Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Today is my last day in  Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I love this town and I am convinced this is where I want to move after college. I stayed with my family from a Saturday in mid-June to a Thursday. Our experience here was amazing. We noticed that everyone here is super nice and helpful. Don't be afraid to talk to the locals. We learned a lot from them on the best places to go. This is one of the nicest cities I have ever traveled to. We learned so much from this trip and I want to share my tips and tricks about visiting "The Boat".

Tips

• Pick up the Explore Steamboat Springs local magazine to see the "Best of the Boat" which are top ranked businesses/restaurants voted on by the locals. 

• Also, check out TripAdvisor reviews and Yelp reviews to help make your decisions easier. We heavily relied on reviews to pick our destinations. 

• COUPONS - pick up a coupon book at the visitor center or in Gondola Square. You can find plenty of coupons from restaurants to spas to outdoor adventures. Always check to see if there is a coupon for whatever you are wanting to do.

• Portions out here are huge and expensive. The average entree with side is $10. With a family of four, we would always pair up and split an entree. Also, many craft beers on tap at the restaurants and check out each restaurants daily specials and happy hour on their website. 

• Take the FREE city bus. Our condo was right on the route of the free city bus. One day we decided to take it downtown to avoid hassling with parking. It was about a 10 minute ride that was definitely worth taking! Also, if you plan on staying out later downtown take the free city bus back to your condo/hotel (if available) to avoid drinking and driving! The bus runs from 6:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.

• Inquire with locals about their favorite places. We learned a lot from our servers/bartenders/cashiers about what some "must-do's" are in the town as well as some great hidden gems. 

What to Bring

• Bring cash. Some places offer discounts for cash and some places such as the local parks only take cash.

• Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses It may not be hot but you are closer to the sun!

• Re-usable water bottle + carrier or small backpack. While we did not plan on it, we spent alot of our time hiking. We were not prepared for this and had plastic water bottles that we had to carry. While it wasn't the worst thing in the world, I would have enjoyed having a small backpack or "fanny pack" like this, or a DIY water bottle carrier like this. 

• Jeans and a jacket. Mornings and evenings get chilly!

Things to Do

• Visit Steamboat Treasures and Tee's for the best prices on Steamboat apparel. 

• 5th and Lincoln - 9th and Lincoln for the best shopping.

• Fish Creek Falls - great little hiking trails and beautiful waterfall $5/car before 4 p.m. 

Fish Creek Falls

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs - $12/adult $7/teens (17 & under) - this is located 25 minutes outside of Steamboat. The park includes a spa, small concession, clean bathrooms, changing rooms, and 6 different temperature pools. The majority of the pools are about the same temperature as bathwater, with one steaming hot pool and one ice cold pool. I wouldn't have minded having some water shoes to walk in like these.  The ground can be slippery and the rock gets very hot walking back and forth to different pools. Wear your swimsuit, bring water and bring a towel. 

Hot Springs

Hot Springs

Hot Springs

• If you're already downtown in the afternoon, take a walk down by the river. Start at the Bud Werner Memorial Library located at 13th and Lincoln. We went down there to watch tubers, rafts and people swim in the drop off on the yampa river. TIP- MOSQUITOES ARE BAD BY THE RIVER. BRING BUG SPRAY. 

• Yampa River Botanical Gardens - the botanical gardens was beautiful. When you park, take the sidewalk across the soccer field and you will come to the gate. We went in the evening and got eaten up by mosquitoes. I would recommend going in the morning or early afternoon. Its a beautiful walk through the garden and free!

• Horseback Riding - One of the days we wanted to go horseback riding. We researched prices and called for information on several different places. We ended up going to Del's 3 Triangle Ranch. For a 2 hour ride on the mountain side, it was $85. We saved $5/person for paying cash. The owner, Ray Heid, is the nicest little old man. Everyone at the ranch was very nice and accommodating. Ray and Michelle took us on a 2 hour ride on the side of Sand Mountain. We saw a ton of wild life and the horses were great. They were very well behaved. Michelle was very informative and helpful on places we should visit. We were able to have a nice conversation with her and Ray during the ride. Ray had many stories to tell about his younger days. He is an interesting man. He was in the 1960 Olympics for ski jumping and he was in the Olympics again for coaching on the Alpine Olympic training team in 1964.

