iGoBreckenridge.com

Ride the Rockies

2008-06-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

We just finished the "Ride the Rockies" event here in Breckenridge. This is an extremely challenging bicycle run starting at a different point each year. This year the event started down in southwest Colorado, continued for six days, and finished here in Breckenridge. This is not a race. This is roughly two thousand people from all over joining together to ride over four hundred miles, each leg of the event being at least forty miles. One of the things I love about living out here is that people don't come here to retire and play shuffleboard. They don't come here to reminisce about the good old days. They come here to ski, to play spectacular golf courses, to ride bicycles for miles through the valleys, and to be surrounded by life nurturing scenery.

Granted, Breckenridge is a ski resort and, like most ski resorts, caters to young people. But young is a very relative term here and no one assumes that the older folks here are any less athletic or enthusiastic about life than they are. Unlike places that are just ski resorts, however, Breckenridge was a town first, a ski resort much later. Like a lot of old mining towns, Breckenridge survived the demise of gold mining and today combines the old west along with fine dining and wonderful hospitality. People who come here once come twice. I did. Then I chose to live here. I'm glad I did.

Tamarind Drink

2008-06-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

Chef Mercedes Baynes has still another treat in store for those who fancy Caribbean cooking. In her popular website, BrimstoneRecipes.com, Mercedes guides you through the kitchen once more, this time for a "Tamarind Drink." For what Mercedes calls a "refreshing drink," you simply take four cups of shelled tamarinds, add in eight cups of water, two cups of brown sugar, four pieces of thinly sliced ginger root, and a few fresh mint leaves.

Combine the tamarinds and water in a large pitcher and soak them overnight. Remove the tamarind pulp. Strain the mixture through a sieve, add ginger slices and add sugar to your own taste. After chilling the concoction for a couple of hours, you're ready to enjoy this refreshing libation.

Life in the Rockies

2008-06-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here it is, at long last, spring in the Rockies. Well, maybe. This has been a little different year than usual for Breckenridge. We had record snowfall this past winter and now, despite rampant rumors of global warming, it's still pretty cool here in the evenings. But that's what makes Breckenridge so special. If you don't like the weather, as they say,wait twenty minutes. That's not just a saying here, it's what happens. But the flowers are poking out, the Blue River is picking up steam,the bike paths are open, and people here are doing what theycame here to do, exercise and play.

I'm not biased about this unless you could call fleeing from Florida as fast as possible after twenty five years of constant heat. Add overcrowding and neon and you have a first class recipe for bad living conditions. There's probably more Harleys in Colorado per capita than any other state. I'm not nearly as cavalier as I once was about sharing the highway with eighteen-wheelers, but riding up through the mountains is worth trailering your bike all the way from, well, Florida if necessary. I've lived here for about five years and I never tire of being in, not just somewhere near, the Rockies. I'm not knocking the ocean. I spent a lot of years on it. But there's something special about the mountains that you can't appreciate until you experience it.

Obama a Loser?

2008-06-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

A recent post in Igopolitics.com seems to accuse the American public of being "brainwashed" into socialism by the Democratic Party. and in particular, by Barack Obama. While professing to champion American values, the editorial questions whether Obama shouldn't be "judged by the company (he) keep(s)" The author seems to believe that Obama would be the first president to take office without extensive experience. One of these examples is that Obama has never spent time in the military. Well, neither did Bush. And two former field generals, Grant and Eisenhower served their country in the military but had no experience in the political field. And history records them as barely average as presidents.
Obama's stance on banning semi-automatic weapons is viewed as a harbinger of his real intent, to ban all firearms. And his expressed willingness to spend money on foreign nations is viewed as communistic. It's true that Obama is young and somewhat untested in those traits of character and resolve we'd like to see in our presidents. But if he'll need on the job training, it certainly won't be the first time America has seen this happen. Hopefully, he's a quick study.

Breakenridge

2008-06-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

I was out on the Harley a couple of days ago, just taking a relaxing run up through the Vail Valley. I believe there are more motorcycles, mostly Road Kings, in Colorado than any other state in the country. Mine isn’t a Road King, it’s an ’88 Softtail with chrome just about everywhere you can find a place for it. It doesn’t make it run any better but it sure looks shiny.
People ride or trailer their motorcycles to the Rockies to do just what I was doing, riding up through magnificent vistas, untroubled by teeming traffic and tall buildings. See and be seen is the idea. I’ve lived here in the Rockies for five and a half years and I’ve never gotten over the majesty of it all. It’s pretty hard to be a part of all of this and not think about the Creator, whatever your particular ideas may be on that subject. I love to ski and the winters are great too. But once you put the skis away for the season, Breckenridge is still as neat a place as you can find to kick back and just enjoy the world you live in.

