Tag Archive for: CodyMendoza

Mountain Town Museum Tour

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The town of Breckenridge (or Kingdom, as it was first known) was founded in 1859. Starting off as a mining settlement and morphing into the bustling ski town we know today, there is over 150 years of stories, characters and interesting events that have taken place above 9,600 ft. If you are looking to dive deep into the rich history of Breckenridge, here is a list of our top museums and historical sites to uncover!

  1. Breckenridge Welcome Center History Museum & Theater
    Location: 203 S. Main Street

     This free museum is a great way to learn about the history of Breckenridge and get information for planning your activities. Their rotating exhibits focus on the town, businesses and inhabitants that once called Breck home. This museum was once a log cabin that was covered up by newer buildings but was rediscovered and restored for all to enjoy.
  2. High Line Railroad Park & Playground
    Location: 189 Boreas Pass RoadThis is an amazing playground surrounded by historically accurate trains including the narrow gauge engine and the rotary snow plow. Behold the Rotary snow plow and imagine a time when this train would come roaring down the tracks while clearing off the snow to make it up the mountains. Another bonus of this playground and park is that it is located close to the resident troll, Isaak Hearthstone.
  3. Barney Ford House Museum
    Location: 111 East Washington Avenue
     Experience the historic Victorian home of one of Colorado’s most prolific businessmen. Barney Ford came to Colorado after already having lived an exciting life—escaping slavery, traveling to Nicaragua to open a business, and persisting through civil war and natural disasters which shuttered his early endeavors. He opened a hotel and Ford’s Chop House before going on to construct his home which is now a museum. Ford was an activist for equal education and voting rights for African Americans and is remembered for his persistence in the face of adversity.

  4. Iowa Hill Hike 
    Location: Iowa Hill Trail Head, Airport Road

    Learn about the deep mining history here in Breckenridge by exploring Iowa Hill on a short family-friendly hike. On this hike you can see and learn about the hydraulic placer mining that took place on this very site. Take in the sights, see the old boarding house, railcar and some fresh mountain air on this trek through time.
  5. Breckenridge Historic District
    Location: North end of Main Street

    A stroll down the north end of Main Street is all you need to take in the sites of these historic buildings and their new inhabitants. In the spring you will find fox pups frolicking in the grass near by or playing on the old mining equipment.
  6. Gold Pan Saloon
    Location: 103 N. Main Street
    Looking for a stop that parents will especially enjoy? Enjoy a visit to the watering hole which holds the longest continuous liquor license this side of the Mississippi River. The Gold Pan has been serving refreshments to customers for over 140 years and hosts of Breckenridge history and lore. After you’ve ordered a  libation, make sure to check out the safe that allegedly held Tom’s Baby, the largest piece of gold ever found in Colorado. If you are feeling famished, I highly recommend the French onion soup!
  7. Edwin Carter Discovery Center
    Location: 111 N. Ridge Street
    Visit the home of Edwin Carter, a Colorado conservationist who catalogued over 3,300 species of rocky mountain flora and fauna. His collection was so vast and comprehensive, it served as the basis for the collection of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This is believed to be the second oldest museum in Colorado!

The best way to experience Breckenridge and all of its unique history is to plan a trip and stay with one of our preferred lodging partners. Click here to save up to 35% off your stay! 

Summer Music in the Mountains

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The high country will be jamming this summer! In recent years there has been lots of growth and expansion in both the talent performing in the mountains and the venues in and around Breckenridge. Let me take you on a tour of the spaces and places you can catch some tunes this summer and some of the high notes that will be hitting with big performances.

Breckenridge

The Breckenridge Music AirStage

The newest addition to the music venues in Breckenridge is a reborn classic. Breck Create has taken a classic Airstream trailer and modified it with a pop-out stage that is perfect for mid summer jam sessions in the Breckenridge Arts District, Carter Park, Blue River Plaza and anywhere it can be parked! You can find a calendar of events, locations and performances here.

RMU

Rocky Mountain Underground (RMU for short) is a local favorite ski shop/bar/beer garden/music venue. RMU is located smack in the middle of Main Street and their beer garden offers tons of sunshine and a great place to kick back while taking in local bands.

 

Motherloaded Tavern

If the late-night scene is more your style, find yourself at Motherloaded on a Friday or Saturday night. Rocking music rages from the front of the bar for dancing and singing along. Motherloaded has a historic back bar that is situated away from the tunes and offers a dark speak-easy style atmosphere where they serve up their signature mason jar cocktails (try the Grey Earl!). Motherloaded has Happy Hour Music from 5-8 p.m. every Friday through Sunday and you’ll find rotating local talent like Joe Teichman or the amazing 90’s – early 2000’s cover band, El Paso Lasso. Check their website for more information.

The Riverwalk Center

The largest venue in Breck sits along the flow of the Blue River, has large retractable bay doors to let in the cool summer breeze and a huge lawn outdoors where the music travels outside in full view of the mountains. This is a great venue for families visiting town in search of a sonically pleasing activity. Summer home of National Repertory Orchestra, you can find them or other big names here every Saturday night in the Summer. For summer 2022, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Drive-By Truckers and the Steeldrivers bring their sounds to the stage! Click here for a full concert lineup.

Other notable Breckenridge music hot spots include:

  • The Gold Pan Saloon – take in some music in one of the oldest and most historic watering holes in west.
  • Whiskey Star Smokehouse – A newer addition to Breckenridge, enjoy BBQ dinner downstairs and a large selection of whiskey and music upstairs.

