4th Annual Steamboat All Arts Festival Begins August 15th in Steamboat Springs, Colorado Touted by its founders as the most collaborative event in Steamboat Springs, the 4th Annual Steamboat Springs All Arts Festival is all set to kick off on Wednesday. This five day event highlights Steamboat’s vibrant and flourishing arts community by featuring demonstrations and performances from many different genres, including dance, vocal, musical, literary and culinary arts, among many others. One of the bright spots in this year’s event will be the Emerald City Opera’s performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, featuring singers from the New York Metropolitan Opera. You can read more about the Emerald City Opera in another blog I wrote here. Additional highlights include a Gala Celebration ... 08/13/2012

Emerald City Opera To Stage Epic 10th Anniversary Performance in Steamboat Springs, CO Emerald City Opera Performing Elixir of Love in 2009 Opera in Steamboat Springs, Colorado? Why, yes! Founded in 2002 by professional soprano Keri Rusthoi, Emerald City Opera is Steamboat Springs’ very own little opera company. For their 10th anniversary, our hometown opera will perform Mozart’s comedic opera “The Marriage of Figaro”. As one of the few small towns in the country that actually has an opera company, the community has been nothing but supportive since the opera’s inception, fully embracing the world of art and culture that the Emerald City Opera has brought to town. And, even more importantly, not only does the opera company strive to enrich its community by producing and performing profe... 08/10/2012

Hiking Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs, Colorado If you’re seeking an exciting summer hike in the Steamboat Springs, Colorado area, look no further than the Fish Creek Falls Trail. This trail, considered by most outdoor enthusiasts to be moderately difficult, can be divided into three parts consisting of the overlook, bridge and upper falls sections. From downtown, turn east on 3rd Street and make a right at the first stop sign you come to onto Fish Creek Falls Road. Continue up the hill for approximately 3 miles until you reach the Fish Creek Falls Recreation Area. After paying the day use fee ($5), park your vehicle in the parking area. It’s best to begin this hike in the morning before the summer mountain sun gets too hot and the crowds get too big. In order to get the most ban... 08/07/2012

WAR Comes to Steamboat Springs Summer continues to heat up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with the arrival of legendary band, WAR, on August 10, 2012 as the next concert in the Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series. WAR’s music can be best described as little bit of funk, jazz, R&B and Rock and Roll all rolled up into one truly amazing and powerful sound. Hit songs like “Cisco Kid”, “Low Rider”, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness”, among many others, helped to propel WAR to music greatness. The band has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and continues to perform for 1,000,000 people every year. The show starts at 5:00 PM on August 10, 2012 at Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with an opening band. This is an all ages event, so bring the whol... 08/06/2012

Of the thirteen whole ownership properties sold last week, thirty eight percent were forclosures, or forty eight percent of the total dollar amount.  Pending sales of real estate in all categories, residential, commercial, and land, have climbed back to around 140.  Its importance is in showing a slight surge from the past few weeks when closed transactions weren't as readily replenished by pending sales. Enjoy this weekly report provided by the Steamboat Pilot and Today. Anne Mayberry            970.846.1425 ■ 1124 Steamboat Blvd. Seller: Bank of America Buyer: Keith W. Simon Sale date: July 20, 2012 Sale price: $860,000 Property description: 3,980-square-foot, four-bedroom, 3.5-bath single-family home on 0.59-acre Lot 12 in The Sanctuary, Filing 2. Sold for $1.525 million in 2006. ■ 4... 07/29/2012

As you'll remember from my May 2012 Market Report, I reported some encouraging numbers in the local Steamboat real estate market.  Well, the June 2012 numbers have arrived and provide even further confirmation of definite improvement in the health of the Routt County real estate market.  Real estate is selling in Steamboat and it's not just the bank owned. Now we're starting to see inventories in some area shrinking and thus prices are on the rise. Taking a look at dollar volume, the June 2012 data showed nearly a 65% increase over  June 2011, and compared to May of 2012, June's dollar volume more than doubled.  With a great deal of speculation over the last few months as to which direction the Routt County Real Estate Market was actually headed, I think we can say with a good deal of c... 07/28/2012

Steamboat Springs, Colorado has a reputation for being one of the most dog-friendly little towns in the nation.  That’s excellent news if you’re planning a visit with your four-legged best friend. When beginning a new adventure with your pooch, it’s usually best to take a look around beforehand to see what kinds of activities, lodging and emergency care is available.  Keep reading to make planning your K-9 adventure a breeze. Dog-Friendly Activities in Steamboat Springs:  Being a town with such an adventurous spirit, you would expect that there would be loads of dog-friendly activities in and around town.  Well, you won’t be disappointed.  The City of Steamboat Springs has a really nice trail network located within its boundaries, however, please be aware that the City does enforce lea... 07/26/2012