Breckenridge Mud Season

2008-06-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Breckenridge locals have for years referred to the four to six week gap between the snowfall and the flowers blooming everywhere as “mud season.” As the spring weather warms the mountains, the snow starts to melt and runs down through the valleys in torrents, swelling the Blue River to the delight of fly fishermen and kayak enthusiasts. But before the summer is officially here, that same snow melt can create a lot of mud in the lower altitudes. Hence, the term “mud season.”
This has been an unusual spring even by Breckenridge standards where, if you don’t like the weather, wait twenty minutes. As recently as yesterday, June 11th, we had snow. People have broken out their motorcycles, bicycles, and hiking gear and, seemingly as a protest, nature says, “Not so fast, partner.” But Breckenridge offers as much fun during the summer as anywhere on the planet. It’s a treat to live here and a treat to just come spend some time watching the mountains and the valleys pop with flowers. There’s a saying here. “People come for the winter to ski, they come for the summers to live.”

Camping in the Fog

2008-06-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Some insights into hiking in low visibility conditions is provided in CamperVoice.com. The article makes the somewhat intuitive observation that falling off a cliff "can be painful," but the author's levity makes the point. Falling off a cliff can be deadly. It's not hard to check weather reports or even camp rangers for clues as to the conditions you might expect on your expedition. Mountain trails can become narrow without much warning so communication with your fellow campers is vital. Then too, avalanches are always a safety threat but the danger can be minimized if you familiarize yourself with the terrain and any history of such potentially lethal events. The author isn't trying to dissuade anyone from hiking into the wild. He just wants hikers to minimize the inherent dangers they might encounter. Have a nice hike.

Winter in Breckenridge: Break out the Camera!

2007-10-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Those photos you took last year in Breckenridge were great -- the summer aspens, the dark green pine trees, and the towering peaks in the background. Summer in Colorado is colorful, but winter can be even better for the photographer!

Take the lift up to the top of any of the peaks and break out your trusty tripod. In many conditions, even the slightest shiver will give your photo a blurry effect, which isn't exactly ideal for that picturesque mountain shot. It's an even better idea to use a combination of tripod and a remote shutter release, either cable or battery activated. This will give you a virtually still shot.

Don't forget the filters! A few different polarizing filters can really bump up the finished image. Just screw one onto the end of your lens, and be prepared to see some amazing photos as a result. For a more "dreamy" image, use a soft blur filter, these are especially effective under the harsh noontime sun. The crisp whiteness of the snow can cause some serious over-lighting, so watch your aperture. If you are in doubt, vary the camera settings so you make sure that you get a workable image.

Hit the slopes early on and then again later in the day if possible. This will give you the most contrast in your photographs, both with landscape shots, and shooting portraits. A portable mirrored surface is a great item to pack along too. If you are going to be photographing other people, using the mirror will prevent that over-lighting effect on their upper features.

Real Estate Deals in Breckenridge

2007-10-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

With the housing market in a slump, there has never been a better time to buy in Breckenridge, Colorado, one of America's premier resort towns. Whether you are looking to invest in a quaint Victorian home, or a modern loft, the realtor's in Breckenridge can help you find that perfect place!

There is a curious mixture of the old and new in this little town, renovated homes from the 1800's back up to new construction in some areas, and as Breckenridge continues to grow, more and more new homes are available. While the median home price is not light, just over 1.2 million, what you get for your buck sure goes a long way. Think of being able to go hiking or skiing in the Rockies whenever you felt like it, by just walking out the front door?

With the advent of internet based businesses skyrocketing, it no longer matters as much just how close you are to the office. You could have a home office in Breckenridge and work for a company based in New York, with lunch breaks on the terrace, and a view of the mountains in your backyard.

All of the friendly Realtors in Breckenridge are ready to help you find that home you've been looking for, if you want to begin a remodel project on an older place, or if you would like to just move into a new custom house. Breckenridge has more to offer than just about any other resort town in the west, with more and more people wanting to escape the crowded cities, now is the time to buy!

