It was my mom’s birthday the other day and she wanted to celebrate by renting one of the Breckenridge condos I had found for her, and getting the whole fam together for the weekend. She also rented a pontoon boat for a 2-hour ride on Lake Dillon. I’m a mountain girl so I don’t know anything about boats, but I was surprised at how simple the pontoon was to drive (we all had to take a turn – even the kids, with dad’s help, of course!).
It was roomy and the seats were very comfy. It was a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday and get the family together for something different. Too bad my birthday is in January. What, oh what, can I do on my birthday in a ski town in January?
The phrase “corporate retreat” has become synonymous with descriptions such as “boring,” “stuffy,” and even “painful.” Sound familiar?
If this is true for your business or organization, it sounds like you have yet to discover the one location that will make your employees thrilled about the next corporate retreat. Of course, this place is my very own hometown of Breckenridge, Colorado.
Being an outdoor enthusiast as well as an active social networker, I’ve learned that Breckenridge has it all, from a variety of condos in Breckenridge to meeting locations and activities for thrill-seeking employees who deserve a little fun mixed in with their workday.
I grew up near lakes where we fished for catfish and blue gills. Occasionally, if we were lucky, we might score a bass. There wasn’t much “sport” in this type of fishing as the routine was pretty simple: hook a worm to a rod, throw it in the water, and wait.
Ever since I’ve lived in Colorado, however, I’ve developed a different relationship with fishing. Heading out for a day on the Blue River, wading in crystal clear mountain water in my gear, and learning the sport of fly fishing is a whole different game altogether. The thrill of the challenge in hooking (and keeping) a trout is quickly becoming a favorite summer activity of mine. For any of you planning a Breckenridge vacation, I highly recommend you check out Breckenridge Outfitters or one of the other shops in town that will hook you up with all the gear you need and an experienced guide to show you the best fishing spots.
If you make it out to Breckenridge, let me know where you end up casting line. I’m always up for some new ideas, especially if the outcome is good.
When I first started biking, my goal was to one day make it to the top of Hoosier Pass. Now, this is no small feat. Sharing the pass with motorists who are just as eager as I to rise to the height of more than 11,000 feet is a daring adventure.
But…it’s one I’ve now got firmly (and proudly) under my belt. For any beginning or intermediate biker, I would not recommend Hoosier Pass. It’s a challenge and you’ve got to be pretty steady on your feet (and wheels) to compete with the road traffic. Still, for those bikers just starting out in Breckenridge Colorado, it’s a lofty, but totally achievable, goal for the future. My recommendation is to start on an easier route, such as Boreas Pass with the Bakers Tank option.
Start slow, build your stamina and work those leg muscles, and I’ll see you at the top of Hoosier Pass in no time.
Hoosier Pass in Breckenridge Colorado is a great ride...for cars and bikes
It’s hard to believe it, but friends and family members are already calling me to book their winter plans here in Breckenridge. While it’s a bit overwhelming to consistently hear the question, “Where should I stay?” I’m glad these folks that I hold near and dear are at least taking the initiative to get started early on their quest for Breckenridge lodging.
So, what’s my advice? First, I tell them to plan their vacation rental around the activities they are coming for. So, if they are hard-core skiers and boarders and want to splurge a bit, I recommend a ski-in, ski-out. When it comes to family, however, I normally suggest Breckenridge home rentals to give them that added space (and give me an opportunity to come relax in the luxury of some of Breckenridge’s finest homes).
Whichever choice they make, getting started early is a key ingredient to a successful vacation here in Breck. Otherwise, you might end up in an interstate hotel far from town. While this scenario isn’t the end of the world, it’s surely not going to guarantee a visit from me.
Does your Breckenridge lodging choice offer this view?
Don’t get me wrong. I love summers in Breckenridge. Sunny blue skies and temperatures in the low 80s are nothing to turn my nose up. Every morning, I wake up an hour before work for a quick hike or mountain bike ride…it’s certainly not what you’d call a rough life.
Still, like many of my friends here in Breck, I can’t help but feel that winter twitch from time to time that fills my body with an anxious desire to get on my snowboard and attack a powder day. ”Just wait,” I tell myself, looking at the calendar to check my countdown until the mountain opens.
I’ve found, however, that whenever this anxious twinge enters my soul, it’s time to head over to Abby Hall, or one of the many other wonderful yoga studios in town. From the first pose, my mind and spirit are renewed and focused, and I leave the yoga studio with a new appreciation to live li
fe in the moment. The fact that the moment is a perfectly beautiful day keeps my winter countdown at bay…at least for the moment. Fortunately, with drop-in classes, I can get my spirit in check whenever my schedule allows it.
Is it just me or does the fresh mountain air and a full day of outdoor activity make you crave something sweet? After hiking a beautiful trail at the top of Hoosier pass today, I just couldn’t resist stopping by my favorite bakery in town, Mary’s Mountain Cookies for a half dozen freshly-baked cookies. My favorite is the snickerdoodle, but they make a mean chocolate chip cookie, too. Do yourself a favor when you’re in town and pick up a bag. Mary’s Mountain Cookies are right on Main Street so you can’t miss it (your nose will alert you when you start getting close).
If you’re driving from Denver, another bakery you have to visit is the Blue Moon Bakery in Silverthorne, which is on the way to Breckenridge. In addition to fresh breads and pastries, they also have excellent sandwiches.
