Artisanal wood-fired pizzas and tasty lagers and IPAs get you stoked? Find that and more (including thirst-inducing, spicy popcorn) at Mountain Tap Brewery downtown, which features innovative beers and a full menu of cuisine served up in a familyfriendly atmosphere. Twelve taps pour everything from hoppy IPAs to porters, ales and lagers (Swillin’ fave: the Macaroon). A giant wood-fired oven cranks out delish pizzas and more, and an outside patio along Yampa Street fuels its social ambiance. “Our beers, cuisine and casual ambience all depict Steamboat’s mountain town vibe,” says owner Rich Tucciarone, who, when not brewing, can be found SUP-surfing the A-wave right next door. It’s located at 910 Yampa, just across the Ninth Street Bridge from Howelsen Hill. mountaintapbrewery.com
Steamboat Winery
Unleash your inner sommelier at Steamboat Winery, located at Two Brothers Ranch 20 minutes from downtown. Due to Steamboat’s short growing season, it purchases its grapes from California, mainly Sonoma and Napa, letting it produce wines here in the Yampa Valley. All of its labels center around life in Steamboat, including River Angler Cabernet Sauvignon, Slopeside White Chardonnay, Ranch Dog Rose’ of Pinot Noir, The Daisies Sauvignon Blanc, Expert Slope Syrah, The Aspens Barbera, Barn Red Blend, The Antlers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodeo Merlot, and a Bunny Slope non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice. Its wines are also available for purchase locally (as well as wine and chocolate gift baskets), as are private in-home tastings with charcuterie by appointment. steamboatwinery.com
Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill
Located downtown on 5th Street and Lincoln Avenue, Mahogany Ridge is Steamboat’s oldest brewery, serving up more than 20 varieties of craftmade brewha’s, with seven on tap at any given time. Locals’ favorites include the potent Alpenglow and Charlie’s Cherry Ale, which is brewed with 264 pounds of cherries. To help absorb the alcohol, sample its “dipping menu,” with 20 different sauces. “The beers are great, and it’s not your typical brewpub fare,” says owner Charlie Noble, touting its fish and chips, burgers, ribs and tapas. mahoganyridgesteamboat.com
Storm Peak Brewing Co.
The summertime top-seller at Storm Peak Brewing Co., located west of town at 1885 Elk River Plaza, is probably its Hoochie Mama, says co-owner Wyatt Patterson. “But we also brew some lighter IPAs for the summer as well that go over well,” he says. “And we’ve had a tremendous response to our new seltzer, which is a great option for those who don’t like ‘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 fire pit. Mainstays include Maestro IPA, Mad Creek Kolsch and the rotating, dry-hopped Lawnmower series, but it also experiments with everything from coffee to kettle-soured ales. “We
love sharing our passion for beer,” says Patterson, who admits his favorite is whatever’s new. “Our brewers do a killer job of making fun and new stuff so there’s almost always something new to enjoy.”
Patterson adds that for a brewery of their volume, they benefit from a high-end brewing facility. “Our lab and quality control program is really way ahead for a brewery our size,” he says. “We’ve invested a lot in knowledge and equipment to better understand our beer so we can make the best, most consistent product we can.” And keep your eyes on it this summer: “We have a couple of big projects in the works that I can’t talk about quite yet.” stormpeakbrewing.com
Steamboat Whiskey Co.
For stronger libations, saddle up to Steamboat Whiskey Company, located at 1103 Lincoln Ave. in Steamboat’s first Co-op building. Town’s first and only craft distillery, the establishment makes its high-quality spirits by hand in an American-made pot still. Stop in for a free tasting, whiskey-infused dessert or a signature libation (try its Sleeping Giant Gin or Ski Town Vodka), all while watching its distilling team in action.
“We have a lot happening this year,” says co-owner Jessica Newhall. “We’ve had our heads down working pretty hard during the pandemic. We’re excited to debut a new line of rum-based liqueurs this summer, as well as our first aged whiskey and our collaboration with Storm Peak Brewery—a single malt whiskey.”
Visit on a Wednesday and play its hilarious Adult Spelling Bee, held at 7:30 p.m. “And we’re super excited to bring live music back this summer,” Newhall adds. steamboatwhiskeyco.com
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Bartenders Corner
“I like you,
Lloyd…”
Local Bartenders You Need to Know
Locals know the places; now it’s time to know the faces. Step behind the bar and meet a few of Steamboat’s favorite bartenders (and learn what to order next time you go).
Shaken, Not Stirred
Meet
Eric Delaney —
Ore House at Pine Grove
Skier by day, bartender and musician by night, longtime local Eric Delaney knows what it takes to make it in a ski town.
“Being behind the bar is a lot like being on stage,” Delaney says. “You’re constantly putting on a show. I feel like it’s where I belong.”
The Ore House at Pine Grove is an historic piece of Steamboat, housed in a barn that was a part of a 280-acre ranch homesteaded in 1889 by James Lewis. Delaney is going into his seventh
season there, where you can find him crafting such cocktails as a classic old fashioned or something sweeter, such as his favorite lemon drop martini.
Ore House has about 50 employees at full capacity and the ability to serve 550 dinners on a busy night, so Delaney is pretty diligent when it comes to serving up drinks. Former owner Jeff Little, and business partners Diane and Dan Emert, hired Delaney into the legendary Ore House family, where his late-brother Chris worked before he passed away in the mid-90s. Even today, his brother’s plaque still hangs on the wall near the downstairs bar.
“Even without my brother helping me get the job, I still would’ve applied there the day I walked into town,” he
says. “It’s such a great place — I feel incredibly privileged to be part of it. Bartending in a ski town is such a tightknit community; we’re like family.”
Rockin’ local stages and outdoor venues, Delaney is often referred to by his stage name, Me & Ed’s Music Machine or Delaney and Friends. As adept at making music as he is Manhattans, he’s built a following of local fans wherever he goes—which started when he and brother Kier Delaney opened local sushi joint Sake2U and later Sake2Me downtown.
Whether it’s entertainment, stories or a great cocktail, Delaney knows what it takes to be a great bartender.
“Listening and patience,” he says. “Having an understanding for what
people want and having a quick wit. I might not remember your name, but I’ll remember what you drink.”
Delaney Endorsements
Vittles: Steak Ore House; Blackened Trout with the Ore House Topping; Ore House Ribs (“They’re those perfect, fall-off-the-bone, nice and messy, tender ribs.”)
Cocktails: Classic old fashioned or lemon drop martini.
Delaney shakes on the stage like he does drinks behind the bar.
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Wear a Flyers jersey and maybe you’ll get a bigger pour.
Don’t Call Him Mike
Meet Michael Cronin — Los Locos
Don’t call him Mike; call him Cronin— as in, ‘Hey, Cronin, how about another cocktail?’
Cronin has been with Los Locos since it opened in December 2016, as both head bartender and manager. Lest you think he doesn’t have shaker game, he got his bearings behind the bar first at Mad Mex in Pittsburgh, Pa., while in college (never mind that he’s an avid Flyers fan). When he moved to Steamboat, he continued slinging cocktails at Slopeside Grill and Schmiggity’s before landing at Los Locos.