5 Spots You Have to See in Breckenridge

2007-10-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

When you first arrive in Breckenridge, chances are that you'll be overwhelmed by the charm of the little Victorian village. There are a few "must see" places to hit before your quality time is up, though!

1: Town Center. More than 200 shops make their home around Breckenridge, the cozy stores offering everything from that bit of winter clothing to the newest hand-tied fly for your fishing adventure. These friendly shops cater to your wildest dreams.

2: Peak Nine: Even if you aren't into hitting the slopes with a board or skis, Peak Nine offers some of the greatest scenery in the western United States. If you don't bring your camera, you'll be sorry!

3: Carter Museum: Started off as a "Cabinet of Curiosities", the small Carter Museum quickly gained fame on an international level in the late 1800's with it's massive collection of mounted animals and gemstones. Carter was one of the first naturalists to take the idea that man has a profound impact on the wildlife around him, as evidenced by the mutated remains poisoned by the harsh mining practices.

4: Winter Sleigh Ride: Missing the delights of a sleigh ride through the surrounding hills and vales of Breckenridge would be crazy, the gently falling snow, the steady beat of the horse's hooves, all of this combines to create a truly romantic trip back in time.

5: Blue River: The river that winds it's way through the town center offers up more than just some pretty scenery. Fishing on the Blue is considered to be some of the best in the west, and in the summer, you can take to the water in a kayak or a canoe. Many of the sports stores nearby rent out equipment for those of an adventurous bend.

Photographing Breckenridge: A How-To Guide

2007-10-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

The mountains of Breckenridge can be visually overwhelming to many of us, how do you capture such magnificent vistas on film? While landscape photography does require a few additional items for you camera, it doesn't have to break the bank, but it does require you to have a good sense of timing.

You have to think of the mountains as you would a still-life with apples and oranges, it is the quality of light falling onto the image that will make for the best shot, and the most memorable. Since they haven't invented a flash bulb big enough to rival the sun at such a distance, you'll have to rely on your sense of daily timing. Scouting out the location is a good idea, get a feel for the best angles of the Rocky Mountains, and the best hour to show up with your camera.

Obviously, dawn and evening are going to give you the greatest contrast for the rippled texture of those skyflung peaks. It would be a good idea to photograph both, and then sit down and compare which lighting you prefer the most. Dawn will be paler, and flatten out the image slightly, whereas the intense light of the setting sun will bring out the most depth, but at the cost of clarity. Talk to the other photographers in the town, they are very friendly, and more than willing to help set up a perfect shoot.

Using a standard daylight filter, which you can pick up in a shop down in Breckenridge, capturing the mountains purple majesty can become simple. Just take your time.

Winter Hiking in Breckenridge

2007-10-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Remember those great shots you took last summer in Breckenridge, Colorado? There are probably a few in frames on your desk right now, the view from the saddle, the aspens, the beautiful river. Guess what? Those views are even more stunning in the winter season!

Just because there is snow on the ground doesn't mean that you can't access the beauty of Breckenridge. Many of the local shops rent out winter hiking accessories that enable you to venture out into the crisp mountain air no matter how deep the powder lies. Snowshoeing is a particular favorite of many of the year round citizens of this quaint little town, there is a local club that hits the trails after the first snowfall to the spring thaw. Guides (many of them club members) are available through your hotel, they can help you rent out the equipment you'll need, and go with you to make sure you stay safe while enjoying yourself.

If stomping around in the snow isn't your speed, how about taking a nice ride on horseback on some of the local paths? Even if you have never been on a horse before, these gentle pack animals can take you all over the hills that border the high slopes of Breckenridge, giving you more time to notice the scenery and enjoy the winter air. Stopping off for a quick mid-day picnic is a wonderful way to spend some time gazing about, and it gives the horses a chance to beg for some sweets from you.

Breckenridge is beautiful all the year long and in winter it shows many different sides. Just make sure that you are there to see them!

Fishing in Breckenridge

2007-10-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Even if you missed out on hitting that lunker the last time you cast into the cool, clean waters of Breckenridge, Colorado, this time is going to be different! With some of the best fishing guides in the United States, you're going to find that trophy fish.

The guides that work in the Rocky Mountains know where the fishing is best, for each season, after all, many of them have grown up in the region, and fished their entire time here. The lakes and rivers near Breckenridge produce some of the finest fish you can find, and also some of the smartest, it seems.

