A Long Weekend in Breckenridge
Day Note:
It's a long ride from the Denver Airport, so you will probably want to rest up a bit before going out. Fortunately, the Abbett Placer Inn is the perfect place to do this. After all, if you're celebrating Victorian history, why not stay at a Victorian Inn? After you rest, take a walk to Carter Park. Walk south on French Street, and you should get there in about 5-10 minutes. Carter Park is an unexplored oasis in Breckenridge. It was once the site of the first...
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Abbett Placer Inn
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 205 S French Street
- Breckenridge,CO80424-0556
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Map
Description:
Recently renovated, charming Victorian B&B in the heart of Breckenridge, on a quiet street within easy walking distance to all shops and restaurants. The Abbett Placer is a restored 1897 Victorian home with spectacular mountain views. All guest rooms have new beds and down comforters, private baths, cable TV, DVD and clock radio/MP3 players. Free wireless internet access, a guest computer and outdoor hot tub are just a few of the amenities offered. We provide a delicious homemade full breakfast and also afternoon tea. Free ski area shuttle stops outside the door.
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Hearthstone Restaurant
Contact:
- 9704531148
- visit website
Location:
- 130 South Ridge St.
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
A favorite of locals because of its creative cuisine, the Hearthstone is in a historic home built in 1886. It has a rustic yet elegant interior, with fine mountain views from the upstairs lounge. Start with the house-smoked trout, a chile relleno, or crispy lobster, then choose from fresh seafood such as ginger-crusted scallops or ahi tuna. Other choices include the blackberry elk with a garlic-granola crust, Colorado lamb strip loin, and an 8-ounce beef tenderloin with a demi-glace and Yukon gold potatoes.
Author note:
The Hearthstone Restaurant is one of the most romantic dining venues in Breckenridge. However, it also has a wonderful history. This was once the home of Christ Kaiser, who was the local butcher. When the local high school was built, many of the school children from neighboring towns wanted to attend. However, being of limited financial means, they had no way of getting to school. The Kaisers were one of the many Breckenridge families that housed some of these children during the school year. While you're at the restaurant, take a look at the yellow house next door. After Kaiser's oldest son got married, he purchased this house from a Sears catalog. The cost : $475 plus shipping!
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Backstage Theatre
Contact:
- +1 970 453 0199
- visit website
Location:
- 121 South Ridge Street
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
Backstage Theater is home to a variety of Breckenridge's live productions. A non-profit community-based center for the arts, the theater features productions like "The Sound of Music," "The Vagina Monologues," "Frog Prince" and many more. To experience the sights and sounds of the Rockies' artistic side, look no further than the Backstage Theater.
Author note:
On Friday evening, you must catch the Backstage Theatre's production of The Fantasticks. It features an all-star local and Denver cast, and is bound to delight! Try to remember to book your tickets as early as possible, because this show will sell out!
Day Note:
Today marks the beginning of the Breck 150 celebrations. Before you leave, visit http://www.breck150.com, so that you can get a full schedule of the events. be sure to wear good walking shoes, because the activities will take place all over the town. Since you will still be adapting to the altitude, be sure to carry a water bottle to stay well-hydrated.
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Summit County Courthouse
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 208 Lincoln Avenue
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
Summit County Courthouse, built in the early 1900s, is a historic monument in the Breckenridge community. Visitors marvel at the courthouse's original oak staircase, high ceilings, beautiful tapestries, historic photographs, and exterior architecture. The courthouse also features an encased exhibit of minerals that have been collected from the surrounding area. What better way to get some Breckenridge history than a stop at the Summit County Courthouse?
Author note:
After your morning yoga class, head straight to the Summit County Courthouse for a very special ceremony. When the courthouse was built in 1909, the Masons placed a granite block in the cornerstone. The block contains items which represent a slice of life in the 20th Century. It contains newspapers, coins, photographs and other items. On August 8th, these contents will be unveiled, and new items which represent the 21st Century will be placed in the block. Don't miss this!
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Relish
Contact:
- +1 970 453 0989
- visit website
Location:
- 137 South Main Street
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
Chef/Owner Matthew Fackler and his wife Lisa have been Breckendridge locals for over 10 years. They are finally fulfilling a life long dream with this truly amazing restaurant.
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Riverwalk Center
Contact:
- +1 970 547 3100
- visit website
Location:
- 150 West Adams
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
Located adjacent to the Blue River, the Riverwalk Center is home to popular live performances and outdoor concerts. The center can hold up to 774 people and up to 2,000 guests by using the lawn. Groups and performers like National Repertory Orchestra, Blue River Series, Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra, and a host of others are known to grace the stage under the venue tents. The venue also accommodates weddings and receptions. And come the end of summer check the Summit Foundation Rubber Duck Races held here. Check website for events calendar.