What sets him apart? “I try to treat every customer —whether a local, new to town, a tourist, or a tourist who will never come to Steamboat again — like they belong,” he says.
Treating each customer with a welcoming “Hello,” he also has a knack for remembering names — a trait that makes every customer feel at home. “When you create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable bringing their friends and family, it manifests an environment where people can let loose and laugh a little bit,” he says.
When he starts to get “in the weeds” (busier than busy) with a bar full of thirsty customers, he’s the epitome of calm. “It’s important to keep your eyes up and aware and not get too involved in a conversation where you aren’t getting around to everyone,” he says, equating it to keeping your head up playing his beloved hockey. “It takes something to have fun and stay calm while it’s crazy busy, but it’s also important to make connections and
treat everyone with the same respect that you would your best customer.”
A good memory is key also. Cronin often remembers faces, names and drinks — knowing, salt or no salt, without even asking. And at a place like Los Locos, his specialty is margaritas.
“I think I’m effective at being able to figure what people want in a margarita,” he says. “Everyone likes them differently, so the ability to listen and put together something they enjoy is special.”
Tequila, he says, is obviously the key ingredient, but so is the perfect ratio of salty and sweet. “Maybe I have a bit of a heavy hand when it comes to my pours, but it’s a core belief of mine,” he says. “It’s also important to not have anything be too sweet or sour, which is why we don’t use any Sweet and Sour. It takes just the right amount of fresh lime and simple syrup to make it smooth.”
And if a customer doesn’t like it? “Bring it back and I’ll make you something you’ll like,” Cronin says. “Don’t suffer in silence. Let me try something different and make you happy. As long as you can explain what you like or don’t like — I haven’t met someone I haven’t been able to make a great cocktail for.”
Top 3 Margs
El Jefe Margarita — “Packs a punch with Herradura Silver and Grand Marnier and then a small splash of fresh squeezed citrus juices. Not overly sweet, due to the natural sugars from the freshly squeezed juices (done every morning). Served in a 12-oz. glass. After a couple of those you’ll be feeling good.”
Strawberry Basil
Margarita — “Infused in-house for a week at a time, it’s on the sweeter side. It literally tastes like candy and is a perfect way to refresh on a hot day on the patio.”
Blackberry Habanero
Margarita — “Also infused inhouse, we created this because we saw a bunch of customers pouring our BB Hab salsa into the House Marg and stirring it themselves. It comes with an awesome sweet/spicy contrast that we strive for on a lot of our tacos and cocktails.”
Making a Splash BEVIES American Woman Whiskey
Don’t be surprised if you hear John Lupori of the local Brian Smith Band belt out a version of “American Woman’ by The Guess Who this summer. That’s also the name of his new whiskey line.
This spring, locals Lupori and Sara Cobb launched their new American Woman Whiskey brand, whose 63 90-proof barrels just finished their aging process in Denver. The bottles, 20,000 of them, are now ready for distribution and can be found in local liquor stores and even The Press, the music venue Lupori’s band often plays at downtown.
The whiskey won the silver medal in the North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, but what makes it more distinctive is its bottle: It comes in a custom, woman-shaped glass flask, reminiscent of an ancient Roman sculpture.
“It’s pretty unique to the market and even has a design patent,” says Cobb, a female branding and marketing executive. “There’s no custom bottle like it out there. It’s a great, mid-premium-level bourbon — a combo of whiskey, art and Americana.”
As well as a female-themed flagon, the company also donates 1 percent of revenues to women’s betterment programs. For fans of agave, the distilling duo also plans to use the same bottle shape for tequila.
Steamboat Whiskey wins Double Gold at San Fran World Spirits Competition
Pop the cork for some whiskey accolades. Steamboat Whiskey Co. won six medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the longest running such comp in the country. “We’re pretty excited,” says founder Nathan Newhall, of the largest international spirits competition in the U.S. “All spirits are judged blindly by a panel of judges, so it validates what we’re trying to do: put Northwest Colorado on the U.S. whiskey map.”
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
Warrior Whiskey: A blend of rye and wheated bourbon whiskies finished in a Caribbean rum cask. Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), with a portion of sales donated to veteran support organizations.
Ski Town Tiki Rum: Bottled at 80 proof (40% AVB) and fermented from a 50:50 blend of blackstrap molasses, panela sugar and specialty yeast, made in a single distillation in Colorado’s only double retort still.
Ski
Town Orange Whiskeycello: A unique specialty liqueur blending Warrior Whiskey and fresh orange peels that macerates for weeks for a unique take on cello best enjoyed as a digestive or dessert.
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
Sleeping Giant Gin: A contemporary American gin crafted from corn and potatoes with Rocky Mountain snowmelt and unique botanicals (gun power green tea and strawberry leaf).
SILVER MEDAL WINNERS
Warrior Hrenovuha: A traditional Eastern European potato vodka transformed into a spicy and creamy horseradish root spirit, often consumed chilled with pickles or with added citrus. A portion of sales benefit veteran support organizations.
Whiskey River Take Me Home
Carl’s Whiskey Collection Soars Like Its Namesake Norwegian
Whiskey connoisseur? You won’t find a better selection than Carl’s Tavern downtown, which features a whopping 300 whiskeys at any given time. “From what suppliers tell me, we’re one of the top four whiskey bars in the state,” says owner Scott Engelman, who also owns Truffle Pig on the mountain.
Carl’s also prides itself on their own single-barrel bourbons, including their top-selling Blanton’s, 10-, 12-, 15-, 20- and 23-year Pappy Van Winkles, George T Stagg and William Larue Weller, all in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. “We also sell bottles that you can’t get anywhere else,” he says. “We have people driving up from the Front range, and even Utah and Wyoming, to pick them up. Some are impossible-to-get whiskeys, but we get them.”
The trick, he says, is having relationships with the brands, who appreciate their wares being seen on the shelf. “They want the visibility, and we provide that,” he says, adding that the restaurants have 14 different single barrels of whiskey, tequila and rum. Don’t want it straight up? Try a single barrel Knob Creek or Blanton’s Old Fashioned, with handcrafted bitters, tinctures and simple syrup.
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Making a Splash BEVIES
Featured Cocktails
Truffle Pig general manager Mark Stanford cranks out 30 different craft cocktails at the Pig, including several high-profile award winners. A couple of his faves include their top-selling Smoked Old Fashioned, made from their own barrel of Knob Creek bourbon, which won first place in the People’s Choice category of Knob Creek’s Repeal
Day competition in Denver; and their second-best-selling tequila cocktail, Tahona Mi Amor, which won third in a prestigious competition at the Patron Hacienda in Jalisco, Mexico. “We used our own proprietary barrel as the base spirit, Patron Roca Anejo, with absinthe, a homemade Mexican mole bitter, fresh coconut cream, Licor 43 and more,” he says. “It’s a pretty popular order.”
Biggest Marg in Town?
Fiesta Jalisco’s Cadillac
Cadillacs are big cars, and the largesized 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.