Local tackle stores can help you find that perfect guide to show you what lure to use, where, and when. Those elusive fish won't be able to hide as well from your casts with the aid of these professionals. Every fish has it's particular season, and of course, these change from region to region, so these locals really know what to look for. Trout might only rise to a certain type of fly or spoon at a pinpointed time, and it's this sort of knowledge that makes a fishing guide so indispensable. Sure, you could pack a zillion flies into your luggage, and hope for the best, but wouldn't it be a much more relaxing vacation if you hired a guide? You can hit the waters early in the day, and have the house chef cooking your catch that evening, along with a great bottle of wine and good company.

Revisit Breckenridge!

2007-10-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

So, here you are, sitting in your office again, thinking about that fantastic vacation you took last year. Summer in Breckenridge, Colorado was beautiful, you hiked the trails, hit the restaurants, and the pool. Why not head back for the same wonderful reception again, in the winter?

If you are into skiing, look no further than Breckenridge! After a fantastic breakfast, you can meet the ski lift just about outside your door, and be hitting the slopes in no time. The majestic peaks that soar above you create world-class ski panels of pure white snow, in a variety of patterns. From the bunny to the pro, there is a slope just for you in Breckenridge.

Since the snow is so perfect, the area attracts some of the best instructors in Colorado, too. Take a few lessons from one of the ski-pros and you'll cruising the slopes without falling down quite as much, and laughing. All of the hotels in Breckenridge can recommend a number of really great teachers, to show you the way to easily glide down the snow and look like you've been doing it for years.

Breckenridge is not just about skiing, though. Did you know you can take a sleigh ride out into the heavy forest? Services will pick you up from your hotel, and take you out on a journey you are not likely to forget, with the pure white snow and the clip-clop of the horse's hooves, and the tall pine trees all around.

The winter ambiance of Breckenridge, Colorado, is truly stunning, whether you want to sit in a pub and tell stories with your friends that you've met here, or go out into the crisp air of the mountain side and experience Nature at her finest.

The Mountain

2007-10-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Breckenridge Ski Resort has a lot to offer, most important of those things, is the very mountain you will be skiing on. From the gentle rollers of Peak 7, to the challenging and exhilarating terrain of the Lake Chutes, every level of skier is sure to find exactly what they are looking for.

Breckenridge has become world renowned for its terrain and challenging slopes. On any given day you will find world class athletes honing their skills on the hills. There are freestyle events held continuously during the winter months and you never know what celebrity you may run into on the peaks. The rugged and beautiful landscape of this area claims home to some of North America's highest peaks.

Linking Main Street to the mountain is the BreckConnect which debuted in December of 2006. This is a whole new way that visitors can access the town and the mountain. The gondola allows the resort and the town the ability to maintain the perfect balance of character and vibrancy that Breckenridge’s Main Street and Downtown are known for.

Peaks 10 through 7 offer up a variety of terrain and here we'll outline those peaks.

Peak 10: Encompassing long mogul runs, perfectly groomed corduroy and amazing tree skiing. You will also get a fantastic view of the Upper Blue Valley as whisk through the trees and down the south side, you will discover hidden powder stashes and great steeps.

Peak 9: Some of Summit County's friendliest terrain can be found here. Often a beginner zone, Peak 9 is a perfect place for beginners and youngsters alike. At the top of this peak lies to local favorite's; "Devil's Crotch" and "Mine Shaft", which are sure to get your heart racing.

Peak 8: Here is some of Colorado's steepest terrain. The east facing lake chutes and great snow combine for a chest thumping experience!

Peak 7: Peak 7 is the perfect place to lay down some arching turns and is typically less crowded.

You're sure to find the perfect slope, chute and terrain on this mountain, no matter which peak you choose.

Breckenridge Welcomes You

2007-10-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Located at 203 South Main Street, in the Blue River Plaza, sits Breckenridge's newest old building. Confused? The Breckenridge Welcome Center underwent major renovation a couple of years ago and is now, part modern information center and part historic information center.

While renovating the Bailey Building for the use of Welcome Center the designers got a very big surprise. Under all the drywall and more contemporary flooring was a virtual hidden treasure. The discovery of a very well maintained log cabin between the two newer additions was more than they could have hoped for. The original intent was to have the Welcome Center be a place where visitors could get a glimpse of Breckenridge's history, and now the history surrounds them. Visitors walk along the very same floorboards that the miners' boots walked on over a hundred years ago. They can run their hands over the fine wood craftsmanship of the beams and other woodwork in this 19th century log cabin, which was most likely someone’s home in the 1800’s.

