Posted by John Peretz on Thu, Sep 10, 2009 @ 05:34 PM
The Steamboat Springs area and Northwest Colorado has some of the very best elk hunting in the United States and the World. If you're lucky enough to have your elk tag, you might be wondering what other things to do in Steamboat Springs after you're done hunting. Here's our list from a local's point-of-view:
- Go to The Tap House to watch your favorite football team. The Tap House in downtown Steamboat Springs at 729 Lincoln Ave. has all the satellite programming you could wish for, including NFL ticket, college games and more. It's funky downstairs location makes it a perfect spot to grab some grub and have a brew.
- Get a massage at All Season Wellness. This is Steamboat Springs premier massage facility, offering a variety of affordable deep tissue, Swedish and Thai massage specials. You can even surprise your wife or girlfriend by going for the Mountain Man Makeover before you return home, combining a great massage with a facial and a manicure or pedicure. Or, try A Calming Touch massage therapy. Both All Season Wellness and A Calming Touch have available outcall service to your location for an additional fee. Don't let your location limit you from a great health benefit and experience!
- Soak in the natural Strawberry Park hot springs a little out of town. Ask a local where the all natural hot springs are, and go for a soak with your buddies. It's a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience sure to soothe your aching body.
- Go golfing at Haymaker Golf course, almost a mile and a half above sea level. Amaze your friends with the distance you can drive (and slice) at this altitude. Haymaker is a great public course just a little south of town on Highway 40 headed towards Rabbit Ears Pass.
- Go grab some barbecue at the local's joint, Double Z Barbecue. Located one block off of Lincoln at 1124 Yampa Street, this is where the local's go for the best barbecue in Streamboat. Or, try the Steamboat Smokehouse, where you'll find some great mounts and you can throw peanut shells on the ground.
- Check out the local taxidermy shops in Steamboats. B & L Taxidermy at 1744 Lincoln does great work, as does All Seasons Taxidermy at 2354 Lincoln Ave. Both shops are a little north of town.
- Learn the history of the Yampa Valley at the coolest little historical museum in Northwest Colorado, the Tread of Pioneers museum located at 800 Oak Street, one street off the main drag of Lincoln Ave.
- Go fly fishing on the Yampa River. There are three great fy fishing shops in town, Straightline Sports, Bucking Rainbow and Steamboat Flyfisher. They offer rental equipment and guided trips.
Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy the mountains of Northwest Colorado and the magical city of Steamboat Springs, CO.
Posted by John Peretz on Fri, Aug 21, 2009 @ 07:39 PM
I'm often asked what are some different things to do in Steamboat Springs. So here's my list of 10 unusual things you can do in Steamboat Springs besides skiing, boarding, hiking and biking.
1. Take a Dog Sled Tour
There are at least two dog sled companies in the Steamboat Springs area that offer sledding guests the opportunity of lifetime. Terrain is comparable to the Yukon in Canada or Alaska's interior. Check out Grizzlet.com or Red Runner Dog Sled Tours.
2. Play with Tractors at Dig It
Billed as the first heavy equipment play arena in the United States, this is your chance to actually use giant bulldozers, excavators and skid loaders, moving dirt and piles of snow in moving projects. See www.digthis.info for more details.
3. Get an authentic Thai Massage in Steamboat Springs
After a stint at the Chetawan Thai Traditional Massage School right outside of Bangkok, Thailand, Pam and her staff bring back this authentic experience of Thai Yoga massage at her Asian-inspired Steamboat Springs day spa. Book your Thai massage in Steamboat at www.allseasonwellness.com.
4. Drive on an Ice Course at the Bridgestone Driving School
Learn to drive in snow and ice at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. They offer programs for all different levels, and their courses are some of the finest and toughest in the world. See their web site at www.winterdrive.com
5. Go Fly Fishing in the Middle of Winter
Think you can't go fly fishing in the winter? Think again. Bucking Rainbow will take you to some incredible private land where you can try your luck at trophy trout. They'll outfit you perfectly for the winter weather. Check out www.buckingrainbow.com.
6. Experience Real, Natural Hot Springs
Sure, Steamboat Springs is known for its Old Town Hot Springs in the middle of downtown, but you can take a four-wheel drive vehicle or a tour to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, nestled in the mountains close to town. And, it's clothing optional after dark. See www.strawberryhotsprings.com.
7. Go on a Cemetery Tour
It's always cryptic and fascinating to visit an old cemetery. In the Steamboat Springs cemetery, you'll find the gravestones of the Crawford's, one of the settling families of Steamboat, among other early ranchers. You'll also notice that the lifespan of most residents was considerably shorter. The cemetery is located just west of downtown on Highway 40.
8. See the Famous Lighted Man
The Lighted Man is a Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival tradition, first started by Claudius Banks in 1936. Today, that tradition continues at Howelsen Hill in the middle of downtown Steamboat. The lighted man skis down the hill with torches and flames, preceding a giant fireworks show. See www.steamboat-chamber.com/signature.events.asp.
9. Watch Ski Jumpers Train in the Middle of Summer
Chances are you've seen the infamous "Agony of Defeat" opening on ABC's Wide World of Sports, where a ski jumper tumbles down in a radical fall. But did you know that you can watch some of the world's best ski jumpers train in Steamboat Springs during the summer at Howelsen Hill?
10. See the World's only High School Marching Band on Skis
Billed as the only high school marching band on skis, you can see these musicians doing their thing during the famous Winter Carnival every February in Steamboat Springs, CO. If you think walking and chewing gum at the same time is hard, you should try doing this. Visit www.steamboat-chamber.com/signature.events.asp.