Swillin’ & Chillin’ is published twice per year in summer and winter by WZ Publishing and is distributed free throughout the Yampa Valley. For advertising information, contact Julia Hebard, (970) 846-2021, juliah@swillinandchillin.com. Email letters to the editor to eugeneb@swillinandchillin.com.
“Favorite thing to do on a Friday afternoon?”
Eugene
“Cap off a ride on Emerald or kayak sesh with friends and a coldie.”
Contents Departments
On The Cover
Happy Après. Summertime party-goers cutting loose and celebrating the day at Steamboat’s Thunderhead Lodge. Photo by Ben Duke.
6 | Boat Bites
Yoga and yogurt; a true trout maestro; pet hints for summer; an ode to the Chicarita; a vertical skiing record on the mountain; yurts back on Cameron Pass; Verne Lundquist bids adieu to Augusta; Burlesque live and well; musical bike shops; and more!
20 | Munchies
Johnny B. Goods celebrates its 30th; a new vendor in the Commons; Danny DeVito takes on Corner Slice; restaurant expansions; and how to be a Gyro Hero.
24 | Bevvies
Truffle Pig bartender Cole Weldon; late-night Happy Hours; brewery and margarita roundup; inside the resort’s new Stranahan’s Whiskey Barrels; brews for a cause from Mountain Tap; and OktoberWest by the bubbles.
30 | The Straight Dope
GoldenLeaf budtender Sam Kreger; dispensary roundup; how pot plants grow; and how to handle dogs on dope.
34 | Off The Couch
Getting girls riding with the Cycle Effect; SUPs delivered to your door; and an update on the Craig Whitewater Park.
35 | Party Time
Happy Hour line-up and the best late-night Happy Hours in town!
37 | Tunes
Tim
“Float down the river and fish with friends.”
Summertime concert lineup; party scenes from WinterWonderGrass; Heads All Empty and the Little Moon Travelers; and more!
42 | The Dirt
Condo conundrum: a local broker and insurance pro explain the current pandemonium in condominiumland.
44 | Grateful Gear
A new bike from Moots; Big Agnes’s camp chairs for a cause; the new FlyLab fishing website; and Noso patches from Town Hall.
46 | Last Run
Pardon my garden.
Steamboat...it even has pretty good seasons for shrinkage.
Letter from the EditorShr
Steamboat: Pretty Good Everything
Well, that was a pretty good ski season. More than 389 inches at mid-mountain, the third snowiest in more than a decade. Some might call it a great year, which it also was, though not as much as the previous year’s 448 inches. Which puts it at pretty darn good. Especially since even an average year here is great.
This year’s snowfall is already leading to pretty good paddling and fishing seasons, as well as mountain biking, with tacky trails instead of dust. But it’s not just the snowfall that makes these activities so pretty good. It’s Steamboat’s
access to them and countless others—from all the above to hiking, trail running, camping, tubing, Frisbee golf, Hacky-Sack what have you. And that’s the beauty of living here. Our beloved town, pimples and all, just has pretty good everything, no matter the season.
I’ve thought about actually pitching that to the Chamber as a marketing slogan: “Steamboat: Pretty Good Everything.” Imagine that on signage, billboards, and radio ads. While that’s not what Vail and Aspen-type execs hang their Gucci hats on (it has to be the “best”), I’ll take “pretty good” any day. It’s how I am at most things anyway, from sports to spousal duties, parenting and paying bills. So it fits my lifestyle pretty well.
And, to clarify, that “Pretty Good Everything” tagline is only if you’re an outdoor snob. Sure, our skiing might not be Jackson, Snowbird or Squaw (er, Palisades); our mountain biking might not be Crested Butte or Durango (at least from the olden days); our kayaking might not be Salida or Hood River; and our fly fishing might not be Bozeman. But for everything I and, hopefully most of you, like to do, it’s all pretty good. And, more importantly, it’s all right out our doors during lunch break.
In fact, it’s why we moved here in the first place. To be able to hear that noon whistle blow (which we actually had for a while) and be able to grab your bike, boat, ‘board or blue-winged olive and head out for a quick sesh and be back before Smithers glares at you punching the time clock. Throw in our four seasons, views, small-town vibe and, above all else, our community (which I’ll admit rises above “pretty good” status to incredible), and it pretty much checks all the boxes. So, let’s take our helmets and cowboy, reggae-knit, Nordic and other hats off to this great town we all call home and helping it stay that way (without letting the secret out more than it already is): “Steamboat: Pretty Good Everything.”
BOAT BITES
Steamboat News Round Up
A Lot of Vert
Count your vert this season? Not to burst your bubble, put it’s probably peanuts compared to that of Joe Brougher. Winning this year’s Ikon Pass leaderboard for vertical feet schralped, on March 30, the 57-year-old tracked 5 million vertical skied at Steamboat in a single season. He’s also the leader among all Ikon resorts this season. At tally time, Brougher skied 118 days, covering 5,003,967 feet and 2,806 lifts. Dodging lines, he’d notch 9,000 vert per hour using four lifts—the fast-moving Sundown, Storm Peak, Pony and Thunderhead. “It’s a puzzle every day to do so,” he says. Toward the end, before he headed back to Indiana for the summer on April 1, he had to rack up 39 days skiing an average of 53,000 feet per day to get to 5 million. With one day’s wind stoppage restricting him to 4,000, he still reached 5 million in 38 days—hitting the mark on Vagabond.
Cruise on into Cruisers (and other Yampa Ripple Effect partners) to round up for the river.
Rounding Up for the River
New Yampa Ripple Effect lets customers protect the river
Now you can protect the river with your purchase. Yep, visit participating businesses and you can round up your bill to the nearest dollar, with all proceeds bettering the Yampa. Spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy, the Yampa River Fund and Friends of the Yampa, the new Yampa Ripple Effect supports a healthy, flowing Yampa River. Funds collected help the river by enhancing flows, improving wildlife and fish habitat, helping agricultural interests and more. The program enables customers to voluntarily round-up their purchase to the next dollar or donate a pre-set percentage. “It’s an awesome program,” saysTNC’s Andy Baur, adding that since its inception the Yampa River Fund has allocated more than $750,000 to 18 projects throughout the basin. “It helps local businesses and their customers protect the river we all love.”
All businesses are welcome to participate, with no effect to their bottom line, with 100 percent of the funds reinvested locally. Companies on board include Cruisers Sub Shop, Drunken Onion, Mythology, Corner Slice, Yield, Skull Creek, Hypnotic Chicken, Wild Plum Market, Ace Hardware, and more. “My business has actually grown from it,” says Cruisers’ Kris Shea. “People are super psyched to help protect the river appreciate the opportunity to give.” Info: www.yamparippleeffect.org
Town’s Worst Traffic Light?
Is it just us, or every time when you turn onto Mt. Werner Circle off US Hwy. 40, do you always, always have to stop at the traffic light at Mt. Werner Circle and Central Park Drive? It seems like it’s red all the time (especially when you’re on a two-hour window to park and ski). Maybe the city should check its programming, but it doesn’t seem fair—especially when we’re on our way skiing and those coming the other way have laps full of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Verne Bids Hasta to Augusta
From “Golden Throat” to his golden years: Listen for Lundquist now yelling “Single!” in the lift lines.
Hasta Luego, Augusta. That’s the song being sung by local broadcasting legend Verne Lundquist, 83, who called his 40th—and final—Masters in April from Augusta, Georgia, complete with a tribute from ESPN and handshake from Tiger Woods. Known as “Golden Throat,” Lundquist had covered everything from golf to the gridiron, including a long run as CBS’s football play-by-play man and calling March Madness tournaments. Inducted into the Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2007, he’s called everything from Jack Nicholas sinking a must-make shot to the Super Bowl, and even the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan dispute during the 1994 Olympics, the highest-rated Olympic broadcast of all time. While he had a cameo in Happy Gilmore, he’s never happier than when he’s at home in Steamboat, where he’s lived with his wife, Nancy, since 1984.
“I learned to ski here in 1971 and fell in love with the place,” he says. “Then I played in a golf tournament here in 1975, which was my first experience here in summer. I vowed then to move to here. So, we’re almost locals.” Listen for such tell-tale phrases as “How, do you DO!” or “Oh My Goodness!” in the local lift lines.
And There Was Much Rejoicing
Yurts/Nohku Cabins Back on Cameron Pass
Steamboaters have their nearest yurt and hut rental option back (hey, even we have to get out of the big city). After two winters of the State Forest State Park yurt system near Cameron Pass being shuttered due to concessionaire issues, a new one has been selected: Steamboat-based Yonder Yurts, owned by locals Corey and Sarah Peterson. Their plan: build seven new rental yurt-cabins, including Grass Creek, Dancing Moose, Medicine Bow, North Fork Canadian, Clark Peak and Montgomery Pass, while also managing the existing Nokhu and Agnes Creek cabins, which are being remodeled. “We’re thrilled to reintroduce this beloved yurt system this summer,’’ says Corey. “We’ve long recognized the potential to enhance the previous yurts, so when the chance arose we were thrilled. We’re honored to play a role in bringing them back.’’ The park is also excited with the partnership. “It was our goal to ensure the yurt program remained an option for
Joe Brougher: high five for five million.
BOAT BITES
our visitors,” says the park’s Tony Johnson. “This camping experience has been missed by many of our visitors and we’re looking forward to once again offer this unique experience.” Info: yonder-yurts.com
No Muff for Developer
Ever wonder what kind of topics City Council has to deal with in its meetings? An example came April 12 when, after much dialogue on Agenda Item 6, the council shot down the name “Muff’s Court” for a new project proposed by a developer in favor of a more PC-friendly sounding Barrows Court. “I did a Google search and it listed several derogatory definitions and references to genitalia,” chimed in one council member who had done her due diligence on the matter. After another echoed the findings, they voted to change the name.
Chicarita Recipe
2 shots Cuervo Gold
1 shot Grand Marnier
1 shot Sweet and Sour
Splash of OJ
Splash of Rose’s Lime Juice
Garnish with fresh lime and salt rim
Chicaritas in the Dirt
In case you saw a bunch of elderly partiers in the vacant lot off Ski Time Square next to the old Tugboat in April, don’t worry. It was just an annual gathering of revelers there to celebrate the long-closed apres hotspot of Dos Amigos and its infamous “Chicarita” margarita. Orchestrated annually by longtime aficionado Wulf Levenshtein in honor of former Dos Amigos barkeep Chic MacMaster, the semi-impromptu gathering drew a horde of semi over-the-hillers to pay homage to the elixir that thousands of apres-revelers used to commemorate their day on the slopes. “They’re special because of the love that always went into making them—not to mention the Grand Marnier,” says Greg Kmetz, a former bartender at nearby Tugboat. Also on hand: one of the last-ever kegs of Alpenglow, the mainstay beer brewed by Mahogany Ridge, which closed down after this year’s ski season.
Snow Stats
Viva, La Nina!
With 389 inches at mid-mountain at the end of the season, this year was the third snowiest winter overall in more than a decade (‘22/23: 448”; ‘10/11: 433”)— including a Big January when we saw 103 inches, the third snowiest in 15 years. The in-yer-face bounty also clocked in the top 10 over the last 30 years. Let’s polish up those snorkels for next season.
Curling Town USA?
Forget hockey. Steamboat hosted its first-ever curling tournament—known as a bonspiel—with the Steamboat Springs-Spiel at the Howelsen Ice Arena in April, drawing top curling teams from around the region competing for cash prizes. “It was great to showcase the ice arena to curlers from across Colorado at our inaugural spring-spiel,” says Howelsen’s Nick Carelli, who groomed five ice-dimpled curling sheets for the contest. Each team consisted of four curlers, pushing, brushing and sweeping stones to their intended target zones. Want to talk the talk?
A “Biter” is a stone just touching the outer edge of the house.
“I’ll have a Grrrrr...on the rocks”: The Vixens, performing at Schmiggity’s.
Burlesque Live and Well, Thank You
Burlesque shows are anything but a blast from the past in Steamboat, with the Yampa Valley Vixens reviving the trend with a slew of monthly shows at such venues as Schmiggity’s. Confessing to offering “sultry moves, dazzling costumes and sizzling performances” (Grrrrrrrr….), the shows “take viewers back to untamed days of the Wild West, where the saloons were rowdy and the shows scandalous.” Leading the charge are the locally cast Vixens—sporting such stage names as Davina Nyx, Ivy Fae Rose, Scarlett Voltaire, Lilith Deluxe, Lady Aphrodite, Dusty Hitch and Amethyst Grace—which will leave you feeling like the temperature increased before they exit stage left. “The Yampa Valley Vixens are northwest Colorado’s hottest new entertainment troupe,” says ringleader Lauren Hughes (AKA Ivy Fae). “Our shows have been well-received by everyone.” The burlesque troupe has two full-length productions under their belts: “Wild West Burlesque” (a sexy ode to the days of saloons, cowboys, and ridin’ it hard) and “Seven Deadly Sins” (a sinful and seductive experience that follows the Vixens’ fall from Heaven into the fiery pits of Hell). “We’re stoked to bring burlesque into the valley,” says Hughes.
Chicaritas in the Dirt.
Musical Bike Shops
BOAT BITES Lady Hockey Team Names
Orange Peel, Classic Crank, Ride Workshop Get New Digs
Three venerable bike shops in town have rolled into new locations, with Orange Peel, Classic Crank and Ride Workshop all setting their kickstands into new digs—including forming a new Bermuda Triangle of Bikeshops in the heart of downtown.
Don’t worry, we didn’t think of this one. It was brought to our attention by some local lady hockey players on the front line of such monikers. Steamboat’s own beloved women’s hockey teams have taken the high road with such politically correct names as the Bobcats and Chicks with Sticks. But others aren’t so PC, as the sample of women’s hockey team names below rundown attests.
Mother Puckers
Hot Flashes
Puck Ewes
Angry Beavers
Spicy Slots
Nodiques
Flying V’s Regretzkeys
Fussy Puckers
Down Valley Divas
And drumroll please, our favorite… The Easton Factions!