The Welcome Center opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2006, and is now an interpretive museum featuring displays on life in Breckenridge in the 1880's. The Center also features multimedia displays spanning the history of Breckenridge, from a Native American Settlement, to a booming gold mine town, to modern Victorian ski village.

As with any Welcome Center, you can find out information and collect brochures about things to do in Breckenridge, where to stay, eat, shop and mingle. They also have a display that speaks about the environmental and conservation efforts of Cucumber Gulch Preserve, a 77-acre wetland sanctuary, which is located about a mile outside of town.

Ski Lessons For The Children

2007-10-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Breckenridge is the perfect place to introduce your kids to the fun filled world of skiing! They can improve their skills (or learn them if younger), gain self confidence and make new friends. Once they meet the on snow meeting locations, a skilled instructor will group them with other children who are at their skill level. They won't feel out of place and special attention will be given to each child and their personal concerns.

Breckenridge's Online Children Reservations System will allow you to save time by reserving your child's lessons online. This new site walks you through the process of reserving your child's lessons and activities. It's fast, easy and convenient, be sure to take a moment and sign the release of liability form.

Once your children are there, they will receive hands on instruction that will improve their ability based on where they are currently in skill. And while you may think that your child might be placed in a class with children younger or older than them, due to experience, you would be surprised by the mix of ages for each skill level. Breckenridge makes sure that your "snow bunny" is prepared to tackle the slopes that are well within their range and they will be making new friends along the way.

You can feel free to leave them in qualified hands for the duration of the class and pick them up at the end of each class as better skiers!

Breckenridge, A Haunted History

2007-10-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

As with any old "settlement" town, this community is chock full of Ghosts and Ghouls. This time of year, everyone is looking for a good scare; Breck has its fair share, to be sure!

We'll ease you into these "ghost stories" by starting with a mystery. I'm sure you've heard of "Tom's baby", right? Well Tom Groves was a miner who found the largest nugget in American history, weighing a whopping 151 oz. (that's a lot of gold, in case you were wondering). Well, Tom paraded this nugget around town in a blanket like a baby. After Tom turned it in for the money, the gold disappeared on its way to Denver, not to be seen again... until it resurfaced in 1972. The Colorado State Historical Museum located the nugget in a vault located in a Denver bank, where it had been deposited for "safe keeping" in 1926! Mystery still surrounds the whereabouts of Tom's Baby, where was it for all those years in between?

For some real chills, pull up a stool at the 120 year old bar in The Brown Hotel & Restaurant and ask Mike all about what goes on there. In fact, locals won't even enter the women's restroom without a "partner" for fear of running into the establishment’s resident ghost, Mrs. Whitney. Mrs. Whitney was shot by her lover in an upstairs bedroom after he discovered that money was her true motive. Patrons and employees have reported that glasses and relish trays will empty by themselves, not to mention doors slam on a regular basis, even when no one is upstairs!

Another "haunted spot" in Breckenridge is The Prospector Restaurant at 130 S. Main Street. Its resident spirit is Sylvia, one of the most enduring personalities! She is a miner's widow who lived there in the 1860's. It was a boarding house and it is said she resides there to this day. She was said to be a prospector herself, but of suitors, not gold! She only appears to men and can be quite mischievous!

Ask the locals, they'll let you know where to go for the “real deal” ghosts in this town!

The Torrid History of Breckenridge

2007-10-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Do you feel sometimes like you would rather secede from the daily urban struggle and declare yourself independent? You can in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Founded in the mid 1800's, this small burg made a name for itself during the gold rush. On the west side of the Blue River, a happy-go-lucky red light district sprang into being to comfort all of those digging in the hard soil for yellow nuggets of the precious metal. When the mines began to play out, the workers left, but the town did not. It was just too beautiful to leave for many of the settlers, and they set up their Victorian style homes and shops on either side of the water.

The town had dwindled down in size, of course, and in 1936, the citizens were surprised to find out they were no longer on the map of the United States! To this day, the Heritage Festival celebrates the ability of this little strip of land to declare it's own sovereignty for a weekend or so in August.