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 highquality 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 freshsqueezed 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
Tahona Mi Amor, Truffle Pig
PARTY TIME
Live Music Scene
“Oww! I feel good!” That exclamation by James Brown (who visited in 1994 for the Christening of his namesake bridge) sums up the pent-up partying angst percolating through town. With restrictions easing, like flowers signaling spring there’s fun in the air. Here’s a sampling of items to put on your let-your-hair-loose list.
Dirty Dancing
While Steamboat resembled “Footloose” during pandemic protocols, with dancing prohibited at bars, that all could change this summer, with people putting back on their dancing shoes. “It was just like a scene out of that movie, complete with Patrick Swayze,” says Schmiggity’s co-owner Kim Haggarty. “Nobody could dance. A couple snuck up to the stage once and starting moving and everyone was like, ‘Look, they’re dancing!’”
To facilitate gyrating this summer, Schmigg’s has a fast-growing line-up, with karaoke on Tuesdays/Thursdays, solo acoustic acts Mondays/Wednesdays, guitar bar on Sundays, local bands every weekend and more. “The karaoke is super popular, whether or not other people like it,” she says, adding she’s also making plans to add a rooftop deck with bar, outdoor grill and sunshade.
The Press
Did You Know?
“Footloose” and its fictitious town of Bomont, Utah, was loosely based on events that took place in the small, rural, and extremely religious farming town of Elmore City, Okla., in 1978. Dancing had been banned for nearly ninety years, until a group of high school teenagers challenged it to host a prom.
While you still might not be able to totally press flesh at The Press, you can catch small shows there this summer, including the bluesier-than-blues Brian Smith Band. Pending restrictions, the bar at 1009 Lincoln Ave. will host live acts most weekends, Local Live Music Sundays, open mic comedy shows and more. “We’ll be having some shows for sure,” says manager Ed Andreonni. Bonus: Marcia and Joe’s Jamaican Cuisine. thepresssteamboat.com
Outside Libations
For those who enjoy libations outdoors, one nice byproduct of the pandemic is City Council’s vote to relax certain liquor laws, allowing businesses to sell take-out alcohol for consumption in certain public areas downtown and on the mountain. Favorite spots downtown include Workman Park at 5th and Yampa downtown, complete with grass and benches by the river; as well as Little Toots Park at 11th and Yampa, complete with a playground for the kids and stone statues of musicians.
Free Summer Concerts
The Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series has been presenting free live music in town for 30 years, housing its acts at the base of Howelsen Hill. A mainstay of summer in Steamboat, it had to cancel its shows in 2020, but is optimistic for a late summer event this season. “We’re hoping to hold another as soon as it’s safe to do so, possibly at reduced capacity,” says board member Scott Fox. Donate at www.keepinitfree.com to help support the organization, with proceeds helping bring free music and good vibes back to the Yampa Valley.
Routt County Fair Beer Garden
Get your dancing and beer-drinking game on at this year’s socially distanced Routt County Fair in Hayden. This year’s FAB-approved Beer Garden schedule includes a bonfire event Thursday, Aug. 19, from 5-10 p.m., with live music (campfire sessions) from Trevor Guire; a Demolition Derby Friday, Aug. 20, from 5-11 p.m., complete with wine and beer contest at 6 p.m.; and a Barn Dance from 8:30 p.m.-midnight on Saturday, Aug. 21, with music from Lendon James and the Hwy 34 Band. routtcountyfair.org
Throwin’ Strikes
Snowbowl Steamboat, town’s only bowling lanes, is open and distanced—every other lane, for you gutter-throwers—but it’s also ramping up its action outside, putting in turf and a concert stage for Friday music series booked through Schmiggity’s. “It’s a cool venue and we’re psyched to host people outside,” says Snowbowl’s Tony Counts, adding they’re also debuting a new menu with a clean slate—which is what we hope to start with whenever we botch our bowling game.
No Strings Attached
With pandemic restrictions easing, Strings Music Festival announces a summer lineup with more than 40 performances inside and out, with more than 24 ticketed shows and eight free. “We’re ready to begin getting back to the number and variety of performances that we love sharing with this community,” says Executive Director Elissa Greene.
Indoor shows include classical, chamber and small-ensemble music with limited seating at tables of four (with food and beverage options), while a new outdoor stage will feature elevated platforms, or “concert pods,” for up to four people to bring chairs to sit, stand or dance. The outdoor series will be highlighted by Donavon Frankenreiter, Trout Steak Revival, Daniel Rodriguez, Mipso and more. “It will let us host larger concerts safely without sacrificing the audience experience,” says Greene.
Music on the Green also returns to the Yampa River Botanic Park every Wednesday at 10 a.m. from June 30 through August 18. stringsmusicfestival.com
Photo courtesy of Snowbowl
Tunes
Getting front row with Tyree Woods of Buffalo Commons and Pat Waters of Wish You Were Pink.
Catching Up With: Buffalo Commons Frontman Tyree Woods
Billing itself as “soul grass from the Yampa Valley,” Buffalo Commons, formed in 2017, is a Steamboatgrown project led by frontman Tyree Woods, whose songwriting and booming voice make the sound far from common. Band members Eric Baker on mandolin, Randy Kelley on fiddle, Gabe Riding on banjo and Denton Turner on bass augment his vocals for a sound that will tug at your heartstrings every time they play theirs. We caught up with Woods after he got off a river trip with the band this spring (the San Juan, if you must know) for a sneak peak behind their soulful sound.
Where’d you grow up and what’s your music background?
I am from Muskegon Heights, Michigan. I came up in a very musical household, but my earliest memories about music all stem back to Friendship Baptist Church.
How’d the band come together?
I realized I wanted to start a band when I retired from the Army in 2014. I was very involved in music before joining the service, and I felt like the best way to get back in touch with who I was at my core was to start writing music. I started writing songs and I had a band name picked out before I had any bandmates. I started going to local open mics and everything started falling into place from there.
What makes your sound so unique and what’s the common thread between all your songs?
If I had to pick something that makes Buffalo Commons unique it would have to be our original music, and
our diverse backgrounds individually within the band. The common thread in the music I write would have to be my observation of the human experience, and this ride we’re all on. None of the feelings we all have are exclusive to us individually; we’re all going through it together, whether we realize it or not. So, when you can write about these emotions, and make them rhyme, you can connect with the listener on a pretty deep level.
How hard is it to write a new song, and how does one come together?
It can be overwhelming making myself write a new song; the times when it works the best for me are those when it just comes out, like I’m grabbing the words out of thin air. It’s an ability that I don’t think I own by any means; I can just tap into it from time to time.
What’s your favorite song you guys play?
Picking a favorite is tough but if I had to just choose one, it would have to be “Cannon Ball Jones.” It’s a song that was inspired by slave hymns, or “field hollars,” about an urban Robinhoodtype character who would steal from the rich and give to the poor. There is a phrase that always sticks out to me, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” I really enjoy the truth in those words.
How hard was this past year not being able to play live in front of people? Did you guys still get together much?
