If shopping were an Olympic sport, quite possibly, I’d like to think I’d have made it to the podium one or two times. Strolling through the shops of downtown Steamboat is always a treat especially during the sunny days of summer. Here are a few of my favorite stops…
Chez Nous and Chrysallis are fabulous for sprucing up your wardrobe, especially if you’re a stylishly clad woman. They’ve got the latest and greatest trends in female fashions, cute jeans, tops and just the perfect accessory. For men, Zirkel Trading Company has everything you need to either overhaul your look or update your ensembles - especially if you’ve been rocking the same pair of jeans for the past decade or so. Their timeless approach to men’s wear means that if you see something you like in there, chances are, it’ll be flattering and not out-of-style a year or two from now. After you’ve parked Dad at Zirkel Trading Company, if there’s a teen in your brood, head next door to Urbane. It’s also great for anyone who loves sk8tr style or who walks a bit more on the wild side of fashion. Brush up on what’s cool from Roxy and Billabong.
Speaking of cool, All That is the record store reinvented. What used to be the hot spot for new tunes in Steamboat, they are now “a bit unruly, a bit quirky and ALL fun”. They’ve got the best beats for your ears, Vinyl records, and hilariously inappropriate cards, socks and books for the most random occasions. Plus cute clothes, chunky rings, and just about anything you can or can’t think of.
If you’re headed to the rodeo or just want to fit in with the Western set. F.M. Light & Sons is a must stop. You probably already will be mysteriously drawn to its front door after seeing miles and miles of yellow signs as you drive into Steamboat (from any direction). The decades old yellow signs beckon you to buy Justin cowboy boots or cowboy hats for the whole family. You can’t miss the actual store on Lincoln Avenue, as Lightening, the life-size hobby horse, greets you outside the front door. On the inside, you’re welcomed in by the friendliest staff with a panache for finding the perfect bandana to go with your new suede fringe jacket and Wrangler jeans. The lil’ cowboys and cowgirls section is a hoot, and no little person leaves without the perfect yellow F.M. Light and Son’s pin-on sheriff’s badge. Old Gringo cowboy boots go with everything and you cannot have too many pairs.
For more options for tiny tots and little people … check out the brand new In Celebration of Kids. This mecca of a mall boasts an arcade, a pinterest-perfect bakery (i.e. adorable cupcakes and cakes), a kids’ salon and nail spa, girls’ and boys’ clothing stores plus all kinds of infant clothing as well as Karaoke. Does anyone under 12 need anything else? We seriously doubt it. Dragonflies, just down the street, is a petite baby boutique on the second level with some seriously fun elementary school arts and STEM type of toys on the ground floor.
For the athletes among us, the choices are endless all over Steamboat. New on the street is the Twisted Trails Running Company with a special focus on runners. Lace up some new running shoes from their perfect fit department and then check out the twisted tribe to find all the group runs that they host throughout the summer.
Are you staying with friends or headed to a dinner party with some locals? For last minute hostess gifts, Lyon’s Drugstore has you covered. No we’re not suggesting you buy your hostess an ice cream cone at the soda fountain (though they might love that), amidst the cards for every occasion are thoughtful gifts for every type of hostess. Silly picks from Fred Flare, sleek pictures frames from Two’s Company, and gift wrap galore. Or hop a few doors down and get lost in our new favorite Steamboat shop, Remember Me. Gorgeous coffee table books, cookbooks, and rustically chic housewares. It’s adorable. Definitely stop in.
For your bestie bookworm, head into Off the Beaten Path. Little and big readers can get equally lost in their dreamy book selections. They also have a high end art and writing area with sketch pads, moleskins, fine tip pens, charcoal and everything else to get your creativity flowing. Sip a latte or munch on a scone after you’ve made your purchase and reacquaint yourself with your favorite authors and bibliophiles.
This is just a handful of my favorite downtown spots to shop till you drop. There’s plenty more to stuff in your suitcase and downtown is easy to navigate even with your arms full of shopping bags.
