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A Guide to Breckenridge Out of the Snow

Written on March 19, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Accommodations, Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge Main Street, Breckenridge condos, Breckenridge spas, breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

You’ve likely heard that Breckenridge is a town that’s serious about its snow. While this certainly is no rumor, one of the greatest things about Breckenridge is that it’s not just a ski or snowboard town. Not only do you not have to be a skier or boarder, but you don’t even have to like the outdoors to enjoy Breckenridge. In fact, if you’re planning a trip to Breckenridge, you can fill countless days without either setting foot on the mountain or breaking a sweat. So, if boarding or skiing isn’t quite your cup of tea, consider some of the more relaxing ways you can spend your time.

Relax Indoors! While some of your travel companions might want to spend their days buried in Breckenridge’s deep powder, there’s certainly no shame in opting to stay indoors. In fact, Breckenridge is a great town to plan a relaxing getaway. Plenty of lodging options offer Breckenridge condos or other vacation homes that simply entice you to stay indoors. Sleep in, curl up with a book by the fire, or relax in the hot tub. Your options are as endless as they are relaxing.
Hit the Spa. If you do feel the need for a change of scenery from your Breckenridge rental but are still in relaxation mode, you might visit one of the many premier spas in Breckenridge. Choose from specialty facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, and alternative forms of therapy. You’ll be in good hands with the spa professionals in Breckenridge who take your need to relax seriously.

Shop ‘till you Drop. Breckenridge’s Main Street is lined with unique boutiques and art galleries. Plus, quaint coffee shops, bakeries, delis, and restaurants make it easy to take a break from shopping for a quick (or extended) break. So, whether you’re shopping for Rocky Mountain souvenirs, art, jewelry, or designer clothes, you won’t have a problem finding what you’re looking for in Breckenridge. And, remember, a free shuttle transports locals and visitors around Breckenridge free of charge. So, let the snow pile on your car and leave the driving to someone else.
Sample the Cuisine. All that shopping and sightseeing is bound to work up your appetite, so delight your tastebuds with some of the best restaurants in Summit County. If you time it right, you can find great happy hour prices at South Ridge Seafood Grille, Bubba Gump’s, Rita’s, or a number of other popular eateries.

Breckenridge Condos and Restaurants

Capture History. If endless days of relaxing sound like they could get old, you might plan a day of exploring Breckenridge’s historic roots. Just off Main Street, the Edwin Carter Museum is located in a historic 1875 building. A Breckenridge pioneer known as a “famous log cabin naturalist,” Carter was concerned about Breckenridge’s mining town influence on the local wildlife. He devoted his life to collecting and documenting this wildlife, which can now be seen at his workshop and home, recently restored for tours. Another museum, the Barney Ford House, will give you a deeper look at the home of a black civil rights pioneer and entrepreneur. An escaped slave, Ford was the first black businessman in Breckenridge when he opened Ford’s Restaurant and Chop House in 1880. His home, like many others in Breckenridge, showcases the amazing architecture that has been rooted in the town’s character and charm since the 1800s.

Depending on the time of year that you plan your visit to Breckenridge, you’ll likely have plenty of other options to choose from. Summertime fills with music festivals and farmers’ markets. The fall brings Breckenridge’s famous Oktoberfest celebration. Look out for concerts and movie premiers in the winter. Spring makes for the perfect time to hunt for wildflowers around town. And, if you’re serious about relaxing, be sure to check into Breckenridge accommodations that will allow you the comfort of a vacation home that maximizes your down time. So, put your feet up, slow down, and maximize your time to unwind in Breckenridge.

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Visit Breckenridge: a Perfect Mix of Business and Pleasure

Written on March 7, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Accommodations, Breckenridge Activities, Breckenridge Education, breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

The phrase “corporate retreat” has become synonymous with descriptions such as “boring,” “stuffy,” and even “painful.”

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. This place is Breckenridge, the ultimate mountain-town destination in Colorado’s spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Exceptional Views:

Visit Breckenridge just once and you’ll immediately understand how the views outside every window can inspire creativity and renewal. With vistas spanning the Ten Mile Range as the backdrop from meeting rooms, your employees are certain to be filled with a new business outlook, which is the entire reason for a retreat in the first place. Employees will quickly find that they are far removed from the stuffy routine of the workplace once they spend only a few hours amidst the laid-back, welcoming vibe of Breckenridge. It’s almost impossible not to smile in Breckenridge, just as it’s hard to complain about almost anything…even work. Without a doubt, Breckenridge will offer your employees a renewed sense of energy and appreciation for their job, which will help them bring new ideas to each new task and project.