This past year was tough on the band, as it was for everyone in all walks of life. As a band, and as friends, we continued to get together as much as we could. Looking back on it now, I don’t let myself dwell on the negative aspects of that time; instead, I’m
appreciative of the quality time I got to spend with my family.
How are live gigs looking for this summer?
I’m thoroughly pumped for this summer, people are parched for live music and social interaction, and we are excited to share our music with people and provide a safe and fun environment for good times. Our calendar is just about full for the summer, and I truly feel blessed for it.
What do you love about Steamboat?
Steamboat is an incredible place, filled with great folks that enjoy having fun outside. I honestly couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s an awesome place to raise a family, and a band. I thank my lucky stars for where I’ve landed.
What do you do when not making music?
When not making music I enjoy fishing, rafting, hiking, hunting and hanging with my family doing all of these things and more.
Have a favorite river (besides the Yampa, of course)?
My favorite river would have to be the Colorado. It’s where my wife, Lyndsay, first introduced me to rafting, and it will always have a special place in my heart.
How about a favorite bar and deck in town?
My favorite bar would have to be The Old Town Pub. It’s the first place I ever played in this town, and it’s remained my favorite to this day. That said, I love them all, and I also want to say a quick thank you to the good people of Routt County for supporting the band and that we are proud to represent where we are from everywhere we go. The best has yet to come.
Band members Tyree Woods, Gabe Riding. Eric Baker, Randy Kelley and Denton Turner.
Photo courtesy of Buffalo Commons
12 house-made beers on tap
Full menu of wood-fired cuisine
Bounty of retail offerings
Spacious outdoor patio
Beer and food to-go
Tue, Wed, Thur at 3 p.m. Fri, Sat, Sun at 12 p.m. 910 YAMPA STREET | 970-879-6646 MOUNTAINTAPBREWERY.COM
Tunes PARTY TIME
Hey You! Inside Wish You Were Pink
Local cover band rocks it to the dark side of the moon
Like Pink Floyd? You’d never think an ace cover band would reside right here in the Yampa Valley, but it does in the form of Wish You Were Pink, whose tribute to Floyd brings you right back to the ‘60s and ‘70s, minus the mustaches and hairstyles. Swillin’ caught up with ringleader Pat Waters for his take on their take on one of the best-selling rock bands of all time.
When
did you guys form?
I’m pretty sure it was 2012, although I’m not sure exactly when our first show was.
Why Pink Floyd?
Our bass player Skip Warnke thought of the idea and approached me about it. Then we recruited all of the members and started learning and rehearsing the songs. We’ve had the same line up since then with the exception of Stephanie Blake replacing Laura Lamun (aka “Little Laura”) several years ago.
How
hard is it to play their songs?
The songs are more complex than I think most people realize, especially in terms of chord progressions. And the guitar solos are particularly difficult. Fortunately, we have two extremely talented guitar players that have been able to split up the solos and cover the multiple guitar parts.
Does the crowd seem to like
it?
Yes. We consistently get really good feedback on our shows.
Favorite song you play: My personal favorite is “Dogs” off the Animals album. It is just such an epic song with so many different parts to it. Also, Animals was the first album we learned when forming, followed by the Wish You Were Here album.
How often do you add new songs, and how hard are they to dial in?
We’ve been adding new material fairly consistently over the years. Most recently we’ve added “Childhood’s End” off the Obscured by Clouds album, and the stretch of songs between “Hey You” and “Comfortably Numb” on disc two of The Wall. Some are easier than others to learn, but I wouldn’t say any of them are easy. The more we play them, the better they get.
Who does the lights, and how important are they?
We used to consistently have a really good light guy named Benoit Warren (aka “The Pilgrim”) run lights. He’s awesome at what he does. Unfortunately, his talents have landed him jobs as lighting director at Mishawaka and other venues in the Ft. Collins area, so it’s hard to nail him down for our shows. He’s occasionally available though, and a treat for us and the audience when he is.
Band members:
Pat Waters: drums/lead vocals/acoustic guitar/ samples
Dan Koebnick: guitar/vocals
Graham Waters: guitar/vocals
Todd Leestma: keyboards
Skip Warnke: bass
Stephanie Blake: female vocals
Photo courtesy of Wish You Were Pink
PARTY TIME
Town’s Top Party Patios
Nothing brings people together like summertime lounging—specifically, patio lounging. Behold a few hotspots where you can drink in the outdoor action.
On the River
Sunpie’s Bistro
Satisfy your hankering for Hurricanes at Steamboat’s classic, riverside watering hole. Located along the banks of the Yampa, the South-meets-Rockies bistro has a backyard patio where you can watch floaters drift by. With a Louisiana-style menu, it’s packed with flavorful and familiar comfort foods, beer, and specialty drinks. Bonus: that aggravating Ring Toss game and a pseudo-stairway for tuber access!
Aurum Food & Wine
American fine dining meets chic riverfront space at Aurum, whose lively lounge space is perfect for watching musicians and tubers arm-circle by. A large, gas fire keeps you warm when the sun drops, and an elevated deck upstairs offers views of Howelsen Hill. Combine that with great food (try the street tacos), a turf yard for the kids and pivoting retractable awnings for shade and it’s the complete patio package.
Taco Cabo
A Flycast Away
Mountain Tap Brewery
With giant glass garage doors bringing the inside vibe of the brewery outdoors, Mountain Tap’s patio along Yampa Street is a local’s favorite. Gas fireplaces keep the nighttime chill at bay, popcorn fuels your thirst for handcrafted IPAs, and picnic tables encourage camaraderie with neighbors.
O’Neil’s
O’Neil’s combines the energy of an authentic Irish Pub with the local atmosphere of a small town. With a low-key, cozy setting, its south-facing deck is the perfect location to relax and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Try their shepherd’s pie, falloff-the-bone lamb shank, or, for cheese lovers, the beer cheese.
Carl’s Tavern
Known for its homemade wing batter, two-day marinated pot roast and classic happy hour, Carl’s sidewalk-lined patio lets you breathe fresh air like its namesake Norwegian Carl Howelsen did when soaring off the jumps across the river at Howelsen Hill. And you might see friends who decide to join you.
Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill
Head to Mahogany’s brick-paver patio for its Happy Hour bites and tapas — including the twisted pretzel and tangy tuna ceviche. Warm, summer nights are prime time for hanging out and grabbing grub under the stars and exploring its many brews on tap—all with a charm of a neighborhood local hangout.
Rooftop Margaritas
Salt & Lime
Homemade chorizo and chocolate flan— as well as burritos, chips/salsa, and ice-cold margaritas—await at the riverside deck of Taco Cabo, whose shiprope railing and trees that should harbor monkeys put you south of the border. And you’re just a stone’s throw from tubers (but please, don’t throw stones), as you saddle up to its outside bar. Tip: Watch your head on its low tree branches.
E3 Chophouse
Mouth-watering steaks, lobster mac and more take center stage at E3 Chophouse, whose riverside deck is both upscale and downhome. The steakhouse comes alive nightly, especially at sunset, with its pared-back deck menu still offering some of the best fare around (try the juicy ribeye with Truffle-Parmesan shoestring fries). Bonus: the best cozy couple’s nook around.