Of course, the red light district is no longer there and the shanties are long gone. In fact, just after World War Two, fewer than three hundred people were living in Breckenridge, but with the advent of recreational skiing, the town population has increased more than tenfold.

Breckenridge still maintains it's old-world charm, but mixes it with the best of the modern world. A Victorian bed-and-breakfast may very well have satellite television and a hookup for high speed internet access.

This is truly a town that spans the ages, from a hard-living rough and tumble lifestyle that began here, to the relaxed and upscale version we can experience today.

Romantic Getaway Vacation: Breckenridge, Colorado

2007-10-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

It's hard to imagine. Not much more than a football field away from the gondola that carried you up the mountain for a day of skiing, here you are, sitting in a riverside hot tub, enjoying a bottle of wine and relaxing in the cool mountain air.

This isn't unusual in Breckenridge, Colorado, though! You can feel the stresses of the city fall away from you as you take in the magnificent views through a light curtain of steam rising from the water. The cell phone is turned off, the glasses are full, and the location is perfect. Perfect for romance, that is.

The Victorian town perched on the side of the Rockies is a wonderful place to enjoy the company of a loved one, neat little shops abound for daytime purchases of odds and ends, small taverns and restaurants give off an ambiance that is only enhanced by the crisp air all around you.

Hiking trails feather out from the village, and even some short hikes can lead to spectacular views best enjoyed with a picnic lunch. Don't be surprised when your thoughts turn to romance, Breckenridge is built for the amorous adventurer.

Small lodges and bed and breakfasts complement the larger hotels, and all of them work together to make sure that you have a fantastic vacation, no matter where you stay. Be sure to check with the local shopkeepers for tips on where to dine, and where to take that special someone for an unforgettable view.

Winter skiing, summer hiking, or just a nice walk about the small town -- any of these can truly ignite passion in Breckenridge.

Photographing the Rockies, What You Need to Succeed

2007-10-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

So, here you are in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado, gazing out at the Rockies from your balcony while sipping a hot mocha. It took you some time to get here, so why not encapsulate the moment with a photograph?

The arrival of digital photography has taken the world by storm, and it is on a vacation like this that a digital camera will truly pay for itself. No more wasted shots, or out of focus images. With a digital camera, you can immediately see what you've captured, and reshoot if necessary.

The vibrant colors of the Rockies can be overwhelming, picking up an inexpensive daylight filter is a really good idea, if you are using a digital single lens reflex (DSLR). By just screwing it on over your main lens, you can keep unwanted bright light from ruining a potentially great shot.

Camera stores supply a really handy collapsible mylar mirror that can be used to reflect some of the sun's light upwards, keeping down that "caveman" look if you are taking a picture of a person. Just unfold it, and angle the reflection up to get rid of the dark shadows cast by the sun through the incredibly clear sky of Colorado. These are lightweight (about 10 ounces) and very inexpensive, a two footer will set you back about 30 bucks.

Pay attention to the camera settings too! If you are shooting a distant cliff, make sure you don't have the button set on "portrait" from your last modeling session. Unlike film cameras, the digital body enhances the aspect of the image according to what preference you have set.

The big thing about taking pictures in the Colorado Rockies is to have fun with it! Remember, bad images can be deleted, and the great ones kept to remind you of your awesome vacation.

Cold Water Trout

2007-10-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

The stream is bubbling nearby, cold drinks for later soaking in the water. Ten feet in back of you is a small, neat campfire with a pan holding a bit of warm bacon. What could be better? How about some freshly caught fish to sizzle?

There isn't a fish in the world as flavorful as the trout you have just gathered and cleaned, then fried up in a simple black iron pan right at the edge of the water.

You are drooling, I can tell.

First things first. Get up in the morning, yawn, and start the coffee. Oh yeah, it is another nice sunny day in Breckenridge, Colorado, and you are at 10,000 feet with a clear blue stream running right down the bank. What a trip this has been! Oh, but the best is yet to come. Down in the town, you were lucky enough to pick out a few choice hand-tied flies from a local shop, and it goes perfectly on the end of the tippet.

Pull out the line, and begin your casting series, back and forth, back and forth, until you can place that little lure right in the shadow of the boulder in the middle of the water, where it runs deep.

