had no doubts.

You won't get the typical hotel experience at the Strater; the staff is genuine and devoted to the guests and patrons. They have it down — professionalism tempered with the personal touch, and its done with class and style. They clearly understand the importance of your experience from the moment you arrive.

That alone would bring me back to stay here.

My Room

I was escorted to my room by a young gent on staff, and where do I start? My room was chock full of gorgeous walnut antiques and marble topped tables; the room and doors were all trimmed and sculpted in wood that just amazed the eye. My bed was a massive structure with a solid headboard that had to be over five feet tall. And in the middle of the beautifully laid out bed was a large fresh fully opened red rose surrounded by ferns. It was a welcome clearly felt.

A small bottle of liquor was placed on the marble topped table, a well heard, make yourself at home, and take a moment to have a drink on us. Actually, I can't remember my home making me this comfortable in a long time.

The coffered ceilings were wallpapered, and while I have never been a fan of wallpaper, this room cured me of that. The design of the wallpaper was made to fit the room, dramatic and involved and yet fitting all the angles of the ceilings and walls; I couldn't figure out how it could be done. I later was told by the owner that the wallpaper is actually hand stenciled to fit the individual angles and idiosyncrasies of each room and it had to be custom ordered and paid for in advance, much like a commissioned painting. (I actually overheard a guest saying he woke up early to look at the wallpaper. Keep in mind this was a guy.)

Every room has a diary, inviting you to author your own review; how many hotels would dare to do that?

Background History

Read the entire feature for free with photos at:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/colorado/strater/strater.html

— By Mari Clifton, Colorado Correspondent. Photos by Mari Clifton and courtesy of Strater Hotel. Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

— By Mari Clifton, Colorado Correspondent. Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo.

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