• The Gondola. Take the Gondola up to the top of Mt. Werner. Tickets are $22/ adult (13yrs+). This was very pricey but after we paid, of course, we found a coupon for $5 each ticket. The coupon book was located inside the booth where you pay for your ticket on the right hand side. We took the Gondola up in the morning and hiked 3-4 hours. Take a water bottle up there and any snacks you may want. There is a restaurant located at the top but, like everything else, it's very expensive. We hike about 5 miles that morning. We took the Vista Trail and the Duster trail. I would recommend going up as early as you can before it gets hot. 

The Gondola

Top of Mt. Werner

Hiking Trail on Mt. Werner

Mt. Werner

Waterfall on hiking trail on Mt. Werner

Mt. Werner

Restaurants

I cannot stress enough that unless your stomach is a bottomless pit, share an entree! Your wallet and your tummy will be happy. I promise. 

• Ciao Gelato
• Tap House - similar to Chili's/Applebees/Sports bar
• Smokehouse Bar B Que - about $12 an entree, my sister and I shared a brisket sandwich and we were both full after splitting it. 
• Carl's - upscale bar & grill - great happy hour w/ 50 cent wings (we ordered 16 for a family of 4 and we were full! The wings aren't small!)
• Slopeside Bar and Grill - Late night happy hour - $8 pizza and $3 drafts after 10 p.m. 
• Fiesta Jalisco - Great Mexican food. Fajitas are great, very onion-y but my mom and I shared and we each ate 2.
• Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill - we did not make it here, unfortunately, but all the locals said that their happy hour from 4 - 5:30 is great with $1 tapas (small plates). 
• Mazzola's Italian Resturant - another one we didn't make it too but we were recommended by two servers. 

Summit Grill and Bar launches new Spring Cocktail menu

Summit Grill and bar launched a new spring cocktail menu featuring a diverse selection of refreshing and hand-crafted cocktails to kick off the arrival of spring.  I got to experience the new seasonal cocktails including seven new specialty cocktails accompanied by three returning customer favorites at Summit Grill and Bar. Each cocktail is available for $9 or less. Developed by Summit Grill and Bar 's bartender Jeff and Chris, the menu arrives just in time for the warm weather.  

I am revisiting Summit Grill and Bar because it is one of my favorite spots in Kansas City. Their new spring cocktail menu offers gin, tequila, whiskey, and wine based cocktails. I recently got to sample all of the new cocktails. The menu was carefully developed by a pair of mixologists at Summit Grill and Bar.  

Looking at the ingredients in the cocktails I was certain that I would only like a few of them. There were only two cocktails that I wouldn't order. Not because they tasted bad but because I wasn't a huge fan of the base of the drink. Other than that, this cocktail menu is has something for everyone on it!

Here is a break down of all of the cocktails.

Gimlet- choice of Svedka Vodka, Sloane's Gin or Milagro Silver Tequila with lime juice, simple syrup, lavender bitters double strained and served with a cucumber wheel. 

I highly recommend getting this cocktail with Sloane's Gin. Gin may be scary to some but do not be scared! This cocktail was a nice surprise. It was very light, easy to drink and beyond delicious. It was my favorite from the list. This cocktail is perfect if you're looking for a light simple drink that doesn't have an overwhelming flavor of alcohol. 

Gin Gimlet

Jalisco En Verano - Casamigos Blanco Tequila, pineapple-orange shrub, egg white. This cocktail is a thicker version of a uniquely flavored margarita. It was surprisingly delicious and my second favorite. Even if you aren't a tequila lover, this cocktail is one you must try! It's very different than any other cocktail that I've had. The thickness of the drink is perfect and has a foam like consistency. You can taste the tequila but it is not overwhelming and very easy to drink. This cocktail would be great for a chilly summer night. 

Jalisco En Verano

King Peak - Templeton Rye Whiskey, Fernet Branca, orange bitters

This cocktail is a whiskey based cocktail garnished with an orange peel. I wasn't too sure how this one would go down because whiskey is not my first choice. The cocktail had a strong smell of whiskey but not one that would make your face scrunch up. I took a sip. It tastes like a light whiskey with out the bite at the end. If you are a whiskey lover then this cocktail is for you! It is a cocktail I would have to sip on slowly but whiskey lovers would jump all over this! 