Orange Peel: Housed in the cone-shaped burner from an old North Routt sawmill site for 19 years, bike guru Brock Webster has moved his Orange Peel Bicycle Co. from the corner of Yampa and 12th streets to the new Basecamp building at 1901 Curve Plaza on the west end of town. Starting his operation in the back of the BAP house on Oak Street before moving to the “cone” two decades ago, the move was a bit nostalgic, as the old burner building has a bike legacy of housing Sore Saddle Cycle, Moots Cycles, Eriksen and Bingham Bikes, with its first bike-related shop opening there in the ‘70s. The move came after the corner-lot property was sold last October. “Originally, I was kind of bummed, since there’s so much bike history there,” he says. “But the new shop is pretty sweet and is working awesome.”
Classic Crank: John Weinman has moved his Classic Crank Bicycle Shoppe from Old Town Square to its new location at 45 Ninth St. downtown, offering oodles of more room. Outgrowing his old space, he’s using it to expand his e-bike rental fleet, retail operations, repair services and more. The store is an authorized dealer for Aventon, Borealis and other brands, and also carries vintage road bikes and pre-owned townies, cruisers and mountain bikes as well as accessories and bike components. His repair shop is booming as well, with more elbow room now to put elbow grease into getting your ride in top shape to head back outside.
Ride Workshop: Ride Workshop, founded by Corey Piscopo, organizer of September’s annual Steamboat Stage Race, is opening up shop in the former Hala Gear Space location across from the fire department on the corner of Ninth and Yampa Streets. The shop is an authorized dealer for Open, Cannondale and BMC and also offers demos, rentals, retail and guided tours. “It’s going to be fun addition to Yampa Street and town,” says Piscopo, touting Ride Workshop as “your Colorado resource for personalized guided rides, product expertise, and a welcoming local community of riders based in Steamboat Springs.”
Get Yer’ Grind On Skate Update is Great
How’s that for rhyming? After closing for the winter, the new skate park at Howelsen Hill is now open and grindier than ever with a new look, ramps, rails and other park amenities. Duckels Construction removed the old structures and replaced them with new from the esteemed American Ramp Co. The new park offers features for everyone from newbies to Tony Hawks, with more than 40 new designs, including boxes, ledges, ramps, stairs, a new sidewalk, picnic tables and more. So come get your Howlie grind on at the base of Emerald Mountain (elbow pads not included).
Giant Skis Take Over Winter Carnival
Dan Hagney, leading the domino effect.
Yes, those were colossal skis you saw at this year’s Winter Carnival. Racing 24-foot-long skis that would fit the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk, six teams of six skiers each raced the monolithic boards down Lincoln Avenue in one of the funniest additions to the street events in years. “They’ve been doing it at the Birkebeiner for years, so I called them to see how they made them,” says CMC business professor Kip Rillos. “We were just trying to come up with a way to connect with the community.” Connect it did, as well as the six skiers on each team who simultaneously locked into freeheel bindings to waddle down main street. Rillos spearheaded the making of two pairs of the 24-foot-long monstrosities, each made with four layers of quarter-inch plywood laminated together with more than three gallons of glue per ski. “They’re super burly and built to last,” says Rillos, adding it took three people to carry each pair. Six teams took part in the demo event, with the CMC Ski Team coming out on top. Manning the lead position on his team, participant Dan Hagney fell down in the first 10 feet and again later. “Everyone had a blast—it was a good mixture of skill and total carnage,” says Rillos. “And when one person falls, they all do; it’s a domino effect. The gals’ team was laughing so hard they could barely get up.” As for improvements, he says they might add a groove so they track better. And they don’t need kick wax. “There’s plenty of weight on them,” he says. “Plus, there’s plenty of ‘brown wax’ from the horses on the street.”
Did You Know?
Brown Spots Spell Hasta Luego, Rio
Ever wonder when our beloved Yampa River is going to reach its peak every spring? Cast your eyes up and eastward to the face of Mt. Werner. At first you might see one dreaded brown patch up on the mountain, surrounded by a wall of white. Then another will surface to its left. Folklore has it that when the two dirt patches atop Mt. Werner touch, the river has reached its peak. From then on, it’s on the way out. Depending on temperatures, sometimes the river might fade out quickly and other years it might have a more prolonged decline, but it’s on the way out regardless. Despite all the NOAA projections and SNOWTEL snowpack readings, the brown spot is usually spot on, the barometer local paddlers use for how much of the season is left before it becomes the domain of…the tubers.
BOAT BITES
Oak Creek’s former chief of police hit his breaking point and was placed on restricted duties following one gyration too many.
Magic Hunks Cause Major Ruckus in Oak Creek
Let’s just call it one gyration too many. That’s the storyline from Oak Creek, after the town’s former chief of police Ralph Maher was “placed on restricted duties” this winter for an altercation trying to break up a performance at the Colorado Bar by The Magic Hunks, a risqué troupe of male dancers. Reports and video allegedly showed Maher standing near the stage before “abruptly slamming his hand down and storming toward the performers in an apparent attempt to break up their dancing.” In a report on the incident, Oak Creek Town Manager David Torgler said the brouhaha was an attempt by the police chief to enforce state liquor regulations pertaining to entertainment hosted by a licensed establishment. The rule states that no owner, employee or agent of a licensed establishment “shall engage in or permit any person to perform acts of or acts which simulate … sexual intercourse, masturbation, sodomy, bestiality, oral copulation, flagellation or any sexual acts which are prohibited by law.” Maher, who reigned his position this spring, apparently thought the Hunks were carrying things a bit too far. Colorado Bar owner Lauren Verbosky filed a complaint over his actions, with Maher placed on restricted duties during an investigation. The Magic Hunks went on to perform at Steamboat’s Schmiggity’s without such a ruckus.
Commodes to Condos
Sayonara San-o-Lets and hello housing. Bordering the Yampa River and Core Trail west of town, a development group led by former Alpine Olympian and U.S. Ski Team member Chad Fleischer is planning to turn an 8.8-acre industrial property used as a storage area for portable toilets into a 50-unit residential development. Called Streamside at Steamboat, the outhouses-to-apartments project located at 1605 Shield Drive would see the construction of 12 town homes, 10 single family units, three duplex units and 21 deed-restricted condominiums designated as workforce housing, about 40 percent of the project. Construction is
expected to begin this summer. “This project will live forever along that river corridor, so it was important to create an environment that looked after the well-being of the river frontage,” he said in a report. “And I think a lot of people want to see those port-opotties disappear.”
CAA in New Pasture
Thanks to a capital fundraising campaign, the Community Agriculture Alliance is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year by purchasing a building at 35 11th St. downtown, which will more than double its space for the CAA local food market with expanded freezer and refrigerated storage, meeting room space, a new agriculture education center, offices, and more. CAA’s mission is to preserve agriculture in the Yampa Valley through programs that benefit and connect producers, consumers and the community, on behalf of the more than 60 farmers and ranchers in the region. “We’re thrilled to lead the CAA into the next phase of the organization,” says CAA’s Michele Meyer. “We’ve continued to grow and expand programs to meet increasing community needs, and we needed a larger space. I’m honored to share in the organization’s impact in our community to promote and support agriculture.”
8 Seconds and Counting
Hayden’s Keenan Hayes Wins World Bareback Title
Steamboat has another world champion in its midst, and though his name isn’t Billy Kidd, he wears the same kind of hat as the accolades come from the back of a horse instead of the ski hill. In December, Hayden native Keenan Hayes, at age 20, won the world bareback riding title at the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association World Championships in Las Vegas. A fifth-generation Routt County cowboy, Hayes went into the national finals ranked number one, with a PRCA record of 57 eight-second rides of 85 points or more. The 5’6”, 160-lb. rider became the second Routt County resident to win the title, following J.C. Trujillo, who won the bareback world champion title in 1981. “What he’s done has never been done before,” said Trujillo of Hayes’ remarkable season. So, some of those cowboy hats you see around town aren’t just for show.
BOAT BITES
Alterra Buys A-Basin
Steamboat’s got a new sister resort. Alterra Mountain Co., a ski resort conglomerate that owns the Ikon Pass, is buying 1,428-acre Arapahoe Basin from its Canadian owner, Dream Unlimited Corp., marking a new chapter for the resort. Arapahoe Basin COO Alan Henceroth, who has worked for the ski area for 36 years, will stay on in his current role, with no changes to Ikon Pass access at the resort this ski season. A news release said capital improvement plans include expanded parking and snowmaking. “A-Basin has a long and loyal following among skiers and riders in Colorado and we care deeply about the culture of A-Basin that brings them back,” said Henceroth. “We’ve worked with Alterra since 2019 when we joined the Ikon Pass, and they’re committed to helping us maintain our authenticity.” Arapahoe Basin, which opened in 1946, marks the 18th yearround mountain destination for Alterra Mountain Co., which formed in 2017 when the owners of Aspen Skiing Co. and private equity firm KSL Capital Partners joined to purchase Intrawest Corp.
A-Basin vs. Steamboat
Let’s finally have this one out.
STEAMBOAT: A-Basin
Marquee outside Swill & Chill spot: T-Bar/Slopeside The Beach
Badge of courage: Fish Creek/Chute 1East Wall/Steep Gullies
Go-to lift: Pony Express Pallivacinni
Summit Elevation: 13,050 feet 10,568 feet
New Event Space: Little Sister
There’s a new event space coming to downtown. Local chef and entrepreneur Collin Kelley, owner of Primrose, has purchased the property previously the home of Orange Peel Bikes and Double Z at 1124 Yampa St. While his team has long-term plans for the location, for now they’re opening an event space where Double Z was in collaboration with The Westerly for everything from art displays, birthdays and weddings to catered events and First Friday Artwalk socials. The newly renovated Double Z space was most recently home to the restaurant Trails End. Info: LittleSisterSteamboat.com
Move Over, F.M. Light and Sons
New Westernwear store in town
“Move over, pilgrim…there’s a new western store in town.” While John Wayne might not have ever uttered that, that’s the case here in Steamboat, with Lucchese Bootmaker, Steamboat’s newest retail outlet, riding into town last February with a new storefront at 822 Lincoln Ave. Founded way back in 1883 and based in San Antonio until moving to El Paso in 1986, Lucchese has 25 brick and mortar stores across the country, including Union Station in Denver, Telluride and now Steamboat. “We pride ourselves on our quality and our craftsmanship,” says district manager Jacob Dickey. “We made our name in Western wear and boots and then expanded into more apparel, bags and accessories. When it comes to Western wear, we are going to try to carry it. We think Steamboat is going be a great market for us.”
Old Town Hot Springs Under Construction Pardon our dust
In case you haven’t noticed, Old Town Hot Springs is currently under construction, redeveloping its lap pool and kiddie play area. With its lap pool not updated since the 1980s and its footprint the same since the 1960s, the work will include adding a 25-yard, eight-lane lap pool and diving board, a shallow-depth community pool, a hot soaking pool, and a new and improved zero-depth kiddie splash area, with its new pools slated to open in the summer of 2025. The city’s recreation center since 1935, Old Town Hot Springs pools support the Steamboat Swim Team, swimming lessons, master swimming, aquatic physical therapy, aquatic group exercise, and recreation. Want to help? The nonprofit is also championing a capital campaign to raise $10 million dollars for the improvements. The “It’s In the Water” campaign will fund the essential reconstruction, including the four new pools. (Note: all existing hot pools remain open throughout the construction.) Info: oldtownhotsprings.org/capital-campaign/
There Goes the Neighborhood?
New ski/housing project planned for Stagecoach
First Pony Express, then Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek. Now a private ski area might well be coming to Steamboat. Known for building luxury communities worldwide, Discovery Land Company, LLC, the firm behind Montana’s membersonly Yellowstone Club, has revealed plans for its inaugural project in Colorado, adjacent to Steamboat Springs. The proposed venture, Stagecoach Mountain Ranch, encompasses nearly 6,500 acres and is slated to include a private ski and golf development. According to documents shared with the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, the project would occupy a portion of 6,412 acres, south of Stagecoach Reservoir, a location once home to the short-lived Stagecoach Ski Area, which ceased operations in 1974. The company has plans for the eventual construction of 697 residences alongside extensive recreational amenities, including lift-served skiing, private fly fishing on the Yampa, golf and more.
RMYC Running Strong
Fresh on the hiking boot heels of its 30th anniversary and a change in leadership, local nonprofit Rocky Mountain Youth Corps is blazing the trail heading into its 2024 summer season. “I am honored to help lead RMYC into its next chapter,” says new CEO Ryan Banks, who took over from founder Gretchen Van De Carr in February. “I look forward to helping our team continuing to provide service opportunities to young people while strengthening our partnerships with land managers.” Housed in a 4,300-square-foot headquarters on a 3.4-acre campus in town, RMYC has served more than 13,000 youth in its three decades of service, including more than 5,000 through its Yampa Valley Science School and Natural
Resource internship programs. Its crews perform such services as community cleanups; planting and watering trees; building and maintaining trails— including those leading up 14ers and along the Continental Divide; GIS programming; hydrology and archaeology projects; wildfire mitigation; and more. This year it will also field an all-women chainsaw crew for the second time and four Ladies Youth Crews. And save the date for its annual “Toast to Trails & Tales” fundraiser on Oct. 12 at PerryMansfield with auction items, dinner, dancing, and more. Info: rockymoutainyouthcorps.org.
Vroom, Vroom! From toilet paper to the race track
Luckily, Barker is good at bending his knee from telemarking.
It might seem an odd pairing, but local Jim Barker, who’s in the cleaning supply business, is also cleaning up on the national motorcycle track racing circuit. Barker, owner of 45-yead-old local supply firm The Green Company (their vans claim, “If it’s in stock, we’ve got it!”), won the 2021 and 2023 AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) point series, riding the likes of an FZ Yamaha 750 and Triumph Daytona, and other Next Gen Super Bikes. “I just grew up with motors and always thought road racing was the coolest thing ever,” says Barker, who this spring headed off to another race in Palm Springs, Calif. “It’s just such a blast. And it’s great to go to a race in the off-season.” And you know that if you enlist his services for cleaning supplies they’ll get delivered fast.
