Guest Blogger: Meagan Coates, Chamber Staff Member

Frosty the Snowman had some magic in his old silk hat and I’m certain I’ll find that same kind of holiday magic downtown on historic Lincoln Avenue this Saturday at the Merry Mainstreet event. Our normally busy street closes and downtown merchants and restaurants will have their holiday wares on display including gingerbread houses, twinkling window displays and special sales for shoppers to enjoy.

I plan to pick up those last few gifts for my loved ones and celebrate the season with my friends and neighbors at this hometown holiday event. Hey, I might even take the chance to tell Santa I’ve been good this year (as if he doesn’t already know)!

The snowflakes fell softly on my face as I entered the doors at the beautiful Room 135 for Ladies Night. I was greeted by the owner of the business and promptly swept over to the makeover area where French music helped me drift away into relaxation. With a tasty glass of wine in my hand, I waited while the makeup artists added a gorgeous glow to my skin with their mineral makeup line.  What fun to be surrounded by local ladies all enjoying a night out, chatting and taking some time to “get pretty”.

Room 135 is a great boutique with fine linens, fragrant candles, makeup, skin care and gifts and is just one treasure location in Steamboat that we are so lucky to have–as if we weren’t pampered enough just by living here!

 To learn more about shopping in Steamboat click here.

If you would like to become as guest blogger and share your own unique experiences about visiting or living in Steamboat Springs, contact Courtney Allen, courtney@steamboatchamber.com.

Looking for the best tool to guide you around Steamboat Springs this winter? Be sure not to miss the Steamboat Springs Winter 2009/2010 Visitors’ Guide for great information about all aspects of the Yampa Valley. This publication is the official resource of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.

Check out Steamboat’s Must-See stops, historic walking tour, options for affordable fun, snow sport clinics, Steamboat winter traditions and an insider’s guide to nightlife.

This complete guide also provides great information about winter 2009/2010 events, dinning, lodging, outdoors and a service guide featuring a directory of Chamber member businesses.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Steamboat Springs Winter 2009/2010 Visitors’ Guide please contact the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association Visitor Center Manager Kyleigh DeMicco at either info@steamboatchamber.com or (970) 875-7001.

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

Check out this great article written about local Steamboat Springs company Zirkel Trading. Congratulations to Steve and Denise Hitchcock!

http://www.steamboat-chamber.com/SBCCAssets/files/business_development/Steve%20Hitchcock.pdf

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

After a summer full of anticipation, the inaugural Steamboat OktoberWest starts today. Check out the full schedule of events below or go to www.steamboatoktoberwest.com for more details.

Tonight’s Pedaling Posse Parade (cruiser bike parade) will be so much fun. Be sure to come down to Howelsen Hill tonight at 5:00 p.m. and join us. If you cannot join us tonight, then be sure to check out the full day of festivities on Saturday, September 19^th at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area.

Friday, September 18 – Downtown Steamboat Springs
5:00 pm    Pedaling Posse Parade – cruiser bike parade from Howelsen Hill to
Little Toots Park
Best Cruiser/Bike and Best Costume wins $50 Old Town Pub gift certificate
6:00 pm    Suds & Grub beer tastings and food specials ($5 for 6 Beer Tasting Tokens Early Stein Sale: $8)

Saturday, September 19 – Steamboat Ski Area                           
6:00 am     Run Rabbit Run Ultra Marathon race start
10am-4 pm Gondola opens for final weekend (Buy Saturday ticket, get Sunday FREE)
12:00 pm   Keg tapping ceremony at the Steamboat Ski Area
12-7:00 pm 2 for 1 Coca-Cola Adventure Zone Activities
1:00 pm    Lamb Cook-off – featuring local chefs and Routt County Lamb
2:00 pm    Bucking Bull Battle – mechanical bull riding competition
3:30 pm    Cow PIE Challenge – pie eating contest
4:00 pm    FREE concert featuring the Drew Emmitt Band
and opening band 3 Wire
$10 Stein includes 1 FREE BEER- $3 stein refills 

Sunday, September 20 – Steamboat Ski Area 
10 am-4 pm   Gondola opens for final weekend (Buy Saturday ticket, get Sunday FREE)
10:45am-4 pm $5 Bloody Mary Bar at the Oasis Sundeck at the top of the Gondola
11am- 2:30pm  OktoberWest Luncheon Buffet at the top of the Gondola ($10 adults,
$5 12 & under)
12-7:00 pm     2 for 1 Coca-Cola Adventure Zone Activities

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

Check out this GREAT article that appeared in the Denver Post travel section on Sunday, September 13th.

“If the only time you’ve spent in Ski Town, U.S.A., is to romp around in its delicious champagne powder to get at some of the best tree skiing in all the land, then now is the perfect time for a return visit. Steamboat Springs is friendly and laid-back, and while it lacks the flash of the glitzier resort areas — which means it also can lack some of the high costs — a bit of a boom continues to unleash a steady flow of new development. Still, when we think about our favorite hot spots in this hot-springs mecca, it’s mostly the oldies that are the goodies.” -Kyle Wagner

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association has recently launched a Buy Local campaign in hopes of keeping money in our community and helping everyone out. The campaign has evolved into five themes;

     Buy Local. Give Local.
     Buy Local. Build Partnerships.
     Buy Local. Get Value.
     Buy Local. Be Green.
     Buy Local. Think Community.

I think the five themes can be interpreted in different ways but the end message is that we are all affected directly and indirectly. It is the trickle down affect, and to me, and those that are not directly affected it is so important to keep the money in our town. We are a community and need to stick together as a community!

For more information on events and activities visit www.steamboatsummer.com

It is easy to enjoy Steamboat Springs when the weather is as perfect as it was over the weekend. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and today were all blue bird days and a little on the chilly side, which make it perfect for a good hike. On Sunday my boyfriend and I along with his very energetic Springer Spaniel, hiked up Emerald Mountain (or the Quarry as some people know it) for a good workout and to enjoy the spectacular day and weather. I haven’t done this hike for a few months, so the steep incline wore me out, but the view of Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley at the top made the hike well worth it.

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to participate the Bridgestone Winter Driving School right here in Steamboat Springs. Just a couple miles west of town, on a snow covered course, I had the pleasure to take a full day session/lesson on winter and ice driving, automobile mechanics 101 and smart driving skills from real driving professionals. The entire experience was a blast. Our teacher had us practicing real maneuvers in simulated situations, building our confidence on the track and in our personal driving skills. I recommend that everyone check out this driving school. Regardless of your age and your driving skill level this program will make you a better driver. Check out the Bridgestone Winter Driving School online.

“The Bridgestone Winter Driving School offers a full range of winter driving programs for all abilities, from the novice to the seasoned professional. Our snow and ice covered courses are some of the world’s finest, and our professional coaches will guide you toward more confident driving in challenging winter conditions.” – Bridgestone Winter Driving School Website

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.

Yesterday was a great day on the mountain. Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation has logged 8 new inches on the mountain for Saturday and Sunday in addition to the couple feet of powder we got last week. The trails were great, there were no lift lines and their really is nothing better than skiing with a group of great friends. Our ski day was followed by a great “après ski” date with homemade appetizers and then a dip in the hot tub. It is hard to follow-up a day that great.

Learn more about activities, lodging and vacation package to Steamboat Springs, www.steamboatchamber.com.