Travel USA: It’s Summer and Breckenridge is Calling!
Travel USA: It’s Summer and Breckenridge is Calling!
By Diane Leone
An In-Depth Guide For Visiting Breckenridge, Colorado
“I learn something every time I go into the mountains.” Michael Kennedy
“I moved here years ago, got tired of being an attorney and decided I wanted to spend the rest of my time living a healthy lifestyle in a healthy and beautiful location,” said Reese my airport shuttle driver and self-appointed tour guide for the drive from the Denver Airport to Breckenridge. I was the only guest on the shuttle so I sat in the front seat to take in the beauty as we made our way to Breckenridge.
Reese graciously offered to stop at “the perfect spot along the highway” so I could get a wonderful photo, I jumped out of the shuttle, into the new altitude and felt quite light-headed. I prepared for the difference in altitude by drinking extra water for days before my trip and I continued to drink a lot of water during my stay and I was perfectly adapted to the altitude by the time we reached Breckenridge. Okay, I’m from Florida so I am used to really flat terrain.
The photo stop was a reminder that I was indeed on my way to Breckenridge. The elevation in Breckenridge is 9600 feet, just a bit higher than my hometown in Florida. The weather was perfect the entire 4 days with an average daytime temperature of 70-degrees and evening temperatures that dipped into the high 30s. I was on my way to a Mastermind Retreat in Breckenridge. It was a trip I couldn’t pass up; between the Retreat and the locale it was a wonderful experience.
As Reese continued driving and pointing out everything of interest all along the route, I wondered what I would do in Breckenridge in the summer? Usually associated with skiing, winter, and snow, I discovered there are many like Reese that fall in love with Breckenridge, the nature, the beauty, the lifestyle, and they stay, not just for the skiing but also for the year-round beauty and many experiences in Breckenridge. There was plenty for me to do while I was there.
The reasons to visit Breckenridge in the summer are numerous. It is a walkable town so it’s very easy to walk from your hotel, B&B, or rental for coffee, dinner, drinks or more right on Main Street.
There is also a free Trolley. Jump on and when you want to get off, just pull the cord and the driver will stop to let you off.
Then there are the awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped mountains, gorgeous greenery, and the streams that grew stronger during my stay as the snow continued to melt high up in the mountains. Born in Florida and still living there I found myself always staring in awe at the mountains, they are breathtakingly beautiful. The backdrop to Breckenridge is one of brilliant blue skies with white, puffy clouds floating by. In some magical way, waking up every morning to crisp clean mountain air made me feel healthy and ready for the day.
There is plenty of adventure and outdoor activities in the summer. If you want to hike-there are 50-plus miles of trails that range from easy to difficult, offering a hiking experience for everyone.
Of course, mountain biking is a popular choice and there is a new type of biking in Breckenridge called Fat Biking.
Riding at a leisurely pace on a 2-mile trek, we stopped often to take in a view and learn about the towns’ history. The staff at Breckenridge Bike Tours by Ridden was patient with us and seemed to love their lifestyle in Breckenridge.
The bike tour on the Fat Bikes leads us to the Broken Compass Brewing, a local brewery making some unique and amazing craft beer with a fun theme, “Where it’s always 5 O’clock on the Ski Hill.”
The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable with some incredible rock and roll music playing to set the tone.
Not to be outdone, the unique Rocky Mountain Underground is a combination of a ski shop where they make handcrafted designer skis along with other outdoor products and have an onsite tavern featuring craft beers and cocktails.
A mixology lesson was fascinating. The bartender Justin, mixed and spun delicious concoctions such as the Sonnie Day, one of my favorites, made with lavender gin, framboise, cardamom honey simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Perfect for sipping at the bar, in the backyard beer garden, or on their front deck.
Breckenridge is certainly on the map with its libations and farm to table food movement. The Breckenridge Distillery is the world’s highest distillery and we started with a wonderful tour of the production process of the variety of vodkas, bourbons, and delicious spiced rum and then had the pleasure of a tasting.
With many types of vodka to choose from, I was taken with the pear and the espresso flavored vodkas. All are creative, unique, and delightful.
The Breckenridge Distillery is unique in another way. There is the most amazing restaurant on site. Chef David Burke is leading the farm to table movement in Breckenridge, sourcing fresh in-season ingredients for his amazing dishes. The James Beard Foundation inducted Chef Burke into the Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America and Nation’s Restaurant News and presented him with the Menu Masters award, naming him one of the nation’s most celebrated culinary innovators.
Having the opportunity to taste so many of the wonderful dishes was a treat and I loved all of it. The unexpected yet tasty Pork Rinds and Hot Sauce were a hit at the table. A favorite of mine was the Korean Pork and Jasmine rice and oh, the Brussels sprouts with bacon, apple, hazelnuts, and maple! For dessert, I couldn’t leave the restaurant in the distillery that had this dessert on the menu without tasting it. The Bourbon Float-made with cherry syrup, Mexican Coke, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Breckenridge Bourbon, sinfully delicious.
Breckenridge is a dream for foodies. One of many experiences is right on Main Street. Blue River Bistro is a must-do dining experience. The décor is elegant and modern yet casual and inviting.
An award-winning restaurant the food was fresh, incredibly tasty, and plated creatively, wonderful in every way. The bistro boasts an impressive wine list and the servers and staff are friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to assist when you can’t decide which delectable dish you want to have for dinner. It also boasts its second happy hour of the day from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily. With a two for one appetizer menu, two for one martinis, and $4 draft beers, it’s hard not to go there and it’s at 305 N. Main St. just a short walk away.
Breckenridge is a very artsy and entrepreneurial town. From Millennials to Boomers, you’ll find all types of small business owners. This has contributed to a thriving art community. One of the most popular studios in the Arts District is Hot Shop where different artists hold classes on all types of art. I spent an afternoon learning about Metal Smithings and making a silver pendant from clay. It was a great and rewarding experience to learn how to take a small lump of clay and at the end of the process, end up with a silver pendant.
With summer in full swing, you’ll find many fine events to attend. From the Gold Panning Championships in June; the 4th of July celebration; the Creative Street Art Festival held every July; and the International Festival of Arts in August with so much more in between, you won’t lack for awe-inspiring events.
Breckenridge, the amazing ski resort in the winter already beckons me to return again in the summer.
IF YOU GO:
Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) has hundreds of flights in and out daily and you can arrange various types of transportation from the airport to Breckenridge. It’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Bike Tours at the new Fat Bike Tours
Craft Beer: Try a craft beer at the Broken Compass Brewing
Interested in Custom Mixed Libations Try one of the unique concoctions at Rocky Mountain Underground. You can shop for custom skies and other accessories while you’re there.
Don’t miss the special events in Breckenridge in the summer!
For an amazing meal try Blue River Bistro
Breckenridge Distillery (schedule time for a tour of the distillery and maybe a tasting!)
BIO
Diane Leone is a professional travel and lifestyle writer and photographer, with over 50 published articles both in print and online and writes about interior design, trends, travel & lifestyle, business, and social media. Diane often writes from the perspective of female solo travel. She is a professional public speaker, often speaking on interior design, social media marketing, and public relations. She has spoken at education conferences, presented to college classes, high school students, educators and spoken at corporate training events. Read more of her work here: DianeLeone.com; OneWomansTravels.com.
Note: Diane was part of a press trip arranged by the Breckenridge Visitors Bureau to experience and write about her visit. All opinions, tips, suggestions and recommendations are based on her experience, and not influenced by any entity mentioned.