BOAT BITES
Swillin’ and Chillin’s Guide to Outdoor Bods
Sure, those abs of steel and well-honed glutes from the gym and Pilates class are great and all. But the Real McCoy from living in a mountain town is getting them from what you do outside, not sweating on a treadmill listening to an audio book or watching The Bachelor re-runs or sitting on an abdominizer machine. Here’s how our beloved mountain town bodies stack up:
Hikers: Well-honed calf muscles and quads, of course; as well as an overdeveloped arm, usually the right, from carrying a walking stick.
Kayakers: Over-developed torso and deltoids; righthand wrist from using a feathered paddle; and shoulders from palms-up shrugging when asked for shuttle or PBR money.
Suppers: Honed cores; over-developed muscles on one side from not switching paddling sides; any and all muscles used from swimming; and enhanced larynx muscles from gulping for air.
Golfers: Enhanced shoulders and torso muscles; finger muscles from steering golf carts and erasing scores; and eye muscles from looking for balls.
Frisbee Golfers: buffed hand muscles from blocking sun to see where the heck it went.
Mountain bikers: Buffed out quads; enhanced right hand fingers from squeezing rear brake; lungs stretching out pectorals.
Gravel riders: Buffed out quads and hammies; spindly upper bodies; honed glutes from time in the saddle.
Golfer
Hiker
Fisher Kayaker
Biker
Supper
Summer Pet Hints Pamper your pooch this summer with these tips
By Karen Nann, DVM (Pet Kare Clinic)
Summer is here and there is nothing better than hanging out with your furry friend. As the temperature heats up, consider these tips to keep those tails wagging:
Hiking:
Off-leash fun zones include Rita Valentine Park and the pond at Spring Creek. Off-leash trails include Butcherknife, Sailor’s Way (lower Spring Creek behind the high school) and Whistler Park. Other popular trails (leash required) include Mad Creek, Uranium Mine, Skyline, the hiking trail at Howelsen and more. Bring plenty of water to cool them down. Dogs hike triple the distance we do and can only release body heat through their paw pads and panting. Hike early morning or later evening to avoid hot temperatures.
Water play:
Paddleboards, rafts and water play are all great dog activities. Pearl Lake is a local’s favorite for paddleboarding with your pooch. Life jackets are required for everyone on the water, and they make most dogs feel more safe and secure. Whether you’re on the Yampa or floating Fetcher’s Pond, watch for fishing lines and hooks (dogs love to sniff them). Sunscreen is also important; apply it to any pink skin along with sensitive tissue like noses. Rex Specs are a great for trips where the sun’s reflection can cause eye issues such as Pannus. Water play is a great way to provide gentle resistance, strengthen muscles and rehab muscles and is a great way to cool down. But don’t go overboard with swimming; limit water time, as they might ingest it.
Biking:
Biking is a great way to get outside and tire out your pet. But don’t ride too much with Rover. Just as we get saddle sore at first, dog paws aren’t used to running on rough, hard surfaces. Keep speeds low and distances short (less than a mile) for the first few rides—especially for dogs less than a year old, whose growth plates are closing to prevent ligament and tendon damage. Apply Paw Friction before the first few rides as a protective sole for tender paw pads. And never attach the leash to your bike (your dog can zig while you zag). And always carry plenty of water.
There is no better place in the Rocky Mountains than right here in Steamboat Springs. And if you’re looking for real estate, there is no one better to navigate the landscape for you than Coleman Cook.
BOAT BITES
Yoga and Yogurt
By Audrey Dwyer
Or maybe we should call it stretching and smoothies. Whichever, there are plenty of places in town to get your Zen and core body work going, as well as places to refresh yourself with a relaxing libation afterward (we through in “yoga” just for the alliteration). Following are a few of our faves:
The Yoga
Out Here Yoga
Founded by Shannon Crow, Laura Rust, and Nancy Perry, with Kelsey Ryan as studio director, Out Here Yoga elevates your life to the next level through the heated, power vinyasa style of yoga dialing in physical, mental and spiritual results. Its programs embody its core values of connection, elevation, vitality, exploration and creation, designed to bring you to new levels of fulfillment (“You are not your thoughts and your life doesn’t exist inside of your head”). Bonus: floor-to-ceiling views of the mountains. Info: outhereyoga.com
Rakta Hot Yoga Infrared Studio
Sweat it out in style at Rakta Hot Yoga Infrared Studio up on Hilltop Lane. With over five years of experience and onsite services, this is where yoga meets infrared magic. Under the stewardship of owner Sandy Fallon, Rakta is dedicated to “helping people be proactive in their lives.” Many, but not all, of the yoga classes, are hot, offering benefits such as improving circulation, detoxification, weight loss, relaxation, and improved immune function. And don’t worry, everyone else will be sweating with you. Info: raktahotyoga.com
Harmony Yoga and Wellness
In April 2023, former gymnast Nikki Sjoden unveiled Harmony Yoga + Wellness, a serene sanctuary nestled west of town. Cultivating a haven of tranquility amidst the bustle of everyday life, Sjoden’s studio offers classes from invigorating workouts to gentler practices, as well as workshops and community events. Try one in a setting perfect for finding balance and harmony in body and mind. Info: harmonysteamboatyoga.com
Love, Yoga
Swap out your pedals for poses at Steamboat’s latest yoga haven: Love, Yoga. Embracing the Sanskrit notion of Sangha, or “community,” founder Mary Bailes infuses her new studio with a vibrant spirit of inclusivity and connection. Whether you’re seasoned or a newbie, everyone’s invited to join in. Opening in May, it’s steeped in the practice of Bhakti yoga, a practice of selfless devotion to the sacred or divine in everything which ignited Bailes’ love for yoga 15 years ago. Get ready to unroll your mat and dive into a journey of self-discovery, community, and boundless love. Info: loveyogasb.com
Steamboat Fit
Get fit, have fun, and feel fabulous at Steamboat Fit. The 4,500-square-foot studio offers diverse classes, top-notch instructors, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every workout feel like a celebration. Sweat, smile, and shine your brightest, from high-energy cardio sessions to soul-soothing yoga flows. Info: steamboatfit.com
Community Fit
With a range of fitness classes catering to all levels, an expanded open gym, and a dedicated private Pilates studio, Community Fit, opened by Rebecca Williams in October 2023, is located inside Steamboat Basecamp on the west side of town. A nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to reclaim, rejuvenate, and maintain a vibrant, active lifestyle, it’s identified a critical gap in healthcare: bridging the divide between professional recommendations and clients’ ability to devise personalized fitness and recovery strategies. Williams offers annual membership plans in the new 4,600-square-foot space, including access to classes at both locations. Info: communityfit.org
Eccentrics with Susan (Susan E. Mead, M.H., Inc.)
Ignite your inner fire and awaken your warrior spirit at Eccentrics with Susan (Susan E. Mead, M.H., Inc.), a studio offering empowering yoga classes that challenge your body, inspire your mind, and uplift your soul. Join Mead’s team on the mat to tap into your strength, courage, and limitless potential. Info: susanemead.com
Tonic Method
Get ready to tone, transform, shake it ‘til you make it at Tonic Method. With classes that’ll have you feeling the burn in all the right places, this studio is where fitness meets fun. The studio offers invigorating HIT-pilates classes that offer an invigorating workout that’s as fun as it is effective. Info: tonicmethod.com
Old Town Hot Springs
Embark on a journey of blissful indulgence at Old Town Hot Springs. With bubbling hot springs, sparkling pools, and invigorating fitness and yoga classes to choose from, town’s favorite recreation center is more than just a destination— it’s an experience. Whether striking a pose on the mat or sinking into soothing waters, prepare to be transported to a realm of pure tranquility and rejuvenation. Info: oldtownhotsprings.org
Steamboat Pilates & Fitness
Steamboat Pilates & Fitness is dedicated to helping you sculpt your body and sharpen your mind, with its studio offering a range of classes and personalized instruction to suit every fitness level. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the mat, it’ll help you crush your goals and unleash your inner strength. Info: steamboatpilatesandfitness.com
Free Yoga!
Want to sample a free yoga session or two? Try Twilight Yoga on Wednesdays, June 26-July 31, at 7 p.m. at the Strings Festival Park.
BOAT BITES
Yogurt (Yummm!)
Whether you’re craving a creamy blend of fruits or a protein-packed yogurt bowl, these establishments have you covered for a refreshing post-yoga treat.
Seedz Café
Located at 1117 Lincoln Ave., Seedz blends health and wellness by creating delicious concoctions hand-spun by owner Fawn Racoma. Nowhere is this better illustrated than its yogurt-filled smoothies for after your yoga sesh, highlighted by the blueberryfilled Blue Dream, Dreamcicle, a medley of mandarins and banana, and soothing Green Monster. They enjoy sharing their love and libations, casting a larger net and sharing clean, fresh, local and sustainable foods with everyone. Info: seedz-café.com
Riverside Cafe
New owners of the library’s newest café, Sophie Dowlatshashi and Henry Olson put heart and soul into everything they do, with all recipes made from scratch. The drink menu includes everything from drip brew, cappuccinos, and teas to a Persian Chai Latte, while the food menu serves up avocado toast on Everything Bagels with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic glaze as well as pumpkin cookies topped with homemade frosting. And try the Golden Chai (with a hint of turmeric, to helps those sore muscles after your yoga sesh). Info: riversidsecafellc.com
RUMOR
Indulge in a little post-yoga bliss at Rumor Interior Designs cafe. After finding your zen on the mat, treat yourself to a tantalizing array of artisanal snacks and specialty coffees at this cozy café. Rumor has everything you need to refuel and recharge after your practice, from freshly baked pastries to decadent smoothie bowls. Their creative mix of latte flavors and expertly crafted espresso drinks will placate your craving for a healthy snack or a caffeine fix. Plus, it’s a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and savor the moment. Info: rumordesigns.com
Causeway Coffee
Since opening its doors in July 2023 at the former home of Mountain Brew at 4th & Oak St., this Steamboat gem takes breakfast to a new level with corndogsized waffles on a stick, stuffed with savory sausage. Drinkwise, choose from a mesmerizing array of coffee creations, from the indulgent sopapilla latte and
BOAT BITES
decadent maple breve to such Boba teas as the whimsical Purple Tiger and Sweet Ginger Pearl. Bonus: house-made tapioca balls. Info: casuewaycoffeedestin.com
Sundance Health Zone
Located at 425 Anglers Dr., Sundance Health Zone blends community spirit with holistic health offerings, dubbed a “nutrition club” by locals. Choose from a kaleidoscope of teas and smoothies in a whopping 36 flavors, each containing fewer than 200 calories. Whether you crave citrus or chocolate, there’s a concoction for everyone (faves: the Green Monster smoothie and pink lemonade). Bonus: guests are treated to a complimentary wellness profile, guiding them on a personalized journey toward optimal health and vitality. Info: sundancehealthzone.com
Skull Creek Greek
Like your yogurt frozen after a session of hot yoga? Head to Skull Creek Greek, where you can get a cone for just three bucks or a cup with two toppings for four. And the toppings are delish, from Steamboat Granola Gold to pumpkin seeds, Yampa Gold Honey, seasonal fruit, craisins, walnuts and almonds. And, yes, probably even Tzatziki sauce if you dare to ask. Info: skullcreekgreek.com
Cruisers
Cruise on in for Cruisers’ signature smoothies and acai bowls, featuring a velvety blend of tropical fruits swirled into a symphony of sweetness and topped with a dazzling array of fresh toppings. From the Green Machine to Berry Bliss, each sip
Inlaid into each baton tip are his two favorite flies for the Yampa: a Rusty spinner and chartreuse midge pupa. “I use the Rusty in town and the pupa on the Stagecoach tailwaters,” says Richardson, who also holds a black belt in tae kwon do. “I fish the Yampa every time I come out, no matter the season.”
As for similarities between waving his fly rod and batons, he says it depends on the music. “If the music is broad and sweeping, you don’t use much wrist,” he says. “But if it’s fast and percussive, or delicate, it’s all wrist.” Getting in the “zone” of each is also similar. “Both the music and water compel your gestures,” he says. “When I’m in the zone fly fishing, as opposed to hooking trees, I don’t think about the cast. I just look where the fly needs to be—then catching a fish is
Having custom batons, he adds, is like tying your own flies. “It gives you a personal connection to what you’re doing,” he says, adding he made them from four pine balusters left over from a home project. Like a rod, he adds, a baton has to feel right, its handle balanced with the stick. So, he filled their cores with split shot and epoxy and glued his two favorite flies to the ends. “When I showed them to a colleague, he looked at me like I was crazy,” he says. “But I
Still don’t think he’s a virtuoso at both disciplines? Consider his email, whose
Inlaid into each baton tip are RIchardson’s favorite flies for the
BOAT BITES
Trivia Time Betcha didn’t know…
20 things you didn’t know
1. The valley gets its name from a popular plant grown in the area–Yampa, an edible, flowering plant that grows along the namesake river. Yampa roots contain rapidly assimilable carbohydrates and were used by Native American hunters as a high-energy food to enhance endurance.
2. In 1947 Associated Press gave Steamboat the moniker “Ski Town USA.”
about Steamboat
3. The town was named by French trappers in the early 1800s who thought they heard a chugging noise, similar to a steam engine (it turned out to be a hot spring, which ceased to “chug” when the railroad bed was laid above it in 1908).
4. In 1862 gold was discovered at Hahns Peak, with the first settlement established four years later.
5. 1875 Region’s first permanent settler, James Crawford, brought his family to the area, living among the Ute Indians and building the first “bath house” at hot springs.
6. In the late 1800s legendary cowboys and outlaws such as Butch Cassidy, Kit Carson and Jeff Bridger passed through town.
