Are you in the spirit?
Get in the turkey mood by swinging by the historic Julie Harris theater at Perry-Mansfield and catch the community production of Larissa Fasthorse’s The Thanksgiving Play, where four very well-intentioned theatre people try to write a Thanksgiving pageant ... and of course, it’s not that easy. Be ready to chuckle through this satirical comedy about America’s first Thanksgiving with a talented local group.
Moving into the week, try some of our local spirits and join the weekly Bingo Night at Mythology Distillery on Tuesday. There are prizes, food, and delicious cocktails. Keep the games going and the energy high by checking out the various trivia nights in town at the Press and Mountain Tap Brewery, or take advantage of the board games stacked at the Barley or foosball at Storm Peak Brewing. A little friendly competition never hurts a family gathering!
If you’ve had the Christmas tunes playing since Halloween, then stop by The Tread of Pioneers Museum. The Tread hosts the 30th Annual Festival of Trees for the second half of November and only closes for Turkey Day itself. The prelude to the holiday season turns the museum into a “sparkling forest of holiday trees,” but the best part is that each tree is decorated by a local business or organization - over two dozen to ooh and ahh.
Get Outside
The ski area opens on Saturday, November 23rd, so of course strap on your sticks and get ready for some sliding on the slopes. There’s nothing like saying your first day is in November, even if there’s only a few runs open (but pray to Ullr it will be a deep snowfall). Not sure of the forecast? Admire the change in seasons on the back of a horse on a one or two hour trail ride at Saddleback Ranch or Del’s Triangle 3 and soak up the mountain air.
Does a good run make you feel energized? Then make sure you’re up bright and early on Turkey Day and take part in one of Steamboat’s greatest traditions - the Steamboat Springs Turkey Trot. The 5k starts and ends at the local high school and is a fundraiser for the track & field and cross-country programs. Don’t forget to dress in warm layers and yes, Thanksgiving costumes are welcome! If you’d rather sweat inside, Old Town Hot Springs, Anytime Fitness, or Out Here Yoga all fit the bill for a great workout with talented coaches and instructors.
The Big Meal
As it’s the start of the ski season, Thanksgiving Day might be a time when you’re new to town or celebrating Friendsgiving on the slopes. You still have an invitation: head over to the community center and join the United Way’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Volunteer to serve or come with friends to enjoy perfectly roasted turkeys, traditional sides, and the knowledge that lots of people spent hours on home cooking just for you. Dinner is totally free - just come with an open heart to meet neighbors and new friends!
Steamboat has many options to pick up all of the fixings for your turkey dinner, including Natural Grocers which is especially friendly for diners with special dietary needs, WildPlum Grocer just steps from the gondola, and City Market for everything else you need. Central Park Liquors has the best wine selection in town, and Arctic Liquors is locally famous for their huge walk-in beer cooler that includes non-alcoholic options. And don’t forget - just because it’s a holiday centered around cooking doesn’t mean that you have to do all of the work! If you’re more of a person who loves to eat, then consider making a reservation at one of the town’s fine dining restaurants, including Yampa Valley Kitchen, Table 79, or Aurum; swing into Johnny B Good’s Diner for a more casual and equally delicious traditional meal. Or, switch it up and consider reservations at E3 Chophouse or Mambo Italiano. After all, don’t historians say the Pilgrims didn’t eat turkey anyway?
Black Friday
The official holiday season kickoff in town is Black Friday on the courthouse lawn, where Santa will ceremonially light the first holiday lights of the season. This sweet and simple gathering after sunset is a local favorite, and a perfect place for all ages to gather before your evening meal.
Take your time on Small Business Saturday to kick off your holiday shopping while you’re in Colorado. There’s something to find for everyone, as Steamboat is home to over a hundred shops. Mountain and Company and Ohana focus on local artisans and outdoor brands, while Big Agnes, Haus of CuCu, and Off the Beaten Path are locally owned with unique finds for the people in your life. Stroll down Lincoln Avenue and don’t miss anything our community has to offer.
Instead of shopping, there are ways to pay it forward, too, in the spirit of the holiday. Swing by the grocery store and make a donation to Lift Up of Routt County, the local food pantry. Spend time with your loved ones by cooking together, taking a class on candle making or whiskey blending, and create memories instead of credit card bills. We’re glad you’re celebrating your holiday here with us in the “Dreamboat.”