There are plenty of options for sports and outdoor activity in Steamboat Springs to keep visitors thoroughly entertained and amused throughout the year.  Your choice of activities will naturally depend on the time of the year and can be broadly categorized into winter and summer activities.  The winter activities are naturally available only in the winter months.  When the snow falls, there a buzz of expectation in the air because a lot of these activities revolve around the snow.Steamboat Springs has a global reputation as a high-quality skiing resort and people from all over the world come to enjoy skiing on its unique powder snow surfaces.  You are in the middle of spectacular scenic beauty and stunning picture postcard views from almost anywhere in town...Other winter activities off... 07/20/2012

The venerable Wine Spectator has published the 2012 list of restaurants that "wine lovers need to know". Steamboat Springs has a couple of new additions bringing the total to four. The perennial favorite is Harwigs/L'apogee, which also enjoys the distinction again, this year, as " “Best of Award of Excellence” for their 579 wine selections. In addtion to Harwigs, Mambo Italiano, bistro c.v., and the Cabin in the Steamboat Grand Hotel can claim bragging rights. Of course, the announcement and August edition of the Wine Spectator come appropriately just before the Steamboat Wine Festival August 1-5. Come visit and check out the Steamboat Wine Festival, and while here, don't miss these great wine venues. Oh, and tell them I sent you....I enjoy them all.... Anne Mayberry 970.846.1425 07/19/2012

If you believe that real estate prices in the US have bottomed out and the decline in prices over the last few years has been arrested, you should probably be looking at fresh investments in real estate.  One place that you should consider is the city of Steamboat Springs, Colorado which has now become a community of international standards for people to live in.  It is home to some of the best skiing that you will see anywhere and there are outdoor recreational activities available throughout the year.  In addition to some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world, the atmosphere created by the Western culture makes this an extremely friendly and comfortable place in which to live.The implications of real estate trends in the country in the last few years have had its impact... 07/17/2012

How would you like the odds of 1 in 100 to win a trip of your choice to one of 7 world wide destinations?  For $100, you can have it.... and at the very least. you will receive a bottle of wine with a retail value of $20-$120!  The best part, you can feel great about contributing to Prudential Steamboat Realty's efforts that bring the Sunshine Kids to Steamboat Springs each winter.  Below is the information as it appeared in the Steamboat Pilot and Today. Call or email if you need more info, tickets to the dinner, tickets for the wine drawing (while they last), or help with registering for the Tour de Steamboat bike ride.  Anne Mayberry       970.846.1425 Steamboat Springs — Prudential Steamboat Realty again is hosting the Tour de Steamboat Pre-Ride Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction fro... 07/14/2012

With the record low levels of snow we saw over the past winter continuing into extremely scarce rainfall so far this summer, it’s no surprise that everything’s looking pretty parched around here.  With June 2012 precipitation at its lowest in years, the drought conditions we’ve experienced so far border on the absurd. To many that reside here, what is now our reality was once almost inconceivable. According to the most recent information available from the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 70 percent of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought.  And if that news isn’t bad enough, drought conditions for those of us living in Steamboat Springs and Routt County, Colorado were upgraded last Thursday to the “Exceptional” category.  That’s about as bad as it gets, folks. So… as it lo... 07/11/2012

The Steamboat Kitchen and Garden tour is July 21st. Another beautiful summer is in bloom in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and what better way to enjoy the city than to take in the site of some of the most beautiful kitchens and high altitude gardens in town.  A special event and part of the Strings Music Festival, the 2012 Kitchen and Garden Tour features stunning kitchens and extraordinary gardens spread out across the valley at seven of Steamboat’s finest properties.  The event takes place on July 21, 2012, beginning at the Strings Music Pavilion with a light breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and continues with homes becoming available for viewing from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. that afternoon.  Tour options include completely self-guided,  a 17 mile bike-it- yourself loop with support vehicles an... 07/10/2012

Wow!  Just under $16 million in real estate closed this week in Steamboat Springs and Routt County.  And one local bank is advertising conventional mortgages at 3.375% for a 30 year fixed rate.  Along with all of this great news, perhaps the best is it has been RAINING! Steamboat is busy this weekend with lots of visitors in town for Rainbow Weekend...Art in the Park, Friday Art Walk last nite, and the Balloon Rodeo which was cancelled due to the severe drought conditions.  However, there is a plethora of activities for the outdoor minded person so I don't see any bored guests! Enjoy the Steamboat Springs real estate report compliments of the Steamboat Today, our hometown daily newspaper. Anne Mayberry                  970.846.1425 ■ Routt County Road 129 Seller: Wood Ranch LLC Buyer: A... 07/07/2012

