Eat, Drink, Play: Prime time patios

Spring is a coveted time for locals in Summit County, because come April the fuss of ski season quiets down, the weather warms up and aprs moves outdoors.

But this year, with an abnormally warm March, spring has dawned early, extending the much-anticipated deck season.

Enjoying aprs outside, right off the slopes without feeling the need to curl into a ball by a fireplace or sink into a hot tub to defrost is liberating, so weekend afternoons on Summit County's best decks tend to have live music, a good mix of people and an unmistakable party atmosphere.

The Kickapoo Tavern at Keystone Resort leverages that atmosphere to the hilt in the spring. The big, open patio offers European-style seating at picnic tables overlooking Dercum Mountain from the edge of the River Run Village.

It's just a great location to sit back and drink beer after a long day on the mountain, manager Billy Wheat said. Or a short day. They don't even have to ski, we'll let them come in.

Happy hour includes beer specials and $1 off wells and wine. The tavern specializes in American pub food with Southwestern influences. Kickapoo is known for its nachos, getting rave reviews from nearby customers who heard us discussing them.

On Sundays, local rock and soul musician Arnie J. Green plays the Kickapoo deck and today the tavern's Kickafools patio party will pair mustache, best retro ski outfit and nacho eating contests with the live music. The parties will continue next weekend, when both Keystone and Kickapoo will wrap up the winter season.

In Frisco, a central Main Street deck at the Boatyard Grill opened earlier this season than it ever has thanks to the warm weather. The backyard deck is tucked away from Main Street, making for one of the quieter and more peaceful outdoor dining environments. Boatyard's deck offers great views of Mount Royal, which towers right above Frisco and, in the later spring and summer is ringed in flowers and greenery.

It's beautiful, owner Cindy Spaulding said of the deck. Frisco's a beautiful place and it takes advantage of all the views Frisco has to offer. Plus it comes with our great menu.

The grill's huge and diverse menu is a refreshing departure from the heavier slope-side pub fare, with a great selection of unique salads and a smattering of Asian and Mediterranean options.

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Eat, Drink, Play: Prime time patios