Arriba! That’s where you’ll be on the rooftop of Salt & Lime, where you can see the slopes of Mt. Werner over the the salt rimming your glass. Margaritas top the menu, and you might find yourself inviting up friends who you see walking or driving along Lincoln Avenue with the lesser mortals down below. Hint: bring a jacket—you’ll likely be there until well after the sun, and your third margarita, goes down.
Vaqueros
Steamboat’s newest rooftop revelry belongs to Vaqueros on Lincoln Avenue, giving the Mexican joint three floors of tequila-toting service. Appreciate the buffed arms of your servers who carry it up if you order a trayful of the Large marg, whose “Millionaire,” made from 1942 Don Julio Anejo, is worth every peso.
Photo courtesy of Rex’s Family of Restaurants
Lincoln Ave. and Elsewhere
Storm Peak Brewing Co.
A westside local hotspot, Storm Peak serves up mircobrewed beer and kombucha, with large garage doors bringing the outside in and vice versa. The scene is young and lively, with everything brewed on site from Champagne Powder snowmelt. Expect good times, good company, a good vibe…and free popcorn.
Mambo Italiano
Italians love wining and dining outside and you will, too, at Mambo’s quaint, umbrella-topped patio along Lincoln Avenue. The menu ranges from old family recipes and chef-inspired specials to gluten-free and seasonal options, all from an open kitchen where the chefs work their magic. Bonus: Happy Hour pizzas and the waft of fresh garlic outside.
Steamboat Whiskey Co.
Located in Steamboat’s first co-op building, Steamboat Whiskey Co. keeps that same community co-op feel alive on its patio along Lincoln Avenue, complete with umbrellas, gas firepits and libations as fresh as the mountain air (made just a cork pop’s away in an American-made pot still). For a light, summer elixir, try its Sleeping Giant Gin—whose namesake mountain you can see as you look west.
Creekside Cafe & Grill/The Laundry
In a unique, cinnamon-roll-like twist, Creekside Cafe and The Laundry have partnered on their patio space along Soda Creek, letting you listen to its babble at both breakfast and early evening Happy Hour. Credit the combining-of-forces to its owners busting through the shared wall during the pandemic, creating access for both restaurants to its brick-walled, rustic charm.
Photo courtesy of Rex’s Family of Restaurants
On the Mountain
Paramount/Los Locos/Slopeside Grill
These three are all in a row, so take the Swillin’ & Chillin’ challenge and visit all three (while your kids run around on the grass within yelling distance). Paramount offers cheap drinks and grub grounded in familiar flavors, including S@#^ on a shingle and chilaquiles. For cocktails give the paloma, greyhound punch and tequila sunrise the college try. Find big-pour, easy-drinking margaritas, bombass tacos and lip-tingling, green chili-smothered burritos next door on the patio of Los Locos, with heaters to keep you HHing after the sun goes down. Find the mountain’s largest outside patio and yard at Slopeside, where there’s nothing fancy, which is its charm. It’s all about pitchers of beer and wood-fired pizzas (try the Yard Sale or Valley View). Fun fact: The grass harbors an icebar come winter.
Truffle Pig
Sniff around (like its namesake swine) for a seat at the Truffle Pig patio and you’ll find one of the nicest wining and dining spots around. Sample the whole menu, with sweeping views and warm fireplaces. “It’s easily the crowd favorite come summer,” says GM Mark Stanford. “Our patio tables are always the first to fill up.”
Ore House at the Pine Grove
Flanked with flowers and soft grass, the Ore House back patio is as verdant a setting as you’ll find for slurping drinks and sampling hors de oeuvres. New owner Scott Buchler replaced the “old, creaky wooden deck” with concrete, increasing its seating capacity to 100. They also added new grass and are upping the flower count from Karen’s Growing Ideas. “And the floor doesn’t make those creaking sounds anymore,” he says. Bonus: walls filled with memorabilia from town’s ranching past.
Rex’s American Bar & Grill
The back patio of Rex’s at the Holiday Inn south of town belies its friendly, casual-yet-upscale atmosphere. Just off the banks of Walton Creek, it’s one of the most family-friendly around, complete with Hula Hoops, soccer balls, corn hole and other games for the kids. It also carries live music and awesome avocado smashers. “It’s a great place for the whole family,” says Rex’s Lindy Schwanke.
Timber & Torch
There might be some construction going on across the way at the new gondola base, but don’t let that dissuade you from hitting Timber & Torch deck at the base of the mountain (open Thursdays through Mondays this summer). Enjoy cocktails on a multi-tiered patio, connected to the inside via giant roll-up doors. Fun fact: Inside, look to the ceiling for the engraved names of Steamboat’s Olympians.
Breakfast Lunch Community
Steamboat’s Premier Breakfast Spot
At SEEDZ it is our mission to o er great tasting, eco-friendly options for breakfast & lunch. Our menu highlights organic produce, sustainable & wild fish, hormone, antibiotic, nitrate free local meats and Hayden Fresh Farm eggs. As well as a wide variety of gluten free, vegan & vegetarian options.
Monday-Sunday 7am–3pm | 970-761-2276 | 1117 Lincoln Ave.
PARTY TIME
Downtown Happy Hours
Angling for some après? There’s no shortage of the big HHs downtown. The only problem: finishing your day’s activity in time.
8th Street Steakhouse
4:30 to 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to close daily; 8thstreetsteakhouse.com
Aurum Food & Wine
4:30 to 6 p.m. daily; aurumsteamboat.com
Back Door Grill
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily thebackdoorgrill.com
The Barley Tap & Tavern
5 to 7 p.m. daily; thebarleycolorado.com
Besame
4 to 5:30 p.m. daily; besamesteamboat.com
Carl’s Tavern
3 to 6 p.m. daily; carlstavern.com
The Corner Slice
4 to 5:05 p.m. daily; thecornerslice.com
Double Z Bar & BBQ
4 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, doublezbbq.com
Dude and Dan’s Bar & Grill
3 to 6 p.m. daily; dudeanddans.com
E3 Chophouse
12 to 5:30 p.m. daily; e3chophouse.com
How Ya Doin’ Pizza & Eats
4 to 5:30 p.m., howyadoinpizzaneatz.com
Johnny B Goods Diner
3 to 5 p.m. daily, www.johnnybgoodsdiner.com
Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails
4:30 to 6 p.m. daily; thelaundryrestaurant.com
Mahogany Ridge
Brewery & Grill
4 to 5:30 p.m./9:30 to 11 p.m. Wed. - Sat.; mahoganyridgesteamboat.com
Mambo Italiano
4 to 5:30 p.m. daily; mambos.com
Mazzola’s Italian Diner
5 to 6 p.m. and 10 to 11 p.m. at the bar; mazzolas.com
Off The Beaten Path
4 to 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m. Sundays; steamboatbooks.com
Old Town Pub & Restaurant
3 to 6 p.m. daily; theoldtownpub.com
O’Neil’s Tavern & Grill
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight daily; oneilstavernandgrill.com
Otto Pint
3 to 5:30 p.m./9 to 10 p.m.; ottopint.com/steamboat
Primrose
4-6 p.m.; primrosesteamboat.com
Salt & Lime
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily; suckalime.com
Schmiggity’s
7 to 9 p.m. daily; schmiggitys.com
Seedz
2 to 5 p.m. weekends; seedz-café.com
Snow Bowl
4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Steamboat Whiskey Co.
