Seduced by spectacular sunsets and enticed by exciting entertainment, I came to Breckenridge for the winters but stayed for the summers. In doing so, I discovered a small town with big city conveniences, such as free transportation, pedestrian friendly streets, and a plethora of exciting activities for the body, mind and soul. Some come to Breckenridge for a piece of the action; others, for piece of mind. Winter chills excite, but summer serenity entices. Come visit!
Welcome To My World
The Town of Breckenridge is committed to preserving its history and heritage. Victorian architecture remains Victorian, and ultra modern eyesores are, thankfully, strictly forbidden. Nothing labeled "historic" can be demolished. You see those run down shacks on Ridge Street? No, they're not the habitats of snowboard instructors who have recently broke up with their girlfriends and are now homeless! Each shack has its story, which you can learn by taking the Historic Walking Tour sponsored by the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, or by taking a horse and buggy tour by Mountain Man Carriage Company. Aside from the shacks, you can explore some stunning Victorian homes on French and Harris Street. You can even arrange for a Victorian tea in one of the stately homes! Information regarding these tours can be found at the Breckenridge Visitor's Center on Main Street. There's an interactive museum in the rear, which features films and photos about Breckenridge's history as a mining that evolved into a popular ski area.
History comes to life in Breckenridge. This can be scary! Male visitors to the Prospector Restaurant on Main Street often report visions of a mysterious woman. Don't be afraid. She will not harm you. It's only the ghost of Sylvia, a former resident of The Prospector Inn. While the 1860s brought many men to Breckenridge is search of gold, Sylvia came prospecting for a husband. Sadly, her prospects were dim. Paraphrasing local writer Beth Jahnigan, "The odds were good, but the goods were odd." Plus que ca change, it's the same mishagosh. (Translation, with apologies to the French and Yiddish languages: The more things change, the more they remain crazy). However, the odds are changing. The male to female ratio is becoming equal, and many residents, while iconoclastic, are exciting, artistic and multi-faceted. Local iconoclasts hang out at the Gold Pan Saloon on Main Street. Built in 1879, the Gold Pan holds the most continuous liquor license west of the Mississippi. The upstairs of the Gold Pan was a "house of ill repute," which was once frequented by judges and lawyers from the nearby courthouse. There are rumors of a tunnel that ran from the courthouse to the Gold Pan, which assured the anonymity of these visits.
In June, we celebrate Breckenridge history at the Kingdom Days Festival. When Breckenridge was founded in 1859, it was inadvertently left off the map. The area became known as the Kingdom of Colorado. Each year, we celebrate this slight with free walking tours, historic reenactments, and, giving whole new meaning to the phrase, "gotta' go," outhouse races!
Drama Kings and Queens
Couldn't make it to the Cannes Film Festival? No worries! Come to the three-day Breckenridge Film Festival in June. Although some of the indie films might be, shall we say, esoteric, the parties are fantastic! Meanwhile, the Backstage Theatre on Ridge Street presents a fantastic repertory of summer performances, and the Riverwalk Center holds its annual music festival. Not the artsy type? Let's go out and play!
Are You Out of Your Mine?
Winter, visitors to Breckenridge ascend 3,000 feet to get to the top of the mountain. Summer, folks descend 1,000 feet to explore the 100 year old Country Boy Mine. If you miss that winter sliding experience, you can slide down the 55 foot ore chute. The Country Boy Mine does have alternatives for the claustrophobic. You can pan for gold at Eureka Creek, or spend time with the baby burros that roam the mining camp. But if you'd rather ride than snuggle, head for the horses!
A Horse is a Horse
Of course, a mountain town like Breckenridge would provide ample opportunities for horseback riding. At the Kingdom of Breckenridge Stables, your horse is your tour guide. He'll take you up a long and winding trail that leads to open mountain meadows and glorious scenery. There is also a sunrise breakfast ride, which features an all you can eat breakfast buffet. But before you over-indulge, keep in mind that Breckenridge subscribes to "leave no trace" rules on our mountain trail--if you get my drift!
By Bike or By Hike
If you're not a horse person, you can explore the mountains of Breckenridge by bicycle. In fact, if you don't want to schlep, the chairlifts are equipped to carry bicycles. Need an adrenaline fix? Consider the Breckenridge 100, an ultra endurance race that takes place in July.
Those who want to explore the mountains unencumbered by bicycles or horses can hike the peaks by foot. Quandary Peak is one of Colorado's 53 Fouteeners, whose elevation exceeds 14,000 feet. The Mail Run follows an old mail route past a ghost town and silver mine. The visitor's center can supply information about hiking and biking trails.
Rafts, Rods and Clubs
Come spring, as the snow melts from the Breckenridge mountaintops, it seeps into the rivers, which pulsate in gratitude. Breckenridge Whitewater, takes advantage of this phenomenon by offering whitewater rafting for all abilities. If you prefer a more serene activity, consider fishing in the unpolluted Blue River.
Fore!
The 27-hole Breckenridge Golf Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. This award winning course has helped many golfers get their bragging rights. Since thinner air provides less resistance, golf balls hit at higher altitudes go further than a ball hit at a lower elevation. With average summer temperatures ranging between 65 and 80, you can be assured a hot game while staying cool.
Up, Up and Away
If you'd like to fly in a beautiful balloon, Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides provides complimentary transportation from Breckenridge to their location near Wilkerson Pass. As you ascend into thin air, you will be entertained with classical music. Upon your return to earth, you'll enjoy a champagne toast, followed by a sit down breakfast.
Although Breckenridge summers offer a medley of exciting activities, an evening walk through the town is perhaps the most memorable. Observe the lights that illuminate the town and the mountain. "Behold, the Kingdom of Breckenridge!"
This guide to a Breckenridge summer was brought to you by Lisa Marie Mercer.