Not just a stop for gas or Starbucks on your way to Vail anymore, Silverthorne has stepped up its game with things to do, places to stay and curated dining options for all ages. This year started off with a bang when The Pad, a sustainable, boutique hotel that’s made out of upcycled shipping containers, opened its doors for the modern traveler. This unique lodging concept in beautiful Summit County allows guests to prioritize art and adventure, while focusing on activities in the Rocky Mountains and growing community. The Pad is centrally- located along the Blue River—and is convenient for avid skiers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to the big slopes. Guests are treated to high-end amenities, including community lounges, yoga classes, event spaces, a rooftop bar and hot tub, coworking spaces, custom artwork from local artists, live music and designer finishes from award-winning design studio BraytonHughes. The hotel has also collaborated with local artists to showcase their colorful artwork.
With 36 rooms and 101 beds, Co-owners Lynne and Rob Baer have built The Pad as a new social lodging concept with private suites and dorm-style rooms to micro rooms and traditional hotel rooms that all blend sustainability with comfort and offer attainable and inclusive luxury. “Modern travelers are looking for something out of the (boring) cookie cutter norm these days and are excited to be presented with a place that creates a fun and engaging culture,” says Lynne Baer. “We absolutely bring that to the table through our programming and overall vibe—from the design focused on open space for interaction to our incredible staff. However, our guests also aid in bringing such good energy here, so it really is a symbiotic thing.”
Good Eats
The Pad’s A-BAR is perfect after a long day of hiking, touring or skiing in the cooler months. A-BAR has 26 taps, so you can look forward to a great selection of local beers, Kombuchas and wines, as well as Summit County’s first draught craft cocktail program. To eat, stroll on over to Kúcu Tequila Bistro (just a two-minute walk) for one of the largest tequila selections in the mountain region (over 250 tequilas!). Popular Kúcu dishes include street tacos, which are made with fresh local products like homemade salsas and local Deb’s tequila lime shrimp. “The Navajo bread that’s served with it is absolutely perfect for dipping in the hot red chili sauce served alongside this dish,” says Owner of Kúcu Tequila Bistro, Tim Applegate.
Explore
Bluebird Market
Bluebird Market is located at Silverthorne’s 4th Street Crossing. Open daily starting at 7 a.m., this vibrant mountain food hall offers almost a dozen local culinary concepts under one roof. It’s the place to go for great food, live entertainment, indoor/outdoor seating, flexible event spaces, indoor arcade, coworking areas and beautiful murals. Also, enjoy Bluebird Market’s eclectic mix of pop-up Colorado retailers.
Silverthorne Performing Arts Center
This newly built, contemporary facility offers a place for artists, performers and audiences to thrive. Home to the Lake Dillon Theatre Company, the center features three performance spaces including two intimate “black box” theatres, two theatre classrooms, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, art exhibition areas, a full bar and kitchen as well as outdoor Art Strolls.
