Posted by John Peretz on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 08:10 AM
It's Valenine's Day this weekend, and we're often asked what people can do to celebrate special holidays in Steamboat Springs. Here's our list of the top 6 things to do in Steamboat for Valentine's Day.
- Don't just give one card, give several. Plan your day a little bit and buy several Valentine's Day cards, then hide them throughout the day. You can go to the Dollar Store in Walmart Plaza and get 4 cards for $2, so it doesn't have to set you back $15 or more. Put one in the vanity area of the bathroom, another in the car, one in a purse, another on the pillow in the evening. This year, be a romantic.
- Give Personal Gift Certificates. One of the things I enjoy most is when my wife gives me gift certificates . It could be a babysitting coupon, a gift certificate to go on a hike with me (something I like to do but she doesn't), a certificate to do what I want to do one evening, etc. The opportunities are limitless, and you know your partner better than anyone, so think of what they like and then give him/her something special!
- Forget the Chocolate, get a Couple's Massage in Steamboat. All Season Wellness, a hip, new Asian-infused Day Spa in Steamboat Springs, is the only spa in town that offers a Couple's Massage, where two people get a massage in the same room by two different therapists. If that's not perfect for the two of you, the spa also offers Massage Gift Certificates in Steamboat for other spa packages, including the Mountain Man Makeover for your guy.
- Have Lunch at Ragnar's. Located on the mountain, and only accessible by skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, Ragnar's is an exceptional (and romantic) restaurant, and the chocolate cake is awesome. Have a romantic day on the mountain and make Ragnor's a stop along the way.
- Make dinner reservations and have some bubbly. Here's two recommendations: on the higher end, there's Cafe Diva, our favorite restaurant in Steamboat, but a little on the expensive side. Or, since the Saint's just won the big game, go to Sunpie's Bistro on Yampa Street for some Cajon food and a very casual atmosphere with Hurricanes and po'boys.
- Live a little on the wild side at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. This treasure, a little out of town, is a natural hot springs, and is clothing optional after dark. Yes, it's true, so if you or your partner has a wild streak, head to the hot springs. You need snow tires or a four-wheel drive to get there, or use the tour bus that will transport you to this very secluded and steamy spot!
In any event, have a great Valentine's Day weekend in Steamboat, be a romantic, and enjoy time with your partner. Life is short!
Posted by John Peretz on Fri, Dec 18, 2009 @ 07:43 AM
A lot of people have heard about hot stone massage therapy, but don't know if it's right for them. This article will explain the benefits of hot stone therapy and what happens during a typical massage.
What is a Hot Stone Massage Therapy?
In Hot Stone Massage Therapy, heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.
How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current.
The stones are immersed in water and heated until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones are placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand,or between the toes.
The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure.
The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to re-balance the body and mind.
What Can I Expect During a Hot Stone Massage?
The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. Typically you are lying face down, and the massage therapist often uses the hot stones to massage the back. After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist usually puts down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin.
There are other massages besides hot stone massage. Other types of massage include Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Massage, Couples Massage, and Pregnancy Massage.
Posted by John Peretz on Tue, Dec 15, 2009 @ 09:03 AM
There are many things to do in
Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We are often asked what are our favorite things to
do in Steamboat. Depending on the time of year (we'll focus on winter for now),
there is never a shortage of things to do in Steamboat Springs. Here are our
favorite winter activities in Steamboat.
- Ski or Snowboard: Steamboat Springs is known as Ski Town, U.S.A.®.
There is the Steamboat Ski Resort,
consistently ranked as one of the top ten ski resorts in the United States
by many publications.
- Go Snowshoeing. There are several places that rent snowshoes,
including Ski Haus located at
Highway 40 and Pine Mountain road, next to Safeway. Or, travel up County
Road 129 to Steamboat Lake (about 25 miles north of Steamboat) and make a
stop a t the Clark General Store. They also rent snowshoes. Making a trip to
North Routt is a completely different experience and well worth the trip.
- Take a Snowmobile Tour. There are many operators that
have great tours. Generally, you can go to Rabbit Ears Pass or Steamboat Lake, but there
are many other options available. Our favorite is Steamboat Lake.