Lodging in Breckenridge

Unmatched Food and Drink:

Unlike many other retreat towns, Breckenridge offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Planning group meals out will not be a problem in Breckenridge, and you’ll find that options ranging from a casual and low-budget pizza dinner are as easy to organize as large, upscale dining engagements. Of course, Breckenridge also hosts an array of bars where your employees can truly cut loose, if the opportunity is available.

The Home of Group Activity:

When the retreat meetings come to a close and it comes time to organizing group and team-building activities for your corporate retreat, Breckenridge is unmatched in options. For summer meetings, take the team rafting, horseback riding, or golfing. In the winter, skiing and boarding are obvious choices, but you might opt for more group-focused activities such as dog sledding, ice skating, or snowmobiling tours. Of course, if you truly want to reward your employees, pamper them with massages or other spa treatments available at one of the many Breckenridge spas and resorts. And, when your employees are given some alone time, you can guarantee that Breckenridge will offer plenty of choices to keep them busy with activities focused more on individuals and small groups, such as hiking, snowshoeing, or bike riding.

Accommodation Variety:

Lodging in Breckenridge is as easy to find for a couple as it is for large groups. Offering your employees a comfortable place to stay while they are travelling is an integral component of a successful corporate retreat. After all, you’re asking them to step away from the comfort of their own home, so you’d better be sure to give them a comfortable replacement. A block of condominiums or rental houses can offer your group the right balance of privacy and togetherness with separate bedrooms next to large living and dining areas to accommodate.

Remember: the point of a corporate retreat is to get your employees away from the office. Of course, you might have more specific goals of treating them to a weekend of pampering for a job well done or giving them a new backdrop to inspire creativity and approach work with a fresh outlook. Whatever the reason for your retreat, your employees will not be let down with a Breckenridge, Colorado location. In fact, more than likely, you’ll find several of your employees returning to Breckenridge before too long when it’s time for their own vacation.

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An Advanced User’s Guide to Skiing Breckenridge

Written on March 5, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge Main Street, Breckenridge Ski Resort, breckenridge, breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

Thrill seekers flock to the snow-packed Rocky Mountains each winter for the challenge that so many ski towns offer on the slopes. If you’re an avid skier, there’s no doubt that you’re likely squeezing in time to get out and play this winter on some of the advanced sections of Breckenridge’s Ten Mile Range. This connection of the mountains of Peaks 7, 8, 9, and 10 have long been known for advanced skiing and technical difficulty that bring star skiers back year after year. If you’re an advanced skier, a quick overview of Breckenridge’s more challenging terrain will help.

The Facts. Colorado offers exhilarating expert skiing throughout the state, so why do advanced skiers prefer Breckenridge? By devoting 55 percent of its total terrain to black diamonds and offering some of the highest in-bound skiing in all of North America, the question is really a no-brainer. The hundreds of acres of steep terrain bring experts flocking to rise to the challenge of the sport in Breck.

Peak Breakdown. Advanced skiers find terrain on each of the four peaks that fits the level and intensity that they are looking for. You’ll enjoy the high Alpine bowls of Peak 7 and 8 and the steep trails that move through the trees on the North Face of Peak 9. Finally, an intense collection of moguls speed down Peak 10 for difficult skiing.

Chairlift Convenience. As an advanced skier, you mean business. You want to find a mountain that will quickly bring you to the top of each run so that you can speed your way down and repeat the process all day long. You’re allergic to long lift lines and fortunately this isn’t a worry in Breckenridge. The Imperial Express chairlift carries skiers up 13,000 feet to the Imperial Bowl, Peak 8’s most defining and highest run. This lift also leads advanced skiers to Snow White, 150 acres of terrain that was previously off limits to skiers. Additionally, 400 acres of double black terrain make the Imperial Express the lift for those who take their skiing seriously! The Imperial Express will also put you close to the foot path to Peak 7 and the T-Bar that curves its way down between Peaks 7 and 8.

