Centrally located downtown and next to the bike path, Bud Werner Memorial library is a special stop for locals and visitors alike. Got some time to kill? Grab a latte from the library's cafe (currently operated by Mountain Brew) and head upstairs to peruse magazines in one of the libraries beautiful seating areas overlooking the Yampa River. There's plenty of desk space and WiFi if you need to get some work done. The children's section is great and will keep little ones busy with it's cool fish tank, story time and other activities. The library also hosts many informative speakers, films and other programs. Check the newspaper for upcoming events.

Great selection of organic/natural foods and goods and great downtown location. Their prices are competitive with the larger grocery stores, and I find their sales beat the larger grocers on many items. They have pre-made lunch items but no deli or espresso/drink bar. They bag and shelve bulk items. I love their dried mango for a snack. Very good selection of vitamins, natural remedies and body care products. Staff are very helpful.

We love Lynette! She has been washing and grooming my long-hair kitties for years. She was gentle and very good with my (now deceased) elderly kitty who hated being brushed. If she's good with felines, I'm sure she's great with pooches. I see all shapes and sizes of canines in her shop! Lynette's prices are reasonable, but bring your checkbook or cash - she does not take credit cards.

I've been getting eye exams and glasses at Mountain Eyeworks for years. Dr. Cutter is super friendly and on his game as are all of the staff. They have a good selection of frames and sunglasses, including Oakley and Costa Del Mar.

The Yoga Center has a beautiful location overlooking the Yampa River and is one of my favorite places to recenter my body and mind. They have a wide range of yoga offerings (for all abilities) as well as Pilates and meditation. Their instructors are very experienced and helpful. The studio is small, but they offer several or more classes every week day and a few on weekends so they don't get too crowded. Drop in rates are currently $15 ($8 for full-time students), but you can bring that down by purchasing a punch card.

Edgy and fun, Urbane is a favorite place to quell my shopping itch. They have a great selection of ladies stuff fitting a range of budgets and excellent accessories. The entire back of the store is dedicated to skate wear and stuff for dudes. Staff are very helpful and don't give off the "too cool for school" attitude that you sometimes encounter in hipster stores. I love that they support the community by hosting art and street events. They usually have good coupons in the Steamboat Connections coupon book.

Spring, summer or fall, Yampa River Botanic Park should be on everyone's list of places to visit (at least once!) in Steamboat. It is located right on the Yampa River Core Trail and admission is free. You can access it from the bike path or from Pamela Lane (check their Website for directions). Dogs and bikes are not allowed in the park (there are bike racks at the gates). The park features a pond, mature trees, an amazing array of herbs and other perennials and stunning displays of annuals in the summer. Little walking paths, secluded benches, a children's garden and large green area for picnics make the park a great place to take the family. Strings Music Festival hosts Music on the Green -- free live music on Thursday -- in the park. It's a GREAT and affordable place to hold weddings. Don't forget to check out the Trillium House.

Yampatika is a great resource if you are visiting or living in the Yampa Valley and want to learn more about the amazing natural environment here. Experienced naturalists lead snowshoe and hiking tours and bird walks. Tours run weekly throughout the spring and summer months, and you can also schedule private tours. They offer wonderful programs for kids at the historic Legacy Ranch, just south of Steamboat. Check their Website for information about summer camps. My son attended a week-long camp focused on the sun last year and made chocolate chip cookies in a solar oven :). Associated fees or donations support excellent programs provided by this nonprofit organization.

Wolf Mountain is a local hot spot in Hayden and a great place to grab a quick or sit down meal while passing through or spending time in this little town. Their pizza is very good, and they have other offerings including Mexican food and breakfast options.

O.K. so this is the only movie theater in town, so if you want to see a new flick, you don't have other options. That said, this is very nice and modern movie theater. They have 2D and 3D screens and stadium seating. They usually have a good selection of flicks and keep the popular ones around a few weeks or so. Theaters are much smaller than those in the big city, so if it's a popular movie and you don't want to sit close (or end up in a section with an exit on only one side), go early. Matinees and Bargain Tuesdays are your best bet if you are taking the whole family and want to save some cash. The theater is steps away from several bars and restaurants.

Ken at Watersong knows his stuff when it comes to PCs (he works on Macs too). He helped me purchase a Lenovo notebook six years ago and has provided basic annual maintenance that has kept it running great. Fees are reasonable. I've been very pleased with the service I've received at Watersong.