4 to 6 p.m. daily; steamboatwhiskeyco.com
Sunpie’s Bistro
3 to 6 p.m. daily
Table 79 Foodbar
4:30 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
The Press
3 to 6 p.m. daily
The Tap House Sports
Bar & Grill
3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday, thetaphouse.com
Vaqueros
2 to 6 p.m. daily; vaquerosmexican.net
Don’t see your restaurant on this list? Email audreyd@swillinandchillin.com
Swillin’ Happy Hour Sampler
Aurum (4:30-6pm daily): Sample Drinks: 50% off apps; $8 margs, mules and other cocktails; $6 wines; half-price drafts. Sample Food:half-price app’s, including Latin street tacos, pork carnitas, crispy duck wings, Angus burger and more.
E3 Chophouse (12-5:30pm daily): Sample Drinks: $7 house margs, $6-$8 glass wines, $6 sangria slush, $5 drafts/microbrews, $4 domestic/ imports, $5 well drinks. Sample Food: $7 truffle fries, $16 lobster mac ($9 bisque), $12 ceviche, $9 French dip.
Carl’s (3-6pm daily): Sample Drinks: $5 house margs, half-price glass wines, $5 mules, $2 Sessions, $4 well drinks/shots. Sample Food: half-price wings, the business, deviled eggs and more; $12/three pulled pork sliders.
O’Neil’s (3:30-5:30pm, 10pm-12a.m daily): Sample Drinks: $5 house wines, $2 off beers, $6 car bombs, $5 cocktail of the day. Sample Food: $6 pretzels, $6 pub salad, $8 potato skins, $7 Irish mac n’ cheese/fish n’ chips.
Back Door Grill (3:30-5:30pm daily): Sample Drinks: $5 house wines, $3.5 draft beers, $5 Jameson’s, $4 wells. Sample Food: $3.5 fish tacos, $6 burgers/wings/large basket o’ fries, $7 cream cheese jalapeno poppers.
Primrose (4-6pm daily): Sample Drinks: $2 off drafts, $5 well cocktails. Sample Food: $8 crispy Brussels sprouts, $12 lobster rolls.
Hoof Shots
Got a birthday? Head to Vaqueros or sister restaurant Fiesta Jalisco and saddle up to an infamous “Hoof” shot. Most often filled with, you guessed it, tequila, the concoction comes in a real bonafide bovine hoof that has been fashioned into a flask of sorts for imbibing. “They’re pretty popular and celebratory,” says Swillin’s Julia Hebard, who has thrown back a cow hoof or two.
Photo courtesy of Rex’s Family of Restaurants
Blowin’ Smoke
Catching
Up with Billo Founder Paul Franklin
In the height of the pandemic, premium marijuana store Billo opened up a new retail location on the east end of the city, just as visitors come into town off Rabbit Ears Pass. We caught up with co-owner Paul Franklin about the new location, what’s new in weed and other random— er, nuggets—of wisdom.
How’s the new location working?
The new location is great. We’re meeting lots of new customers both tourists and locals from this side of town. The easy in and out access is a huge plus.
Why is it better than where you were before?
Our loyal customers love not having to travel across town to our old location. Yes, we probably lost a few customers from the west side of town but gained many from the east side. The exposure is excellent. Tourist coming into town from Rabbit Ears have no trouble finding us.
What can visitors find there?
A clean professional environment with very knowledgeable budtenders. We strive to make our visitors comfortable, while educating them and supplying them with the best products available.
What
else is new from Billo?
We placed second and third again in the state with our premium flower, so for two years running we’re producing Colorado’s best flower. There isn’t a ski mountain dispensary in Colorado, or anywhere for that matter, that can hold a candle to our product.
When
did you move to Steamboat?
I first came here in 1998 for a visit and was immediately cursed by the valley. Then I moved here from Chicago in 2000 to develop Elkins Meadow and raise my two daughters.
What do you like about Steamboat?
The culture, the character and the endless outdoor activities. There is always something to do. If you’re bored in Steamboat you should probably move to New York City.
What’s better…your hockey shot or your hunting shot?
Without question, my hunting shot, whether it’s with a bow, black powder rifle or shotgun. But then again, that doesn’t say much; my hockey shot sucks.
Steamboat’s Dispensaries
Billo
Where: 3150 Ingles Lane Web: mybillo.com
What: At its new location on the south end of town, Billo is the first dispensary visitors see after they drive down Rabbit Ears Pass into town. Its products are as prime as its location, racking up several awards for its premium cannabis flower. In 2020, it won first place in the THC Classic (Rooster Cup), winning Hybrid Flower category for its Garlic Sherbert strain; and second in the Indica Flower category for its Platinum Kush Breath. In 2021, it won second again for Indica Flower with its Slurri Crasher strain, and third place for Sativa Flower for its Caps Frozen Lemons strain. Carrying a complete line of flowers, concentrates, edibles, topicals and more, it prides itself on its friendly, knowledgeable staff and highestquality cannabis. Order online or swing by its new store on the south side.
Blue Heron
Where: 100 W. Main St., Oak Creek Web: blueherondispensary.com
What: Opening in 2014, Oak Creek’s Blue Heron is known for having one of the best selections of the highest quality flower in northwest Colorado. The small, boutique-style pot shop offers all-organic flower, and the concentrates are locally sourced. The dispensary features a variety of products from farms all over the state, including Binske chocolate bars and concentrates, Honest Marijuana Company’s flower and joints, and Wild Fire, a newer Steamboat company featuring vape pens and concentrates. “We enjoy catering to locals on a first-name basis,” says owner Mark Wellstone, who named the company in honor of a blue heron that was always on the water when he went boating with his late friend Matt Lansing. “We want to carry the best of the best.” Look for a new Blue Heron shop to open in Hayden in July.
What: 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 nine dispensaries in Frisco, Edwards, Carbondale, DeBeque, Eagle, Craig and Steamboat (which it formed by purchasing local dispensary Rocky Mountain Remedies in 2019). Its Steamboat team has 12 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. (It also has the world’s first drive-thru dispensary.)
Golden Leaf
Where: 1755 Lincoln Ave. Web: goldenleaf.co
What: Locals know Golden Leaf by their flower and concentrates, but what they love most is the budtenders. Whether you’re looking to enhance your Yampa Valley experience, or for something to help with an ailment, its staff strives to provide a comfortable and informative experience for everyone. With a complimentary shuttle service, as well as daily flower and concentrate selections, it also offers online recreational ordering. Located on the west end 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.
Courtesy
Photo
Budtender Corner Roll ‘Em
Amy Rutledge, Golden Leaf
Coffee shops have baristas. Bars have bartenders. And marijuana dispensaries have “budtenders.”
