Tag Archive for: Laurel Coffman

Dog-Friendly Guide to Breckenridge

/in /by

We love our dogs here in Breckenridge, and we know you do, too! As a valued member of the family, bringing Fido on your vacation is a no-brainer. Lucky for you, Breckenridge is a dog’s paradise with miles of hiking trails, outdoor patios and even Fido-friendly accommodations. We’ve gathered everything you need to know so you and your pooch can have a howling good time.  

Dog Hiking on Black Powder Pass

Dog Hiking in Breckenridge

Dog-Friendly Outdoors  

Breckenridge is a stunning mountain destination—home to hundreds of miles of trail systems that are virtually all dog friendly, meaning you and Fido can have your pick. While the paws-ibilities are endless, these are some of our favorite hikes around Breckenridge:  

Easy: Sawmill Trail, Burro Trail, Sallie Barber Mine Trail 

Moderate: Peaks Trail, Baker’s Tank, Francie’s Cabin via Spruce Creek Trail 

Hard: McCullough Gulch Trail, Wheeler Trail 

Dog on the BreckConnect Gondola

Riding on the BreckConnect Gondola

Dog-Friendly Activities  

Ride the Gondola 

The BreckConnect Gondola is a great FREE activity not only for the family but also your pooch! During the summer and winter seasons, the gondola runs from town up to the base areas of Peak 7 and Peak 8. Take your pup for a gondola ride and hop off at the base of Peak 8 to enjoy a cocktail from Ullr Café on the outdoor patio.  

Head to the Dog Park  

If your pup loves playing with other dogs, head over to the Carter Park Dog Park to let them run off leash in an acre of fenced space. There is even a separate, fenced-in small dog area for our tiny four-legged friends. You’ll meet all the local dogs here—this is a favorite spot! 

Enjoy Outdoor Patios 

No need to skip Main Street—you can bring your doggo along with you for après cocktails around town! Restaurants like Kenosha and the Canteen Taphouse have large outdoor patios that welcome dogs. Broken Compass Brewing offers two dog-friendly locations; or, if you’d rather head inside, Rocky Mountain Underground allows your well-behaved pup indoors. The list doesn’t stop here, there are more dog-friendly patios to explore! 

Dogs at the dog park in Breckenridge

Dogs Playing at the Carter Park Dog Park

Dog-Friendly Lodging 

Comfy accommodations for you and your four-legged friend await at the Breck Inn. Located just a mile north of Main Street, the Breck Inn offers cozy, standard hotel rooms along with complimentary breakfast options. Make sure to call ahead as pet rooms are limited! As a bonus, 10% of all dog fees are donated to the Summit County Animal Control and Shelter.  

Pet Supplies/Boarding 

The Dog House 

If your pup needs a place to stay or you just need a little doggie daycare, check out the Dog House. The Dog House offers overnight boarding, doggie daycare and large indoor play areas so dogs can spend the majority of their days in play groups according to their size and temperament.  

Animal Lovers Pet Supply 

Even your dog deserves to go home with some souvenirs! Located next to the Dog House, Animal Lovers Pet Supply has a diverse selection of toys and treats. They also offer grooming and self-service dog wash stations so you can give your pup a good clean after a day of adventuring.  

For Pets’ Sake  

This is not necessarily for your dog, but more for you! This thrift shop on Main Street funds the Animal Rescue of the Rockies. Stop in with your pooch and explore the selection of gently used clothing, jewelry, housewares and more.  

Dogs on Main Street Breckenridge

Good Pups on Main Street

Dog Etiquette  

Leash Laws 

If you are within the town limits of Breckenridge, dogs are required to be on a leash. Outside of the town limits, you can have your dog off leash under voice command. For the full rundown of dog regulations, you can head to the Town of Breckenridge website. 

Where Not to Go 

The Riverwalk Center lawn, the fields of Kingdom Park, Cucumber Gulch, and the Breckenridge Golf Course are the only places off-limits to dogs. 

Clean Up After Your Dog 

Wherever you bring your pup around Breckenridge, please be sure to clean up after them. There are plenty of dog-waste bag stations and trash cans around town so you can help us keep Breckenridge clean. 

