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You always seem to be able to find something going on at a bar each night in Steamboat Springs.

However, Tuesday night, I decided with a group of friends to hunt for beer elsewhere, and we hauled it down U.S. Highway 40 for a night of pitchers in Kremmling.

We made two stops on our Kremmling pub-crawl - as far as we know, the only two stops possible in the thriving town of nearly 1,600. Both turned out to be good. We devoured a plate of "Super Nachos" at the Quarter Circle Saloon, then spent most our time at Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill wondering what exactly the "Cow Pie Pizza" entails.

The attitude in Kremmling was more laid-back, but also more red-state, than in Steamboat. Both stops featured pool tables without the territorial competition of Old Town Pub. Trophies - not of the bowling variety because, remember, Kremmling is "A Sportsman's Paradise" - hung on the walls.

Quarter Circle Saloon closes early, but Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill was hopping past midnight. Its dark interior was lit by the traditional SportsCenter loop, and its patrons and staff were friendly, if oddly insightful. Still, no one cared to divulge the secret of Cow Pie Pizza.

There's a lot to be said about hanging out in Steamboat's eating and drinking establishments. There's nothing reminiscent of a big-city sports bar or dance club, but there's a little variety and a lot of friendly faces.

The advantages of breaking away from Steamboat for a beer shouldn't be overlooked, especially now in the final months before driving at night becomes a dangerous, icy proposition.

There are fine options easily overlooked by Steamboat-rooted bar-goers, even in Routt County. A trip to Hayden and the HiWay Bar is worth the gas, as is a stop at the Elk's Tavern in Oak Creek - both offering lively conversation and cold lager.

The best might be The Colorado Bar and Grill, across the street from Elk's Tavern in Oak Creek. The Colorado offers more bar entertainment in one place than most of Steamboat combined - karaoke, darts, pool, the Big Buck Hunter Pro video game and, since Lupo's was demolished at Ski Times Square, the only air hockey table I know of in Routt County.

Guys, don't expect to find that mysterious bar with a 3-1 women-to-man ratio. Girls, don't expect to find bar flies with any more ambition than those in Steamboat. Grab some friends, name a designated driver, and expect to find some sweet variety and a fresh adventure.