Whether you live or are visiting (or working) on the Mountain, Market on the Mountain is the go-to place for an hearty deli lunch that will give you a bang for your buck (by Steamboat Mountain standards). They use Boar's Head meats and other quality ingredients. My favorite is their chicken Caesar wrap. If you're staying in a nearby condo, there's no need to drive to the grocery store for a few items -- Market on the Mountain also has groceries staples and beer/wine/liquor.

Great selection of Irish and other beers on tap and good live music. Conveniently located near the movie theater in Wildhorse Marketplace.

Orange Peel is a great home-town, year-round bike shop located right on the bike path. Whether you are renting or buying, staff are super helpful and will help you get geared up and on your way to the riding experience you are seeking - from a casual spin with the family to some of the best single track in Colorado. Orange Peel has an excellent selection of cycles (including cruisers and fat bikes) and superior brands such as Moots and Ellsworth.

Tucked into the Torian Plum Plaza on the Mountain, Cafe Diva provides an excellent fine dining experience. Their food is amazing. Their menu reflects the seasons and offers a mouth-watering twist on Rocky Mountain specialties such as bison and elk, as well as exceptional seafood, pork and vegetarian choices. I've never tasted anything I didn't like at Diva, and I have never left hungry - their portions are very generous for fine dining. Service is excellent also. Watch the newspaper for their Date Night and off-season specials. The restaurant is small (great ambiance) and popular, so be sure to make a reservation.

Annie's has an eclectic mix of antiques, furniture and accessories fitting a wide range of styles and budgets. Items are discounted based on how long they are there - so if something grabs your fancy but is too expensive, check back in a month. Customer service is great, and you don't have to make an appointment to take stuff in for consignment. Just pull in to the back of the store and someone will be there to help.

Mazzola's is in the running for best Italian food in Steamboat. As any Italian food lover knows, it's all about the sauce, and Mazzola's has very good, made-from-scratch sauces complementing all of their meals. Watch the paper for their seafood night specials. Their eggplant Parmesan and pesto pie are my favorites. Great place to take the family.

Don't miss this nighttime hot spot in Steamboat. Classy, western-style décor is unrivaled and is complemented by good live music offerings. Food is very good - try the tri-tip sandwich or salmon Caesar. Stop by their late-night snack bar if you're out late and hungry.

This is the first liquor store on your way in to town from the south and a convenient stop for visitors arriving or staying in a nearby condo. It's located next to a gas station and convenience store. Selection is reasonable for a small liquor store. Visitors should check out the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Parks & Wildlife office nearby to stock up on maps and learn about public lands surrounding Steamboat.

This may be the only place in town to buy bulk nuts, granola, grains, etc. They have a good deli with lots of vegetarian options, as well as mainstays such as turkey sandwiches, tuna salad and soups. It's also a good place to get espresso drinks. Bamboo has a great location on Yampa St. near the bike path and Little Toots park, making a nice place to stop for lunch or a snack. They have nice outdoor seating too.

Great selection of wine, beer and liquor. Staff is very helpful. Don't miss their big sale around the holidays.

Old Town Hot Springs is a uniquely Steamboat institution and a must-stop for any Steamboat visitor. Pools heated by natural hot springs will take the chill from your bones on even the coldest of days. Slides, summertime kiddie area and a cafe add to the fun for the whole family. Mornings are a great time to enjoy the pools if you want peace and quiet. OTHS also has fitness classes and equipment. It's a nonprofit organization and memberships are reasonable compared to typical fitness clubs. One-month memberships are available if you're in town for awhile and plan to use the facilities often.

A Strings performance should be included in plans for any music lover living or visiting Steamboat. The festival offers diverse live performances, including country/bluegrass, folk rock and classical, in a beautiful pavilion near the ski mountain. Shows are offered year-round, with most focused in the summer/fall months. Their summer shows include affordable performances for kids (with afternoon and evening showings) and free "Music on the Green" shows at Yampa River Botanic Park. The festival continues to attract big names like Kathy Mattea and Kenny Loggins. Steamboat wouldn't be Steamboat without Strings.

Now called Emerald Mountain School, this small, independent school is an excellent choice for families looking for a different education option to fit their child's learning style. Small classes, close relationships with teachers, Spanish and Strings education and personalized learning that includes outdoor and experiential education inspires confidence and a love for learning in students. My 6-year-old son has been in this school for a year, and we are so happy with his progress, both academically and emotionally. Financial aid is available.

