While the Breckenridge Ski Resort has been known to serve up some great skiing terrain, the local restaurants have a reputation for serving some savory meals. In many cases, your Breckenridge dining experience might come with a history lesson. For example, the Gold Pan Saloon established in 1859, is the longest continuously operating bar west of the Mississippi. While it's location on 103 Main Street makes it a popular tourist spot, this former miner's bar also has a dedicated local following. In fact, the ski bums that hang out at the Gold Pan bear an uncanny resemblance to the former rough and ready miners who once frequented this rowdy establishment. If drinking is not your thing, come for breakfast. The pancakes are quite delicious. The Gold Pan frequently has concerts that feature local musicians.
For a more elegant trip into Breckenridge history, plan a dinner at the Hearthstone Restaurant on Ridge Street. This exquisite 1880s building was once the home of Christ Kaiser, a German immigrant who owned the local butcher shop. In Breckenridge, Hearthstone is a synonym for romance. Dress beautifully, and enjoy watching the other beautiful people. In April, the Hearthstone takes part in the Bite of Breckenridge event, which features full-course meals priced between $15 and $25.
Hearthstone's wine list has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" annually since 1997. However, if you are a martini type of guy or gal, check out the Blue River Bistro on North Main Street. In fact, you have to wonder what type of drugs the owners were taking when they came up with concoctions such as a Jolly Rancher martini, a Creamsicle martini and a Vitamin C martini. But before you laugh in disbelief, the drinks are quite tasty, perhaps too tasty since their non-alcohol ingredients disguise their potency. Since one drink at 9,000 feet equals three at sea level, please drink responsibly. The beauty and elegance of the Blue River Bistro does not lend itself to loud and boisterous laughter. Coat your stomach with some of the restaurant's fine cuisine before trying to raise your spirits with their spirits. A hangover on the slopes is no fun.
Speaking of the slopes, let's talk about on-mountain dining in Breckenridge. The concept of good on-mountain dining at most ski resorts is basically an oxymoron, unless your taste in food has been so spoiled by fast food that you wouldn't know a good meal if it was brought to you on a silver platter. Fortunately, for those of you who have made a concerted effort at refining your taste buds, you do have some semi-palatable choices. The toasted subs at Vista Haus, located on Peak 8, are edible. The Peak 9 Restaurant, located at the Beaver Run resort serves a tasty lunch buffet. Spencer's at the Beaver Run has a delicious and relatively affordable Christmas buffet.
The dining in Breckenridge is enticing enough to tempt your non-skiing significant other to accompany you on a ski trip. Hand over your credit card for a daytime shopping experience, and take them on a romantic dinner in the evening. You'll never hear the "I wanna go to Miami" whine again!
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by our resident ski gourmand, Lisa Marie Mercer
The title says it all--a day of skiing burns about 500 calories. So feel free to indulge in all you want to eat and drink, because you are getting a workout. And you deserve it. And you are worth it. And you can diet another day. And pancakes have wheat flour, and the martinis have vitamins. Plus, you can get a good night's sleep in your comfy vacation rental villa and sleeping is also really good for burning calories. Especially when you sleep in a place booked at Zonder.com!