Steamboat Springs, Colorado
One of our state's more remote mountain resorts, Steamboat Springs has plenty to do out in nature, but less activity in town than some larger towns. The one exception are the nearby hot springs, which are as welcome in the summer as they are during the chilly winter season. It's a fun place to head with the family, as long as the kids are willing to participate in outdoor recreation. The Yampa River offers fun grade II and III whitewater rafting, a perfect difficulty level for older children and adults. Adventure Zone in Gondola Square is a better bet for younger or more cautious children, with attractions like a bouncy castle, a climbing wall and a trampoline bungee jump.
Steamboat's best restaurant sounds far more unassuming than it turns out to be. Café Diva has the excellent food, extensive wine list and intimate surroundings that make a resort restaurant great. Just make reservations in advance: there's always a wait. For a culinary foray into times long past, eat at The Butcher Shop. A local institution that has been around for decades, the Butcher Shop has a distinctly Coloradan menu and décor that makes it feel just like a 19th century lodge.
Driving from Denver to Steamboat means an arduous 170 miles of mountain travel; which is entirely doable but time consuming. If your budget allows, consider flying to the Hayden/Yampa Valley Regional Airport which sits just 22 miles west of Steamboat. During the season, there are plenty of flights from Denver and other select airports in the country.