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Breckenridge Music Festival
Contact:
- +1 970 453 9142
- visit website
Location:
- 150 West Adams
- Riverwalk Center
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
The BMF provides Breckenridge with some much-needed opportunities for cultural appreciation and education. Thanks to support from the Summit Foundation, BMF is able to have concerts, both classical and contemporary, across a wide span of months each year. Previous Festivals have included performances by the MONTAGE Music Society, the Christy Oboe Quartet, the Central City Opera and many more. Held at the Riverwalk Center and other venues.
Author note:
Tonight's concert offers a special Breckenridge birthday celebration suite.
Day Note:
Today, you can either continue to participate in the Breck 150 events, or take some time exploring other activities in town. Be sure to visit the Breckenridge Arts District. Begin at the Fuqua Stables and the Tin House, which are located on Washington Street, between Main and Ridge, and then explore the galleries and workshops on Ridge Street. Breckenridge has an artist in residence program, which allows visiting artists to spend a month living above the gallery,...
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Portiera Designs Gallery
Contact:
- +1 970 453 1025
- visit website
Location:
- 326 South Main Street
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
The Portiera Designs Gallery specializes in unique artists' creations in a plethora of mediums. Woodwork, paintings, glassware, photography, etc. are on display and for sale. Many of the works are nature-themed. The gallery prides itself on providing an outlet for local artists as well as sharing their goods with visitors who want to bring home something more special than a t-shirt.
Author note:
This is a great place to buy gifts!
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Peak 8 Fun Park
Contact:
- +1 970 453 5000
- visit website
Location:
- 1599-C Summit Country Road 3
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
Peak 8 Fun Park is teeming with adventure activities for kids. Activities like the "Bounce House," "Zip Line," "Mountain Bike Park," "Sky Fly Power Trampoline" and many more will keep kids entertained for days. Whether you want to get lost in the "Amaze 'n Breckenridge" or test your strength at the climbing wall, Peak 8 Fun Park has something for everyone. The adventure possibilities are endless at this leisure park of fun. Check website for complete details and price listing.
Author note:
Sure, it's for kids, but kids at heart can also enjoy!
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The Gold Pan
Contact:
- +1 970 453 5499
- visit website
Location:
- 103 North Main Street
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
Documented as the most continuous operating bar west of the Mississippi, the Gold Pan Saloon has been a favorite local watering hole for miners since 1859. You might expect a gun-slingin' cowboy to walk in through the saloon doors at any moment, but in the meantime, enjoy a drink and some food in this historical landmark.
Author note:
You need to visit this place, if only to see the interior and the old photos. It's amazing! Rumor has it that back in the 1800s, the upstairs was a venue for the "ladies of the night." Apparently, it was frequented by the judges and lawyers. Since they obviously did not want people to know about their "extracurricular activities," a tunnel was built that connected the courthouse to the saloon!
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The Dredge Boathouse
Contact:
- 9704534877
- visit website
Location:
- 180 West Jefferson
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
From the 1900s up to 1942, Summit County had 9 operating dredges. This floating restaurant is a two million pound floating replica of one of the largest and longest ones that stopped operating in 1942 in the Blue River. Taste some of the local history while taking in the majestic view of the Blue River. The restaurant has a good selection of salads, pastas, steaks and seafood, fresh off the boat. A great place to bring the kids.
Author note:
If you had visited Breckenridge in the 1970s, the entire area was covered with rocks, which resulted from the dredge mining era. It's interesting to note that the material from the former dredge boats was used to create ammunition for World War II.
Day Note:
Monday marks the official anniversary of the founding of the Town of Breckenridge. As such, there will be a number of history-related events taking place throughout the town. Make sure to give yourself enough time to travel back to the airport. Since this is a popular event, traffic may be a bit heavy.
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Altitude Gallery
Contact:
- 970-453-2192
- visit website
Location:
- 107 North Main Street
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
Altitude Gallery is the brainchild of expert photographer Timothy Faust. The gallery features the work of local and international photographers, and offers cutting edge photography workshops in a supportive environment. During the 1860s, the building that now houses Altitude Gallery was home to Choy's Chinese Laundry. Choy was quite a character. The Victorian ladies did not improve of his methods, which involved putting water in his mouth, and sprinkling it over the shirts before he ironed them.
Author note:
Stop by this gallery and pick up some professional photos of Breckenridge and the surrounding areas!
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Blue River Bistro
Contact:
- 9704536974x
- visit website
Location:
- 305 North Main Street
- Breckenridge,CO80424
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Map
Description:
How can you go wrong here, with elegant and contemporary cuisine in a relaxed and fun atmosphere? The restaurant has a hip and energetic feel to it, but still has all the sophistication of its fine-dining neighbors. Nightly live music local acts featuring acoustic blues, mountain jazz and much more. Don't miss the amazing art adorned on the bistro walls, available for retail. The restaurant features an extensive menu and wine list including appetizer favorites like Crab Cakes, a huge selection of savory pastas and a delicious selection of steaks and seafood.
Author note:
Don't leave Breckenridge without a visit to the Blue River Bistro! You haven't lived until you've tasted one of their creamsickle or chocolate chocolate mint martinis. If you're in a salad kind of mood, this is a place that raises the nicoise to an art form!