For some seasoned dispensary-goers, a budtender is simply a middleman — but for the inexperienced, budtenders are a modern-day Sherpa, here to guide the newbie through the illustrious world of strains, vaporizers, edibles and more.
“My favorite part of the job is introducing people to cannabis for the first time. It amazes people to see inside of a dispensary and to explore their options of cannabis consumption,” says Amy Rutledge, manager and budtender at Golden Leaf Dispensary. “Finding what people like or showing them the various options makes the job fun as we have a wide spectrum of different products, from psycho-active to non-psychoactive.”
Opening for medical use in 2009 and for recreational in 2014, Golden Leaf is on the west end of town and carries up to 20 strains and a wide variety of edible, topical and other products. Some of its most popular strains include Road Dawg (Indica), White Urkel (Indica), Jenny (Hybrid), and White Fire (Sativa). “White Urkel is my personal favorite,” she says. “It gives you the best body high, but beware of the munchies.”
“I strive to make people feel comfortable and safe when buying cannabis,” Rutledge says. “It can be intimidating to purchase a legal marijuana product if you never have before so I enjoy letting people know that an experienced budtender can make all the difference. Showing people that cannabis doesn’t need to be scary puts a smile on my face.”
The most common question she hears is, “How high is this going to get me?” This can be tricky to answer, she says, as people often experience cannabis differently.
“The THC content is one factor, whether it’s the milligrams of THC in an edible or the percentage reading from the flower,” she says, adding pre-rolls are a great option for the convenience. “The more THC the higher it will get you.”
Another factor, she adds, is what you’ve eaten that day, including fatty acids and terpenes.
For non-smokers, she recommends the 1906 Bliss Cups, a low-dose edible with THC and CBD, and their infused peanut butter cups. “I recommend low doses for beginners starting at no more than 10 milligrams of THC,” she says,
At your Sativa service: Budtender Amy Rutledge shows off the goods at Golden Leaf.
adding they also carry such topicals as body butter, muscle salve, lip balms, bath bombs and more that have little to no psycho-active effect.
Nuggets of Wisdom
Strains Explained
Walk into a dispensary and the chortle choices can be as mindboggling as their effects. Here’s a cheat sheet in layman’s terms on what to expect (but ask your friendly budtender for more info):
Indica: You’ve probably heard it, but the mnemonic device for remembering this one is “in the couch.” That’s where it often puts you. It provides a relaxing and calming high, or a “body high,” and is great for insomnia, stress, anxiety, pain and more.
Sativa: This one provides an uplifting, cerebral high, or a “head high” (note: you’re still not as smart or funny as you think you are). It’s good for outdoor activities (but play it safe), creativity, listening to music, or even doing certain projects. We can’t think of a mnemonic device for this one.
Hybrid: These cross-bred Indica and Sativa plants serve up a combined head and body high effect. Good for a lot of things, they can be weighted on either side of the equation.
Local Top-sellers
Billo
Sativa: Lilac Diesel
THC: 26.48%
Indica: Slurri-Crasher (2nd place Rooster Cup 2021
THC: 21.7%
Hybrid: Garlic Sherbet (1st place Rooster Cup 2020)
hourly, half day, full day, multiple day & group rates
SERVICE/ SALES /PARTS
Daily service and parts specials, demo bikes available. We are your trusted source for trail information, reports and updates.
Summer of Fun Tubing Tips
Don’t be this guy—the doofus who does everything wrong on the river, from strewing trash to being rude (and sporting a mullet). Respect others and the river, which is having a tough year. For some pointers, we went to uber-tuber Peter Van de Carr of Backdoor Sports.
Always wear shoes. The rocks can be sharp and if a person needs help you may need to get to them quickly.
Don’t purchase cheap tubes. They end up being trash and you end up walking. Heavyduty 30-gauge PVC is recommended (coinkadink that those are his initials).
Take nothing of value.
Leave that diamond engagement ring, special amulet and those sweet prescription shades back home. There’s a good chance you’ll lose or ruin it.
Wear a PFD.
This is especially true for children and those not comfortable in whitewater. It’s for safety, not stigma. Don’t underestimate the river’s power.
Absolutely no glass.
Have class, no glass. Bring beverages only in reusable, unbreakable containers. And bring the empties back home.
Leave no trace.
Don’t trash the river. Pack out all trash by putting it in a net bag or dry bag. (A new ordinance actually prohibits disposable materials (cans, plastic bottles, glass, bags, etc.) on the river.)
Drink plenty of water.
You’re at 6,600 feet and in the sun. Stay hydrated, and keep your alcohol intake to a minimum. (And you can pee right in your tube!)
Avoid the dreaded arm chafe.
You’ll be arm-circling aplenty to avoid obstacles; wear a quick-dry short- or long-sleeved shirt to eliminate chafing. And use your feet to push off rocks.
Hold hands to stay together.
It’s a bit old-fashioned, but it’s fun and much safer than tying together with a rope, which can become entangled. And it’s a good excuse to bond with your date.
Use an outfitter.
It’s way easier and includes shuttle, lifejacket, shoes and quality tubes.
Don’t overtip!
Unless, of course, it’s to your shuttle driver and outfitter employee.
Confessions of a Tubing Outfitter
“A lot of times we’ll see mysterious ghost tubes coming down the river with no one in sight. And one time we saw clients climbing the bank after spotting a black bear.”
— Jim Dingle
“Separations can be a challenge— sometimes you get hysterical parents, insisting on police assistance, convinced of the worse, only to find their kids eating ice cream at Lyons. It’s also kind of cool finding someone’s priceless family heirloom, and recovering it against all odds. Then there’s dealing with visitors experiencing recreational marijuana for the first time and overdosing on gummies.”
—Peter Van de Carr
“The kids hanging out at Charlie’s Hole can sometimes be a challenge—sometimes they shout at tubers to lean back so they can see the carnage. It results in some great acrobatics. And once a lady was $3 short so she offered us $3 worth of knowledge. She couldn’t deliver and returned with her $3.” — Otis Van de Carr.
Real Questions
People Ask
“How deep is the river?”
“People ask how deep it is, which is impossible to answer since it varies; it may be ankle deep in one spot and 10 feet deep just downstream.”
“Do we end up where we started?”
“This is the classic. It always fascinates me when you explain that the river ends up in the same place you started and folks nod contemplatively. They think it’s a Disney ride.’”
“Where does the water come from?”
“Uh, that’d be the Champagne powder that makes the ski area so famous.”
“Are we going to get wet?”
“We’ll, you are tubing on a river, so there’s a pretty good chance.”
Tubing Tax
A new $5 recreational fee has been added for all recreational tubes purchased in Steamboat to go towards education and enforcement.
By the #’s
49,000 Number of tubers per summer (three months) allowed by the city, spread out among three commercial operators 16,248 tubers per month allowed, instead of a daily allotment, under the city’s new flex system
Dip Mayhem: “I don’t know...I guess I like tubing because of the tranquility, I suppose...”
