Pool: Probably the best part of the Silverthorne Recreation Center is the pool. There are three pools. One of the pools is kind of the little kid pool. This one isn’t deep and very warm. My sisters and I still go in it, though. The deepest that it gets is three feet. This pool also has a small whale slide. It’s a whale mouth, and you slide down the tongue. Another pool is half lap pool. This one does get deep. And it has a basketball hoop. Yeah let’s play some water b-ball! This pool is definitely the one you wanna move around in because it’s very chilly. And if you just want to do some laps, there are lap lanes. The last one is how I like to call it… “The Deep Pool”. This pool is just how it sounds - very deep. It also has a red slide, on which you go very fast! Woo, talk bout your thrill. There is also a water slide. This is my favorite thing to do in the pool area. You go super fast. And when you are at the bottom you go into warm water. Think about it, you just had a thrill and then you land in calming warm water. Although, you do need to get out quickly. And finally, there’s a hot tub in and out. You can relax after swimming around. Your stress melts away as the heat soaks into your skin. Or you can warm up after swimming. Anyway, the pool area is awesome!!!

Gym, Track, and Basketball Court: This one practically speaks for itself, but I can give you a little description. You can workout in the gym and then relax in the pool. There are weights and other workout equipment. The track goes around and above the two basketball courts. So you can run and watch the games going on from above. And for the basketball court, you can shoot some hoops after a day of swimming.

Outside: The field is a great place to go to play soccer, football, frisbee, really anything. And you can shoot some hoops outdoors if it’s a nice day. And the playground is great for kids. There are all the things that you would normally see at a playground. And the tennis courts are a great place to practice your serves! Wack!!!!! The hill next to the field is also a great place to go sledding. You’re down the hill in a flash!!!!!

You can see that this is a great place to go when your staying at our Keystone, Colorado rental house. You can go any season. Which is great! But if you just want to relax in a hot tub, we do have one in the back yard for you. See Ya!!!

Q: Is it a mammal?
A: No
Q: Is it a place?
A: Yes
Q: Is it in Keystone, Colorado?
A: Yes
Q: Can you bike to it from the Turner’s rental house?
A: Yes
Q: Is it only for adults?
A: No
Q: Do you get bored quickly while your there?
A: No
Q: Are there restaurants?
A: Yes
Q: Is there shopping?
A: Yes
Q: Are there events?
A: Yes
Q: Is it a mall?
A: No
Q: Ooh I know it’s River Run!?
A: Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner!

River Run is wonderful place to go when staying at our Keystone, Colorado rental house. River Run a great hangout for in the summer and winter. There are many shops to look around in. From clothes to knick-knacks, and coffee to pizza. They also have a Starbucks. Boy do I love Starbucks! Dad prefers Inkspot (something about supporting the little guy). Anyway, River Run is right next to a river, too. So you can enjoy some coffee or something to eat, while gazing upon the swirling currents of the Snake River in Keystone, Colorado. And it’s a great family place to go. There’s a playground for kids near the Snake River. So you could let your kids play, while you relax. But you’re still able to keep an eye on them. And truth be told, I still love playing on that playground. The slide goes so fast, and there’s a jail thing, and… okay I should stop now. I don’t wanna ruin it for “the kids”.

I can definitely say that the restaurants there are quite tasty. Or delectable if you wish. The main ones that I remember are:

Paisanos at Keystone, Colorado: a wonderful Italian place. Paisanos has wonderful, mouth-watering pasta dishes. Including, ravioli, alfredo, and much, much more.

Kickapoo Tavern at Keystone, Colorado: this is a wonderful place for a good ‘ole family dinner. Kickapoo Tavern has wonderful bar food. Kickapoo Tavern is definitely, a great place for kids.

These restaurants are great and one of the many things to do while you’re in River Run. So just to “rap” it all up:

When I’ve been away from home for a while
the strangest things will make me smile.
When I’m in the mountains with crisp cool air
I remember River Run with so much fun to do there!

(that was written by my class as a verse for a song, I just twisted the words)

Anyway, of all the ski resorts, Keystone, Colorado is my favorite. I don’t know if it’s the ski runs, or the comfort that I’m close to the house. I really don’t know. Now I’ll give you the “low-down” on the runs going from the easiest to the hardest at Keystone, Colorado (well, maybe not all the runs. Only the ones that I remember/like).