- Go Tubing. There are two general options: during the day at Saddleback
Ranch, or in the evening at Howelsen
Hill. Because of the lower cost and historic significance, our
favorite is Howelsen Hill.
- Take a Winter Hike. There are two trails that are easy and popular
and won't require snow shoes. The first is the Spring
Creek Trail, which meanders for just under two miles to the turnaround
point along Spring Creek. Since it gets used a lot, the snow is generally
packed in and easy to walk in. The other is the Steamboat Core trail, which is a summer
bike path that goes along the Yampa River and is paved in the winter time.
- Go Dog Sledding. Red
Runner Dog Sled Tours offers incredible tours at Stagecoach, just a
15-20 minute ride outside of Steamboat. One of the owners actually
competes in the world famous Iditarod in Alaska.
- Find the Far East in the Wild West. A new Asian-infused Steamboat
day spa named All
Season Wellness offers hip, contemporary spa
packages, including their Signature
Thai Massage. There's also the Buddha's
Best package, deep
tissue massage, facials, waxing and more. They even do Couple's
Massage in Steamboat, which few if any spas in Steamboat do.
- Discover out-of-the-way restaurants. Our favorite in Steamboat
include Sunpie's (cheap, Cajon-styled
po' boy sandwiches and gumbo), Double Z Barbecue (where the locals go),
and Dutch Creek Ranch
(across from Steamboat Lake), 30 miles away and worth the trip.
- Watch the Ski Jumpers at Howelsen Hill. Check the schedule, but Howelsen
Hill has the oldest and largest ski jumping facility in America.
Located just on the other side of the Yampa River in downtown Steamboat
Springs off of 5th Street, there are ski jumping competitions and training throughout the
Winter, including the Wednesday night series.
- Ski with Billy Kidd. Billy
Kidd, one of America's most noted Olympian skiers, offers free ski
tours at the Steamboat Ski Resort. Follow Billy down the mountain in his
legendary Cowboy Hat, but check with the mountain first to see if
he's skiing when you're in town.
These are our favorites. Please feel
free to add your own or comment on your favorites.
Posted by John Peretz on Thu, Oct 08, 2009 @ 04:00 PM
All Season Wellness, a new
Day Spa in Steamboat Springs, CO, announced its grand opening
event to be held October 15th, 2009.
All Season Wellness is a unique, Asian-infused Steamboat
Springs Day Spa where the Wild West meets the Far East. They offer a variety of Steamboat Springs massage types, including traditional Thai massage,
Deep Tissue massage, Swedish, Pregnancy, Couples and Children’s massage.
The new Steamboat Springs day spa will also perform invigorating
body wraps, invigorating scrubs, relaxing herbal compresses, waxing, European facials and
combination spa packages.
The grand opening event, including a special ribbon-cutting ceremony coordinated with the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce, begins at 5:30 pm and includes complimentary chair massage and refreshments, as well as a free drawing for a complete spa package.
Ms. Pamela Peretz, owner the new spa, personally invites everyone in Steamboat to stop by. "We're opening a spa that's totally unique to Steamboat," Ms. Peretz explains. "We want everyone to have the chance to have the far eastern spa experience, because it's such an unusual experience in a Western town." Ms. Peretz recently spent two months in Thailand learning Thai massage to add to their extensive list of spa modalities.
The new All Season Wellness day spa is conveniently located between the mountain and
downtown, in the professional building next to McDonald’s. The actual address is 1120 S. Lincoln Ave., Suite B-1, Steamboat Springs, CO.
Posted by John Peretz on Mon, Sep 14, 2009 @ 03:44 PM
Alright, so you're looking for a perfect weekend getaway, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado is your destination of choice. Here's our tips to get the best out of your trip.
- Take time to get to Steamboat Springs. The fun is in the journey, so once you start your drive, make sure to take a few stops along the way to Steamboat Springs. Why not stop at the top of Rabbit Ears Pass and take a hike to the top of the famed Rabbit Ears? You'll never go through the pass without thinking about where you've been.
- Stop at Mahogany Ridge Microbrewery and Restaurant if it's between 4-6pm. All of their great micro brews and drinks are half price seven days a week during this time, and appetizer tapas are just a buck apiece. It's a great deal and located at 4th and Lincoln downtown.