Steamboat is fortunate to have this creative outlet for kids and adults - especially if pottery and clay work is their interest. They have great programs for kids after school and (thankfully) on no-school days. My son really likes their "all-craft" sessions, which can range from painting to gingerbread houses. Purchase a punch card for the best value.

Great hometown diner food. Best fresh breakfast deal in town. We love the walk-up ice cream window in the summer!

Great lunch deal for bagel sandwich, chips and soda. Tell 'em to "drag it through the yard" for all their veggies. Wish they had espresso too.

Surprisingly inexpensive for this valley. Their delivery rates are good.

Good, reliable hometown mechanic. Great place to get tires.

Hands down, best salads in town. I regularly crave the Southwest Caesar with chicken. Their other food is consistently very good, and they usually have multiple soups available. Freshies is a hot spot so avoid peak breakfast and lunch hours to miss the crowds. They do have a nice waiting area. Service is good.

I take my Trek mountain bike here every summer for a good tune and repairs. Their staff know the brand and its quirks. They always get my bike in and tuned in a timely manner. They have a good selection of bikes, accessories and clothing for adults and kids. Their staff are friendly and helpful. I hope to take advantage of their bike fitting service too.

I don't eat a lot of beef, but when I crave a burger, I head to Big House for sliders. I know I'm getting high-quality (local?) beef and other good ingredients. My son likes their chicken fingers, and we love that their kids' meals come with a kiddie ice cream or beverage. Their chicken and fish sandwiches and fries are also good, as are their salads. We have experienced poor service in the past, but it has improved over the past year. Located West of town, Big House can be a very attractive option when downtown restaurants are super busy. They also have a nice patio for summer dining.

This is a great place to grab a quick, hearty breakfast on the go West of town. We love their crunchy hash browns and breakfast burritos. They have good specialty burritos and are always gracious about accommodating my request for a simple, egg, cheddar cheese, hash brown and green chili burrito. They also have yummy baked goods and cupcakes.

I love getting pedicures at Acqua Salon. They have an elegant, professional set up and make clients feel comfortable and pampered. I like their unique, downtown location and look forward to trying their many other services.

Lighting can be fun, yet overwhelming. There are so many choices! The Schwankes and their staff are great at helping clients find fixtures to fit their styles and budgets. They helped my husband and I find affordable, contemporary fixtures and fans for our home remodel several years ago, and I'm still very happy with the results. They have lighting basics as well as beautiful pieces representing a wide range of styles. If they don't have it in stock, they will guide you through catalogs to find what you need. They are also very knowledgeable about cutting edge and energy-saving lighting technology.

The Silver Lining is a hidden "gem" on the Mountain. They have a beautiful and diverse selection of jewelry as well as great beads and findings for making your own pieces. This is a great place for older kids and adults to make something special for themselves or a friend. If you make jewelry regularly, owner Larry has a nice selection of semi-precious and precious stones on hand. They have really good off-season sales. Staff is friendly and helpful.

La Montana is on my list of places to go for a special night out. Their Tex Mex is far above average - I love the El Cabron Chili Rellenos with tomato ancho sauce as well as their Southwestern Enchiladas with red corn tortillas. Their food, especially seafood dishes, has authentic flair, and their margs don't disappoint.

Backcountry is the place to go when you have a hankering for a hearty sandwich with good quality meats and cheeses. I usually get the Expedition - roast beef (I get turkey), cheese, avocado, tomato and chipolte mayo - on a baguette, but I also like the Sherpa (eggplant, roasted red peppers, asiago cheese and garlic mayo). The Pilgrim - turkey, cheese, stuffing and cranberry chutney - is also a favorite. Choose from one of their specialty sandwiches or build your own. Staff are always friendly and upbeat. There is seating in the store, but we prefer to order ahead and pick up to avoid waiting or crowds.

Elk River Farm and Ranch is the place to find all things pets, including little critters like hamsters, ferrets, rabbits, birds and fish. We purchased a hamster and accessories there a year ago and found their staff to be very helpful and knowledgeable. They also have a great selection of cat and dog supplies.

Rex's Happy Hour is a weekly destination for our family. With half-price apps and pizzas, it's one of the best deals in town. Everything on their regular menu is consistently very good. Rex has a knack for putting a yummy gourmet twist on comfort foods like grilled cheese and tomato soup and honey cornbread. They also use quality meats and other ingredients. Salads are excellent. I recently had the Sonoma Flatbread for lunch and was very pleased. I also love the Edamame Hummus for an appetizer. The atmosphere is awesome, especially on the patio in the summer.

