In the heat of the summer, there is nothing quite like sippin' margs and eating fish tacos at an ocean-side restaurant... can I get an amen?! As I am sure you are well aware, there aren't any oceans in Colorado, but that doesn't mean we don't have any beachfront restaurants, like this delicious option that you will want to add to your summer to-do list:
Located along the shores of Lake Dillon lies the beautiful Pug Ryan's Lakeside Tiki Bar, which has been named (and rightly so!) one of Sunset Magazine's best decks in the western US AND "One of the Top 5 Beach Bars in Colorado" by the Denver Post!
Overlooking Dillon Marina, Pug Ryan's is North America's highest Tiki Bar, and is home to not only a fun and upbeat atmosphere, but also seaside scenes that are unique to Colorado...
Pug Ryan's Lakeside Tiki Bar is located at 150 Marina Dr. in Dillon and is open daily from mid-May through mid-September from 11:30 am to sunset. For more information on the menu and more, please visit Pug Ryan's website.
I was watching the news in Denver one morning a few weeks ago when I saw a story about Steve's Snappin' Dogs on East Colfax Avenue. I'd driven past this place dozens of times with the intention of eventually stopping in at some point, but I was always in a rush to get somewhere when nearby. I love hot dogs and hot dog stands and I've found that look similar to Steve's always have the very best. Now, according to the Denver 7 report, Steve's Snappin' Dogs was in its final weeks before closing on October 19th - so I knew I had to move fast.
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Christy Articola
My companion and I decided to go for lunch one afternoon in early October. Immediately, before I even ordered, I knew I'd been missing out. I wish I had discovered this place long ago. The vibe and atmosphere were everything I seek when looking for a great hot dog stand, and the vast menu was exciting. I wanted to try everything Steve's offered!
Steve Ballas, the owner of Steve's Snappin' Dogs, sure seemed like a warm and enthusiastic fellow when he appeared on the news. I hoped he'd be present at the store when I visited, but he wasn't. However, you could easily feel and see Steve's energy everywhere in the space. The ordering area and dining area were full of photos of Steve and signs telling and proclaiming all sorts of interesting things about the restaurant and Steve's personal past.
Christy Articola
Steve was born in Connecticut and worked at a hot dog stand as a teen. He later worked as a firefighter and police officer on the East Coast and continued to do so after briefly relocating to Boulder in the 1970s. He later moved back to Connecticut and got married before moving to Virginia to open a deli. The deli did well in Virginia, and it was even more successful when he moved it back to Connecticut for a time.
In the late 1990s, Steve and his wife Linda returned to Colorado and continued running their successful deli in yet another location - this time in Denver. They sold it in 2002, but they soon found that they missed the restaurant business.
By 2004, Steve purchased a food truck and began selling hot dogs at local farmers markets, parties, and special events. They were a hit! On February 20, 2006, they opened the first brick-and-mortar Steve's Snappin' Dogs on the corner of East Colfax and Monroe.
Christy Articola
This place has been hugely popular ever since. It's won dozens of awards over the years. Rocky Mountain News, 5280 Magazine, and Westword's writers and readers have included them in countless "best of" lists - and it's easy to see why. Steve's took great care to develop hot dogs with a smoky flavoring and blend of beef and pork with no fillers and low sodium - and they were among the first certified gluten-free hot dogs in the USA. They "snap" when you bite into them - hence the store's name. And boy, do they! You can really hear the snap in every satisfying bite.
The hot dogs on Steve's Colfax menu offered over a dozen mouthwatering options. Of course, Steve made sure to include a classic Chicago dog and a NY Coney-style dog called the Dallas Dog. But he didn't stop there. The Atlanta Slaw Dog featured Steve's chili con carne, cheddar jack cheese, cole slaw, and red onions. The California Dog was smothered with spicy mustard, tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar jack cheese, and fried peppers. The Denver Dog came wrapped in a flour tortilla instead of a bun, plus bacon, tomato, jalapeños, Steve's chili con carne, cheddar jack cheese, and lettuce. The "Blinky" The Clown Reuben Dog featured Russian dressing, caraway sauerkraut, tomato, Swiss cheese, and coleslaw. And there were so many more.
Christy Articola
My companion and I had a hard time deciding what to order. He hadn't previously been to Steve's Snappin' Dogs either. We wanted to try everything, but we had not the time, money, or appetite for that. I settled on the Bronx Dog, which was a hot dog with cheddar jack cheese, onion sauce, and yellow mustard, with a side of half onion rings and half fries. My companion ordered the Atlanta Slaw Dog, which was smothered in chili con carne, cheddar jack cheese, coleslaw, and red onions, plus an order of Steve's chili fries.
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Every bite was fantastic.
Christy Articola
I was full after round one, but my companion went back for seconds. He ordered the Rippin' Rockies Dog for his second course. It was covered in Steve's green chili, grilled red onion, jalapeños, yellow mustard, sour cream, and red onion. He liked this one even better than his first one.
As we sat in the dining room, full after ingesting our fabulous hot dog lunch, we lamented the fact that we'd missed out on this place in the past. Steve's Snappin' Dogs on East Colfax wasn't closing because it wasn't doing well; it was closing simply because Steve felt it was time to retire. You certainly can't fault the man for that, but I still felt sad to see the place go.
Christy Articola
Although I would have loved to return to Steve's Snappin' Dogs time and time again to try all the hot dogs on the menu - including the vegetarian and vegan options, the bratwurst, and many of the numerous and equally enticing sandwiches and burgers offered - it was too late. At the time of writing this, sadly, Steve's Snappin' Dogs on East Colfax in Denver, Colorado is no more.
But not all hope is lost! While visiting Steve's I learned that there's also a Steve's Snappin' Dogs location in Denver International Airport that opened in 2014. It's located near Gate B24. It was mentioned in Food & Wine Magazine in 2023 as one of the best places to eat in our airport when Denver International won the distinction of being one of the nation's top ten airports for dining.
I feared that it, too, would be closing soon if it hadn't closed already, but I was happy to learn that my fears were unfounded. When I called Steve's Snappin' Dogs on Colfax to ask about it, the man who answered the phone told me that the airport location is still open, and will remain so for "at least the next 18 months." Thank goodness for that! The airport location's menu is abbreviated, but there are still plenty of options there that I haven't tried yet, and I look forward to visiting that location soon. It even has breakfast sandwiches, too, which will be great for the early flights I often take.
In closing, I want to wish Steve Ballas a very happy retirement. I'm glad that I finally got to enjoy a hot dog at Steve's Snappin' Dogs' Colfax location, even though I truly wish I had given this iconic spot a try far sooner.
Lesson learned: When you see a place that looks interesting, don't put off checking it out. You never know when it will disappear for good! Be sure to stop by Steve's Snappin' Dogs in DIA next time you fly somewhere - if you haven't had Steve's before, you don't want to miss out on that location, too.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
