Steamboat Springs Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Steamboat Gemshttps://www.steamboatsprings-realestate.com/blog/Copyright SteamboatSprings-RealEstate.com2021-10-15T14:20:19-07:00tag:steamboatsprings-realestate.com,2012-09-20:7812Steamboat Springs Shopping Guide: Our Top 3 Favorite Local StoresGoing away on vacation traditionally requires that you bring home some memento from the trip. Whether it's a kitschy souvenir, a restaurant menu, a refrigerator magnet or a keychain, an illustrated book about local history, or something expensive and distinctive, chances are you'll want to spend at least some of your time checking out Steamboat's downtown shops.
Part of the history of this mountain retreat comes alive as you explore its retail shops and restaurants. You'll have a good time doing it, and you're sure to find great gifts for kids and neighbors as you browse the merchandise and converse with local shopkeepers.
Take a look at some of our favorite local Steamboat Springs shopping "gems" below!
A Steamboat Gem - Allen's Clothing
<a href="https://www.steamboatchamber.com/listing/allens/36/" target="_blank">Allen's Clothing</a> is a family-owned retailer that has been in the Yampa Valley for over 70 years. They are a one-stop clothing shop for the Steamboat local--providing everything from casual outdoor attire to dress clothes and even a plethora of Smartwool socks! Here is Jon Wade, owner of The Steamboat Group, with 4th generation owner of Allen's Clothing, Kris Allen.
Uniquely Steamboat: F.M. Light and Sons
Have you been curious what all of the yellow signs are about when you’re driving into Steamboat? Well, look no further to discover Steamboat’s 114-year-old clothing store, <a href="https://fmlight.com/" target="_blank">F.M. Light and Sons</a>.
<img src="/userFiles/1597/image/fm-light-and-sons-cowboy-hats-steamboat-springs.jpg" style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px 10px 0; width: 325px;" alt="An Assortment of Hats on Display at FM Light and Sons in Steamboat Springs, Colorado" />
Everyone in Steamboat seems to own a pair of cowboy boots, and they all got them from F.M. Light and Sons. There you can find the best western garb in town!
The store started in 1905 after recently-arrived Frank M. Light realized that there was no men’s clothing store in town. Backed by locals, he opened F.M. Light's with the help of his two sons, Olin and Clarence. The small town backed Light’s decision to make the store, often reporting its progress in The Routt County Sentinel. The store first opened on November 9, 1905. It was a cold day and had snowed a foot the night before (typical Steamboat). After a slow start, however, the store began to prosper!
There were some bumps in the road. At one point, a man used a forged check to purchase goods, and Olin and Clarence chased him down with their six-shooter to get it back. The Lights also added unique features to the store, such as Lightning, the horse out front that kids can sit on to take pictures.
<img src="/userFiles/1597/image/fm-light-and-sons-sign-steamboat-springs.jpg" style="width: 325px; float: right; padding: 10px 0 10px 10px;" alt="Yellow Hand Painted FM Light and Sons Signs in the Middle of A Field in Steamboat Springs Colorado" />
The Light family worked hard to continue the store's legacy, thinking of innovative ways to make sales. In the 1930s, they invented a mobile store, putting goods on a wagon and going to ranches and farms as far as Jackson Hole to make profit. While traveling, the Lights would spend time with the ranchers to learn what clothing they wanted most.
Another idea they had to advertise the store is the 150 F.M. Light and Sons yellow signs that still dot the Colorado countryside today. Every year these signs are repainted and repaired to ensure their visibility. Anyone coming into town has heard of F.M. Light and Sons because you cannot miss the signs!
<img src="/userFiles/1597/image/fm-light-and-sons-storefront-steamboat-springs.jpg" style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px 10px 0; width: 300px;" alt="FM Light and Sons Storefront Entrance in Steamboat Springs Colorado" />
Today, the store is still operated by the 5th generation of the Light family. And they are still an important staple of the Steamboat community! It is always comforting to know that no matter what, F.M. Light and Sons will continue running in Steamboat like it has for the past 114 years. It stays the same inside and out and will always remind locals of all the times they spent going inside to purchase a new Stetson hat or when they were kids and sat on Lightning. F.M. Light and Sons is a proud sign of Steamboat’s heritage, and for that, we are grateful!
Local Decor & Hand-Crafted Gifts - Moose Mountain Trading Company
<a href="https://shopmoose.com/" target="_blank">Moose Mountain Trading Company</a> is a place that should be on everyone's "to-visit" list. You can spend a lot of time just looking, but the chances are good that you'll also find some must-have items. This store is the "sister-store" to F.M. Light & Sons, and the owners are part of the Light family that has been living in the Yampa Valley since 1905!
With unusual home decor, hand-crafted wind-chimes and carved art, animal "Whirlies," framed art depicting local scenes and animals, kitchen and bar items, puzzles, books, candles, and ornaments, it's an ever-changing scene that promises something for every member of the family. In business since 1994, Moose Mountain Trading is decidedly unique.
