This weekend is one of my two favorite weekends in Steamboat Springs. The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art In The Park weekend. The weekend is jam-packed with stuff to do to embrace Steamboat's fabulous natural resources, activities, events and shops.
Rise early to catch the Hot Air Balloon rodeo at Bald Eagle Lake on the edge of town. ResortQuest is providing our guests with a complimentary shuttle to-and-from the event from Trappeur's Crossing Resort and the Torian Plum.
Don't forget your cameras. Personally, I prefer to bike to the launch field, and then I gradually make my way down the bike path to find different spots to capture the gorgeous scenery and colorful balloons through the lens of my camera. Last year the Rotary Boardwalk, just off the core bike trail was a fabulous spot. A couple of balloons dipped down into the river right in front of me!
As the balloons slowly land, make your way to Breakfast. My favorite haunts are Freshies, Creekside Cafe, Wenonas or the Shack. If you want to soak up the sunshine, then Creekside Cafe is the pick! Alternatively, buy a pastry at the Farmers Market next to the Old Town Pub on 6th Street.
From here, I usually take a quick mountain bike ride up Howelsen Hill. If you're lucky, there may be a few balloons still floating over Steamboat.
Now that you have worked up an appetite, you could make your way to Art In The Park. Look out for the Greek Gyro stand. Since you have been on your bike all morning, you may even indulge in a funnel cake. Spend the afternoon strolling around the art and craft stalls.
If you have energy to spare, you could freshen up by tubing on the Yampa River. There are a few businesses on Yampa street that rent tubes and provide a shuttle to bring you back to downtown Steamboat.
Finally, stop by Sunpies or the BoatHouse alongside the Yampa River to quench your thirst. Be warned: Sunpies is famous for their 'Hurricanes' fondly referred to as Slurricanes. They're deliciously sweet, refreshing and dangerously easy to drink!
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A few people have asked me today what is involved in a Balloon Rodeo. So here's some answers:
The Bald Eagle Lake launch field for this year’s rodeo opens at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with balloons inflating at 6:30 a.m. and taking off at about 7 a.m. Once in the air, pilots will attempt to “slash and dash” across the lake, touching the balloon basket to a target in the water, August said. From there, they’ll head to River Creek Park, where pilots will attempt to throw a beanbag closer to the center of an “X” than other competitors. The race ends back at Bald Eagle, where contestants will drop a marker and then try to grab one of three small helium balloons; each balloon represents a prize.
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