 

The Best Taco Spots in Breckenridge

/in /by

There’s no shortage of south of the border flavors in Colorado and Breckenridge is no exception. From stellar patios to killer happy hours, Breckenridge has a taco spot for everyone. We don’t need to convince you that tacos are awesome—you already know that—so, we’ve rounded up the best taco spots in Breckenridge so you can live like every day is Taco Tuesday.  

Best Hangout: Rita’s

301 S. Main Street | Daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Website 

Rita’s treats every day like a beach party and they have a simple house rule of “don’t be a jerk.” This fun and straightforward mentality translates to both the food and drinks that they serve. Head down to Rita’s basement where they serve up fresh-squeezed margaritas and build-your-own tacos. Try out the double taco, a queso slathered soft shell wrapped around a hard shell.

Best Patio: Sancho Tacos

La Cima Mall, 520 S. Main Street | Sunday—Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Website 

The Sancho patio is THE spot to be on a sunny day! Located at the south end of Main Street, you’ll enjoy a slushy margarita and unique street-style tacos. We love the a la carte taco menu that allows you to pick and choose from a wide variety of styles. Some of our favorites include Fried Chicken, Pork Belly and Duck Confit, but you’ll have to try them yourself. Enjoy a brunch menu Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or happy hour daily 3 to 6 p.m.

Best for Families: Fiesta Jalisco

Reliance Place Shopping Center, 224 S. Main Street | Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Website 

Step into this quiet corner of Breckenridge and feel like you’ve been transported to Mexico. You’ll be treated like family in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Fiesta Jalisco offers generous portions and authentic dishes with recipes from Jalisco, Mexico. Their extensive menu makes it hard to choose but the good news is, you’ll find something for the whole family.

Best Happy Hour: Mi Casa

600 S. Park Avenue | Daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Website  

At Mi Casa you can extend your happy hour into happy hours! Every day from 3 to 5 p.m., they offer two tacos for $8 or a $9 classic margarita. Mi Casa is great for large group gatherings so you can bring the whole crew. If happy hour isn’t your vibe, you can still choose from a variety of specialty tacos and fresh, seasonal margaritas.  

Weekend Guide: Summer in Breckenridge

/in /by

Breckenridge is the perfect weekend getaway spot due to its proximity to Denver, historic charm and the abundance of readily available activities. We’ve curated a three-day itinerary so you can get the most out of a weekend in Breckenridge. 

Read more
Chicken and Waffles Benedict at BoLD

The Best Brunch Spots in Breckenridge

/in /by

An adventure-packed day in the mountains can’t start without breakfast. For the true aficionados of brunch and breakfast fare, we’ve rounded up the best brunch spots in Breckenridge. Whether you’re an early bird hitting the slopes or a late riser that loves a noon brunch, Breck has it all! Coffee and corned beef or a bloody and benedict are sure to satisfy your morning cravings. 

Red Chilaqules at Blue River Bistro

1. Blue River Bistro | Website 

Blue River Bistro is best known for their 2-for-1 martini happy hour, but this gem is also a great brunch pick on weekends. If you’re here for a weekend trip you’re in luck–you’ll find a brunch menu along with some of the signature drinks served during happy hour. 

What To Order: We love the Red Chilaquiles and a Spicy Maria for a south of the border experience. 

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday  

Hangover Burrito at Columbine Cafe

2. Columbine Café | Website 

Ask any local and they’ll say Columbine Café is their favorite spot for brunch. Columbine is not in an obvious spot–tucked between buildings off Main Street–but once you find it, you’ll want to keep going back. This no-nonsense haunt has breakfast dishes hearty enough to fuel you for the entire day. 

What To Order: The Hangover Burrito is made for those with a big appetite or hangover like the name suggests. This breakfast staple is stuffed with house smoked chunky corn beef hash and smothered with pork green chili.  

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily 

Brunch at BoLD

3. BoLD | Website 

If you’re looking for a true brunch spot that serves up Beermosas and DIY mimosas, BoLD is your spot. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is nestled at the south end of Breckenridge just steps from the Quicksilver Chairlift and endless shopping options.  

