In addition to hiking, biking, skiing, cross country, snowshoeing, rafting, kayaking and fly fishing, there are many things to do in Steamboat Springs. Make sure to explore Main Street downtown with its many shops, restaurants, bars and galleries. I recommend:
F.M. Light & Sons: Opened in 1905, this is a great place to explore and shop for western wear, cowboy boots and Stetson Hats. 830 Lincoln Ave.
Stop in at Lyon Drug Store and Soda Fountain to experience an old soda fountain. 840 Lincoln Ave.
Steamboat Food & Wine Festival: This is an annual festival in October featuring wine tastings, wine dinners, educational seminars and special outdoor activities.
Strings Music Festival: A must in the summer is to attend a concert at the Strings Music Festival. The festival presents over 75 performances every summer in classical music, jazz, country, rock, bluegrass and world rhythms. The venue is the attractive 550 seat Strings Music Pavilion, a short drive from downtown with ample parking. I enjoyed a wonderful jazz performance with Earl Klugh and Nnenna Freelon on a gorgeous summer night in the mountains.
There are many other activities including rodeos, walking tours, golf tournaments, marathons, theater performances and readings, farmers’ markets, hot air balloon flights, a First Friday Artwalk and film presentations. There are hot springs to enjoy, the MusicFest with country music and operas from the Opera Steamboat.
The Main Street Steamboat Springs Farmer’s Market is held on Saturdays, downtown on Yampa St. between 5th and 8th streets from June through September They have a large selection of over 150 vendors. I went on my list visit and bought some of my favorite Palisade peaches.
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series features bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding. It is held downtown at the Brent Romick Arena, located at 401 Howelsen Pkwy and runs every Friday and Saturday night from June through August.
The Steamboat Art Museum is a small local art museum located in a former bank building with focus on regional Colorado artwork, plus workshops, plein air painting events and lectures. I was able to see the 35th National Exhibition of Oil Painters of America featuring 215 works from over 1,800 submissions. They also have a small museum store.
Steamboat Creates Historic Depot Arts Center: Steamboat Creates is a nonprofit arts and culture organization that supports artists and creative businesses, runs community arts programs and classes, produces cultural events, and builds access to the arts through exhibitions, education, workshops, youth programs and public art opportunities. It is located in the historic train depot that was abandoned in 1968 and saved from condemnation. 1001 13th St.
Yampa River Botanic Park located just outside of downtown is a six-acre, free, public botanic park with a large collection of gardens, flowers, plants, trees and sculptures. It is home to 70 individual gardens and many ponds. 1000 Pamela Ln.
Make sure to drive through the neighborhood east of Lincoln Ave and Oak St. to see some of the historic old homes. I always love doing this when I am in the Colorado towns like Crested Butte, Carbondale and Breckenridge.
