Earlier than visiting Colorado for the primary time, I had an image in my head of what I imagined it might be like: charming essential streets full of retailers and eating places, sloping alleys simply begging to be explored, and, in fact, a shocking backdrop of snow-capped mountains. And that is exactly what I discovered after I made my approach to town of Breckenridge.
Set simply 90 miles west of Denver, Breckenridge — or “Breck,” because it’s affectionately nicknamed — is straightforward to get to and even simpler to get round, because of an especially walkable downtown and a few great public transportation options. It is a mountain city that one way or the other manages to really feel each vigorous and laid-back, and although my go to came about within the fall (so dreamy), I am satisfied it is the form of vacation spot that delivers these vibes year-round.
In any case, the world is thought for getting over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months! Between that and the dramatic alpine surroundings, is there even such a factor as a nasty time to plan a visit right here? Powder days, golden aspen season, summer time hikes… Breckenridge presents so many quintessential Colorado experiences, all packaged up in a spot that is massive on character and stuffed with pleasant locals.
If Colorado is on your travel radar this 12 months, I extremely suggest spending a minimum of a couple of days in Breckenridge. Listed here are some locations to remain, eating places to strive, and issues to do throughout your journey.
WHERE TO STAY IN BRECKENRIDGE
Lodging in Colorado inherently feels cozier than anyplace else. It simply does; I do not make the foundations. It helps, too, that Breckenridge offers lodging for no matter form of traveler you could be. On the lookout for that traditional log-cabin really feel for your loved ones? There is a rental dwelling for that. Need one thing with a bit extra historical past? How a few mattress and breakfast? Or possibly you are touring solo and need to socialize with fellow vacationers? Yep, Breck’s received hostels, too. Households will discover full-service resorts with tons of kid-friendly facilities, and {couples} can hunker down in condos with swoon-worthy fireplaces.
Regardless of the place you keep, although, one factor stays fixed: It is easy to get from the place you might be to something you need to do or see.
The place I Stayed: Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
In case you’re visiting the world particularly with snow sports activities in thoughts, Beaver Run Resort makes a lot sense. Nestled slopeside, it presents ski-in/ski-out comfort with its personal chairlift. I cherished how the condo-style lodging felt like a bit dwelling away from dwelling, and that they’ve an hooked up parking storage (I rented a automobile and drove from Denver). I may undoubtedly see this being a wonderful choice for households staying for longer — facilities like a heated outside pool, arcade, and on-site eating make it straightforward to settle in.
It is also tremendous handy to Breck’s Principal Road space. Whereas it is shut sufficient to stroll, the resort additionally presents a complimentary shuttle that runs often.
WHAT TO DO IN BRECKENRIDGE
There’s a lot to do in Breckenridge year-round, however every season additionally holds a whole lot of magic by itself.
Summer brings all of the outdoorsy staples that make Colorado such a gem: mountaineering, biking, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, horseback using, strolling the wildflower-filled trails, and extra. You possibly can take within the views from the BreckConnect Gondola, lease a motorcycle and cruise the Blue River Rec Path, picnic at Carter Park, or peruse the Sunday Market at Principal Road Station.
Fall, although brief, is spectacular. And, sure, I am clearly biased as a result of that is the time of 12 months I traveled to Breckenridge, however severely, town could not have been extra stunning! Mid-September via early October provides you that crisp air, the golden aspens, the snowy peaks — all of the surroundings you would hope for, particularly since Breck is likely one of the first locations within the nation to see leaves change. It is also peak season for mountaineering, biking, nature images, and comfy evenings by a hearth or fireplace pit. And in case your go to occurs to coincide with Oktoberfest, you will get to expertise town in prime pageant power.
Not surprisingly, Breckenridge throughout the winter and spring is sort of a snow globe come to life. Snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, canine sledding (will 100% be making a return journey for this!), snowmobiling, sleigh rides, ice skating, fats biking, hill sledding, and après on Principal Road are massive attracts of this supreme wintery escape. Bonus: The 35th Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships return to Breck in 2026, operating from Jan. 24 – Feb. 3.
