A Local's Guide to Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Design your own hat

Design your own hat at Steamboat Hatter. This unique, bespoke store offers the opportunity to fully customize a hat or personalize one of their ready-to-wear felt hats. Ready-to-wear hats are available in various sizes and colors, and can all be re-shaped, re-styled, and re-sized to your specifications. Every hat is handmade in the mountains of Steamboat Springs using antique hand tools and age-old techniques.

Buy a pair of cowboy boots

Step back in time with a visit to F.M. Light & Sons. Opened in 1905, this store is still owned and operated by the Light Family (the 5th generation of the family took over in 2012!) and is a Steamboat staple. If you’re looking for a place to buy a pair of cowboy boots or some Western attire, this is the place! They have an entire wall dedicated to cowboy boots in every shape, size, and price (kids included).

A unique hot spring experience

Soak at the magical Strawberry Park Hot Springs, located deep in the national forest and a short 20-minute drive from downtown Steamboat. The natural environment has been beautifully incorporated into these hot springs, keeping it low-key and casual (which is why we love it!). There are a number of hot pools to choose from that vary in temperature, and a refreshing cold river for anyone looking for a cold plunge experience!

Rustic bathrooms and changing facilities are available, however, there are no showers, lockers, or inside rest areas. So if you are looking for luxury, this is not the place. On-site massages are available (advance reservations required).

Tips:

• Pool reservations for the hot springs are required and can be booked online.

• 4-wheel drive is required in the winter. If you aren’t comfortable with winter driving, we recommend booking a tour that includes a shuttle to and from Strawberry Park.

Gondola ride and lunch at Hazie’s

Ride the scenic Steamboat Gondola to 10,000 feet, then enjoy sweeping views over the valley as you savor a drink or lunch in the newly renovated Hazie’s at Steamboat Ski Resort. Choose from small plates such as crispy fried Brussel sprouts with braised bacon and Colorado Chili to sweet potato gnocchi, local Rainbow trout, or a Waygu burger. Just looking for a place to enjoy a hot drink or a cocktail? Cozy up around the fireplace or relax at the welcoming bar.

• Tip: Steamboat Ski Resort also offers summer guided Sunday hikes followed by brunch at Hazie’s.

Happy hour and dinner at Periodic Table

Periodic Table, located a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Steamboat, is a hidden gem. Managed by Destination Hospitality, this restaurant offers impeccable service and upscale, creative cuisine. The menu changes every winter and summer to explore different dining periods and locales. As of writing, the current menu focuses on Scandinavia’s approach to seasonal cooking. They have a great happy hour, a cozy bar (great in the winter!), and a beautiful outdoor deck for summer dining. Past themes have included Argentinian Steakhouse, European Riviera, 1940s Havana, and 1920s New York.

Farm-to-table cuisine at Yampa Valley Kitchen

Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, this is my go-to breakfast spot. Originally a farmhouse, this 100-year-old building was beautifully renovated to create a welcoming environment with a modern, farmhouse feel. It’s a cozy spot to dine, and the outdoor garden is a serene and beautiful spot in the summer. Hannah and her team focus on organic, sustainable ingredients and rely on local producers in Colorado. They also offer lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

Home-made pasta and pizza at Mazzolas

Mazzolas has been a staple in Steamboat for over fifty years. It’s owned and operated by the Rex’s Restaurant Group (they also operate Salt & Lime, Big House Burgers, Laundry, Creekside, and Lil’ House). The pasta and pizza are home-made (and to die for!), and the portions are generous. My daughter loves the chicken alfredo as well as the huge appetizer meatballs, and always asks to eat here on her birthday! The happy hour, albeit on the early side, is a great deal for anyone looking to dine early.

• Tip: Prefer to dine at home? Rex’s has you covered with their group meal offerings—you can order group meals catered by most of their restaurants and then dine at home.

The Paramount

Located at the base of the ski mountain, this eatery often gets overlooked. It’s small, and seating is limited, but it has some of the best food in town. Everything is made from scratch, and the owners, Lee and Suzy, are truly passionate about food and believe that there is nothing better than a shared meal with family and friends. Offering an extensive breakfast menu as well as lunch and apres-ski, my favorite items are the house-made reuben, cornbread with whipped butter, French onion soup, and the chipotle salmon breakfast dish.

Beard and Braid Coffee Shop

Known for its specialty lattes and crafted drinks, freshly baked goods, and welcoming vibe, this coffee shop is a great place to meet a friend, work remotely, or cozy up with a good book and treat. Expect it to be hopping!