When River Ranch resident Leah Hebert headed west to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the trip was inspired by something close to her heart. She traveled to watch her daughter, Anna Maria, a dance major, perform in the closing show of a professional dance intensive at the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School. What she discovered along the way was a mountain town that offers far more than its well-known winter slopes.

Visiting in the summertime gave Leah a completely different perspective on Steamboat Springs. Known nationally as a premier ski destination, the town truly shines in warmer months with mild temperatures, blue skies, and a pace that invites you to slow down and explore. One of the first things she noticed was just how walkable and welcoming the downtown area is. Each day, Leah wandered the main streets on foot, stopping into coffee shops, boutiques, gift stores, and local restaurants, always feeling safe and comfortable even while exploring solo.

Steamboat’s natural beauty is impossible to miss. The Yampa River winds gently through town, creating scenic walking paths perfect for photos, reflection, and people-watching. As a landscaper, Leah especially appreciated seeing a completely different mix of plants and terrain than what we are used to in South Louisiana. The cooler climate supports lush greenery, mountain wildflowers, and shaded riverbanks that feel both peaceful and inspiring.

Although it was far from ski season, Leah still took advantage of Steamboat’s excellent infrastructure by hopping on the town’s free bus system, which runs between downtown and the ski area. The ride itself offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains and gave her a sense of how seamlessly the town connects its various neighborhoods and attractions.

One of the standout experiences of the trip was the Main Street Steamboat Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from mid-June through mid-September, the market is a lively gathering place filled with both familiar favorites and unexpected finds. Leah sampled food from a smoked salmon and latke truck, enjoyed tastings from local sangria makers, and met vendors offering everything from goat-milk products to handmade pretzels crafted by an Amish family. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and full of character, reflecting the warmth of the Steamboat community.

Of course, the highlight of the trip was attending Anna Maria’s performance at the beautiful Perry Mansfield Pavilion, a historic venue nestled in the mountains. The experience reinforced what Leah came to realize throughout her visit: Steamboat Springs has a deep appreciation for the arts. That connection felt even more meaningful knowing that her son, Brooks, has also performed there at the Steamboat Music Festival with his band, Cypress Valley.

For neighbors considering a visit, Leah highly recommends Steamboat Springs in the summer. Beyond shopping and dining, outdoor activities like rafting on the Yampa River and biking are popular, and the weather is ideal for enjoying it all. A meal at Creekside Cafe, where you can dine outdoors along a bubbling creek, is also a must.

Steamboat Springs may be famous for snow, but as Leah discovered, it is equally memorable under the summer sun.