Greens

Schoolmarm at Keystone, Colorado: this is a great Keystone ski run for beginner skiers. The pace is leisure, great for kids. This Keystone ski run is pretty long, about 3 ½ miles. If you are an advanced skier, I wouldn’t recommend this Keystone ski run. It can get annoying with the people if you’re trying to go fast. And I would try to avoid the afternoon rush to get down at all costs. Unless, you are a beginner or you have a kid who is young. This is an awesome Keystone ski run though for the morning and lunchtime.

Silverspoon at Keystone, Colorado: this is a quick easy green that leads you to the Montezuma lift (halfway up the mountain lift). This Keystone ski run is one of my personal favorites. It’s easy going, but a whole bunch of fun! Especially after your sisters have dragged you on blacks all day. The snow is fluffy like a cloud, and the sun’s smile reflects off the snow and onto your smiling face.

There is a learning center at the top of the Keystone, Colorado mountain. The learning center has easy greens that lead down to a lift and a magic carpet. I still love going on the magic carpet. Because you can just sit there and it takes you up the mountain. Boo ya!!!!!!!

And know duh, there’s a bunny hill for children or beginners.

Blues

Springdipper at Keystone, Colorado: this Keystone ski run is a wonderful blue. It’s challenging but not too hard. I personally love to warm up with this ski run. It’s great for intermediate skiers. And it’s great if you’re trying to step it up a notch if you’re a beginner. And also if your looking for a little thrill, there are small jumps and tree runs along the side of the ski run.

Prospector at Keystone, Colorado: this run is pretty steep, but not too terribly hard. Prospector is one of the only blue runs in the outback ski area. This Keystone ski run is great for intermediate skiers.
Mozart at Keystone, Colorado: this ski run takes you to the outback. And although Mozart is a blue it’s very steep and icy. This Keystone ski run is for pretty advanced skiers. And this Keystone ski run is also very busy. I really don’t like this particular Keystone ski run. But you’re welcome to try it. And if you don’t want to take this Keystone ski run, you can also take the gondola to the outback.

Blacks

Pika at Keystone, Colorado: this Keystone ski run is for advance skiers. Pika is a mogul run in the trees. Pika is very difficult but very good for snowball fights. I actually love this one. Except for when you completely face plant into a mogul. Woopsie!

Cat Dancer at Keystone, Colorado: this is also a mogul run. It’s pretty hard. But I like Cat Dancer because well, it has Cat in it. And if you have a lot of snow or not that much it’s still a great Keystone ski run.

There are many other ski runs at Keystone, at all different levels. One of the many reasons Keystone, Colorado is my favorite ski resort. If you want to see more Keystone ski runs, there’s always a trail map.

For in the winter just think about it, think about it, think about it, think about it…

It’s a cold day after shredding down the Keystone, Colorado slopes all day, Jack Frost grasping your nose and toes all day. All you can think about is getting warm. On your way back from the slope you stop by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. You order a sizzling cup of hot chocolate. As you sip at the tasty liquid, you feel the warmth spread from your throat down to your toes. Or…

You just spent three hours ice skating with your family on Keystone Lake. The wind has been carrying you leisurely across the ice the whole time. Your nose is cherry red and your cheeks the same. You take a stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory before you leave. You purchase a toasty cup of apple cider. As you sip down the caramel colored liquid, you feel your face warming and nose returning to its normal shade.

As you can see, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a great stop for winter, but is wonderful for summer, too. They have my personal favorite… Root Beer Floats!!!!!! In my opinion those are the best summer treats ever! And of course they have ice cream, to cool you off on those hot summer days. The chocolate there is a must to get. It is just amazingly yummy in the tummy. Oh yeah and they have these gumballs with little animals built around it. They are so cute! The gumball is usually the stomach, but you never know.

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is an amazing place to stop and get a drink or snack. The way that you get there from our Keystone, Colorado rental house is you take the bike path (turn left on the end of Appaloosa and walk toward the stables) then you take the bike path all the way to the Keystone, Colorado Lake. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is located amongst the shops. I strongly recommend this hot spot.

