Had a little free time to explore Steamboat Springs this afternoon. Took the free Sheraton shuttle into town and the free transit bus back. Quick ride. Colorful sightings:
- Apple Chaider [cider and Chai, I gather; didn't order one] served at the Steaming Bean Coffee Co. on Lincoln Avenue. Also, hot cocoa and hot apple cider offered in urns in hotel lobby. This is ski country for sure.
- Sew Steamboat, a really cute sewing store, also on Lincoln Ave. The flouncy, home-sewn holiday aprons on dress forms outside caught my eye. I bought a pretty red and green cotton Christmas one to wear for years to come, God willing, and transport me back to Colorado when I bake cookies in New Jersey, as I soon will. :) I also really loved the upstairs, where I went to try the apron on. They have sewing classes there, and people gather to stitch and chat. Figgy would love that.
- Dinner at Café Diva. OMG, it was good. The wine kept flowing, and my favorite parts of the meal were: Blue Corn Tostada appetizer; local Bison [like tender steak] with mashed Yukon Golds and haricots verts; shared desserts, including Salted Caramel Cheesecake and Divamisu, made with chocolate-dipped lady fingers, amaretto-mascarpone gelato and awesome espresso crème anglaise; and cappuccino in an elegant white cup. Really special. The company was great; interesting journalists and GMC's communication team. You know how I know SO MUCH about chocolate and dessert cookbooks? They know detail after detail about cars: hybrids, MPG, exterior colors, what specifically differentiates one car from another within the same company. I am rubbing elbows with car geniuses.
- The Old West feeling. Kind of a trading-post feel in town. Some classic stores that have been here forever, and many shops selling ski gear; Uggs; fly-fishing equipment; leather vests; and more. And, when you look up: Gorgeous mountains rising from the land. Younger people calling me ma'am. I am not in New York anymore.
- Off the Beaten Path. Given the chance, I know I'd spend more time there. They carry new and "gently used" books and have a coffee bar. And it was one of several stores in town with gift wrap rolls and tape dispensers front and center, ready for store elves to wrap up purchases.
- Did get some exercise and fresh air walking around town.
- Lots of Colorado ice water.
- About to get good night's sleep.
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I can't believe you're in Colorado ... I'm jealous! Stopping in to tell you that I found your "Coastal Living" article today while I was Christmas shopping in B&N. It was really beautiful, Alice! It provided a nice, restful few moments in a busy day. xo, Eileen
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen...how are you? Thanks for the note, and for finding my essay in Coastal Living. I hope you're getting all ready for Santa to visit the kids. Love, alice
ReplyDeleteSounds great, Alice. So glad for you that you get these great, first-hand opportunities to learn and meet interesting people. I had to learn to drive on wintery roads the hard way... in Alaska, spinning around on black ice. It was really scary. Have a great time and enjoy the winter beauty around you. Love, Lin
ReplyDeleteLin, thanks...and i can't imagine driving on black ice in Alaska. You are a skilled lady. love, alice
ReplyDeleteWanted to let you know how much I enjoyed "Dad's Gift" published in Coastal Living Dec issue!
ReplyDeleteDebi
dkoobs@yahoo.com
Debi,thank you for telling me that. Happy Holidays. Sincerely, Alice
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