- Get a great rate for a condo through Steamboat Resorts, one of the best booking agencies in Steamboat. Their flagship EagleRidge Lodge is located on the mountain and has a great new spa called A Calming Touch. It consistently gets some of the best customer satisfaction rankings in town.
- Book a Couple's Massage at All Season Wellness. Arguably the best massage day spa in Steamboat Springs, this Asian-infused spa consistently provides the best deep tissue, Swedish and Couples's Massage in town. Book online for a special discount.
- Take a stroll (and your camera) to the botanical gardens. Yes, even with all the outdoor splendor, Steamboat has a remarkable and free botanical park, located behind Freshie's restaurant halfway between the mountain and downtown.
- Take a hike or a bike to the Mad Barn. At just 3.6 miles (or longer if you extend the hike), go the historic Mad Creek Barn on this trail about 5 miles out of town on Historic Road 129. The canyon trail is gorgeous every time of year and tends to be a lot less crowded than the popular Spring Creek Trail.
- Take a soak at the Old Town Hot Springs or the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. If you come to Steamboat, you should definitely do one or the other. The Old Town Hot Springs are located in town, while the Strawberry Park Hot Springs are located a little out of town but worth the trip.
- Go to the best restaurant in town, Cafe Diva. A little pricey, but certainly the most romantic place in town for dinner. Terrific, innovative food, and a great wine list. Go ahead, you deserve it.
- Catch a local's breakfast or lunch at Freshie's. Always bustling, and located halfway between the mountain and downtown at 565 S. Lincoln, Freshies is a local's favorite serving generous portions in a funky, ski town environment.
- Consider catching a Saturday night or Sunday morning service at Steamboat Christian Center. Yes, we know you're on vacation, but catch a contemporary and uplifting service at 6 pm on Saturday evening or 10 am on Sunday morning at the Steamboat Christian Center. Very hip, growing church led by Pastor Troy, the church has grown by 1000% over the past four years to over 650 members. Yes, there's a reason why. No donation required.
- Go the Ghost Ranch Saloon and catch some great live music. The newest venture built from the ground up for live music offers affordable covers depending on the act, and has some great bar food to boot. Check out the custom-carved bar and great taxidermy.
- Go the top of the gondy or hike up Emerald Mountain for some great picture taking. If you haven't taken enough pictures already, catch a weekend gondola ride to the famous deck, or hike out of Howelsen Hill to the top of Emerald Mountain for some breathtaking photographs.
Come back soon! We're so sure you're going to have a spectacular weekend any time of the year in Steamboat Springs, that the sooner you get here, the sooner you can start planning your return. Have a great trip and we hope to see you soon!
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.
Posted by John Peretz on Tue, Aug 18, 2009 @ 10:09 PM
Treating yourself after a massage in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is
downright fun. Here is a list of our favorite restaurants from a
Steamboat local's perspective. Put this on your "Things To Do" list in Steamboat Springs.
Best overall restaurant in Steamboat Springs: Cafe Diva.
If I had to pick one restaurant that is consistently the best in
Steamboat, I'd have to give the nod to Cafe Diva. Inspired food,
consistently great service and white tablecloth elegance is why it's
tops. Cafe Diva serves dinner only, and this is not a place
you want to bring the kids. It's a little expensive, but not
unreasonable. It's located on the mountain at 1855 Ski Time Square.
Best kickback restaurant: Sunpie's on Yampa Street.
Casual, sometimes a bit rowdy, and the best New Orleans style food in
town. Most tourists don't know about this restaurant. It's located at 735 Yampa Ave. In the summer,
sit by the Yampa River and enjoy a Hurricane or some
cold beer with a Po'boy sandwich while watching the tubers, kayakers and rafters go by. You'll never want to leave. Very affordable. Bring the family or all your friends.
Best barbecue joint: Steamboat Smokehouse or Double Z Barbecue?
While both are affordable and somewhat eclectic, if you ask a local
ski bum, they'll more than likely choose Double Z. Located at 1124 Yampa
Street instead of Lincoln Avenue, the servings are huge and the
atmosphere is laid back. It has limited seating, a great carry-out, and
it's prices are less than the Steamboat Smokehouse. The Steamboat
Smokehouse does have all-you-can-eat peanuts that you throw on the
flow, and some nice schooners of beers. It's located at 912 Lincoln Ave.