Ahh yes, the canoeing. One of my personal favorites at the Keystone, Colorado Lake. You can rent a canoe by the one hour in the Keystone, Colorado Adventure Center. As you are canoeing you can observe the creatures of the deep swimming under your very body. Okay, I mean the fish. Those puppys are HUGE! And you can purchase fish food in the Adventure Center.

If canoeing isn’t your style don’t forget the kayaking. Kayaking has all the qualities of canoeing but you go much faster. Again you can rent one by the hour in the Keystone, Colorado Adventure Center. But afterward you may be a wee bit wet (but if you are like me, then you’ll be soaking wet). And you can have a one or two person kayak on Keystone Lake. And I might say that if you’re in a twofer kayak and in front, it is quite amusing to splash the person behind you! Especially, when it’s your sister!

If your trying to do something that will fit the whole family, there are paddleboats to rent in the Keystone, Colorado Adventure Center. The good thing about this is that you could have the kids paddle you around and you could sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride (until they start getting tired). Or the adults could paddle and the kids could sit in the back and look off at the geese and fish in Keystone Lake.

If you just want to kick back and relax you can pack a picnic to eat next to Keystone Lake, or just come and read a book. The waves lapping at the shore will send you into a relaxed coma. Believe me my parents always go there.

I know by know your wondering; “Okay so where is this place?” Well, you take the bike path (you take a left on the road as if you were going to the Keystone stables, you’ll see a sign that says bike path) and you just follow the bike path or you might say “Follow the yellow brick bike path!” Anyway going to the Keystone, Colorado Lake is a great thing to do when you’re staying at our Keystone Colorado rental house.

The horses at the Keystone, Colorado stables are beautiful. With the sleek fur, long flowing manes, and winning personalities. A favorite horse with the kids is Ugly Buck. He is, in my opinion, the prettiest horse at the Keystone, Colorado stables. His fur is a golden brown almost like a caramel apple. Hey, that would be a good name too! Caramel Apple, because of his caramel colored fur, and he’s so sweet. The name Ugly Buck is a complete oxymoron of what he is. Anyway, all of the horses at the Keystone, Colorado stables are well tempered and sweet. Although there are only male horses. Geldings, to be exact.

The trail rides at the Keystone, Colorado stables are so much fun. You ride a horse around on the trails behind the stables and up the mountain. You get to see the natural beauty and wildlife of the Keystone, Colorado mountains that you would by hiking, but in the comfort of trotting on a horse (or walking). Things that you can see can range from cute little chipmunks nibbling on a nut under a tall pine tree to vibrant wildflowers dancing in the breeze. Believe me the possibilities are endless on that adventure! Over the years, we have seen elk, bears, dear, etc.

Ahhh, the ponies. Sweet, mellow and perfect for a child. Which is why they offer pony rides for children. The child sits on a western saddle, and the parent or guardian leads them around the “coral”. The ponies are personally my favorite, even though I can’t ride them anymore because I’m too old (ahh shucks!). And I would probably squish them because they are really miniature horses. It’s just so much easier to call them ponies. You can choose to ride any of the ponies that are saddled up that day. Your choices could be Stormy, Sugar (the only girl horse at the stables), Spice, Cocoa, or Sage. Stormy is black and white and the shortest one there (and don’t think he’s skinny, cause he may be short but he sure is fat!). Sugar and Spice look almost exactly the same; brown and white. But, Spice is a little darker than Sugar. Cocoa and Sage, well they’re the same color that they were named after.

See, and you thought the Keystone, Colorado was boring in the summer! There’s actually a lot to do. To find out more things to do, read more articles. But be sure to remember that the stables are just right down the road with a plethora of things to do.

Located about halfway between Keystone Lake and River Run, the Snake River Saloon is one of a handful of clubs with live bands, and I do mean a band not some guy with a guitar and a sound machine. Be prepared to pay a modest cover charge ($5 summer of 2009), and enjoy this rustic bar in one of the oldest, privately owned eating establishments in Keystone, Colorado. For more information, you can access their website at http://www.snakeriversaloon.com/.