Spend a Day Shopping and Strolling in Steamboat Springs
Shopping for the perfect gift can be an adventure all its own. Combine it with lunch in a local eatery, and it can fill an afternoon or an entire day. A stroll along Lincoln Ave. puts you in the heart of the shopping district; venture into any shop that looks interesting -- and there are plenty of them! Your biggest dilemma might only be how to limit your purchases! You might also want to take a turn down to Yampa Street just to watch the river as it flows through town. In Steamboat, there's little reason to stick to a schedule!2021-10-04T09:52:00-07:002021-10-15T14:20:19-07:00Lindsey Fishertag:steamboatsprings-realestate.com,2012-09-20:4624Steamboat Springs 5 Best Wildflower Hikes<img src="/userFiles/1597/image/wildflowers-and-mountains-steamboat-springs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 20px auto; width: 700px;" alt="Steamboat Springs Best Wildflower Hiking" />
Colorado's summers may be short, but for a few weeks, starting in mid-July and running until the end of August, we are treated to a wildflower extravaganza. As the last snowdrifts melt and the sun reaches its pinnacle, the high country surrounding Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is transformed into a rainbow of colors.
This site is to hard to explain and must be seen for yourself. Fields of green suddenly burst alive with splashes of reds, yellows, and purples. Behind every rock, growing out of old stumps and sprouting up from the seemingly barren ground, there seems to be a flower growing.
Across the Yampa Valley, there are more than 100 species of colorful wildflowers. From iconic columbines to vibrant yellow mule's ears and Indian paintbrushes, the hues, shapes, and sizes to be discovered seem limitless. Finding a field or roadside filled with lupines, geraniums, larkspur, and wild sweet peas can create treasured photos.
Fortunately, there are several wildflower hikes around Steamboat Springs that draw locals and visitors in the spring and summer. Here are a few of the best places to go to see nature’s floral shows free of charge:
Summer Wildflower Walks in Steamboat Ski Area
Viewing wildflowers in early summer is best at lower elevations, while one should go higher in the peaks in late summer. One of the top areas for mid to late summer is the <a href="https://www.steamboatsprings-realestate.com/steamboat-springs-mountain-ski-area/" title="Homes for Sale in Steamboat Springs Mountain Ski Area">Steamboat Ski Area</a>.
The staff there offers free guided hikes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from mid-July to late August. Popular sightings include the glacier lily, buttercups, Jacob’s ladder, and Lady’s slipper.
Rabbit Ears Pass: A Colorful Dumont Lake Destination
There are many places around Colorado to witness this brief miracle, but Rabbit Ears Pass is one of the most popular destinations. Located a short drive from Steamboat Springs, the drive is quick, and the rewards are great.
Just off U.S. Highway 40 at <a href="https://www.uncovercolorado.com/activities/rabbit-ears-pass/" target="_blank">Rabbit Ears Pass</a>, hikers will discover large beautiful wildflower fields all around the water. Hit the 6-mile loop and hike across to the iconic rock formations near the pass, where the lush meadows are colorful and inviting. Common flowers include blue-purple Colorado columbines, brilliant Indian paintbrush, orange wild buckwheat, Geyer's larkspur, and reddish-orange agroseris.
<img src="/userFiles/1597/image/wildflowers-steamboat-springs-co.jpg" style="width: 425px; float: right; padding: 10px 0 10px 10px;" alt="Wildflowers in Steamboat Springs Colorado" />
As Highway 40 winds through this high mountain plateau and makes its way back to Denver, you quickly realize that you are in wildflower heaven. Immediately upon reaching the summit, the red colors of the Paintbrush begin to dot the roadside. The surrounding fields are dotted with purple Lupine mixed with yellow Alpine Sunflowers. Make sure to bring your camera along because there is a photo waiting around each corner.
This pass has always been named one of Colorado's most popular wildflower destinations, not only for the beauty but for the ease of access. There are plenty of places to pull off and explore, or you can simply stay in your car and enjoy the ride. For the adventurous type, try hiking to the top of the famous Rabbit Ears. This 6-mile round trip is a great adventure, and the rewards at the summit are well worth the hike. The trailhead is located just beyond the Dumont Lake campgrounds. This is a Forest Service Campground with a picnic area and restrooms. It's a great place to spend the weekend hiking, fishing, or just relaxing.
Colorful Mad Creek Trail
<a href="https://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/activities/hiking/mad-creek-trail" target="_blank">Mad Creek Trail</a> is likely one of the most diverse paths. Filled with deep canyon views and Aspen groves, the trail is only 1.5 miles long, yet it offers dozens of varieties of wildflowers from late spring through mid-August. The best viewings are in mid-July.
Late Summer Wildflower Hikes
Later in the season, higher elevations are the place to spot the brightest colors. Within the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recarea/?recid=80838" target="_blank">Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area</a>, stunning wildflower fields around Coulton Creek feature species including:
Lousewort
Red Gilias
Waterleaf
Purple Vetch
Spearmint
Columbines
Whipple’s Penstemon
Aspen Sunflowers
The <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81112" target="_blank">Flat Tops Wilderness Area</a> provides a vivid display of lupine and columbines. Other notable blooms that crop up include Indian paintbrushes, pine grosbeaks, wood nymphs, chiming bells in blue, elephant heads, and pink queens crown and white bog orchids.
Go Wild for Wildflowers in Steamboat Springs
The vibrant hues of wildflowers abound in spring and summer in Steamboat Springs. Make time to soak in the beauty of these natural wonders before the cool weather sets in this year.
<img src="/userFiles/1597/image/hiking-in-steamboat-springs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 20px auto; width: 650px;" alt="Steamboat Springs Wildflower Hiking" />2021-08-06T11:58:00-07:002021-08-27T10:36:02-07:00Erik Ramstad