Mountain Towns: Steamboat Springs, Colorado - 7 Awesome Things to Check Out

 

Everyone has heard the term "Southern hospitality" and I'm sure you immediately think of Forrest Gump, sitting on the bench surrounded by Spanish moss. While the South is known for charm, kindness, and welcoming smiles, Steamboat Springs is a corner of the Rocky Mountains that genuinely inhabits Western hospitality. From local store owners, shuttle drivers, and bartenders, you will be welcomed with Western charm that your community or friends and family will sense from content you share captured from your Western adventure. If you're traveling to Steamboat any time soon, these are the top seven things to add to your travel itinerary.

 

Lodging & Transportation

 

 

Whether you're traveling as a visitor or as a content creator, resting your head after a long day of adventures is important. The Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas offers many options in rooms and suites you can choose from that is the perfect fit for you to unwind and relax. The Sheraton is located right at the base of the ski mountain, making it convenient to have direct access to the ski lift, the resort village, and list of dining options. The modern decorations and clean atmosphere create a premium experience and offer a list of amenities, such as a heated outdoor pool, fitness room, on-site spa and delicious singular restaurants.

 

Quick hint! If you're staying somewhere downtown Steamboat Springs, you can take a shuttle from downtown to the ski resort for free or you can park your car at one of the many lots located around the resort: Knoll, Meadows, Gondola Square, and Ski Time Square. Keep in mind, not all of these lots are free and may require a payment.

 

 

Get Outside

 

Steamboat Springs offers a variety of activities year-round making it a perfect spot to capture content, embrace the beauty, and inspire your community. Just bundle up and you'll be able to take part in so many different outdoor activities, including snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and snow bikes! If you're up for a hike to see a frozen waterfall, Fish Creek Falls is the perfect winter hike to take in a winter wonderland. It is only one fourth of a mile hike to the lower part of the falls and, if you're lucky, you can catch some ice climbers making their way up to the top. Another fun way to experience the outside beauty of Steamboat Springs is snowshoe Rabbit Ears Pass or bring along your backcountry skis to glide through the beautiful snow covered trees.

 

 

Steamboat Ski Resort offers a diversity of 170 trails for all abilities and covers an entire mountain range that includes Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak. The highest peak, Mount Werner, reaches an elevation of 10,568 feet that gives jaw dropping views of the surrounding landscape that will for sure capture your digital community's attention. If you're just visiting the resort and not there to hit the slopes, you can go on a scenic gondola ride with the price of a ticket that takes you up Mount Werner. Take in the amazing views and capture content that will leave your community breathless and longing to take a roadtrip.

 

 

One of the most popular things to do in Steamboat Springs after a long day of adventure is a visit to Strawberry Hot Springs. These natural hot springs offer a very natural setting and beautiful, unique stone masonry that creates a rustic and warm atmosphere. You must book a reservation before going to the hot springs due to creating a safe environment for everyone who visits. Strawberry Hot Springs is a short drive from Steamboat Springs and Steamboat Ski Area, or you can take a shuttle. Along with the hot springs, you can also book a massage with wonderful therapists who will take care of any specific needs you may have, whether you have a kink in your neck or just want a rejuvenating, relaxing experience.

 

Keep in mind, 4 wheel drive with snow tires or chains are required November 1st to May 1st per the Routt County law, so plan accordingly.

 

 

Fill Your Belly

 

After hitting the slopes, creating content, or walking around the resort, be sure to stop at two iconic food joints located right at the bottom of the ski mountain. Slopeside is a restaurant and bar located close to the Christie III lift and is a convenient spot to grab a drink and some grub. The menu ranges from burgers to pizza to wings with an endless list of yummy drinks.

 

 

The most popular après dive bar that is celebrating 13 years in Steamboat Springs is the T Bar, located at the bottom of the Christie III lift. What was once a Steamboat ski patrol building, T Bar prides themselves in their laid back environment that embraces ski culture and history while serving a five star menu that is for sure to impress. You won't be surprised to see racks of snowboards and skis piled up as people stop in to grab a drink or a warm meal before hitting the slopes again. T Bar serves classic and international cuisine, from Thai Pork Flatbread to T Bar Taco Salad to Crawfish Mac n Cheese, your tastebuds will for sure think they've gone to heaven. Not only is the food fantastic but the staff is even more so, welcoming you with upbeat energy and genuine smiles. Most of the staff has been working at the T Bar since it opened more than a decade ago, creating a close-knit, family bond between staff and the welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to give the bell a ring in the bar and be prepared to make a lot of new friends!

 

Downtown Steamboat Springs has a booming food scene and you will not fail in finding a place to feed your cravings. Winona's Restaurant and Bakery, voted Steamboat's best breakfast and lunch spot, is conveinently located right downtown and is the perfect way to begin your day of adventure. The coffee is nutty and bold, the french toast is delectable, and the bacon is the perfect crunch. Winona's also serves lunch so, if you're looking to relax midday and grab a bite to eat, the Philly Cheesesteak is to die for and the Ahi Tuna Salad will leave you feeling satisfied.

 

 

After a full day of adventuring and creating, end your day at Salt & Lime, a chic Mexican restaurant that puts a little twist on traditional Mexican food. The atmosphere is chic, simple, and is decorated with modern design that just compliments and enhances the delicious food. Happy Hour is offered every day from 3:30 to 5:30 and offers $2 off house margaritas and $4 tacos that leave your taste buds wanting more. The plates and intentionality of how everything is placed makes it picturesque, making it easy to capture the beauty of the food to share with your community. After filling your belly with Carne Asada tacos, homemade guacamole, and mouthwatering margs, finish off with their perfectly crafted churros that will for sure make your belly happy.

 

 

A Gem in Steamboat Springs

 

As you're traveling and making your way to Steamboat Springs, you'll notice yellow and black signs on each side of the road spread out along your drive. F.M. Light & Sons was established in 1905 and was founded by Frank M. Light who came to the West looking for relief from asthma. The store has become a legacy in Steamboat Springs, specializing in Western gear and is a celebration of the ranching families who made their homes in the area throughout the years. F.M. Light & Sons carries brands from Carhartt to Outback Trading Co to Levis and has countless options for hats and leather boots. When visiting Steamboat Springs, this is a must-do!