7. In 1912 farms began selling and marketing strawberries throughout the country from Strawberry Park.
8. In 1913 the town shipped more cattle than anywhere else in the country, and Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp was established in Strawberry Park, now the oldest performing arts center in the nation.
9. Howelsen Hill is named after Carl Howelsen (the “Flying Norseman”), a Norwegian ski jumper and Barnum and Bailey Circus star who introduced recreational skiing and ski jumping to the town in 1913. It is the oldest continuously operating ski area in the West.
10. Steamboat’s Winter Carnival, established in 1914, in the oldest Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi.
11. The term “Champagne Powder” was coined by Kremmling rancher Joe McElroy who operated a rope-tow hill on nearby Baker Mountain. James Temple “got permission” to use the phrase in the late 1950s to promote the new Steamboat Springs ski area.
12. The building that housed the first hospital in town is now the Old Town Pub.
13. Local Steamboat ski racer and Olympian Wallace “Buddy” Werner was killed on April 12, 1964, in an avalanche in Switzerland. The following February, the city renamed Storm Mountain to Mount Werner (tap his statue for good luck).
14. Billy Kidd, the first U.S. men’s skier to win an Olympic medal in skiing, moved to town in 1970 and still serves as the resort’s Director of Skiing.
15. There are eight centennial ranches in the area–those lasting 100 years or more within the same family.
16. More than 150 mineral springs have been identified in the Yampa Valley. The Yampatika Ute and Arapaho Indian tribes visited the valley regularly for its “medicine” springs, which were considered sacred places of physical and spiritual healing. The more famous ones include Lithia, Strawberry Park, Heart and Soda.
17. Big yellow signs start 100 miles outside advertising F.M. Light and Sons, one of the oldest businesses in Steamboat, established in 1905. F.M. use to travel throughout northwest Colorado and Wyoming selling merchandise out of a wagon and truck.
18. Local Sherman Poppen invented the precursor to today’s snowboard in 1965 by joining two 36-inch skis together and calling it the “Snurfer.”
19. Steamboat has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in North America—more than 100 and counting—as well as several summer Olympians.
20. When forced to relocate to a Utah reservation, a Ute Indian leader reportedly placed a curse on the Yampa Valley, saying those who come will never be able to leave.
Perideridia aka Yampa
There’s gold in them there hills.
The Flying Norseman, Carl Howelsen.
Billy Kidd moved to town in 1970.
The original snowboard... the Snurfer.
Come for the winter and stay forever.
MUNCHIES Quick Bites
Grouse Out Lasa Steamboat in at The Commons
Arriba! While coffeeshop Common Grouse has moved onto different pastures from its spot in The Commons downtown (its original Dusky Grouse is still running strong at Mid-Valley Drive), a new vendor, Lasa Steamboat, is coming to its downstairs window. “It is going to be a Filippino street-food pop-up,” says Commons manager Errik Hill. “We’re super excited. It’s being put on by Justylyn Alair from thenomadictable.com. We can’t wait to get some more international cuisine in here.”
Baked in the Boat
There’s a new bakery in the ‘Boat. Spearheaded by longtime baker Kary Ashby, Baked in the Boat was born from a shared passion for creating joy through the artistry of baking, “driven by a desire to infuse our community with the warmth, comfort, and delectable flavors that only a small, dedicated bakery can offer.” Housed in Torium Plum Plaza on the mountain, its concoctions include pastries, cakes, cookies, sandwiches, and more, with all its products made fresh daily. Drop in after your ride on the mountain. Info: bakedintheboat.com
Danny DeVito at Corner Slice
If you’re chomping into a ‘za at Corner Slice, don’t be surprised if you feel the mischievous eyes of none other than Danny DeVito staring down at you. For some odd reason, the star of television’s Taxi and such movies as Hoffa, The War of the Roses, Get Shorty and Throw Momma from the Train has a life-size (well, all four feet 10 inches) cardboard cutout of him in the corner. “It’s from a friend of mine who sent the original as a funny Christmas present during COVID,” says Corner Slice owner Bryan Baker. “And this is the third version he’s sent. The first one disappeared due to a kidnapping during a wedding party, and the second one had a child tear off his arms and general wear and tear from a pizza shop. But this one’s still in good shape. Danny has become a part of the crew and is always up for a photo shoot or a high five after a successful ring toss.”
New Mex Breakfast Desayuno by Omar
Hungry for huevos? Twenty-year local chef Omar Bautista has officially launched Desayuno by Omar inside La Fiesta Grill & Cantina at 1755 Central Park Drive, where he has partnered for the traditional Mexican breakfast eatery with La Fiesta owners Ottavio Morales and Angel Vigon. Don’t look for breakfast burritos. Instead, you’ll find made-from-scratch carne asada o chuleta (grilled steak or pork chop served with two eggs and fried plantains); chilaquiles verde o rojos (fried tortilla shells tossed with epazote, chopped onions, cheese, sour cream and green tomatillo or roasted guajillo salsa), and enchiladas en ahogada (rolled corn tortillas covered in salsa with cheese, chicken, pico de gallo and sour cream).
And, of course, there are also huevos galore, including rancheros, divorciados, Motuleños and revueltos. For drinks, sip on coffees and juices, or for those looking for more kick, mimosas and jalapeno margaritas.
Restaurant RIPs
Carl’s, Mahogany, Sauvage Bid Adieu
There’s been some turnovers this spring in the local restaurant scene, and we don’t mean apple or cherry. Three downtown mainstays all threw in the dish towels, including Carl’s Tavern, Mahogany Ridge and Sauvage, leaving a hole in diners’ stomachs. Specializing in French-based fine-dining, Sauvage closed its doors in May. Longtime downtown eateries Mahogany Ridge and Carl’s Tavern also shut down this spring, with negotiations pending for each to potentially transfer to new ownership. Mahogany, owned by Charlie and Lydia Noble, got its start two decades ago after the Steamboat Brewery closed its doors in October 2002. It was reopened by Paul Underwood and Seth Cheikin in March 2003, before the Nobles took it over. A Facebook post for Carl’s said its doors were closing on May 5. “We’d like to thank all our loyal customers who have enjoyed our food, beverages and unparalleled atmosphere,” it read. “Carl’s Tavern will soon be transitioning to new ownership, and we will be closing the business down.” Named for high-flying Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian ski jumper and Barnum and Bailey Circus star who introduced skiing to Steamboat in 1913, Carl’s was purchased in 2017 by Scott Engelman and David Jones, who co-own Truffle Pig, from Collin Kelley, who opened the restaurant in 2011.
Nominate Your GyroHero at Skull Creek
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a…GyroHero! Yup, Steamboat has its own gyro-loving superheroes, with Skull Creek Greek honoring stalwart community members with recognition and a hundred clams worth of Greek grub at the eatery. Realizing it takes a village and that there are so many awesome people in our community, they decided to celebrate them by having customers nominate someone they think is a hero in our community and reward them with $100 gift card and a sweet Skull Creek Greek T-shirt. A new winner is announced each month. What kind of people have won? February’s winner was Hazel Aranas, a single mother who raised three children on her own; in March it was local Rebecca Nicholson, a second-grade teacher at Soda Creek; and local singer/songwriter Tyree Woods has also won the honors. “People can be Gyro Hero for so many reasons,” says Skull Creek’s Diana Crowley. “There are so many awesome people to nominate in our community.” To nominate, visit skullcreekgreek.com/gyro-hero.
Boat Latin Market Expands
Those who love stopping by that traditional Latin market in Silverthorne on their way home to Steamboat can now get those same delicious ingredients at two locations here at home. Sahara Estrada, Karina Arias and Keyla Villa opened The Boat Latin Market in October 2022, bringing hard-to-get items and ingredients from Mexico and Central America to Steamboat. The concept has been so well received that now they’re opening a new location at 675 S. Lincoln Ave. (between the Flour Mill and the Ski Town apartments). The new location, The Boat Latin Market 2, will be in addition to the store they operate at 130 Ninth St. Both offer authentic Latin products and ingredients while also offering services that allow customers to send money, cash paychecks, fill out tax forms and even purchase car insurance. “Our customers come from Mexico, Central America and America,” Estrada says. Inside, find tamales, fresh tortillas, chile rellenos, and more.
MUNCHIES
signature cocktail list with 10 new drinks that reflect the spirit of the Rockies— including the Aperol Spritz, the Icon (a Steamboat-vibed Old Fashioned), and a Colorado Espresso Martini. Call to see if they’re offering their mud-season special Pint + a Pie for $10, Sundays through Thursdays from 3-6 p.m.
Did You Know?
Harison’s gets its name from the yellow rose first brought to Steamboat in 1874. Margaret Crawford, the founding mother of Steamboat, made the trek by covered wagon from St. Louis carrying her newborn baby, two young children, and the roots of a Harison’s Yellow Rose, which took root and has since flourished in the Yampa Valley
Mussel Mayhem
What’s the restaurant formerly known as Rex’s like? Harison’s, which opened last year in the same location at 3190 S. Lincoln Ave., adjacent to the Holiday Inn, serves up the same contemporary atmosphere and family-friendly hospitality and vittles. New is a fresh interior remodel from local design firm Rumor Design + ReDesign with “a mountain chic vibe,” including a redesigned bar and dining spaces. Grubwise, expect a menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and fresh meatballs, Thai crunch salad, hand-tossed/stone-fired pizzas, prime rib, and miso salmon. For libations, it serves up a full bar with a daily happy hour, and a
Live Music
In Mussel Shoals there lived a govnor’… With apologies to Lynnrd Skynrd, we might not have a Mussel Shoals here in Steamboat, but we do have mussels, and lots of ‘em. Especially at 8th Street Steakhouse downtown, which, in the summertime slings them by the bucket with fresh mussels on every Thursday for just seven bucks a pound all night long. “We go through about 500 pounds a season, delivered fresh, on ice, every Thursday,” says owner Tim Pahula, adding they’ve held the special, served in a homemade garlic chardonnay butter sauce, for 20 years. “We’ve seen people come in and eat three pounds of them.” Want something to wash them down? You can also enjoy $6 martinis all night.
Happy B to Johnny B Johnny B Good’s Turns 30
More than 372,000 milkshakes served
Let’s just say that’s a lot of milkshakes and looking at James Dean, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe on the wall.
This past year marked the 30th anniversary of Johnny B. Good’s Diner downtown, whose mission is to provide families, locals and visitors with affordable, tasty, freshly cooked meals served with friendly service that makes one feel at home.
The journey started in 1993 as two ski bums, current owners Mike and Kathy Diemer, began remodeling the old Side-Step restaurant, formerly the Royal Shaft bar and Progressive Bakery. The silver linings of those early long days were the relationships they fostered with their regulars, including everyone from ranchers to Olympians, discussing the “going-ons” of Routt County. Their vision branched from just serving food to serving the community, and each year they come up with new ways to support the local people, be it donations of milkshakes, money, or gift certificates to Steamboat’s schools, families in need and more. “Every time we thought we knew a bit about living and working here, we were humbled by discovering a new depth to our community and another opportunity to learn and grow in our love for it,” says Kathy, adding that the pandemic made Johnny B’s step it up a notch and dig even deeper to give, give, give whether it was a meal, money a smile, or a hug. “We’re proud of the giving we’ve been able to do and all the thanks we’ve received make us realize the treasure we have here. We love paying it forward to this wonderful community in which we live.”
And back to the milkshakes: As part of their celebrations, Johnny B.’s held a contest asking customers to guess how many milkshakes they had served in their three decades. High school sophomore Elliott Nance won, guessing the closest to their total of 371,902. That’s a whole lotta moo.
BEVVIES Short Pours
OktoberWest Slated for Sept. 7
OktoberWest By the Bubbles
Date: Saturday, Sept. 7
Time: 2-6pm
Gondo Pub History Didja know?
Did you know that the unsung Gondola Pub & Grill is the second longest same owner-operated restaurant in town? Yep (the longest being Harwigs/L’apogee, dating back to 1982). The beta: In 1984, Jim and Raeanna Ellis purchased The Works, a counter service, 3.2-beer licensed, ice cream restaurant, located behind GPG. They renamed it Grubstake, after their family history of owning mines in Arizona. In 1991 they moved next door into a building that had had iterations as such iconic bars as The After Glow, Pink Cadillac and the Helm. They changed the name to GPG in 2002 and spruced up the menu to more family-friendly, all-American cuisine served quickly so customers could maximize their ski days. Then they added an outdoor upper deck, another upper-level bar, and a fire pit (a great spot to warm your toes), with new partners Tony Dickson and Chrissy Plotner coming on board. And now you know…the rest of the story.
Drink Whiskey, Protect a National Park
Location: Steamboat Ski Resort
Get your suds on Sat., Sept. 7, as OktoberWest again comes to the base of the Steamboat Ski Resort to celebrate all things craft brew, from IPAs to pilsners. With more than 25 brewers and 1,500 swillers, this one-day event includes live music, food, vendors, and even an armtweaking stein-holding contest. Tickets include unlimited beer samples and souvenir glassware, with The Resort Group providing discounted lodging options. The group also partners with Young Professionals Network in a Friday Night Beer Stroll fundraiser downtown. “It’s an essential celebration of Steamboat’s western heritage and vibrant community spirit,” says OktoberWest’s Jennifer Grathwohl. “It brings the community together through German festivities, local artisans, live music, and craft beer—all set against Steamboat’s stunning backdrop.” Info: steamboatoktoberwest.com
Mountain Tap Releases Prickly Pedal to Benefit RCR, Hala Lima for FOY
Mountain Tap is brewing up benefits for nonprofits, with new crushable suds for Routt County Riders and Friends of the Yampa. For RCR, this spring it released its Prickly Pedal, concocted with cactus fruit and a touch of guava—a nod to the desertriding season—with a tapping party where RCRers could pick up cycling, trail and membership information and Prickly Pedal shirts, hats and stickers. Later, it debuted its Hala Lima for river advocacy group Friends of the Yampa, a session light lager with a delicate hint of key lime that’s both “quenching and crushable,” tapped on riverfest weekend June 1-2. Mountain Tap is donating $1 to each organization for every pint sold. “It’s awesome to help those organizations,” says the brewery’s Wendy Tucciarone. “And they’re both perfect for after those sweet days riding and paddling.”