King Peak

Pimm's Cup - Hendrick's Gin, Pimm's Liqueur, Gosling's ginger beer, orange peel. This cocktail is a little twist on the classic cocktail. Once again, do not be afraid of the gin! This cocktail tastes like iced tea infused with cucumber. It's one of the best Pimm's Cup around! Be careful because this cocktail goes down easy but the alcohol could creep up on you very quickly. It's delightfully refreshing and light and perfect for spring time! It captures all of the tastes of spring in one cup. 

Pimm's Cup

Shandy - house-made mango-pineapple-habanero cordial, Dos Equis Lager, fresh lime juice and garnished with a fresh cilantro leaf. This cocktail is very unique. It is definitely one of a kind. If you like a little burnin' in your cocktail then this cocktail is for you. Summit Grill and Bar makes the mango-pineapple-habanero cordial in house and it takes up to a week to ferment. The Dos Equis Lager is the base of this cocktail and makes the drink bubbly. The kicker about this cocktail is that the after taste isn't much of a taste but more like an after burn. The back of your throat will burn. It's not like a spicy buffalo sauce burn but more of a tingling burning sensation in the back of your throat. Some people love the burn, others don't. 

Shandy

Strawberry Margarita - Milagro Silver Tequila, Solerno Blood Orange liqueur, agave syrup and lime juice. This margarita is perfect! It's not too sweet and you can tell the cocktail is not from a mix. I was expecting this cocktail to be very sweet but it was bubbly, strawberry-y and perfectly created! This was my second favorite cocktail on the menu and is perfect for any one who loves the classic margarita. 

Strawberry Margarita

Sullivan's Steakhouse

Sullivan's Steakhouse

During Kansas City Restaurant Week I made a reservation to Sullivan's for my family to enjoy a nice steak dinner on a Saturday night. 

The place was packed and parking was very limited. We walked through the doors and were greeted by a friendly smile. The hostess kindly led us to our table where my parents were waiting. 

my sister, mom, aunt and myself

It took our waiter quite some time to take my drink order. He wasn't too friendly or social. I had some questions about the Restaurant Week menu that he was happy to answer. I couldn't decided which entree or dessert to get and he helped me pick one out. 

The whole place was dimly lit, crowded and loud. We were sitting on the upper level and I was glad. The main dining area was packed with servers and people bumping into tables and chairs. 

Getting to the bathroom was an obstacle on its own. Once you weaved through the tables of the main dining room, you had to go into the bar area and weave through swaying people to the back of the room. I wasn't very fond of that. 

We all ordered off of the Restaurant week menu. It was a three-course meal for $33. I ordered a caesar salad($8) , filet mignon and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

The caesar salad took a while to come out. It was tasty but nothing special. There was plenty of parmesan but it was lacking in the crouton department. The size of the salad was perfect. For the price of this salad on a normal night, I would not have spent $8 on it. 

caesar salad

For a party of six, I was expecting our food to take longer and it did. We ordered two bottles of wine before our food came out. The wine was delicious and hit the spot but was pretty expensive. Our food took almost an hour to get to our table and they were missing sides when they brought the food out. 

I ordered my 6 oz filet mignon medium well and it was cooked perfectly. The steak was good, but nothing special. On a normal night, the 8 oz filet mignon is $37. To me, that is over priced. I would rather go to Capital Grille and pay $30 - $40 for the same steak. The appearance of the steak was weak. The large off white plate looked bare.

The dessert was the third course. My aunt and mom ordered the banana foster. I ordered a dish of vanilla ice cream. The vanilla ice cream tasted like vanilla ice cream but it hit the spot. 

vanilla ice cream

I did get to taste a bite (or five) of the bananas foster. It was the first time I've ever had it so I don't have anything to compare it too but it was pretty delicious. 

banana's foster

Sullivan's features live music almost every night of the week. Everyone once in a while Sullivan's does a dinner night. Their next dinner night is a Sam Adams beer dinner for $60. Each entree, dessert and appetizer is accompanied by a Sam Adams beer. 

Sullivan's has three private dining rooms that each hold up to about 35 people as well a a patio that can hold up to 60 people and a library that can hold up to 80 people. 

Kate's Kitchen

Fresh Ingredients. Local Business.

