Prudential Steamboat Realty

Living in Steamboat, it is easy to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities our community has to offer.  Today, I was psyched to see the Denver Post put it into a Top Ten list!  Fall in Steamboat Springs, truly is an incredible time of year...my very favorite to be honest.  The leaves are vibrant to a point where you question their legitimacy, the town feels like your favorite hooded sweatshirt - comfortable and relaxing.  And the energy on the mountain is anxious with the anticipation of snow and grateful for the calm before the storm.  This list does not include everything, but it does a great job of highlighting some classic picks...

1. The fall drive to get here - Not only are the leaves starting to make their move from green to gold, red and orange, but the elk are looking for love in all the long stretches of forest along the route. Either way you drive to Steamboat, you wind up on Rabbit Ears Pass just before dropping into town, after having just spent a little more than 160 miles watching the gorgeous scenery go by.

2. F.M. Light & Sons - On the drive to Steamboat, you may have seen one or two - or the more than a 100 - yellow signs with black lettering for this 104-year-old store, which specializes in Western clothing, hats, boots, accessories and souvenirs and is still run by family.

3. Cowboys, baby -One of the few resort areas in the state where folks wearing cowboy boots have a better than average chance of actually having muddied them mucking out stalls, Steamboat is still rancher territory. It gives the town its air of Western authenticity and reminds visitors that Colorado is still filled with fabulous cowtowns that celebrate their heritage.

4. Steamboat Sheraton Resort - After a $20 million renovation, the Sheraton, nestled against the ski mountain with views of the Ski Village and the Yampa Valley, is one of the most appealing properties in the area.

5. Old Town Hot Springs - One of the more family-friendly locations in the state, Old Town was always a welcoming spot for all ages, but it became even more so over the past two years when it upgraded to two giant water slides and remodeled the pools.

6. Harwig's/L'Apogee - With its cozy, warmly decorated dining rooms and gracious staff, this charming eatery in the 1880 Harwig Building serves impeccably prepared, innovative fare.

7. Off the Beaten Path Bookstore - Now located on 9th and Lincoln, this classic bookstore offers national best sellers, as well as a good selection of regional and self-published authors.

8 . Strawberry Park Hot Springs - After a 15-minute drive out of town into the forest, with Hot Springs Creek burbling right alongside the series of rock-lined pools and plenty of room to spread out, Strawberry Park feels like a mini-getaway. After dark, it's 18-and-over because it's clothing-optional.

9. Freshies Restaurant - Super- friendly staff serves breakfast and lunch only but does both beautifully. Using fresh, mostly organic and local-when-available ingredients, the kitchen sends out light, perfectly cooked omelettes, piled-high sandwiches, daily soups, inventive salads and well-brewed organic coffee.

10. Steamboat OktoberWest - Sept. 18-20: a German-style brew-o-rama with Rocky Mountain beers, lamb cook-off, mechanical-bull-riding contest, free music from Drew Emmit and a cruiser bike parade.

To read the full story from the Denver post click here.

We cannot post this list without the addition of a few of our own staff favorites:

~Ski Haus Super Sale - This event is not to be missed for the gear-hound.  On October 9-11, a line will form outside this epic outdoor enthusiasts' paradise offering everything at a super sale discount.  New skis, clothes, helmets, bikes, packs...I mean EVERYTHING is on sale.

~No crowds...the trails are open, parking available and there are no lines...anywhere!

~Making your first batch of elk chili: As the aroma of fall comes to town and football season kicks off, it is time to fill the house with the aroma of homemade chili!

~Wearing a jacket with flip-flops: This one is pretty self-explanatory.

We hope to see you in Steamboat this Fall!