That’s the motto behind our neighbor to the north’s Wyoming Whiskey, Wyoming’s first legal distillery that protects and gives back to its home state, with every drop distilled, aged and bottled. In particular comes its National Parks Series. Each year since 2021, it’s released a National Parks Edition bottle that salutes and supports America’s most treasured parks, with proceeds earmarked toward protecting them. This year it launched a special whiskey celebrating Wyoming’s two iconic national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, with labels reflecting their grandeur. Gulp and give, we call it. Info: wyomingwhiskey.com.
Tequila Types
For many, summertime is tequila time. Whether you’re sipping, shooting or licking salt off the rim of a margarita, here’s the CliffsNotes skinny on the nuances of each:
Silver: Clear and the most popular, silver tequila is only aged for a few months, with the time to develop the color and characteristics of a longer aging process. It tastes sweeter, with a refreshing, smooth finish, and is great for cocktails.
Anejo: Rich,- full-bodied and caramel colored, Anejo is aged one to three years and is recommended for sipping; a great choice to toast the day’s sweet turns.
Reposado: Aged anywhere from two to 11 months, Reposado has a smooth, even finish. It’s less harsh on the tongue and won’t give you as strong as a hangover for hitting that powder day.
BICYCLE RENTALS
BEVVIES
Town Margarita Sampler
Like your marg on a hot summer evening? So do we, which is why we’re bringing you the below snapshot on a couple places to get your lime on in the ‘Boat.
Fiery Margarita, The Laundry
A perennial winner of town’s Best Craft Cocktail award, the Fiery margarita from The Laundry blends just the right amount of spice, Sauza, citrus, sweet and salt to leave you craving another. And another. Concocted by head barkeep Tod “JJ” Johnson, it’s not fair to say it came to him in his sleep, but close enough. “It was invented at 3 a.m.,” he says, highlighting its high-quality Sauza tequila infused with garlic, red and green peppers, jalapeno and habanero for the perfect balance of heat and sweet. He also Dr. Jekylls the restaurant’s best-seller with fresh-squeezed lime and orange juice as well as a homemade cilantro/lemongrass simple syrup, with just a splash of Triple Sec.
Le Recipe:
1.5 oz. pepper-infused silver tequila
½ oz. cilantro/lemongrass simple syrup
1 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
¾ oz. fresh-squeezed orange juice
¾ oz. Triple Sec
Serve with salted rim and lime
Inside Stranahan’s Mountainside Whiskey Barrels
If you’ve spent time in the Maverick’s halfpipe on the mountain, you’ll feel at home in the new Stranahan’s Whiskey Barrels outside of The Range food hall at the resort’s base (they’re the same shape!). The new two-hour-long tasting and drinking experience lets you reserve one of three custom cedar Stranahan’s barrels for a chef-curated, four-course menu paired with a flight of Stranahan’s whiskey, with specialty cocktails also available. The barrels seat up to four and offer a full view of the mountain.
“People love it,” says assistant GM Matt Ford. “We had a pretty busy fall and winter. And the food’s totally different from anything else we serve.”
The menu from head chef Josh “Puck” Puchner rotates every month. “They give us pretty free rein,” he says. “To come up with each course for the menu we sat down and tasted the bourbons and saw what fit.” Your courses might include a starter of prosciutto flatbread, with black truffles, pecorino and arugla; trout rillette, with shallot jam, roe, and sesame lavish; ricotta agnoletti, with brown butter sauce, seared wagyu, and blistered heirloom tomatoes; and a whisky cream puff for desert. Your pairings include Blue Peak single malt, double distilled at high altitude and aged four years in new American oak barrels with a #3 char;
Biggest Marg in Town? Fiesta Jalisco’s Cadillac
Want to go big (and have someone else drive you home)? Go grande at Fiesta Jalisco. Cadillacs are big cars, and the large-sized Cadillac margarita from Fiesta Jalisco (and sister restaurant, Vaqueros) lives up to its billing. While the Mexican joint has 13 different margaritas to choose from — including the Red Bull margarita (for millennials?) and the Millionaire margarita, made with Don Julio “1942 Añejo” tequila —the Cadillac comes with Sauza Hornitos, fresh cranberry and orange juice, and is topped with Grand Marnier. Want to go Supersize? Try the pitcher.
Salt and Lime’s Caliente
Those who remember the Rio Grande Mexican restaurant at the same location know that Salt and Lime has a reputation to live up to when it comes to margaritas. Thankfully, it’s done that and more. Served in both individual, saltrimmed glasses and liters, its array of mouth-watering margs—best enjoyed at sunset from its rooftop deck—will have you saying arriba! in no time. Try the house (Casa) with 100% blue agave tequila, triple sec, lime, sugar, either frozen or on the rocks; or get adventurous and spice up your taste buds with the Caliente, featuring jalapeño-infused silver tequila, triple sec, sugar, lime, and hot-to-thelips chili salt. Two other faves: the Cucumber Fresco, with cucumber-infused silver tequila, triple sec, lime, sugar; and El Capitan (pronounced with three syllables), featuring maestro dobel cristalino, naranja liqueur, lime and agave.
The Commons: Uncommonly Simple
At The Commons downtown, it’s all about keeping things simple in margland. Its margarita is minimized to the basics, with no frills. “The marg here is clean and simple,” says manager Errik Hill. “Just three ingredients, tequila, agave and lime. The way it should be like in old Mexico. It’s well-balanced and fresh for a hot summer’s day.” Best bet: take it out to the deck overlooking gurgling Butcherknife Creek.
Original (OG Lounge), a small batch single malt cut to proof; Sherry Cask, a double distilled 100 percent malted barley aged in virgin American oak barrels and transferred to Spanish Oloroso Sherry barrels to cask finish; and Diamond Peak, a marriage of Stranahan’s with two years in a cask that held extra anejo Reserva de Familia tequila (the result: a burst of herbal and peppery brightness with agave sweetness). Want a specialty concoction? Try Giggle Water, with Stranahan’s, Drambuie, honey and cinnamon; Oak Overcoat, with a yellow label Stranahan’s Manhattan; or Old Bird, a New York sour with Sherry Cask Stranahan’s, egg whites, simple syrup, lemon, and a float of Josh Vineyards Cabernet.
“It’s definitely a lot of bourbon, says Ford of the two-hour sitting. “You’ll be glad you have all that food.”
BEVVIES
Know ‘Yer ‘Tender
Catching up with Truffle Pig’s Cole Weldon
What’s your favorite part of the job? Interacting with the customers. We get all walks of life in here and everyone has something interesting to say.
What’s the hardest part? Working on a powder day. Watching the snow accumulate on the deck outside and not being able to get out and make some turns is always tough.
What’s your favorite drink to make? Our Smoak’d Old Fashioned. Lighting the American white oak on fire in front of bar guests is always pretty fun.
What’s the most popular order? That’d be our Smoak’d Old Fashioned or the Ski Bunny, made with Tito’s vodka, luxardo limoncello, Gifford crème de mure, fresh lemon juice, and cane and brown sugar, served on a citrusdusted rim.
What would you tell a newcomer to try? That’s easy…our burger. It’s the best burger west of the Mississippi.
What’s the most common question you hear? ‘How’s the burger?’ Again, it’s the best burger west of the Mississippi. The next most common question is, ‘What’s the secret to being a good bartender?’ The answer is keeping your cool under pressure and don’t sweat the small things. When things get hard, take a deep breath, and continue to provide exceptional service.
What’s your drink of choice? Soda water with a lemon.
Most important skills for a bartender? Time management and keeping a relaxed and inviting composure.
What do you like about Truffle Pig? I love our wide range of spirits and craft cocktails. After skiing world-class powder, getting a patron to try a new tequila or whiskey they’ve never had always puts a smile on my face.
What’s something people don’t know about you? I love flying airplanes and hope to get my pilot’s license one day
Any other hobbies or sports? Skiing and snowboarding in the winter and in the summer I can be found hiking and fly fishing.
What do you like about Steamboat? The thing that I like most is the access to all things outdoors. Whether that’s floating the river in the summer with friends, hiking and mountain biking or hitting the ski mountain in the winter. There’s something for everyone here.
BEVVIES
Bevvie Maker Roundup
Breweries
Mountain Tap Brewery
Cozy up to artisanal wood-fired pizzas and tasty lagers and IPAs at Mountain Tap’s taproom and patio downtown at 910 Yampa Ave. The brewery carries 12 taps (Swillin’ fave: the Macaroon) with a slew of seasonal creations, while a giant wood-fired oven cranks out homespun ‘zas and a firepit-lined patio fuels the vibe. “Our beers, cuisine and ambience all depict our mountain town atmosphere,” says owner Rich Tucciarone, who’ll likely be dripping wet from a SUP session on the river. Bonus: its delectable popcorn spice is now available to bring home. mountaintapbrewery.com
Storm Peak
Brewing Co.
With a roof-top bar and Bus Stop on-mountain location, there’s a lot brewing at Storm Peak Brewing Co., located west of town at 1885 Elk River Plaza. Swill down its lagers and pilsners, as well as its Maestro, an IPA heavily hopped with citra and chinook, with flaked wheat and caramel malts. “It helps refuel those carbs you burn up adventuring outside,” says coowner Wyatt Patterson. “We love sharing our passion for beer.” Storm Peak makes its beer in a 4,600-square-foot facility with 20 taps and garage doors that open to a large patio with yurt and fire pit. Other mainstays include its Mad Creek Kolsch, Urban Sombrero Lager, guava-kettle-soured Hoochie Mama and Zomb Brown Ale. stormpeakbrewing.com
Yampa Valley Brewing Co./Hop House
Headquartered in Hayden, Yampa Valley Brewing Co. also serves its craft brews at its Steamboat Hop House at 1125 Lincoln Ave., bringing its swillicious selections to the Yampa Valley. It supplies its three tap houses (including Craig’s YVBC Barrel Room) via a 1,500-square-foot brew house in Hayden. Faves include its Yampa Valley Blonde (blondes have more fun), Space Dog IPA, Sandhill Crane Red and Coal Miner Stout, with plenty of seasonal rotations. yampavalleybrew.com
Distilleries
Mythology
Founded in Denver, Mythology is an award-winning craft whiskey and gin distillery now making Steamboat its new home. Based in the former Butcherknife Brewery headquarters at 2875 Elk River Road, it offers an inside cocktail bar and outside whiskey garden where customers can enjoy craft cocktails, local craft beer, boutique wines and an Asian soup dumpling restaurant. Recognized as one of Colorado’s top distilleries, its spirits have won more than 50 awards, with mainstays including its Best Friend Bourbon, Hell Bear American Whiskey and Needle Pig Gin. It also offers local bus rides as well as tours of its distillery and barrel-aging rack house. “We love it here,” says co-owner Scott Yeates. “Steamboat offers an incredible opportunity to be involved and have an impact in our community.” mythologydistillery.com
Routt Distillery
Steamboat spirits purveyor Routt Distillery is a “grain-toglass” distillery specializing in gin, vodka and single malt whiskey, complete with a tasting room and deck. The grain is sourced from southern Colorado and the Front Range, with everything made in-house at its production facility and tasting room at 975 Captain Jack Drive. It focuses on local ag products, with its bottles featuring a 1920 map of Routt County and its spent grain fed to animals at Hayden Fresh Farm. Try its single malt whiskey with locally grown barley, as well as an absinthe and serviceberry bitters recipe and an agave spirit and rum. Bonus: spend $100 or more at CAA and receive a free cocktail. routtdistillery.com
Steamboat Winery
Unleash your inner sommelier at Steamboat Winery, located at Two Brothers Ranch. The winery purchases its grapes from Sonoma and Napa but makes its wines in the Yampa Valley. All of its labels center around Steamboat, including River Angler Cabernet Sauvignon, Slopeside White Chardonnay, Ranch Dog Rose, Expert Slope Syrah, Barn Red Blend, Rodeo Merlot and a Bunny Slope sparkling grape juice. Its wines are also available for purchase locally, as are private inhome tastings with charcuterie by appointment. steamboatwinery.com
Courtesy of Mountain Tap
Courtesy of Mythology
Courtesy of Storm Peak
Two Easy Summer Bourbon Libations
Summertime and the livin’s easy. That’s what Jefferson’s Bourbon (or use local Mythology!) is promoting with its Ocean voyage line and two refreshing summertime cocktails it’s promoting to bring a bit of the beach to the mountains. Behold, the secret behind its Jefferson’s Pineapple and Mango Splash—one sip and you’ll wonder why you haven’t mixed pineapple, mango, and bourbon sooner to take in the sunset alpenglow atop Mt. Werner.
Mango Splash
1.5 parts Jefferson’s Ocean
¼ parts Apple Cider Vinegar
4 parts Mango Soda
Method: Build in collins glass. Add ice. Garnish with a lime wedge
Pineapple Splash
1.5 par ts Jefferson’s Ocean
1 parts Pineapple Juice
3 parts Grapefruit Soda
Method: Build in rocks glass. Add ice. Garnish with a lime wedge
STRAIGHT DOPE
Steamboat’s Dispensaries Blunts
Schedule I to III?
The DEA is proposing to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug–those considered the most dangerous and addictive, with no medical value–to Schedule III, which can be lawfully prescribed as medication. While not legalizing pot at the federal level, it would be the biggest change in marijuana policy from the feds since the drug was first outlawed. Marijuana has been a Schedule I drug since the Controlled Substances Act was signed in 1970.
Billo Art
Billo is launching wearable art with Colorado-based Wana, soliciting submissions from local artists to be printed on T-shirts and other wearables.
“We’re looking at a creative way to showcase local artists’ works,” says Billo’s Dave Wittlinger, adding the shirts will be used as giveaways and sold at retail. They hope to release three original art pieces this summer, with selected art chosen for the following themes: June: “Pride”; July: “Freedom”; August: “Outdoors.” Winners of each will get $400 and a $100 Billo gift certificate.