As part of my focus on the remarkable community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I would like to highlight a local organization that has been helping to open the world of outdoor mountain recreation to adaptive and special needs participants since 2006. Founded by Craig and Andrea Kennedy, Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports, or STARS, provides recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, helping to empower and enrich the quality of the lives of its participants.  STARS provides one on one instruction, as well as group programming to people of all ages and ability levels.  Its winter programs include adaptive skiing with the use of private instruction and highly specialized adaptive equipment, as well as the Buddy Program, which provides an escort around the ski area for m... 07/05/2012

Whether you've spent years vacationing in Steamboat Springs, or decided to take a semester away from college to ski and never returned, you got the Steamboat curse.  And now you're ready for a change, a life in Steamboat Springs, Colorado!  As the moving van pulls into the driveway and reality begins to set in, you may choose this moment to ask yourself, “What Now?” The reality of the situation is that unless you've just recently inherited a large sum of money, or Smartwool recruited you, you’ll need to find a job.  There’s no doubt that making ends meet in a resort town can be tough, but with a little luck and a lot of hard work, you can be successful.  Here are a few tips: First and foremost, you should be prepared to make some compromises.  The truth is that opportunities for well-pa... 07/04/2012

Another week of brisk sales in dollar volume (over $13 million) and units sold (19) was reported by the Steamboat Pilot today.  This week's numbers show most transactions were in the $500,000 range or below.  However, the Steamboat Springs Multiple Listing Service indicates the median pending price increased this week ($320,000) as did the average (just under $450,000).  Four properties in the category of over 1 million in list price went "under contract" this week.  It is significant because that category has shown some recent weakness.  Reasons for this may be attributed to price reductions that now place those properties for sale under the milion dollar benchmark, election year politics that make some people less likely take action, and the summer stock market doldrums and decline. T... 06/17/2012

Steamboat Springs Fireworks Might Fizzle on the 4th OK, snow level wasn't great in Steamboat last year. Now we might lose the 4th of July fireworks too? Who knew that the lack of powder days in Steamboat Springs last winter would spoil the best fireworks show in Colorado on the 4th of July. Well, that might be the case. The Steamboat Pilot has reported that because of the extreme low snow year and dry conditions, that our 4th of July fireworks just might be a big fat dud this year. Steamboat Springs gets fireworks. They put on a spectacular fireworks show that people talk about for months. It takes place right in downtown Steamboat Springs or just on the other side of the Yampa river on the Howelsen Hill ski area. Often skiers "pray for snow" to start the ski season. Well Steamboat Spri... 06/05/2012

Hold on to your hat!  Real estate sales in Steamboat Springs and Routt County remain brisk.  While the lower end of the market is getting the most action, high end properties that are well priced are selling, as well. Enjoy this week's report from the Steamboat Pilot. Anne Mayberry             970.846.1425 ■ 3370 Columbine Drive Seller: Michael E. and Shannon L. Connell Buyer: Wendy L. and Ricky W. Stewart Sale date: May 25, 2012 Sale price: $355,000 Property description: 1,163-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath Unit 102 in Sunray Meadows Phase V. Built in 2006 and sold for $490,000 in 2007. ■ 3020 Après Ski Way Seller: Steamboat Après Ski Way LLC Buyer: Kayle D. and Rebecca S. Neeley Sale date: May 25, 2012 Sale price: $1.3 million Property description: 5,985-square-foot, five-bedroo... 06/02/2012

June 1, 2012 Deadline for Pass Discount- BUY YOUR SKI PASS SOON The Steamboat Springs 2012-2013 Season Ski Passes ON SALE NOW! Who's thinking about skiing in May?  Well, you should be if you want to ski Steamboat Springs Champagne Powder at a discount. Skiing in Steamboat Springs is some of the best skiing in Colorado. The tree skiing is fantastic and worth every penny spent on a season pass. June 1, 2012 is the DEADLINE for SAVING. Adult (18-69)  $959 Teens(13-17)  $529 College             $719 Child (6-12)    $299 Kids ski free (12 and under with adult) June 1, 2012 is the deadline to save. Go to Steamboat Springs for more information. $99 DOWN by June 1. Prices go up to $1,069 June 2 - August 16. Then it's $1,279.   BUY TODAY   See you on the slopes,   Charlie 05/29/2012