Expert Territory. The back of Peak 9’s North Face is home to powdered terrain with tree shelter. Because a 15-minute hike is required to get back to this area, the snow usually stays fresh and crowds are normally low. For more bumpy and technical skiing, head to Peak 10’s Mustang and Dark Rider. Peak 8 is also a good choice for bumpy terrain that’s loaded with powder, and Chair 6 provides the link to less crowded expert areas. The lower portion of Peak 8 also offers great expert skiing nestled between the trails of High Anxiety and Little Johnny. Peak 9’s E Chair also offers access to bumpy terrain with a little less intensity. And, Peak 10 offers a good mix of black and blue terrain and features the long trail of Cimarron, a normally groomed run used for race skiing.

Breckenridge ski in ski out

Powder. If you find yourself on the mountain on a powder day, you’ll want to check out The Burn, a tree-skiing area on skier’s left of Peak 10. And, among Peak 7’s blue terrain, Ore Bucket is a hidden black area that is a favorite of expert skiers on powder days.

The excitement and exhilaration of expert skiing is not hard to catch in Breckenridge. If you’re up to the challenge, you won’t find a shortage of tough terrain that will take you for the runs you’re looking for on an expert ski mountain. And with plenty of Breckenridge Ski in Ski out accommodations, you’ll find yourself spending all day doing what you love best: hitting the slopes!

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Breckenridge Provides the Best of All Worlds

Written on January 14, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Activities, Breckenridge Arts, Breckenridge Main Street, Breckenridge condos, Breckenridge spas, breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

Many criteria must be met to truly call a ski town “spectacular.” While the most important factor is certainly the ski resort itself, ski towns also earn a good name through their ability to blend town charm, dining, and entertainment. After all, your winter ski trip isn’t going to be limited entirely to the slopes. You’ll want to be sure to find just the right town that blends entertainment with good food and drink, and variety with friendly, hospitable service. If your travel plans take you to Colorado, consider yourself one of the fortunate. If they take you to Breckenridge, your good fortune is immeasurable. Why? Let’s begin to count the ways.

Breckenridge Tops your Activity List. The 2008 “Best of Summit County” results are in, and the yearly poll put out by The Summit Daily News confirms that Breckenridge has it all. Because votes were cast by locals, you know the results are worth your attention. Since Breckenridge takes the top award in categories such as Best Ski Mountain, Best Place to People Watch, Best Golf Course, and Best Hiking Trail, you can be confident that your trip to Breck will be filled with premium adventure opportunities. Now that’s cause for celebration.

Celebrate with the Best Drinks in Town. All the top-rated activity in the world just wouldn’t complete a ski vacation without a good bar to unwind after a day on the slopes in celebration of après ski. You’re in luck if you’re travelling to Breckenridge. The town favorite, Mi Casa, located just at the base of the ski resort, is this year’s Best of Summit County pick for Best Après Ski. Join locals and visitors for a margarita and great Mexican food that’s sure to make each hour a happy one. If you’re style is a bit more posh, head to Main Street’s Blue River Bistro for Summit County’s Best Martini.

Breckenridge

Dine with only the Best Intentions. Dining out is certainly one of the best parts of a vacation. Not only are you afforded the chance to try some new culinary delights, but you simultaneously sit back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. After all, you are on a vacation, which entitles you to live it up. Still, ski town restaurants can be tricky since you have little knowledge of your options. Once again, take some advice from those who know Summit County cuisine. If you’re in to raw fish, try Mountain Flying Fish, winner of Best Sushi Restaurant. If a carnivore’s appetite is more your style, opt for Steak and Rib, voted to serve the Best Steak in Summit County. And, if you’re just looking for overall good food and service, look no farther than Breckenridge’s own Hearthstone, winner of Best Caterer, Best Restaurant, and Best Restaurant Service (weighing in a close second and third were Café Alpine and South Ridge Seafood).

Stay with the Best. Of course, wonderful food, drink, and long days of world-class skiing are key components to granting you your best vacation yet. But, don’t forget about lodging. Rather than opting for a room at a lodge, consider giving your group a bit more privacy and space with a Breckenridge condo or vacation home. Breckenridge accomodations are available in a variety of locations, floorplans, and sizes, so be sure to find just exactly the right place to complete your dream vacation.

While many ski towns offer the picturesque winter wonderland scene that is synonymous with Colorado winter, you might not find just what you’re looking for once you get inside. You can be confident with your decision when choosing Breckenridge, not only for some of Colorado’s best skiing, but for some of Colorado’s best times as well.