New
Reefer Rules
Ten years after recreational marijuana became legal in Colorado, new rules aim to boost operational efficiencies and change how people buy and consume cannabis. The result of a series of stakeholder meetings, the biggest change is that retail marijuana stores are now allowed to accept payment for online orders (legal in Colorado as of last year, but customers have had to pay in-person). Customers need to provide their name and date of birth to purchase over the internet; upon pick-up, the store must then verify the customer’s identification. Another change mandates all retail packaging to include a “use-by date”—not to convey the product’s expiration but when it’s supposed to reach the end of its optimal quality and freshness.
Dope Sales Down
Dope sales are dropping. The Colorado Department Revenue reports the past six years have seen a decline in retail marijuana tax revenue. Last year, tax revenues collected were at their lowest since 2017, when they clocked in at $247.3 million. In 2023, the state took in $255 million—down from $325 million in 2022 and a whopping $423.4 million in 2021.
ANNA
Where: 735 E Jefferson Ave., Hayden Web: annadispensary.com
Blue Heron’s sister dispensary Anna (a play off the word “cannabis) fuels the cannabis stoke in Hayden at 735 E. Jefferson St. (next to the “windmill” property), carrying its high-quality, all-organic flower and locally sourced concentrates. “It’s very similar in what we offer,” says Wellstone, who operates the boutique-style shop with partner Cherie Sanders. “We hope to be an important part of Hayden’s revitalization and are excited to provide top quality service to the community.”
Billo
Where: 3150 Ingles Lane
Web: mybillo.com
Carrying a complete line of flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals and more, Billo is the only dispensary located in the Steamboat Mountain Village area and is the closest dispensary to the resort. When it comes to buying cannabis, Billo believes that customers deserve to know what they’re getting, where it was sourced, and how it will make you feel. Have your questions answered by industry professionals who take pride in helping people find the right mix of products to best enjoy their Steamboat experience. With straight-forward pricing and a wide variety of products to choose from, Billo is hands-down the locals’ favorite for quality cannabis in the Yampa Valley.
Blue Heron
Where: 100 W. Main St., Oak Creek Web: blueherondispensary.com
Oak Creek’s Blue Heron takes pride in having one of the best selections of high-quality, organically grown flower in the state. This small boutique-style shop offers constantly rotating strains of amazing organic flower and a wide
selection of top-shelf products including dialed-in gummies, Spherex, Wyld, AO extracts and more. “We love being part of this community and catering to our locals on a first-name basis,” says owner Mark Wellstone, who named the shop in honor of his late best buddy Matt Lansing.” We’re the hidden gem in Routt County and carry the best of the best.”
Golden Leaf
Where: 1755 Lincoln Ave.
Web: goldenleaf.co
Located west of town, Golden Leaf cultivates cannabis with nutrient-rich soil, pure Rocky Mountain water and advanced growing techniques to produce some of the highest quality cannabis in Colorado. Whether you’re looking to enhance your Steamboat experience or help an ailment, Golden Leaf strives to provide a comfortable and informative experience for everyone. The awards it’s garnered are a testament to its dedication and passion, from firsts in the THC Classic (for such strains as its Lemonhead Delight and Black Maple #22). With quality and attention to detail going into every plant, it prides itself on friendly, serviceoriented budtenders and offers a complimentary shuttle service and online recreational ordering.
Tumbleweed Steamboat
Where: 2093 Curve Plaza, #C-103
Web: tumbleweed420.com
Proud to be owned and operated by females, Tumbleweed—named after the namesake plant its owners saw blowing across the highway when they moved west from Minnesota—began in Parachute, Colo., in 2016. Growing like a weed itself, it’s since rolled across Colorado to include eight dispensaries in Frisco, Edwards, Carbondale, DeBeque, Eagle, Craig and Steamboat (which it formed by purchasing Rocky Mountain Remedies in 2019). Its Steamboat team has nearly 20 years of experience managing other dispensaries in Routt County, so is well-versed in understanding the wants of locals and visitors. It proudly serves the Colorado high country with quality green bud, edibles, topicals, CBD products, concentrates and everything in between.
Dogs on Dope
No Bueno
Call it dogs or dope, canines on cannabis, Rovers on reefer, what have you. The truth is that dogs sometimes can and do sniff out your stash and accidentally ingest cannabis. To find out what to do when this happens, we went straight to expert Dr. Karen Nann, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at good ol’ Pet Kare Clinic. Here’s what we found:
How common is it?
We see it relatively often. A rough estimate would be a couple of phone calls or patients a week that we suspect ingested marijuana.
How can you tell?
Signs we see are ataxia (stumbling on hind limbs), dribbling urine, and hyperesthesia (reactivity to light and sound). They tend to act lethargic, sleepy and then can be roused.
What’s the best remedy?
Typically, within 24 hours the symptoms will subside; keeping your pet in a quiet dark area will help keep them comfortable. But there are toxic doses. I had one dog in that ate cuttings and almost looked like it had Tetanus-stiff rigid legs; it needed to be on IV fluids for 12 hours to help flush the THC out of its system
How can you prevent it?
A common occurrence we see in dogs out on trails is marijuana toxicosis. THC is very lipid-soluble, meaning it’s easily stored in the fatty tissues of the liver, brain, and kidneys before being eliminated from the body. THC is metabolized in the liver and the majority (65-90%) is excreted in the feces; while only a small percentage (10-35%) is eliminated through the kidneys. This is true for any mammal. So, the most common way we see marijuana toxicosis in dogs is from eating human feces. Since the THC remains unchanged, if they somehow find it dogs will snack on these “tasty tidbits” and show symptoms as soon as 20 minutes post ingestion. So, if you’re camping, take care to leave no trace. Keeping your dog on a leash will also help prevent this. Also, keep your own supplies safely out of reach where they can’t accidentally find it. And don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian if you have any questions; we can typically assess these instances pretty quickly.
Call Terin Petersen 970-846-5429
FRESH LE G S STRETCH TH E YPAR
Using AIS, Active Isolated Stretch, technique to help you gain range of motion, flexibility, recover from and help prevent injury.
Fine knits from around the world in alpaca, wool and cotton.
STRAIGHT DOPE
Know Yer’ ‘Tender Catching up with Golden Leaf budtender Sam Kreger
When did you move to Steamboat? About three years ago; I was living in my hometown of Orlando running my paint and drywall business.
What do you like about budtending? I love meeting new people from all walks of life, as well as the interesting and meaningful conversations you will have with people you have just met. There’s no community like the cannabis community.
Any new products people should know about? We have some new strains in the works which we’re very excited about. We also just made our own line of in-house live resin disposables which have been doing great. All props to our growers and extractors for creating flower and concentrate which brought us the number one sativa, hybrid, and overall live concentrate in the state. If you’re an edible user I recommend checking out our Dialed-in Live Rosin gummies, specifically the Liquid Rosin edibles which is my personal go-to.
What would you tell a newcomer to try? That’s hard to answer because of the wide array of ways to ingest cannabis. If we’re talking concentrate, I recommend Rosin for the fact that it’s a concentrated flower high in the truest sense. It’s a solvent-less extract so you’re getting all the natural terpenes and a full spectrum of cannabinoids. If it’s flower, it all depends on the user. Are you looking for a cerebral sativa high, an indica body high, or a combination in a hybrid? Whatever your jam is we’ve got it. For edibles I can’t stress the Dialed-in gummies or liquids enough. They’re hands-down are the best in the state, a full spectrum rosin edible so with that you can actually achieve the highs your looking for, whether you’re a heady (sativa) or more of a body high (indica) kind of person.
Which strains are most popular?
Some of our staple strains like Jenny, Road Dawg, and Lemon Poison, as well as our award winners this year with Lemonhead Delight (sativa), Candy Fumez (hybrid), and Black Maple (indica). Dry Ice is my personal favorite with a nice euphoric and calming
body feeling that almost instantly brings on the giggles with a very nostalgic high.
What’s the most common question you hear? “What’s the difference between sativa and indica?” I believe one of the major misconceptions with cannabis in general is the difference between sativa and indica. The majority of people think indicas will put you to sleep and sativas will keep you awake. They will all get you high; it’s just more depends on if you want a more cerebral feeling from sativa or a body feeling from indica. At the end of the day, it’s all about the terpenes.
What’s something people don’t know about you? I have the coolest dog to ever breathe. His name is George, AKA Georgie, AKA Gorgeous George, AKA Jefe.
Any favorite hobbies or sports when you’re not ‘tending? I’m into anything outdoors and I played every sport growing up. I’m a big movie and photography nerd, and I really enjoy learning and educating myself on history, culture, and art.
What do you like about
Steamboat? The winters are fun but the summers are even better. There is so much to do and so much beauty to see here. I also love the great community we have. I grew up in a large city so to have that tightknit, supportive, everyone-knowseveryone type of community is great. I’ve lived in some other large cities and smaller towns across the country and there’s no place like Steamboat.
Life Cycle of a Weed Plant
Want to know how your cannabis got to where it is in your friendly dispensary counter? For that, we went to Billo head of grow operations Dave Kulberg for his insight on getting a plant from seedling to sinsemilla.
“Cultivating healthy and flourishing cannabis plants means diligently managing a complete array of input variables including light, water, and soil nutrients. The time from seed to flower can range from 1032 weeks and less when starting from a clone (i.e., rooted cutting). At our Billo grow operation, strains are meticulously chosen inhouse through seed selection and testing. Only the best make it to commercial production to join the library of award-winning genetics. When starting from seed, it’s important to know a thing or two about plant genetics. Females are the only cannabis plants with the ability to produce buds that can be harvested to smoke, vape, dab, and ingest. Male plants must be removed before the flowers open to ensure that the cannabis retains its quality and remains free of seeds. The typical cannabis growth timeline includes roughly six phases:
Phase 1: Germinating Seeds (1-7
days) To properly germinate it’s important to keep the seed wet and in a dark place. In a matter of days, a single root called the radicle (tap root) will shoot downwards as the new stem grows upwards, pushing the seed out of the soil.
Phase 2: Seedling Stage (2-3 weeks)
Exposure to proper light and moisture is important here. Plants in the seeding stage should receive 1824 hours of light, moist soil, and mild humidity to grow properly. Growing plants indoors allows us to control every aspect of the growing environment.
Phase 3: Vegetative Growth (2-8 weeks)
Once it’s deemed ready, plants at this stage are moved to larger pots and their growth begins to soar. The plant stem and overall size become thicker and its root system begins to prepare for flowering. During this phase it’s important to train the plant for optimal growth and structure, achieved by varying the amount of water the plants receive and the position of the watering mechanism. This is also when the light cycle moves to an 18-hour day with a six-hour night period.
Phase 4: Pre-flowering (1-2 weeks)
In this phase, the plants form bud sights or preflowers. Essentially, this is where the “buds” you purchase at the store come from. At this point, the plant should start to receive 12 hours of light per day and it grows exponentially, almost doubling in size. The plant is preparing to establish its final structure before blooming out its buds.
Phase 5: Flowering (6-8 weeks)
The flowering stage occurs naturally when plants receive 12 hours of light a day. Over the next few weeks it continues its development until maturity, with each strain showing its own characteristics and traits, including unique aromas and its defining structure. Towards the end of this phase the plant will be deprived of nutrients, mimicking a fall-like environment. The plants are ready to be harvested when the colors of the pistils turn from white to reddish orange and the trichome heads turn from transparent to amber.
Phase 6: Harvesting
When it’s time to harvest, the plants are cut down into smaller branches and hung upside down in a cool, dark room for a controlled cure. Plants are typically left hanging for 7-14 days in an optimal environment allowing buds to slowly dry into their final form. Once they’ve reached the desired moisture content, the flower is managed by trimmers who clip excess leaves to reveal the gems of this amazing plant.
JUNE 29,2024
Complete Details and tickets at yvsc.org/insight
LARSON BARN, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS CO
OFF THE COUCH
SUPs Delivered to Your Door (or River)
Cue The Who’s “Going Mobile.” Because that’s what Paddleboard Adventure Co. is doing this summer. After 10 years of having a retail shop in town, it’s going on the move, delivering SUPs to your door or paddling destination.
“We’re still offering the same rentals and services just with a more personal touch,” says owner Danny Tebbenkamp.
“When you book your rental, you’ll have the choice to decide where you would like us to meet you with your rentals, whether it’s a put-in on the Yampa, your house, or nearby lake.”
About the only place they won’t deliver is Pearl Lake, since they’ll still offer have a rental kiosk and tiki bar there right on the shore, complete with a few live music events scheduled. They’ll also continue to offer shuttles and paddleboard lessons down the Yampa or on Fetcher Pond. Info: paddleboardadventurecompany.com
Craig Corner
Backyard Ultra Endurance Hits Craig
Let’s just call it a hurl fest. A tough race is coming to our neighbor to the west.
Craig’s Last-man-standing competition will feature 75 runners who have one hour to complete a 4.2-mile loop. At the top of the next hour, racers will line back up and run another lap within the 60-minute limit. This continues until only one runner remains and completes the final lap on time. If that runner can’t, there is no winner. “It comes out to 100 miles in 24 hours,” says race director, Melissa UchitelleRogers, adding the distance got set by Tennessee’s Gary Cantrell, who held the first event in his backyard. The race, also called the Broken Brain Backyard, will be held June 29 from Craig’s Loudy-Simpson Park (a less intense citizen’s race will also be held). The world record is 108 laps, clocking in at 4.5 days covering 450 miles. Uchitelle-Rogers believes some may reach this year’s 24-hour mark. “You have that time from when you finish a lap until the next hour starts to do whatever,” she says. “You can even sleep.” Info: BrokenBrainBackyard.com
Cowabunga!