What't not to love about a local restaurant that serves delicious affordable food with fresh ingredients? The second you walk into to this little building, you are greeted with a smile. 

a cup of fresh coffee

I have only been here twice. It's a hidden treasure in the north land. We walked in on a Saturday morning at 7:15 a.m. right before the bulk of the crowd came in. If you're trying to squeeze in a quick morning breakfast be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes at this place. The restaurant is small and it fills up quick. The line is usually out of the door by 9 a.m. but if you have time to wait it's worth the wait. Before you pass this up, check the wait time. We walked in when the line was out of the door but there was only a 15 minute wait, which is not that long. The small lobby area can only hold about 10 people. If you don't feel like waiting, call and order Kate's Kitchen to-go. It's just as good and only takes about 10 minutes to make. 

The first day I went I was craving a waffle. I ended up ordering a waffle platter ($7.50). It came with two eggs and a choice of meat. I got scrambled eggs and bacon. The platter came out quickly and it was hot and fresh. The waffle was perfect, the eggs were hot and perfectly cooked as well as the bacon. It wasn't flimsy. The bacon was thick and cooked to perfection.

waffle platter

If you're wanting to order something sweet, order a cinnamon roll. This delightful dessert is made fresh each morning. Topped with warm icing, these are great alongside your meal or you could take one with you.

The second time I went, I really wanted to order the waffle again but decided I should try something new. I ordered the Classic all-American breakfast ($5.25). It came with two eggs, potatoes and toast. I got my eggs scrambled, breakfast potatoes and wheat toast. I also decided my eyes were larger than my stomach and I ordered a side of bacon($2.25) which comes with 4 hearty strips of bacon and I also ordered one giant pancake ($3.00). I ate (almost) all of it.

classic all-american breakfast

The whole place was packed but our breakfast came out quickly. 

one large pancake

My boyfriend ordered the country scrambler ($7.50). This dish is a medley of sausage, ham, bacon, and cheese served over a bed of scrambled eggs and topped with gravy and your choice of bread. This dish was delicious. It combines everything that's amazing about breakfast food into one location. If you can't decide what to get, the country scrambler won't disappoint.   

country scrambler

Kate's Kitchen serves lunch and breakfast. Their breakfast menu offers scramblers, omelets, pancakes, waffles, french toast, cinnamon rolls. Their lunch menu includes sandwiches, wraps, chicken fingers and salads. 

Bar Louie

A Wild and Crazy yet Sophisticated Bar for Those Who Want to Drink and Eat Gourmet Bar Food

If you're looking for a bar with great drinks, upscale bar food and minimal kiddos then Bar Louie is the place for you. Located just south of Dicks Sporting Goods on North West Prairie View road, this bar can be spotted with a full patio during the warmer weather. Bar louie features a large wrap-around patio, garage doors that allow the sunshine inside and an entire upstairs deck with big screens, heaters and of course, a bar.

The food and drinks can be a bit pricy so make sure to visit their website and facebook page for daily specials. Happy hour is the best time to go if you're looking to eat and drink. Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Bar Louie features $3.25 12 oz draft beers, specials on wine and signature martinis as well as half off select appetizers. My favorite happy hour appetizer is the chicken quesadilla served with guacamole, sour cream and pico. This quesadilla is large and could easily feed two people. My go-to appetizer when I just want something to munch on is the trio dips and chips. A large pile of chips served with queso, salsa and guacamole.

If you're looking for the best drink specials then Wednesday is your night. Bar Louie has $1.25 12 oz draft beers all day. It can not get any cheaper than that my friends! Also make sure to check out their girls night out! Every Thursday Bar Louie features specials on wine and signature martinis. Don't worry guys, you can get the specials too. Or buy one for the ladies.

Bar Louie has a DJ almost every Saturday night starting at 10 p.m. with a large dance floor to show off your moves. 

Get ready to celebrate every major holiday at Bar Louie. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day you name it, Bar Louie will be celebrating. 

Let's not forget about Tuesday's at Bar Louie. $1 burgers. Yes ONE DOLLAR. Create your own Louie burger starting at $1. The burger comes with bun, lettuce and burger. Add cheese, veggies, bacon, guac, onion straws and more for a small additional price. Add a large basket of fries or tots for $4. Worth the $4 if you have at least one person to share it with. So you're asking yourself what's the catch? To get the $1 burger you must order a beverage - anything but water. So if you're really looking for a great deal then go to Bar Louie on Tuesday's during happy hour. Get yourself a beer and a burger and get out of there for under $10. $1 burger + $3.25 beer = 4.25 (+ tax and tip)

Sign up to be apart of Louie's Crew and enjoy a free appetizer on your next visit! Visit their website for a calendar of events, menu and more!