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Breckenridge Condos One Reason for Town Popularity

Written on November 15, 2009 by Theresa in Breckenridge Accommodations, Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge Main Street, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge condos, breckenridge, breckenridge events, breckenridge restaurants

Last March, an article was published in the New York Times travel section that praised Breckenridge, not only for its unmatched Ski Resort, but also for its mountain town charm. While these points aren’t breaking news to many of us who have lived in Breckenridge for some time now, it’s important to understand just why so many travelers (about 1.5 million annually) continue to make Breckenridge their vacation destination. Here’s a look at the reasons out-of-towners like to visit Breckenridge:

Mountain Terrain Stats: More than 2,300 acres make up the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Within that massive space, 155 trails are available for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers and boarders to choose from. Additionally, Breckenridge’s four terrain parks and three half pipes offer that extra excitement for thrill seekers. This means that there is something for all of Breckenridge’s many visitors, but that doesn’t equate to long lift lines. The relatively new Breck-Connect brings skiers and riders from the transportation center to the slopes in an 8-person gondola to keep the flow of visitors moving. And, 29 additional lifts spread throughout Breckenridge’s four peaks keeps the stream of traffic moving all day. Among these lifts, visitors will find the Imperial Express SuperChair, North America’s highest chairlift, which transports riders to an elevation of 12,840 feet.

Breckenridge Condos, Town and Ski Resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Main Street Charm: The real backbone of Breckenridge is Victorian-inspired Main Street, a walkable historic district that offers no shortage of bars, restaurants, museums, theatres, and shops. Unmatched in any other Colorado ski town, Main Street of Breckenridge offers so much entertainment that non-skiers find plenty to keep them entertained. And, a free town shuttle transports locals and visitors up and down Main Street. Or, for those who would rather spare some of the travel budget, horse-drawn carriages also offer rides up and down Main Street.

Breckenridge Condos, Restaurants and Bars Along Main St.

Town Events: Those who visit Breckenridge only for the skiing are certainly missing out. Because Breckenridge has more than 3,000 year-round residents, the town is always buzzing with excitement. The laid-back, friendly, and active vibe of Breck’s locals spills into town events, such as the International Snow Sculpture Contest, various sporting competitions, and Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Year round events and activities line the calendar and show visitors that there’s just as much fun to be had off the slopes.

Location and Hospitality: Breckenridge is also a popular destination because of its close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the Denver International Airport. Still, even though the town is just about ten minutes off of the interstate, it is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of traffic and any signs of I-70. Additionally, a variety of accommodation choices are available in Breckenridge. From Breckenridge condos to homes in Hocks Nest, visitors appreciate the affordability and value they find in Breck.

Breckenridge Condos

Focus on Improvements: Unfortunately, many Colorado ski towns do all they can to attract visitors and then make few changes in response to an increase in traffic. Not Breckenridge. In order to keep its small-town charm mixed with big mountain experience, Breckenridge is constantly making changes and additions as tourists continue to flock to town. Recently, the Breckenridge Ski Resort added an entire Peak 7 base village, adding additional lodging and dining options. The Ski Resort has also opened previously inaccessible terrain recently, expanding skiable area to account for new visitors.

With so many visitors choosing Breckenridge year after year as their vacation destination, the numbers speak for themselves. Get to Breckenridge, and see what all the fuss is about.

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Lucky U, Breckenridge!

Written on September 29, 2009 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Activities, breckenridge, breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

I am constantly reminded of the many reasons I’m lucky to live in Breckenridge. The 300 days of sunshine and 300″ of annual snowfall are a good start to my long list. And, of course, the massive playground right in my backyard, also known as the Ten Mile Range, is certainly nothing to scoff at. However, today I’m feeling lucky because I just discovered that my favorite brewery has introduced a new IPA.

That’s right, our very own Breckenridge brewery has just begun serving their new Lucky U IPA, which just happens to be my favorite flavor of brew. The hoppiness of this beer makes it distinct, but the flavor that compliments the hops makes it extremely drinkable. While my plan is to head over to the Breckenridge brewery this Friday for Happy Hour, I’m already growing a bit concerned that this beer might cause more frequent Happy Hour trips. For now, I’ll just take it one beer at a time.

The Breckenridge Brewery sampler

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Breckenridge Restaurants: Insider Secrets

Written on October 27, 2008 by Ski Bum in breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

Here are a few secret, ongoing specials, which are being offered by Breckenridge restaurants.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co – Happy hour from 2-5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. if you’re a local!) in the bar & on the back deck including 2-for-1
Apps, $5 & $6 pitchers of beer, $3.75 22oz margaritas, $1 PBR’s and more!