Best French Food: The Epicurean.
Run by French native Marco Pauvert and his wife Rebecca, the food here is creative, reasonable
and very good yet moderately priced. This small restaurant is located at 825
Oak Street and serves lunch and dinner. It's a really nice find, but
most people who are visiting don't really know about the place. I think
it's because the name is kind of hard to remember and it's a little bit off the beaten path.
Best breakfast: Tie between Freshies and Creekside Cafe.
Both of these restaurants are a bit off the beaten path. Freshies is
located halfway between the mountain and downtown on Highway 40 (595 S. Lincoln Ave.),while
Creekside is on 11th street between Lincoln Ave. and Oak Street. You
can't go wrong at either one of these, with large, inspired portions
perfect for a day of hiking, biking or skiing.
Best Happy Hour: Mahogany Ridge or Mambo Italiano.
Mahogany Ridge is a great micro-brewery located at 435 Lincoln Ave. and
has $1 tapas and half-priced drinks from 4-6 pm. Mambo Italiano has
half-priced pizzas and $1 beers during its happy hour at 521 Lincoln
Ave.
There are so many things to do in Steamboat Springs. Hopefully this gives you one more option of hidden gem restaurants in Steamboat.
Posted by John Peretz on Fri, Jul 31, 2009 @ 07:42 PM
Getting all thai'd up in the wild, wild west is getting more popular than ever. A new day spa in Steamboat Springs, CO focuses on bringing the treasured Far Eastern art of Thai massage to a town more famous for skiing and rodeos than ying yang traditions.
Tom Rector was a Thai massage virgin. The ad executive from Los Angeles, CA came across a web site for All Season Wellness that touted a “new” massage technique that’s a combination of deep tissue acupressure and yoga/stretching. He didn’t really know what he was getting himself into, but he did know that his body could use a therapeutic massage and he saw an introductory special. After a two-hour treatment, he immediately re-booked a Thai massage for two days later.
“I’ve had my share of massages, but the Thai massage was by far the best I ever had,” Rector gushed. “I know I should stretch more, but my massage therapist got all the kinks out and made me feel better than I have in a couple of years. It was a pretty amazing transformation.”
Actually, the traditional art of Thai massage has been around for over two-thousand years, but not that well known in smaller mountain towns. The proprietor of the spa, Pamela Peretz, recently added the Thai massage modality to her massage therapy in Steamboat Springs after spending 50 days in Thailand learning at the official school of the world-renowned Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok. “It was an amazing experience, being able to learn where Thai massage originated, and with some incredible master teachers. I’m able to bring that authenticity back to Steamboat, in a series of over 100 deliberate steps in five major sequences.”
Rector goes on to say “It was a completely different experience. For one, the body work was performed on a comfortable mat on the floor, not on a traditional massage table. And I felt like I got all the benefits of a deep tissue massage, but with more stretching and a better end result. I didn’t want the massage to end. Two hours just flew by.”
But, is Thai massage for everybody?
“It’s really designed for someone in reasonably good health, with a certain amount of body mobility. It’s ideal for an active person like a runner, skier, biker or hiker. It’s the ideal massage for a relatively active person or a weekend warrior, or anyone that has done ever done yoga,” Ms. Peretz explains. “People who are used to a softer Swedish style massage, or are completely inflexible should probably not get a Thai massage”.
“I have to admit, I was stretched in ways I never have before during a massage,” commented Rob Newton of St. Petersburg, FL. “But after a week of biking, hiking and rafting, it was just what I needed. I just never knew this type of massage existed. I’ll definitely look around for a Thai massage the next time I need one.”
The Thai massage can be offered in one-hour, 90-minute and two-hour increments, but for the best results, a two-hour massage is recommended, especially if it is the first time receiving this kind of massage. And for those just not quite ready to get Thai’d up in the Wild West, rest assured. Thai massage, although growing in popularity, still represents only about 25% of overall spa services. Deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and other modalities still make up the majority of Ms. Peretz’s spa business.
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