A Few of My Favorite Things Out West

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.

 TCOY

1. Did get some exercise and fresh air walking around town. 
2. Lots of Colorado ice water.
3. About to get good night's sleep.