What’s Up with the Craig Whitewater Park
New surf waves on the Yampa are coming to Craig. The city is knee deep is building its new whitewater park just above the city’s Loudy-Simpson Park, with 70 percent of the instream improvements completed and a scheduled opening in spring 2025, says the Chamber’s Jennifer Holloway. Currently, public access is available at the golf course, with a quick portage to the existing gravel ramp at Loudy-Simpson, where a new cement boat ramp is being built a half-mile below. The whitewater portion of the park, located about a mile downstream of the golf course and two miles above LoudySimpson, will include two whitewater drop features built from the removal of an old diversion dam. This fall, the city plans to finish the bankwork and structures, as well as such upland park improvements as adding nature trails and toilets. “It’s coming together and should be a great river park,” she says.
Gears and Girls
The Cycle Effect gets local girls out riding
Don’t be surprised if you see a gaggle of girls out on the trail or gravel road this riding season. It’s just participants in the Cycle Effect, a group whose mission is to empower young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities. The CycleEffect is a Colorado-based nonprofit that mentors through mountain biking. “It’s an awesome program. We serve adventurous 10- to 18-year-old girls who may not have the opportunity to participate in the sport,” says Cycle Effect Routt County Manager Helen Beall. “Our flexible curriculum provides participants with bikes, equipment, and a diverse coaching staff for little cost.” Donations are used for year-round coaches and mentors; bikes and maintenance; apparel, gear and team uniforms; vehicles, transportation and maintenance; races, events and promotion; fitness equipment, exercise and healthy snacks; outreach and expansion of programming. Info: thecycleeffect.org
PARTY TIME
Happy Hour Sampler
Angling for some après? There’s no shortage of the big HHs in town. The only problem: finishing your day’s adventure in time.
8th Street Steakhouse
4:30 to 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to close daily; 8thstreetsteakhouse.com
Aurum Food & Wine
4 to 6 p.m. daily; aurumsteamboat.com
Back Door Grill
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily, all day Sundays upstairs at the bar; thebackdoorgrill.com
The BARley Tap & Tavern
5 to 7 p.m. daily; thebarleycolorado.com
Besame
4 to 5:30 p.m. daily; besamesteamboat.com
Brass Kitchen and Bar
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily; brasssteamboat.com
Commons
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun.-Fri.; steamboatcommons.com
The Corner Slice
4 to 5:35 p.m. daily; thecornerslice.com
E3 Chophouse
3 to 5 p.m. daily; e3chophouse.com
How Ya Doin’
Pizza & Eats
4 to 5:30 p.m. daily, howyadoinpizzaneatz.com
Johnny B Goods Diner
3 to 5 p.m. daily, johnnybgoodsdiner.com
Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily; thelaundryrestaurant.com
Mai Thai
3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday; maithaimenu.com
Mambo Italiano
4 to 5:30 p.m. daily; mambos.com
Ocean Dragon
3 to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; oceandragonchinesesushi.com
Off The Beaten Path
4 to 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m. Sundays; steamboatbooks.com
Old Town Pub
3 to 6 p.m. daily; theoldtownpub.com
O’Neil’s Tavern & Grill
3:30 to 5:30p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight daily; oneilstavernandgrill.com
Primrose
4-6 p.m.; primrosesteamboat.com
Salt & Lime
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily; suckalime.com
Schmiggity’s
8 to 9 p.m. daily; schmiggitys.com
Seedz
2 to 5 p.m. weekends; seedz-café.com
Sunpie’s Bistro
3 to 6 p.m. daily; sunpiessteamboat.com
Table 79 Foodbar
4 to 6 p.m. daily; table79steamboat.com
Tahk Omakase Sushi
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wed.- Sun.
Taco Cabo
4 to 6 p.m. daily; tacocabo.com
Vaqueros
2 to 6 p.m. daily; vaquerosmexican.net
West End Sports Grill
4 to 6 p.m. daily; thewestendtavern.com
Yampa Valley Ice House
3 to 5:30 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 p.m. daily; yampaice.com
Yampa Valley Kitchen
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily;yampavalleykitchen.com
Brewha’s and ‘za’s at Mountain Tap...what’s not to like?
O’Neil’s offers some of the best seats in town.
Rooftop marg at Salt & Lime, anyone?
PARTY TIME
Off-beat Happy Hours
Sure, the regular Happy Hour haunts are great and all, but how about some that are a little different than all the others? Following is a roundup of Happy Hours that might just keep you there longer than 60 minutes.
SnowBowl Steamboat: Steee-rike!! Yep, you’ll be yelling that and doing your moon walk celie at SnowBowl, whose Happy Hour runs WedFri from 4-6 p.m., with half price appetizers and $2 off well cocktails, draft and canned beers, house wine. Also look for cosmic bowling, a cornhole series, and free concerts on Wednesdays.
Sunset Happy Hour: The resort’s Sunset Happy Hours are back, offering live music and sweeping views with your IPAs. They run Thursdays and Sundays from May 26 to Sept. 29 (check schedule), with live music from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (free with season pass, $30 without). “They’re super popular—we’re excited to have them back,” says the resort’s Maren Francosi, who you might find on the dance floor.
Lupita’s:
Get out of town and head south to Oak Creek, where Lupita’s offers margs, nachos and more—and often live music—right on its outside deck. It’s classic Oak Creek old school and the perfect spot for some R&R after your South Routt adventure in the Flat Tops and beyond.
Pearl Lake: Happy hour from 4-6 p.m. after you SUP at Pearl Lake, thanks to a liquor permit held by Paddleboard Adventure Co. “The sunsets up there are awesome,” says owner Danny Tebbenkamp, adding the retro-fitted bar/ trailer comes with a fenced-in turf yard and occasional live music. The rental kiosk and bar are located on the point overlooking the lake. Bonus: Rent the giant SUPSquatch for float-and-bloat parties (wearing your PFD, of course).
BYO Happy Hours: Not to undermine our fine, local Happy Hour providers, but you can also embrace your own dirtbag/BYO happy time in our beloved parks. A few faves: Fishing, supping and sipping wine at Fetcher Park; Tossing back horseshoes and beers at Li’l Toots; IPAs in Elk Park ; PBRs on riverside benches; and the ol’ Emerald Mountain stroll.
Late Night HHs
8th Street Steakhouse: While 8th Street Steakhouse offers its normal HH deals daily from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., it also offers them from 8:30 p.m. – close, with such drink specials as four-buck beers and $6 house wines, margs, well drinks and martinis; and vittles like $6 8 oz. steak burgers, house salads and toast, stuffed mushrooms (yum!), spinach artichoke dip, shrimp skewers and truffle fries. Hint: Try them all (BYO Alka-Seltzer). www.8thstreetsteakhouse.com
O’Neil’s: Local hotspot O’Neil’s has a late night Happy Hour that runs from 10 p.m.-12 a.m., and is where you’ll find locals telling their day’s adventure tales to anyone who’ll listen (“Dude, I biffed so hard on my bike…”). While pretending to listen, try their $4 well drinks, $2 off beers, $7 Dirty Dukes (a Bud-heavy-shot of Jamo), $6 house wines and car bombs, and more. For grub, sink your teeth into $6 hand-breaded chicken tenders; $7 jumbo pretzels, Irish mac and cheese, fish and chips and cheeseburgers; $8 potato skins; and $9 fried chicken sliders. www.oneilstavernandgrill.com
TUNES
Local Shows
Like live tunes? Catch awesome sauce shows at some of the following live music venues (sing along at your own risk).
Free Summer Concert Series
Sat, June 22 - Kitchen Dwellers
Sat, July 20 - The Machine, Pink Floyd Tribute
Sat, July 27- Fruition
Fri, August 9 - ALO
Sun, Sept 1 - Keller Williams (w/ Hillbenders) Grateful Grass
Old Town Pub
Old Town Pub has it going on this summer, with a slate of shows that promise to bring the house down.
6/16: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
6/29: Underground Springhouse
6/30: Hot Like Mars (FREE)
7/4-5: Deer Creek
7/19: Blue River Grass (FREE)
7/20: Eric Delaney - Big Tasty
7/26-27: Albert Simpson (FREE)
7/31: Shadowgrass
8/2: Casey Russell Band (FREE)
8/3: Bench (FREE)
8/6-7 : Snozzberries
8/9-10: Bloodkin
8/17-18: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
8/23-24: Circles Around The Sun
Schmiggity’s
Schmigg’s is at it again, this time with a lineup that’s as full as drinks they pour. Saunter on over for some of the best nightlife in town:
6/14: Aloha Pants
6/15: Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers
6/19: RG3 + JUSTAWORM
6/21: Alan Duty & The Lost Rangers
6/22: The Hip Snacks
6/26: VALI
6/28: Honey Hounds
6/29: Tep No with Will Peddie
7/5: Stop Light Observations
7/6: Dealer Takes Four
7/12: Green Buddha
7/13: The Sweet Lillies
7/19: Easy Honey
7/20: Stylie w/Well Chuned
7/24: Boogie Time Machine
7/26: Desert Child
7/27: Giant Walking Robots
8/2: Wish You Were Pink
8/3: Warsaw Poland Bros
8/9: Illiterate Light
8/10: Little Bird w/ Lemon’s
8/16: Driftwood
8/17: Lucid Vision w/Kloud Forest & Indubitable
8/23: Tire Fire
8/24: Risen Project w/ Salem
8/30: The Barlow
9/6: Chuck Briseno Band
9/7: Bench
9/13: O’Conner Brother Band
9/14: Harmonious Junk
9/20: Wordan Jilson Band
9/21: Grits & Greens
10/9: The Stews
10/11: May Be Fern
10/12: Bombargo
10/18: Kind Hearted Strangers
10/19: Hunter James & The Titanic
10/25: Hotel Fiction
10/26: Apollo Suns
11/1: MINKA
SnowBowl
6/12: The Burroughs
6/16: MAGOO
6/19: Chamberlain Birch w/ Blla Band
6/26: DeadPhish Orchestra
6/28: Andy Frasco and the UN (ticketed show with Schmiggity’s)
7/3: Boot Juice
7/7: The Last Revel
7/10: Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast
7/17: Banshee Tree
7/24: Harvey Street
7/28: Wood Belly
7/31: Unlikely Candidates
8/7: Lowdown Brass Band
8/14: Colony Funk
8/18: Chain Station
8/21: Heads All Empty
8/28: Joslyn and the Sweet Compression
9/4: Wish You Were Pink
9/11: Taylor Scott Band
9/18: Stolen Gin
9/25: Magic Beans
Strings Music Festival
6/21: Emmylou Harris
6/22: Opening Night Orchestra: Beethoven Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”
6/26: Classical piano trio and quintet
6/29: The hits: classical favorites you know and loved
7/3: Boston Brass with special guests
7/5: Melissa Etheridge
7/6: Christopher Taylor
7/7: Brent Rowan and Friends
7/10: Jason Vieaux
7/12: Squirrel Nut Zippers’ Jazz from the Back O’ Town
7/13: Busch Trio
7/14: The Mavericks
7/17: Thalea String Quartet
7/18: DeVotchKa
7/19: Steep Canyon Rangers
7/20: Ruckus
7/21: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
7/23: Watchhouse
7/24: When the Violin
7/27: Strings at strings
7/28-29: Danish String Quartet and Stundom
7/29: Coffee Talk: Nordic folk traditions
7/31: Baroque Masterworks with soprano Joélle Harvey
8/1: Asleep at the Wheel
8/2: Ben Folds
8/3: Orchestra Finale: Mahler Symphony No. 4
8/8: Cimafunk
8/16: Shakey Graves
8/18: The Crane Wives
8/22: Gipsy Kings
8/24: Fretliners
8/25: Melvin Seals & JGB
9/6: The National Parks
9/22: The Longest Johns
10/4: Corey Cullinan and Justin Roberts
10/20: Hotel Elsinore
Free Community Events at Yampa River Botanic Park
Want to feel some grass under your feet with your tunes? Check th following free shows at the Yampa River Botanic Park (times vary).
6/26: Carolyn Berns and John Fog
7/3: Randy Kelley and Jon Gibbs
7/10: Chamberlin Birch
7/17: Trevor G. Potter
7/24: Erinys Quartet
7/31: Little Moon Travelers
8/ 7: Rachel Melby
8/14: Opera Steamboat
8/21: Deer Creek Sharp Shooters
TUNES
Free Summer Concert Series
An Insider’s
Guide
How unique is the Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series? Very, with a great lineup, an amazing venue, and awesome community spirit. Make the most of it with the following insider pointers:
Backdrop:
Sure, venues like Red Rocks, Dillon Amphitheater and Telluride might have better vistas. But where else do you stare at a 100-meter Nordic jump, marveling at the cajones it takes to huck that thing?
Arrive Early/Catch the Openers:
The opening acts are always great, says the series’ Scotty Fox, and there are no crowds (“You can get right up to the rail.”) Carbo-load tip: Arrive early and you’ll also avoid lines for food.
Equip Thyself:
Regulars have it wired…they show up with blankets, low-to-the-ground chairs, and more to feel right at home. Just remember: no outside alcohol. And forego the perimeter fencing for your turf; we’re all friends.
VIP Tents:
Get the golden ticket and you can take in the show from one of several VIP tents throughout the season. Most dish up beer, cocktails and food, as well as a view unimpeded by the masses, while you wave to your friends outside.
Bikes:
There’s nary a bike-friendlier concert venue than Howelsen. With parking scarce, forego the car and ride, parking your bike right outside the gates. You’ll get home a lot quicker also. Just remember to bring a headlight, remember your lock combo and obey all traffic rules.
Front Row:
Rare is the concert venue that lets you get up to the front row easier than Howelsen. Why? It’s wide-open and you likely know everyone as you inch forward, giving you a new place to base as you leapfrog. Skip forward a few rows with the ol’ diagonal walk, say hey to someone, then inch forward some more. Pro tip: there’s a dirt road on the left that offers a sneaky route up front, and there’s always room up stage right.
Don’t Be Scared of the Beer Lines:
The beer team is great, says the series Ted Carey, and the lines move fast. Pro tip: there’s a bar without lines up on the front left. And don’t be stingy; pony up and buy a few rounds to support the series. Best seller: Mountain Time.