Hippie
Photo courtesy Kent Vertrees
OFF THE COUCH Summer of Fun
Farmers Market Fun
You don’t have to hitch your thumbs under your suspenders to have fun at Steamboat’s weekly Farmers Market. Even with COVID-19 protocols in place, the event is firing on all tractor cylinders this summer, scheduled to take place on the corner of 7th and Yampa streets downtown every Saturday morning where you can peruse kiosks filled with food, art, crafts and more.
“As restrictions relax, our protocols will change but we’ll likely limit our foot traffic much like last year, but hopefully the number will be 250 rather than 175,” says organizer Lisa Popovich, adding they’ll follow protocols as they arise. “But we’ll work with the city and county to make sure we’re bringing fresh local food to the community.”
“We’ve expanded the fun and are working on booking a few musicians if we’re allowed to this year with the
restrictions,” Popovich adds. “But we have a very full market that’s sold out of vendor booths for the summer.”
Of those, you’ll find far more than just fresh peaches, crisp cucumbers, farm-fresh eggs, homemade jerky and bunches of beets. There are plenty of artisan foods to peruse too, all handmade and bursting with local flavors. Fancy a bottle of local vinegar, wine, or kombucha? You’ll find those, as well as zesty sauces to spruce up dinner.
“I think a lot of artists spent the last
year making things,” says Popovich. “The creatives who were stuck at home used that time to create their craft or take it in a different direction.”
What: Mainstreet Steamboat Springs Farmers Market
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays starting June 6.
Where: Seventh and Yampa streets, between Fifth and Eighth Streets
Local Knowhow: The early bird gets the goods
Oldies but Goodies:
• Live Music by the jammers locals love most
• Laura The Butcher
– meat bouquets
• Moon Hill Dairy
• Styria Catering
• Outlaw Apiaries
The New New:
• Heartwood Studios
• Mountain Paw Bakery
• Flowergirls by JAC
• Cajun Mountain Girl
Community Service
Routt County Humane Society will host its monthly $15 Vaccination Clinic, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., 6/12, 7/10, 8/14 at the Mainstreet Farmers Market . If you have a kitty or dog not suited for public places, call the RCHS Wellness Clinic for a free office visit. 970-457-9002.
Courtesy
Photo
Yippee Kiyay…Rodeo Back and Kicking!
While it will still have some capacity and distancing restrictions in place, rodeo is back and kicking in Steamboat this summer, after a hiatus last season. Complete with clowns, concessions (BBQ and a Budweiser, anyone?) and high-kicking bulls, the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series springs to life for nine straight weekends July 1-4 (special 4th of July celebration July 3-4 for 117th Cowboys Roundup Days); July 9-10; July 16-17; July 23-24; July 30-31; Aug. 6-7; Aug. 13-14; Aug. 20-21; and Aug. 27-28. All start times are at 7:30 p.m., except for July 4th at 6:30 p.m.
“In the 42 years I’ve been involved in the series, we’ve never approached a rodeo season with such desire and enthusiasm,” says Arena Director Brent Romick. “We’re planning to get right back where we left off at the end of 2019 providing pro-quality competition and high-level entertainment.” And, yes, we know what you’re thinking; the bull riders wear cups.
Photo Courtesy of Zan Blundell/Steamboat Springs
Pro Rodeo Series
Maybe that bull read our Rocky Mountain Oysters story on page 10.
2021 Summer Events Sampler
While we’re all saying that, let’s throw our hats — and helmets — in the air for a summer that’ll surely be more action-packed than last. “We’re excited to see events returning to Steamboat,” says Steamboat Springs Chamber CEO Kara Stoller. “Event producers have been working incredibly hard to create plans for safe events and we’re looking forward to welcoming back these opportunities to reconnect and celebrate together.” Following are a few virtual/ schmirtual events to put on your Swillin’ and Chillin’ calendar:
June
6 Farmers Market begins (every Saturday)
30 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park (Wednesdays through Aug. 18)
July
1-4 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series begins (Fridays/ Saturdays on subsequent weekends through Aug. 28)
4 4th of July Celebration
10-11 Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
10-11
Steamboat Springs Art in the Park
TBD Tri the Boat Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Half Iron
14-17 Steamboat Ramble
17 Tour de Steamboat
22-24 The Red Rider
25-26 Steamboat Lake Triathlon
27-30 “Four Directions – Common Paths; Oberg, Smith, Whitcomb, Young” Artist Exhibition Celebration at the Steamboat Art Museum
31- 1 Revolution Enduro
August
Routt County Fair
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series closing weekend
September 2-5
Riding That Gravy Train: Grateful Dead Outdoor Products
“Truckin’, got my chips cashed in…” That lyric also sums up the Grateful Dead’s recent foray into outdoor gear, as the brand is truckin’ into that category and cashing in. From snowboard collaborations with Burton to partnerships with The North Face, the Dead has a long, strange history of aligning with outdoor brands, this year adding collaborations with companies making coolers, snowshoes, socks and more.
“There’s a big overlap between the band and the outdoors,” says Warner Music Group’s Eleni Gregoriou. “It’s not a coincidence, especially when you think of its fans camping and following them around the country. No artist has even come close to being as involved in the outdoors.”
Grateful Dead Tubbs Snowshoe
For out in the “Cold Rain and Snow” comes a new Dead snowshoe series from Tubbs, featuring the aluminumframe Wilderness 25 and Frontier with Fit-Step frame; articulating toe cord pivots for traction; and padded binding. “The Grateful Dead is never not going to be relevant,” said John Colonna, a Dead Head and president of parent K2 Sports. “With their energy and connection to the outdoors, Tubbs was the natural fit.”
Smartwool x Grateful Dead Chris Benchetler Collection
Former Steamboat-based Smartwool has collaborated with the Dead and athlete/artist Chris Benchetler in a line of socks and baselayers. Benchetler’s “Fire on the Mountain” film helped inspire the company’s PhD crew and ski socks. “The Dead has a loyal fan base, and we saw a lot of overlap between those fans and our consumer,” says Smartwool’s Maggie Meisinger. “The Dead isn’t one tangible thing; it encompasses a unique ideology and counterculture that’s inviting and fun and transcends age.”
Fire on the Mountain/Atomic/ TGR
Benchetler’s “Fire on the Mountain” film by TGR blends snowsports and surfing to a Dead soundtrack— and helped spawn a slew of products from his sponsors, including Atomic’s limited-edition pro Bent Chetler ski. Dakine also created a line of Grateful Dead mittens, and TGR a line of Grateful Dead goggles, T-shirts, jackets, hoodies and bags. “Mountain towns have long carried the torch for the Dead and they wanted to interact more with that community,” says Warner’s Gregoriou. “They figured a custom ski might be the way to do that. There are endless similarities between their performances and how people ride down a mountain.”
Grateful Dead Igloo cooler
For Igloo, it’s not a box of rain but a box of ice as it debuts a Playmate cooler adorned with Dead artwork. “There are quite a few Grateful Dead fans who are also Igloo fans,” says Igloo VP Josh Militello. “Several traits stand out: love of the band and music, experiences watching them live, and passion for the outdoors, nature and the environment.” The Dead line is in the top five of all of its licensed products, he adds, which include collaborations with Disney and Star Wars.
