This weekend we went on a 4 day, 3 night camping trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It was so green and beautiful, I wished we could stay longer!
For breakfast we had tea, and homemade granola (see end for recipe), with fresh fruit and berries, which we picked up daily at one of three local health food stores.
We also picked up gluten-free bread at the local health food store, for almond butter and jelly sandwiches. Such an easy lunch to pack, especially when we went hiking, and to the hot spings.
On the last morning we had Thai Kitchen rice noodles and broth,
for a change.
for a change.
Dinner out was our big treat. Above, in the middle, is The Bombay Grill. We got there early, and were happily surprised to see an Amante right across from them, as they were not yet open. We got a drink in Amante (there is another Amante here, in Boulder), then headed to The Bombay Grill for dinner.
This is a photo of my chicken curry at The Bombay Grill, just off of Mt Werner Rd. It was divine. I always check to make sure there is no flour in the food, although I’ve never been to an Indian restaurant who put flour in anything but bread and battered dishes. Also I always ask them to substitute coconut milk for moo milk, and they are happy to do that. That’s the great thing about Indian restaurants -they have coconut milk on hand 😉
I was a very happy camper. (wink, wink)
Zoe and Ashley split tandori chicken, and it was so yummy that Andy and I had to control ourselves not to eat it from them!
This is one of three health food stores we went to. Sweet Pea Market is very sweet indeed. It belongs on a postcard for how cute it is. Next door, and attached, was a raw drink bar, for fresh juice and green smoothies.
Another view of Sweet Pea Market.
On the main road, Lincoln, is a local health food store called, Healthy Solutions Community Market. We picked up some gf/cf supplies there, including a pint of Coconut Bliss. -You have to eat ice cream every day on vacation 😉
Another of our very favorites, and where we went most often, as it was closest to our campground, was Bamboo Market (pictured below). It was fully stocked as well, with organic produce and gluten-free, dairy-free food, including these Misty Mint Brownies, which I had never seen before. The first ingredient, however, is organic cane juice. The owner warned me they are so sweet, and they were. The girls and I split one (they are quite small to begin with), and I had to top mine with almond butter to cut the sweetness. It was very good though, in small quantities -like a few bites. 
Bamboo Market
Here we are outside at Bamboo Market, sharing a pint of Coconut Bliss, listening to the river rush by directly across the street. Yampa Street is one street over from the main street, and I loved it, because it’s right on the river, and there is a path you can walk too. I was thinking that a pint of Coconut Bliss is about $6, and shared by four people, that’s a really good deal for ice cream. I’m sure four ice creams in an ice cream store would be at least twice that much.
I said we had ice cream every day on vacation and I meant it! 😉 Here they are in the rain, with their Coconut Bliss, happy as clams. Have I mentioned I love Coconut Bliss? hahaha
Lastly, here was our most expensive treat: dinner at Cafe Diva, near the gondola. We ate outside (reservations are required inside) and it was a little piece of heaven on a plate. The staff was unbelievably helpful and accommodating to our gluten-free, dairy-free needs. I felt like a queen 😉 This was corn and halibut, with sauteed garlic, spinach and tomatoes. Mmmm…
As a side note -we really wanted to go to the Cottonwood Grill, on Yampa Street, but unfortunately it was closed on Sundays. Also, Saketumi, near Cafe Diva, at the base of the ski area, looked really good, and it was hard to choose between the two. More reasons to go to Steamboat again! haha!
Recipe for the granola we brought:
4 cups almonds
4 cup walnuts
soaked for about 8 hours, rinsed and dehydrated
2 dehydrated granny smith apples
1 cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted
Topped with a mixture of:
1 bar of dark chocolate, melted over a double boiler (I use a local: Chocolove 70%)
2 tbsp coconut oil, liquified
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Refrigerate
PS My mother in law gave me the greatest idea for keeping the cooler cool with zero effort while camping. Rather that using ice cubes, which are small and melt quickly, fill large plastic containers and freeze them ahead of time. She suggested milk gallons, which of course we don’t have, but gallon size water bottles are perfect. The big blocks of ice stayed (mostly) frozen, and everything was cool the whole time. I’m definitely going to do the same again next time!
Laura K says
*heavy sighing*
Sounds totally dreamy. Take us with you next time!!
sidenote: You are so pretty!
xo
Kelly says
Laura,
Ahhhhh… You are so sweet 😉
Smooch! Kelly
~M says
So many great photos of your kids, food, and the view!
My husband and I are going on vacation soon, too – and we’ll be bringing safe food, too.
I was hoping you could explain to me exactly what you did to get those large ice cubes. Did you fill yogurt containers with water, freeze, and then transfer to ziplocs or keep them in the containers? I wonder if mason jars (filled to freeze line) would work too…
Thanks, Kelly!
Kelly says
Thanks -M!
You can also use plastic water bottles, like the big gallon size ones. Just leave a few inches of space on top since ice expands. I just kept my ice in the plastic container. If you’re concerned about it spilling (although such big blocks melt much more slowly) you could wrap the lids with packaging tape before you freeze them.
Have a great vacation!!! Love, Kelly
Kim Hedstrom says
Thanks for the information – we are going camping in Steamboat in August and also eat gluten free. Can I ask where you went camping? We have yet to nail down the campground.
Thanks!
Kelly says
Thanks Kim! We camped at Steamboat Campground on Lincoln, just outside of town. I don’t know what kind of site you need, but I had my eye on # 99 for next time -it’s right on the river. 🙂
Kim Hedstrom says
Thanks! That’s very helpful! I’ll call and make reservations.
and thanks for all your gluten-free information – sounds like we’ll have a great trip!
Lauren says
You have such a beautiful family, Kelly! All blonde with blue eyes, precious. 🙂 So nice you were able to stay gluten-free so easily! Looks like a wonderful time.
Susanmarie says
My husband & I are Steamboat locals and he’s GF so it was extra fun to read your site! Next time you come back try Ciao Gelato (700 Yampa Ave. 970-870-7979) almost everyone of their homemade gelatos are gluten free – and recently I became part of their staff – focusing on my own GF line. The next time you guys are in town stop in and say hi! If you give me enough notice I’ll even make something special just for your family. Cheers, Susanmarie
Kelly says
Thanks so much Susanmarie! You are a doll! We will definitely let you know when we visit again =)
Tracy says
Kelly, when you were eating out you didn’t worry to much about say the spices used in the tandori chicken or your curry? I ask because we too will vacation soon and spices are always one thing everyone warns you about. Thanks for your help! Tracy