Burke & Rileys – $6.95 or less ANYTHING on the food menu and 50% off ALL beverages…soda, beer or alcohol. All day, everyday
from 11am – 2am. Offer expires October 31. (970) 547-2782.

The Gold Pan – Happy hour daily from 4-7pm with drink specials. 453-5499.

Jake’s Dive Bar – Bar open 11:30am until close everyday. Daily drink specials; Karaoke on Fridays! 970-547-0110

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant – Daily Happy Hour in the Cantina nightly from 3-6 p.m. with free munchies. 970-453-2071

Relish – Off season special! Two courses for $25 through October 18th. 137 S. Main Street. 453-0989 for more info.

Windy City Pizza – All U Can Eat Buffet $6.99 M-F. Happy Hour Daily 4-6 w/ $1.50 slices
and Miller Lite and PBR Pints. $2.50 import/micros bottles and half off apps. 970 453-5570

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The Cellar, Breckenridge: Another One Bites the Dust

Written on October 23, 2008 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Activities, Ski, breckenridge restaurants

The Cellar

The news in yesterday’s Summit Daily was grim.The State has seized The Cellar Restaurant, as well as Samplings, her sister in Frisco. This is the second time that this has happened within a three-month period. The first was La Petite Francaise, which in a gesture of extreme good will, was rescued by some generous.

However, whether The Cellar is rescued or not, it will no doubt be bought by some other business owner. That said, its history is rather interesting. This is an excerpt from my Breckenridge Guidebook, which is a work in progress:

The Cellar Wine Bar and Restaurant, located at 22 South Ridge Street. Back in the 1880s, it was the home of newspaperman Charles Hardy, who owned the Summit County Leader. Hardy’s newspaper spread the word about rich ores in the mining area. He also featured columns praising the good people in the town. Additionally, the newspaper featured commentary on things that needed fixing, such as deteriorating bridges, stray dogs and railroads running off schedule. While the Summit County Leader was Republican, the Summit County Journal, which was the competing paper, was Democratic.

There’s a bit of irony in the fact that Charles Hardy and Christ Kaiser were neighbors. While Hardy was a staunch Republican, on June 6, 1908, the Summit County Journal announced that Christ Kaiser would be the Breckenridge delegate for the National Convention in Denver. According to the paper, “He is Democrat, all Democrat when it comes to party.” Up until the recent closing of The Cellar, the two restaurants were competing for the coveted title of most elegant dining venue in Breckenridge. However, if one could time travel to the late 1800s, it would be interesting to observe the social dynamics of the two neighbors from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

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Clint's: Coffee Like a Local

Written on October 20, 2008 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Activities, breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

Clint's

Here’s the top story in Monday’s edition of the Summit Daily: Local cyclist Josh Tostado wins the 24 Hours of Utah. So when Tostado walked into Clint’s, he was greeted with a round of applause. Note, that when local celebrities go out for their morning coffee, they come to Clint’s not Starbucks.

You should do the same. Here are some reasons why:

Free Wifi! No password required!
Some of the most creative coffee drinks in town.
Homemade pastries to live for.
Great staff, great atmosphere.
Catch up on local gossip.

So the next time you visit Breckenridge, be sure to check out Clint’s!

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Blue River Bistro

Written on September 11, 2008 by Ski Bum in breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

As you’ve probably noticed, I seem to be on a mission to get you to explore the entire Town of Breckenridge. Not just the mountain, and not just South Main Street. There’s a reason for this. Your decision to choose Breckenridge accommodations means that you are visiting one of the most interesting towns in the state of Colorado. Why not see, hear, taste and experience everything that is has to offer.

For example. Take the Blue River Bistro. Located on North Main Street, it’s easy to miss. But that would be a darn shame. So why do locals love the Blue River Bistro. Here are just a few reasons:

Seared Ahi with crusted sesame seeds and lime sauce.
The chef’s ability to turn a Salad Nicoise into an art form.
An extensive martini list, which includes chocolate mint martinis, creamsickle martinis and more.
Smooth jazz accompanied by smooth wine.
Romantic ambiance
Fabulous staff!

Enough said! So next time you take a Breckenridge vacation, plan a romantic dinner at the Blue River Bistro! It’s located at 305 North Main Street, near the gondola and the Breckenridge Transportation Center.

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