Sophisticated, modern and practical for Steamboat's lifestyle - what more could you ask for in a ski town boutique? The store is organized simply, yet elegantly, so it's not overwhelming to the eye. Their selection reflects a range of price points and fashion-forward trends that are also comfortable for women of all ages. They also have great accessories. Customer service is excellent, and I love that they have complimentary coffee and tea.

My husband claims the fish taco combo (two fish tacos, beans and rice) at Azteca is one of the best deals in town. The fish is fresh, as are all other ingredients. We love the downtown ambiance and convenience of getting a quick, quality meal. In addition to burritos, tacos, chimichangas, taco salads, enchiladas, etc. they also have daily specials, including tamales and chili rellenos. Enjoy a cold beer with your meal.

I can't go into this store without leaving with something. I love their housewares and gardening sections, and my husband frequents the hardware side. Their prices can be high, but they have good sales periodically, especially around the holidays. I like getting stocking stuffers from their kitchen section, which has just about everything. They've expanded their toy section, making it a great place to stop for a birthday gift. They are well-staffed, and there is always someone available to help.

The Rio is a Steamboat and Colorado mainstay. I think the Big Tex is one of the best margs in town. Their food is consistently good. My favorites are the chile relleno and vegetarian tostada. The restaurant has a very upbeat and fun atmosphere and great roof top seating. Plan to arrive before peak dinner hours on Friday and Saturday nights and during the summer.

The VNA's Community Health Centers (Steamboat and Craig) are the place to go if you need to see a doctor and don't have insurance (service is available on a sliding scale). The VNA also offers immunizations (check out their travel clinic if you plan to spend time overseas), support for first-time mothers, home health and hospice, preventative health screenings and aging services - including fitness classes and foot care/senior wellness checks with nurses. Staff is friendly and professional. Don't forget about the Northwest Colorado VNA for your family's health needs.

The Bakery is an excellent place to get fresh baked breads and treats (including gluten-free items). Their food, though a tad pricey, is very good. I particularly love their salads and soups. As the previous reviewer noted, the restaurant/cafe has a pleasant, warm atmosphere and staff is very accommodating.

Winona's is another Steamboat institution. They have a great selection of breakfast and lunch items and a unique twist on standard fare. Their salads (try the Ahi Tuna Salad) are large and very good, and they usually have multiple soups during the winter. Avoid peak breakfast and lunch hours -- there is often a wait at this popular (and small) spot. And just try to get out of there without getting anything from their bakery case!

What's not to love about a place that services pizza until 1 a.m.? Brooklyn's is a great place for quick slices and pie any time. There are picnic tables outside and a few seats inside. My family almost always stops by Brooklyn's on our walks home from summer concerts at Howelsen Hill or downtown events. The staff is accustomed to being busy and handles bursts of business well. You never have to wait long for your pie.

Allen's mixes quality clothing and sportswear with excellent customer service. The Allen family is so friendly and accommodating. Plan on a nice chat with them while you're shopping away. They have a great selection of Smartwool and Point6 socks -- buy 3, get one free. I love that they carry Kuhl, which has become my husband's favorite brand. They also offer a local's discount of 15% for Routt County residents -- much appreciated by those of us that support local businesses year round.

Rocco and his crew have completed several repairs on my 2004 Volvo XC90. They work on all types of cars, but I've been particularly impressed with their knowledge of European cars and Volvos, which can be a real pain if you're not familiar with them. All my repairs have been done in a timely manner, and Rocco is good about calling clients with updates, etc. Pricing seems fair and on par with other shops.

This is a fun stop for visitors and locals any time of year. They have a great variety of bulk candy, specialty chocolates and even some hard-to-find sweets from other countries. I go there when I'm looking for unique treats for Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. Bored of the usual sweets found in grocery stores, I've also gotten silly candy items from Fuzziwigs to fill my son's Birthday pinata. It's definitely pricier but worth it for a special treat. I think they have ice cream, also.

I've been a client of Holistic Health for nearly 10 years. Dave's gentle chiropractic methods have helped me straighten out numerous issues, including digestive problems and structural issues stemming from a long-ago bike crash. Regular adjustments with Dave have really helped counteract stress on my bones and muscles from mountain biking, skiing, travel, poor sleeping positions and too much time in front of the computer. I've heard he also works wonders on horses and other animals. For a real treat, sign up for a massage with Holistic Health's in-house massage therapist Andrea after your adjustment.