Planning on taking in a show at any of these high-altitude avenues? Make a trip out of it with this exclusive offer for 25% off our favorite place to stay in Breckenridge:The Grand Colorado on Peak 8!

Amazing venues outside of Breckenridge:

Dillon Amphitheater

After a recent renovation just a few years ago, the Dillon Amphitheater is drawing the biggest names to Summit County. This venue has a dance floor, bowl and lawn seating and an unbeatable view of both Lake Dillon and the Ten mile Range. They have music every Friday night and some nights during the week. For summer 2022 they’ve drawn in legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, The Dirty Heads, Trampled By Turtles, My Morning Jacket, CAAMP and more! Click here for their full calendar.

10 Mile Music Hall

10 Mile Music Hall top floor view

Snapshot shared by friend of Best Of Breck, Hannah Schneider aka “Hschneids”

Frisco’s Main Street music mecca. This updated indoor venue is the perfect place to pop into when you are out of Breck for the night. After a stroll down Frisco’s historic downtown you can take in a show from this two-story venue with a huge dance floor and large 2nd floor balcony. Ten Mile attracts talent from far and wide like summer 2022’s visit from Jeremy Garett’s Bluegrass Band. For most up-to-date upcoming shows check out their Facebook Page.

Favorite Hiking Trails – Team Edition

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The snow is melting and the mountain air is at a perfect temperature to be outside! The Best of Breckenridge team loves to enjoy their spare time outside wandering the trails in and around and in Breckenridge. So, we did our research in the office and asked everyone to share their favorites. Here’s what we found… the office really knows how to adventure out into the wilderness.

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Why Spring Break in Breck

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When you think of spring break, you might picture a tropical beach and not the snowy slopes of the Rockies. It may come as a surprise, but spring in Breckenridge brings an extended ski season, longer days and warmer weather. With an average of 300 days of sunshine annually you won’t want to miss spring break in Breckenridge! Our Breck spring break vacation planning guide has everything you need plus locals’ tips so you can plan the ultimate sun-filled vacation.  

Spring Skiing 

Have no fear, the snow is here! Breckenridge Ski Resort offers an extended ski season through Memorial Day (weather permitting), so there is plenty of opportunity to earn your turns if you are coming in March or beyond. With highs in the upper thirties in March, you can enjoy days of warm skiing and soft snow.  

Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and layers! Warmer days mean you’ll work up a sweat on the slopes, so be sure to wear moisture-wicking base layers under your gear. And while we love working on our goggle tan, fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation, which makes sunscreen an essential for your packing list. 

Activities for Families 

Sledding at Carter Park

In addition to skiing, there is an abundance of off-mountain activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re seeking adventure, try a snowshoe hike or a cross-country ski jaunt. Between the Gold Run Nodic Center and Breckenridge Nordic Center, there are over 30 miles of trails to explore. Grab a sled and hit one of the free sledding hills in Breckenridge or enjoy ice skating right at the base area of Peak 8. 

If you’d like to spend some time inside, opt for an escape room or even axe throwing right on Main Street. For even more ideas to fill your day, head to our picks for the top winter activities in Breckenridge. 

Après Ski Patios 

Robbie’s Tavern

After a day well spent, there is nothing better than an après ski cocktail on a sun-soaked patio. Ski right down to Robbie’s Tavern at the base of Peak 8 and sip slopeside at an outdoor fire pit. If you’re on Main Street, check out the dog-friendly outdoor patios at the Canteen Taphouse and Kenosha.  

Après options abound in Breckenridge but lucky for you, we’ve tried them all! Pick one of the best après ski cocktails in town and beat the crowds by grabbing a drink before all the skiers come down from the mountain. 

Local Tips from the Best of Breck Team 

BreckConnect Gondola

Laurel: Get the most relaxation out of your trip by avoiding unnecessary traffic. 

Spring break can be a busy time in Breck! Avoid the traffic and take advantage of the free transportation options around town. The Breck Free Ride bus system runs throughout town day, the Breck Connect Gondola is also a free and quick way to get to the base of the mountain or many of the resorts around town typically have a free shuttle! 

Tianna: Savor the views and get the most out of a night on the town. 

Find outdoor seating with great views such as the base of Peak 8, since the weather is warm enough to sit outside now. If you’re planning a night on the town, bar hop to these spots: Gold Pan Saloon, Broken Compass Brewing, Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, Brooklyn’s Tavern and Billiards, and Breckenridge Ale House.

Sammy: Explore downtown Breckenridge during the day. 

Make sure you take time to explore all the gems that downtown Breckenridge has to offer. There are over 200 stores on Main Street so you can find everything from clothing boutiques to children’s toy stores. Don’t forget to caffeinate for your shopping spree by stopping by one of the best coffee shops in Breck! 

Cody: Catch some extra Z’s and take advantage of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s high elevation.  

The ski resort, which can’t be missed upon your drive into town or any glance west from nearly anywhere in Breck, is situated around 10,000′ feet above sea level. You can visit in March for a chance at spring powder or later in April and May for less crowds and warm, slushy laps. My tip for spring break? Sleep in! Head to the mountain a little later than usual and allow the snow to soften up, and as an added bonus, you won’t have to wear as many layers as temperatures reach comfortable levels. If you’re one for late nights at the Gold Pan Saloon or Motherloaded Tavern, spring break might be for you because even at the crack of noon, the snow will still be there and it’ll still be great!