Okay, for those of you who aren’t quite ready to tackle the off road biking trails in Keystone Colorado, here is a great, intermediate ride starting just outside your door on a paved trail. Try doing the loop from Keystone, around Lake Dillon and up over Swan Mountain Pass and back to Keystone.

From 12 Appaloosa Court, take a left onto Soda Ridge Road. Less than 100 yards ahead on the right you can pick up the paved bike trail that crosses the Snake River. Once you cross the Snake River, turning right takes you to Keystone Village Lake and then onto River Run. Going to the left takes you toward Lake Dillon and a very scenic two hour ride!

Just follow the trail and you will come to a stop light and Swan Mountain Road. Remember this road because it is where you will meet back up with the paved Keystone biking trail as you finish your loop around Lake Dillon.

The trail follows Lake Dillon all the way around to Frisco. It is a beautiful ride, especially when the boats are out on Lake Dillon. The trek over the dam is just as spectacular, but don’t worry, the paved bike trail is totally separate from the dam road.

As you come over the dam, the paved bike trail kisses up against the road. Keep an eye out for the turn to the left where your paved bike trail leaves the road behind. I think it is about half a mile after the end of the dam.

The trail takes you through the forest (and what was forest before the pine beetle), around the local middle school and into the Frisco marina area. Follow the signs for Breckenridge. As you wind through the marina area, keep an eye out for the county commons building on the other side of Highway 9 — that is where you want to cross highway. There is a stop light, and I always seem to blow right by it and then have to turn around to pick up the trail.

Across Highway 9, you will intersect with the paved bike trail leading to Breckenridge. Going left will take you toward Breckenridge and home. Going right will take you through the town of Frisco, on to Copper Mountain and then Vail Pass. Uh, let’s save that one for another day!

You will pass by the Summit County Hospital, through more forest and you will see the Summit County High School. Just before the High School, take the trail to the left toward Highway 9 and the stoplight you can see in the distance. That is Swan Mountain Road … more appropriately called Swan Mountain Pass.

Now, this is the toughest part of your ride. Swan Mountain Pass is one of the “smaller” passes. Yet, it is still a climb, especially for those not used to altitude. When you see the sign for Sapphire Point, you have reached the top! The rest is all downhill! Well, almost all.

The only part I do not like about this ride is the part over Swan Mountain Pass. It is not a separate bike trail. You are on the road. There is no berm. Drivers in Summit County are very courteous to bicyclists and pay attention on the pass, but I just don’t like being that close to the cars. For that reason, I try to make this ride in the morning as early as possible. There are fewer cars in the morning, especially before 10:00 a.m.

When you sign up for the birthday and anniversary club, not only do you get emails on the current specials at Dillon Dam Brewery, you get 20-30% off coupons for your birthday and anniversary. Now, this is a REAL coupon. You don’t have to come in Mon-Thurs before 4:30. You don’t have to buy an entree to get another at half price. This is 20-30% off the ENTIRE bill, drinks and all, any day, any time.

The kicker is that the coupons have to be used a couple weeks before or after your birthday or anniversary. Otherwise, the coupons expire. So, maybe keep that in mind when signing up and entering your special dates :).

Kickapoo Tavern

Our compromise (i.e., routine) with the kids is dinner at our Keystone Colorado house and dessert at Kickapoo Tavern. Just call the free Keystone Colorado shuttle and off you go!

Kickapoo Tavern is located in River Run right next to the Snake River and steps from the new Keystone, Colorado Gondola. As the name implies, Kickapoo Tavern has a casual, laid back mountain atmosphere with everything from prime rib to burgers.

Pug Ryan’s Microbrewery

For the kids, the draw of Kickapoo Tavern is the chocolate malts.

For us grown ups who enjoy a fine microbrew, the draw of Kickapoo Tavern is a fine pale ale straight from Pug Ryan’s microbrewery located just down the road in Dillon, Colorado.

Between a couple of ales and a round of chocolate malts, everybody is happy. Real happy!

Dillon Dam Brewery

We also suggest Dillon Dam Brewery for the dessert and microbrew circuit. The monster brownie is big enough for all three of our girls, the beer is as fresh as it gets and there is live music many nights of the week.