Ski Haus has a great selection of almost anything your family would need for outdoor recreation, summer and winter, with all the name brands you would expect plus new, up and coming quality brands. I'm always impressed by how well staffed they are, in both retail and rentals. I recently rented skis there, and it was a quick and easy process from fitting to drop off. They have awesome end of season sales (April and October, I think) when even new merchandise is 20% off. Great time to get next year's stuff for the family.

Owner Angela has been cutting my hair for a couple of years. She runs a professional salon with very qualified stylists. The salon itself is clean, bright and airy. I've never had to wait more than five minutes for an appointment. I've also never had to wait more than a week or so to get in. They are working on making online booking available, which is super convenient.

A bit panicked, I called Ben the same day of an impromptu family dinner over Thanksgiving break. His staff put together a tasty lasagna that saved my day. All their menu items are very good and feature high quality ingredients. Don't miss the chocolate mousse!

This is the best place to get quality meats and fish in town. They also carry Boar's Head deli meats and cheeses as well as different kinds of fresh pastas, as well as some gourmet foodie items. Try their fresh lasagna noodles next time you plan to make lasagna. Seafood Co. also makes great sandwiches and daily soups. My family eats a lot of wild salmon and trout and they seem to always have these mainstays in stock as well as plenty of other seafood. I also recommend their catering -- their menus accommodate casual to more formal receptions and gatherings.

OTBP is a classically charming hometown book store. I've spent quite a bit of time in their children's section, which has great selection of books and games. There is even a mini reading room. The store has made a great use of space. They've worked tables and reading areas throughout the store and balcony area. Jewelry and other gifty items will pull you in if the books don't. Cafe has good coffee and food selections but can be slow. Locals will be interested in their Recycled Book program, which exchanges store credit for peoples' gently used books. They typically accept books on the first Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. More info. is on their Website.

Everyone, including visitors, need to stop by Ciao for tasty gelato (coffee/hazelnut is my weakness) and pizza (other choices include paninis, salads and bruschetta). Owners Lynne and Massimo are almost always there, making customers feel welcome. Their shop is warm and friendly but can get cramped when they get busy. They are big supporters of local schools and community organizations and frequently feature young artists works' on their walls. A must stop for families.

My family thinks Blue Sage has the best take out pizza in town. Good crust, really good sauce and fresh toppings. A large thin crust cut into squares is our favorite and was a hit at my son's Birthday party. Great place to grab a slice on the go or in their little shop.

This is an awesome little coffee shop/cafe just off Steamboat's main drag. They have a large variety of coffee drinks as well as several kinds of chai and tea. Food is good, especially lunches. My favorite sandwich is the See Ya -- fresh mozzarella with roasted zucchini and red peppers and a vinaigrette. I get it every time. It's also the place to get cupcakes in town.

This place has it all: Great food, great service and warm ambiance. I think they have the best kids' meals in town for the money -- all kids' entrees include fries or other side and fruit cup. Servers are friendly and accommodating. My husband recently ordered the falafel, but didn't like the sauce. He was embarrassed to send it back, but the waitress was awesome and quickly brought him a different menu item. Lunches on their beautiful patio are a staple of my summertime routine.

One of my favorite stores in Steamboat. There are tons of unique items from all over the world - jewelry, apparel, baby/kid's things, decorative stuff for the home, etc. Everything is displayed beautifully, so it's not overwhelming. Make sure to make it to the Embellishments section at the back of the store.

Don't miss this great little drug store. I love their gifty items and kids' stuff. I shop there for kids' B-day gifts and stocking/Easter basket stuffers. Soda fountain rocks.

There are great finds here, including good quality kids' items. I've picked up designer jeans and cashmere sweaters. Perfect for ladies shopping on a budget or just looking for good deals on nice apparel.

This is a great spot for kids to expend energy, especially in the winter. There's big bouncy features to keep older kids busy as well as an upstairs play area for little ones. Snacks are also available. I was surprised to see a huge selection of Melissa & Doug toys too. I picked up a couple of educational place mats for my son during our last visit. The girl at the front desk said their WI-Fi was sketchy, but I didn't have a problem. So mom got work done too!

I recently had dinner here for the first time with my family. We just missed Happy Hour and the slider special but were impressed by the overall menu. Pulled pork sandwich was tasty, though bread was a bit soggy. Hand-cut fries were really good. My son had the kid's chicken fingers. I appreciated their effort to provide a diverse little meal (it included apples/yogurt and carrots/ranch) but would have preferred the option of a side of fries (which were extra) or the fruit/veggies. Looking forward to returning in the summer to take advantage of their large patio.