Frolic at Fruition:
When Fruition comes to town July 27, revel in its local connection. “They have a big Steamboat connection,” says Fox, hinting at an after-party as well. “It’ll have a cool Steamboat feel.”
After Parties:
The rumors circulate every event: “Hey, didja’ hear they’re playing at the Press afterward?” Some are founded and some not. But chase them down for a good time, regardless. This year the Press is the official After Party partner of the series.
TUNES
Inside the Little Moon Travelers
They might take their name from a local cul de sac, but Steamboat’s newest band is hardly your typical street fare. Spanning a variety of genres, the Little Moon Travelers is a consortium of local musicians, each bringing their vast experience to the music table.
And it’s vast, indeed. The band consists of Jeremy Campbell on guitar and vocals, claw-master Von Wilson on banjo, Eric Baker on the standing bass, Kay McKenzie on fiddle, and Aaron VanWyk on mandolin and vocals. Baker and Wilson formerly played with the Old Town Pickers, with Baker later playing mandolin for Buffalo Commons.
Formed from impromptu gatherings around a firepit in the cul de sac of Little Moon Trail during covid, the band’s soulful sound—which belongs around a campfire—owes itself to a blend of bluegrass, country, folk, roots and Americana that’ll leave all thoughts of stress vanishing with the sounds from their strings. It’s a sound that “harkens to times past,” says Campbell, who you’ll also find playing hockey in his spare time down at Howelsen.
Campbell adds that their style fits perfectly with outdoor gatherings, which is where it all began—the bonfires in the street in his backyard.
The band played in a last-minute open slot at this year’s WinterWonderGrass and has several shows lined up for this summer, including June 22 at town’s Reds,
Whites & Brews Festival, shows at Perry-Mansfield’s Julie Harris Theater and the Hayden Granary, and more. Just don’t look for them to go too big; they want to keep things as chill as their tunes, keeping their performances local. “It’s super fun with great energy,” says Baker. “Playing with the Little Moon Travers has been nothing short of amazing. Jeremy writes some great, dynamic songs and each member brings their own unique style and experience to the project. Plus they’re letting learn to play the upright base.” Info: thelittlemoontravelers.com
Riding That Train New Dead band Heads all Empty Rockin’ the Boat
Dead-headers rejoice. There’s a new Dead cover band in town, playing their tunes on a harp unstrung. Comprised of longtime local musicians making all of our cups full, the band features JR Adams and John Gibbs on guitar, Jeff Goodhand on bass, John Miller on the keyboard and Pat Waters and Gabe Hedstrom on percussion.
With a year under their belts, they’re nailing it, complete with the trademark two drummers with Waters and Gabe Hedstrom. ‘It’s the first band I’ve ever played with that has two drummers, which is a lot of fun,” says Waters. “We’re learning
how to play with each over, instead of over each other. It’s an exercise in restraint most of the time. “
Waters also appreciates the singing the members bring to the stage. “We have a bunch of strong singers in the band,” he says. “The harmonies are super fun.”
Not to be confused with a similar Heads all Empty Dead cover band from Wisconsin, this one is Steamboat-based through and through, with their members tallying over a hundred collective years of living and playing music in town, with Gibbs moving here in 1990, Waters and Adams longtime members of the local music scene and Goodhand, Miller and Hedstrom also local faves. While the group is still evolving and learning new songs, often practicing in Gibbs’ basement, it has a dialed in song list including such tie-dye shirt favorites as Fire on the Mountain, Uncle John’s Band, Sugar Magnolia, and the obligatory Scarlet Begonias. Look for them this summer everywhere from sunset happy hours to SnowBowl Aug. 21 and Oak Creek’s Lupita’s on Aug. 25. They’re also regulars at such intimate venues as Schmiggity’s, The Press and Old Town Pub, with more shows expected to be announced soon.
TUNES
WinterWonderGrass Party Scenes
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, so let’s just let the following shots from this year’s 11th annual WinterWonderGrass festival speak for themselves. And, yes, the show brought its customary snowstorm.
Condo Corner
Lauren Bloom (Broker/Partner, The Group Real Estate)
We here at Swillin’ & Chillin’ know that, with home prices so high in town, a lot of our readers live in condos. So we tapped an expert to offer a few hints on them, whether you’re planning to purchase or already own.
Aging Condos Need Update into 21st Century
Buying or selling a condo in Steamboat this year? It may not be an easy path to navigate. Many properties are facing hefty insurance increases due to maintenance issues, fire exposure, and insurance failures. While many condos in town aren’t shiny and new—more middle-aged—most aren’t about to collapse, either, and might just need a fresh facelift. When looking to purchase, do the research to know what you’re stepping into.
What if you already have a middle-aged condo?
Consider sprucing it up. Exhibit A: This three-bedroom/bath unit in the West Condominiums near the mountain. Built in 1973, this location is one of Steamboat’s most desirable locations. After a recent down-to-studs remodel, this spacious unit was upgraded with top of the line designer finishes. New hardwood flooring, stone tile wall, fixtures, top of the line electrical upgrades, kitchen and bath remodels top it off. Older units will likely need to have plumbing, electrical, windows, heating systems, and insulation reviewed and addressed.
Many older buildings have special considerations to keep in mind as well (i.e. lead paint, asbestos, radon, etc.), so consult a professional for major renovations.
This condo on the mountain was built in 1973, but recently underwent a major renovation.
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Bloom
DIRT
Combating Rising Insurance Premiums
A Q&A with Mamich Agency’s Savanah Harding
Since the Florida condo complex collapse a couple years ago, condo and HOA insurance have been hot topics, with insurance companies putting condos in their crosshairs. Steamboat, in fact, just got reevaluated, with local condos and HOAs facing hefty increases or special assessments. We caught up with an insurance expert to help explain what’s going on.
What should condos buyers know about HOAs and insurance costs in today’s market?
Just because a condo is cheap because it’s older doesn’t mean you’ll save money in the long run; some older condo associations or ones with building values over $25 million are seeing the biggest insurance increases. We had one go from $50,000 a year to $500,000.
How can costs be cut?
Some HOAs are cutting their insurance costs is by altering their coverage. Many HOAs we insure (more than 400 between Steamboat and Summit County) insure on a walls-in basis, meaning their insurance covers the interior fixtures of the unit. But many are changing to bare walls coverage, meaning they cover up to the bare walls to save on insurance costs. They’re also raising their $5,000 or $10,000 deductibles to $25,000 or in some cases more to lower the premium.
How else can you know what is covered?
Ask for the association’s Unit Owner Letter, which their insurance agency can provide and breaks down how the building is covered and how they recommend unit owners cover their unit. We also provide them to brokers for their clients. Some insurance carriers are also restricting the usage of grills. This includes smokers, gas or coal so that they are not allowed on any balconies or within 10 feet of the building.
How unique is the HOA situation these days?
This is a good 10,000-foot flyover of what is going on with these HOAs. It is definitely unprecedented times—our agency has been an expert in this field for over 30 years and have never seen anything like this.
Nothing better than condo to the gondo....
GRATEFUL GEAR
Locally based gear keeping the rally in the valley
Zirkel Optics
Set your sights on this: New eyewear company Zirkel Optics has opened its new headquarters on Captain Jack Drive. Founded by locals Jason Aronson, Dominik Spuller and Justin Reiter and rooted in sustainability and cutting-edge technology, it uses 3D Selective Laser Sintering printers and plant-based Zirtek material from India. With more than 40 combined years in the eyewear business, Aronson’s worked for Orosi, Oakley, Chrome Hearts, Salt Optics, DITA and Masunaga; Spuller spent years with Rolf Spectacles; and Olympian Reiter won the silver in snowboard parallel slalom at the 2013 World Championships and coaches Olympic gold medalist Ester Ledecka. Zirkel’s sunglasses feature unique frames and lenses by Germany’s Carl Zeiss, with its goggles including Toric lenses, an expansive field of view, distortion-free vision, and a magnetic quick-change system for varying light. Info: zirkeloptics.com
Moots Vamoots 33
In January, Moots launched the latest in its titanium road (Vamoots) line, the Vamoots 33. A versatile machine ready for any road, it’s billed as a jack of all trades and a master of fun, redefining the concept of “allroad” cycling. Named after County Road 33, it’s home on fresh tarmac, chip seal, dirt off-shoots and more.
Made from U.S.-sourced straight gauge 3/2.5 thin-walled tubing in size-specific selections, it’s equipped with Moots’s 3D printed flatmount and a carbon all-road fork, serving up power and alignment. All it’s missing are a couple of lungs. Info: moots.com
FlyLab Casts Its way into Town
Call it an info site for fly fishers. Local Kirk Deeter, the longtime editor of Angling Trade magazine, has partnered to form “Flylab,” a subscriber-based fly-fishing brand. “Our niche is nerdy, wonky product reviews,” says partner Tim Romano, adding they’re also building a storage/testing facility in town. “This sport is
GRATEFUL GEAR
complex to research, vet and understand, so we remove the inherent media and consumer bias so people can make more intelligent purchasing decisions.” The model: helping anglers find products and gear via reviews, connect with retailers and outfitters, and save via their discount program. Subscriptions run $120 annually, which includes bonus content, access to their partner network (fly shops, outfitters, outdoor brands) and exclusive discounts. “We don’t have to worry about what manufacturer/advertiser types and others of that ilk think about what we write,” he adds. “They don’t influence our opinions. It’s liberating and good for the consumer.” Info: flylab.fish
Big Agnes’s Prints with A Purpose!
Support a nonprofit while you sit on your duff with a limited-edition furniture print from Big Agnes that benefits partner organizations Protect Our Winters
Rental Kiosk/Tiki Bar @ Pearl Lake Boards, Kayaks, Canoes & the famous 8 person SUPSquatch! Pearl Lake State Park (61105 Rcr 129) 10-6 Everyday
Paddle or Surf the Yampa River Rentals, Lessons, Shuttles, Delivery
We’re mobile! Delivering boards and more to you, plus lessons and shuttles!
(snowflake pattern), the National Forest Foundation (wood pattern) and our very own Yampa River Fund (brown trout pattern). Our fave, of course, since it’s local, is the trout pattern since it supports the Yampa. But no matter which you choose, kick back and relax knowing that while you’re on your ass you’re benefitting these organizations. Info: bigagnes.com
Town Hall x NOSO
Gear Repair Patch
Tear your jacket on a branch? No problem. Keep your gear going that extra mile with Town Hall-logoed NOSO patches for just 10 bucks. “They let you repair or add flair to your gear and are a cinch to apply,” says Town Hall’s Robin Hall. The durable and machine-washable patches will keep your gear—be it jacket, bag or even underwear—going strong. Info: townhallco.com
LAST RUN
Pardon My Garden
Classic Garden Fails
We all know and love those perfect gardens people have, whether they house flowering begonias or ripe tomatoes. But we’re not celebrating those; we’re touting classic garden fails that have struck our resident not-so-green thumbs. Following are a few we’ve managed to…unearth.
Fairview Fiascos
Town’s Fairview neighborhood doesn’t offer a great view, but a fair one. The same could be said for its gardens (excluding the beauty manicured by Irene Nelson). Sheryl Uhlmann offers this garden fail: “I planted a shrub on the grave of my dog, Frank, and then my new dog, Mogli, trotted over and ate it.” She adds that for her, gardening “is a cycle of violence for me every spring. And while I’m trying futilely to garden, my friends are getting stronger on their bikes.”
Neighbor Cindy Arnis has a similar dog-eating tale: “I planted a crab apple tree and told my family how big and beautiful it was going to be, and then my dog came over and chomped it.”
Birds of a Feather
Six years ago, Beth Summerfield and her fiance planted their first garden, with great success. “We were so proud of that little box of dirt with greens and herbs,” she says, touting meals made from fresh-grown veggies. All was fine until their cat, Sully, sullied the soil. The farming feline loved to dig in the garden bed, and all their efforts to shoo-it away failed. Then, at the end of the season, they found a little gift from their sly visitor. “We were pulling up the plants and right under them was a dead, decomposing bird,” she says. “It must have killed and buried it without us knowing.”
All’s Well that Ends Well
Sometimes, all’s well that ends well…even if there’s not a well. So learned Sydney Ellbogen and Noah Price, owners of Mountain Bluebird Farm. “It turned out we didn’t have a source of water on the property,” says Ellbogen. “Not even in the house.” So they got creative. When someone from Craig’s Roto-Rooter heard about their parched property, they delivered a 6,000-gallon water tanker to them, and even a spare tank as a backup. “It was an interesting way to start our business,” says Ellbogen.
The Early Bird Gets the… Storm
No one ever called Julia Hebard a green thumb. But she still tries hard every year, no matter the might of Mother Nature.
“One year I went out of my way to plant early only to see it snow two feet and destroy everything,” she says. And when she does get things growing, it’s a selective menu.
The short growing season lends itself to a selective menu.
“I’ve always only been able to get five things to grow—beets, radishes, spinach, kale and rhubarb,” she says. “Nothing else ever even comes out of the ground for me.”
Gardening Grom
Local Roddy Beall got upstaged by a toddler. “I had my friend’s 3-year-old daughter, Stella, over and we were planting our raised-beds. I outlined how to do everything: digging holes so far apart and so deep, carefully burying seeds, watering cycles and everything. But she just threw fistfuls of heirloom spinach seeds like confetti, pushed over a 5-gallon bucket of water, and massaged the mud, up to her elbows. And she laughed the whole time. Four years later, that bed is the best thing growing, all from that first reckless planting day.”
That late spring dump or freeze is a classic Routt County garden fail.
Iceberg Lettuce
Hall Gear founder Peter Hall is slightly better at supping than installing sprinklers. “A few years ago I made a super cool sprinkler and heating system for our raised-bed greenhouse, and then went and planted a bunch of seedlings in the spring,” he says. “But that night it froze and the sprinklers went on, but not the heater. In the morning, everything was literally entombed in ice; I had killed them all. They didn’t even last one day.”