Wham! On the first cast that lands, a beautiful trout rises to snatch the fly, and you hook into a fighting fish. Only moments later, with the fish landed and cleaned out, the smell of the campfire stove radiates something amazing. Fresh fish, just out of the stream, served with a little bit of bacon, hot coffee, and something colder for afterwards. Soak in the surroundings and smile, it just doesn't get any better than this.

A Night On The Town

2007-10-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for some fun, check out Breckenridge after the sun goes down. There are so many activities to choose from, you might not be able to decide.

If you are into the club scene, Breckenridge has clubs you'll be raving about long after your visit is over. Cecilia's is the premiere dance club and martini bar in Breckenridge. Cecelia's features the longest and happiest happy hour in Breck. You can go in at 5 and enjoy three leisurely hours of half-price martinis, which is a good deal anywhere! Whether you're winding down from a day of skiing or you are just starting your evening, you'll enjoy music as diverse as the crowd! Cecilia's is located at 520 South Main Street in the heart of Breckenridge. You can visit Cecelia's web site at www.cecilias.tv.

Another fantastic spot to wind down and get down is Sherpa and Yeti's. Sherpa and Yeti's features live bands and is a discotheque in the truest sense. In the past they have featured such artists as "Who's Bad", the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute band who really sold out the house with their renditions of everything from "ABC" to "You Rock My World". They even had synchronized dance moves including the Moon Walk. Also featured recently was "New Monsoon", who regularly wow the crowds with their inflection of rock bravado and world rhythms. Upcoming acts include "Trampled By Turtles", an all original, non traditional Blue Grass band. Sherpa and Yeti's is located at 320 S. Main St., so you can stop by after Cecilia's and rock out.

An affordable winter escape to serene Breckenridge, Colorado

2007-10-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

With so many great places to go skiing this winter, it can be hard to place your finger on which place to go. If you are looking for a quaint, savvy town with a whole lot to do when you are not hitting slopes, then you might just want to book your winter trip to beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. Not only is Breckenridge a winter hotspot for avid snow lovers, but there is so much to do there besides snow activities.

A great place to stay when visiting Breckenridge is the Mountain Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club Resort. Four day, three night packages start at only $199, which makes the trip even more affordable. Included in the package is a $50 food and activity voucher redeemable at a number of Breckenridge restaurants. The large one bedroom condo is located just off of the historic main street, about two hours outside of Denver, Co. If you end up falling in love with the town, the Hilton also offers affordable time shares so you can plan that return trip back every year.

There is plenty to do while in Breckenridge aside from skiing or snowboarding. The town is surrounded by over 147 different trails. During the winter season you can rent snowmobiles and ride through the pristine, snowcapped Rockies. Or you can don a pair of snowshoes and enjoy a cross-country hike. If you plan your trip for January 23-28 you will be able to see the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Professional sculptors from around the world begin with a 10x20 solid block of snow, and render it into a beautiful icy masterpiece before your eyes.

For evening fun there are always local bands performing at Sherpa and Yeti’s, Breckenridge’s premier live music venue. For great eats you can grab a southwestern burger and a bowl of chili at Ten Mile Restaurant. One thing is for sure, the quaintness and hospitality of this town will leave you yearning to come back again for a summer escape to the Rockies.

A summer family adventure in Breckenridge, Colorado

2007-10-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

Most people tend to think of Colorado when they are considering a winter ski vacation. But this great state also offers a great summer adventure as well. If you are planning to get away this summer and want to experience an affordable summer adventure, then you might find just what you are looking for in the quaint town of Breckenridge, Colorado.

Surrounded the by the serene carved landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is just bursting with affordable adventure for the entire family. Currently family adventure packages, which last four days and four nights, can be reserved for about $365 per person. This means that a family a four can book their summer vacation for around $1500 with tax, excluding airfare. But what could possibly be included in such an inexpensive trip, a lot more than you may have thought!

Begin your vacation by checking in to your private two bedroom, fully furnished condo. Once you have had time to get unpacked and relax, you are ready to begin your Breckenridge summer adventure. On day one take the family out to Brown Canyon and enjoy an action packed half-day of white water rapids rafting. An event you won’t soon forget. By the way, the package also includes transportation to and from the canyon.

Spend your second day on a two hour guided ATV tour, and get a real view of the serene mountainous landscape. Finish the day with an hour and a half horseback ride at Breckenridge’s Kingdom Stables. Optional package add-ons include fly fishing adventures, mountain biking, golfing and relaxing spa packages.