A true Porches staple
The Porches is luckily to have a staff of dedicated, welcoming individuals with a passion for helping our guests and owners create Steamboat memories to last a lifetime. There may not be anyone on our team that epitomizes this more than front desk agent, Mari.
In the 8 years that Mari has been a part of The Porches family, she has become a bit of a Porches staple with our guests and owners continually raving about her willingness to go above and beyond and exceed all expectations. We sat down with Mari to learn a little bit more about what makes Steamboat and The Porches such a special place to be.
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in a small town called Orange Park in Florida. A series of wonderful and fortunate events led me here to Steamboat. I never imagined when I moved here that I would be here for 20 years, but I caught the Yampa Valley curse, so here I am.
What do you love about living in Steamboat?
Is it terrible to say I love everything? From the nature to the outdoors, Steamboat has so much to offer. It’s just so beautiful, I think it would be impossible to be unhappy in a place like this, and there is so much water in Steamboat and the surrounding areas. As a Florida girl I couldn’t live here without all the water. Having grown up in a small town, I also love the small town feel and the people that live here.
What kind of activities and hobbies do you enjoy?
When I am in Steamboat, I love to hike. There is plenty of it, not only in Steamboat but in South and North Routt County as well. I am also a world traveler, when I am visiting other places, I enjoy volunteering at wildlife rescues, which I have done most recently in Ecuador and Costa Rica.
What do you love about The Porches community?
I truly have the best job in the world, we have such a great dynamic and work environment. I am so fortunate to be able to share my love of the Yampa Valley with everyone that walks through The Porches door. Being able to share in their experiences and Steamboat memories is so special.
The Porches has such wonderful guests and owners, it’s amazing to have been able to see so many of children grow up over the past 8 years.
A few of Mari’s recommendations:
Favorite hiking trails:Mirror Lake, located near Estes Park, is a bit of a drive but so worth the day trip if you’re okay with getting up early and making the trek.
Gilpin Lake in North Routt County is a beautiful drive to get there.
Sand Mountain, located in North Routt this moderate hike has stunning wild flowers early in the season.
Mad Creek is closer to Steamboat and great shorter hike.
Favorite happy hours:Aurum is a great place to sit out along the Yampa river.
8th Street Steakhouse does $5 burgers during happy hour.
La Fiesta has wonderful fish tacos and house margaritas.
Must Do’s in Steamboat The Strawberry Park Hot Springs is perfect in any kind of weather, come rain, snow, or shine you are sure to have a great time.
Ride the Gondola. Skiing in the winter or a ride for the views of the entire Valley in the summer.
Take a walk along the Yampa River Core Trail
Get out and take a drive to South Routt or North Routt, there is so much to see and do outside of Steamboat that you wouldn’t even realize.