What I Did
Upon the sage recommendation of a neighborhood, I made this my first cease after I hit downtown. Situated subsequent to Blue River Plaza, the Welcome Middle acts as half info desk and half interactive museum. I actually loved studying concerning the city’s timeline via the hands-on reveals and even watching mini-movies within the small theater space. Total, it’s an incredible place to get oriented with all issues Breck. It additionally presents public restrooms, and it’s an excellent accessible area with elevators to every ground in addition to help via Aira and Aira ASL.
Edwin Carter Museum
I popped into this free museum on a neighborhood’s suggestion, and I used to be so impressed. It explores the legacy of Edwin Carter, a conservation pioneer who used taxidermy to lift consciousness about Colorado’s wildlife. You may suppose, Huh, a taxidermy museum — unsure that is for me. However the reveals are actually partaking and informative, and there is a tremendous cool children’ exhibit that I believe any baby would take pleasure in.
Country Boy Mine
This award-winning tour takes you 1,000 toes into an actual mine based in 1887, providing an interesting, hands-on have a look at Breckenridge’s gold rush historical past. They supply helmets and further jackets (the mine stays round 48 levels year-round), however ensure you have correct footwear, too — it may be a bit slippery down there, and the planks you are strolling on aren’t at all times stage. However this was certainly one of my favourite actions! Our tour information, Michael Brookfield, was very educated and had such a enjoyable character. He made some extent of partaking with the youngsters on the tour, cracking jokes and asking them inquiries to preserve them entertained. Exterior of the particular mine, you too can pan for gold and stroll via an outdated miner’s cabin.
Breckenridge Ghost Tours
One other spotlight from my journey, this outside strolling tour dives into the city’s haunted historical past. Information Gail Westwood shares a number of intriguing items of native historical past, combined with lore, amping up the expertise with vivid storytelling, period-appropriate apparel, and even ghost-hunting gear she arms out to members. It began raining midway via our tour, and we had been all so enthralled that we barely observed! The upper elevation and sloping aspect streets might have had me huffing and puffing a bit throughout our stroll, however I am actually glad this was a part of my itinerary.
Golden Horsehoe Guided Hike
Sadly, the climate did not play good the day I used to be supposed to do that tour, so my reserving received rained out. Nevertheless, I am together with it as a result of everybody who really helpful it to me raved about information Jim Davis from Breck Historical past. The straightforward 2.5-mile guided hike winds via the historic Golden Horseshoe and results in the Reiling Dredge, with sweeping views of the Ten Mile Vary alongside the way in which.
WHERE TO EAT IN BRECKENRIDGE
In case you ask me, Breck punches effectively above its weight relating to meals. From informal meals to budget-friendly bites, I loved every thing I attempted. My solely remorse? That I could not strive every thing.
The place I Ate
Fatty’s Pizzeria
I observed Fatty’s after I drove in on my first day and made a psychological be aware to test it out. It was busy nearly your entire time I used to be there, however I did discover a bit sliver of time to squeeze in between all of the locals who clearly frequent it. I used to be shocked by how massive the menu is! Pizza, wings, salads, subs, gyros, every kind of pasta dishes — it is traditional pub-style consolation meals with super-friendly service. The garlic knots had been *chef’s kiss.*
La Française Bakery
It felt very clear to me that this little genuine French bakery is one other favourite spot for locals. In actual fact, I spoke to a number of in line, together with one form older lady who mentioned she visits a number of occasions per week each week. She really helpful the chocolate-almond croissant and the raspberry beignet, each of which had been heavenly. I took them to go, together with the espresso particular of the day, simply down the road to take pleasure in from a bench alongside the Blue River.
Radicato
I come from a foodie metropolis, so I don’t say this flippantly: Radicato is certainly one of my all-time favourite eating experiences. The environment of this “Mountain Italian” spot is the epitome of upscale coziness, the meals was really divine, and the corporate I loved that night time was second to none. It was a core-memory meals second, which I believe is what James Beard Award-winning chef Matt Vawter hoped to provide folks when creating Radicato. I additionally adore which you can get a kid-friendly model of the tasting menu, making this a extremely particular night time out for the entire household.
So, you see, Breckenridge is many issues directly: a foodie metropolis, an journey hub, a historic mountain city, a family-friendly vacation spot. However most of all, it appears like the kind of place that basically encourages you to take issues at your individual tempo and savor the expertise — no matter that have appears like for you.
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