Bar Louie is a seat-yourself bar but reservations can be made by calling 816-326-6810! Enjoy a day of shopping at Zona Rosa  and then relax with a delicious meal and drink from the bar at Bar Louie!

Q39

Competition barbecue wins at Westport's Q39

Getting ready to celebrate their 1 year anniversary, Q39's barbecue is still a major hit in Kansas City. Barbecue pit master, Rob Magee, turned his 6 year hobby into a successful business. Rob and his team, Munchin' Hogs, won 52 grand champion titles throughout the country. Find the award winning Q39 specialties on the menu marked with a blue ribbon.

Q39 Trophy Wall PHOTO/Landon Vonderschmidt

Every meal at Q39 is cooked fresh and straight off the grill, from the house-made cornbread to the house-made chipotle sausage that is made and stuffed right in the restaurant. There is no doubt that this is one of the top, if not the top, barbecue restaurant in Kansas City. The meat is tender and juicy, the sides are perfect and the cocktails are one of a kind. One way you know it's good barbecue is when you don't have to smother the meat in sauce to make it taste better. Q39 always offers a sauce to accompany the entree but there honestly is no need for it.

Q39 open kitchen PHOTO/Landon Vonderschmidt

My one and only complaint about this restaurant is the staff members. Not the service. The service has always been top notch. The servers can be a bit awkward at times and crack some awkwardly unfunny jokes.... but hey, if my only complaint is bad jokes, it must be a superb place. Their personalities represent the local Westport hospitality. 

Starting off my first meal at Q39, I ordered a pile of Q39 spiced onion straws served with barbecue aioli. The first time I had this addicting appetizer I was invited to go with my supervisor from work. "A pile of crack," is how he described the onion straws and he was right. They are similar to eating a box of Girl Scout thin mint cookies, once you start you can not, I repeat, CAN NOT stop. I always look forward to ordering this dish when I dine at Q39. If you're trying to impress your guest, you can't go wrong with the onion straws. 

Q39 spiced onion straws PHOTO/Landon Vonderschmidt

One of my all time favorite sandwiches that I always forget to snap a picture of is the No Jackin' Around sandwich. Once again, mouthwatering and addicting. This sandwich has pulled pork, classic barbecue sauce and jalapeno jack cheese all smashed between toasted bread and served with your choice of side. My mouth is beyond sensitive to spicy food and this sandwich only makes my nose run a tad. To me it's spicy, but to others it's nothing. I fight through the runny nose because I can't stop eating this delicious meal. This sandwich makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I fell in love with this sandwich with the first bite I took. I literally paused after my first bite because I thought to myself, this can't be real life. On the menu, this sandwich can be found in the specialty sandwich plates section marked with a blue ribbon signifying that it is an award winning Q39 specialty.

Another popular choice at Q39 is their Best Wings on the Planet. No, I'm not making that name up, that's actually what they are called and they definitely live up to their name. If you don't believe me just ask the trophy on the wall. These award winning wings can be found in the share-ables section of the menu. Smoked wings tossed in chipotle barbecue sauce. You won't even need dipping sauce. Trust me. Order them by the plate during lunch and dinner or order them by the wing during happy hour from 3 - 6 p.m. every day of the week.

Q39 Best Wings on the Planet PHOTO/Landon Vonderschmidt

Decision making is quite difficult at Q39 because everything on the menu is beyond good. If you really can't decide check out Q39's Judge's Plate. You get to choose three of your favorite meats from spare ribs, sliced brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken, as well as choosing one of your favorite sides and a slice of house-made cornbread. This entree covers all the bases and puts all of your favorites in one location- your stomach. 

Q39 Judge's Plate PHOTO/Landon Vonderschmidt

If you have yet to try Q39, you must. It's soon to be a staple of Kansas City. Don't forget to make reservations to this Westport hot spot on their website or by calling the restaurant at 816.255.3753. 

Don't feel like dining in the restaurant? Call ahead and place and order for Q2GO and take all of your favorite Q39 dishes home with you! Use their dedicated Q2GO door and dedicated parking to make this experience a quick and easy one!

Q39 dedicated Q2GO pick up door PHOTO/Landon Vonderschmidt

Have you been to Q39? Let me know how your experience was in the comments below!