What To Order: For a spicy breakfast, try the Moroccan Baked Eggs. The perfect blend of sweet and savory does exist with the Chicken and Waffles Benedict with a bourbon cayenne maple hollandaise.  

Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily 

4. Blue Moose | Website 

This family-run restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere that welcomes you in and gives you a warm hug. Blue Moose offers a slew of morning cocktails and home cooked breakfast options. As a bonus they have a dog-friendly patio so you can bring your furry friend on a warm day! 

What To Order: We love a classic breakfast here. Opt for the Two Biscuits & Sausage Gravy served with home fries or grits paired with a cup of organic coffee from Breck Coffee Roasters. 

Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily 

Breakfast Plates at Cabin Juice

Photo Courtesy of Cabin Juice & Gravity Haus

5. Cabin Juice | Website 

Do not leave this brunch spot off your list. Cabin Juice is an elevated eatery that utilizes ingredients from small, local farms around Colorado. They offer a chic, cabin atmosphere with savory and healthy brunch options.  

What To Order: Satisfy your sweet tooth and order the Brioche French Toast, served with lemon yogurt, whipped butter and Vermont maple syrup. They also feature a biscuit board–need we say more? 

Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 

 Local’s Tip: Check out the Breck Deals page for discounted lodging in Breckenridge!

Relax After the Holidays in Breckenridge

/in /by

We love the holiday season, but let’s face it, it normally comes with burn out. Now that the holidays are over and your New Year’s resolutions have been set, it’s time to treat yourself to the care you deserve. We’ve covered how to unwind in Breckenridge so rest and relaxation isn’t left off your travel itinerary.  

Restore 

Elite IV Lounge

  • Oxygen Therapy 

Main Street Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet and that can be a big adjustment if you’re coming from sea level! Take your time to acclimate and head to the O2 Lounge when you arrive. Choose from 15, 30 and 45 minute sessions or rent an oxygen machine to enjoy from the comfort of your hotel.  

  • Hyperbaric Chamber 

For an out of this world experience, try hyperbaric oxygen therapy. At Mountain Air Hyperbarics you’ll be zipped into a chamber that will slowly start to pressurize. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry which in turn can help promote healing, decrease inflammation, improve blood flow and circulation and more. 

  • IV Services  

At Elite IV Lounge, you can choose from a slew of services to restore your body. Try a Myers  Cocktail to alleviate muscle fatigue after a day on the mountain or the Altitude IV to help with any altitude sickness symptoms. If you have a little too much fun out on the town you can even select the Hangover IV.  

Relax 

Relaxation Room at Infinity Spa

  • Spa Treatment 

A Breckenridge spa day is a must on the self-care list. Find ultimate relaxation at Infinity Spa at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8. Choose from a variety of body and skin therapies, massage and nail treatments and more. Pre-treatment, take advantage of the Relaxation Room in a digitally  controlled lounge chair. Post-treatment, spend all the time you need in the exclusive adults-only grotto equipped with a hot tub, cold plunge, sauna and steam room.  

  • Enjoy a Drink 

Stay awhile and let yourself unwind. Sit down and enjoy the best happy hours in Breckenridge or  enjoy a hot cup of coffee fireside at one of the best coffee shops in town. For a more immersive experience head to Breckenridge Distillery for a private after-hours tour and tasting.  

Move Your Body 

Snowshoeing in Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve

  • Yoga 

Breathe in and breathe out. Meta Yoga Studios offers classes like Yin & Vinyasa, Evening Yoga and even an Après Ski Yoga class to decompress after a day on the snow.

  • Get Outside 

There is nothing better than the great outdoors and we have plenty of it here in Breck. Choose your adventure and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Take a winter hike, explore Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve on cross-country skis or snowshoes, or get a thrill snowmobiling in the backcountry.   

Treat Yourself 

Shops on Main Street

  • Shop 

Main Street has over 200 shops so you can fill your day with the shopping spree of your  dreams. Check out some of our favorites and take home a little slice of Breckenridge. 

  • Learn a New Skill 

Give yourself the gift of learning! Breckenridge Creative Arts (BreckCreate for short) was  developed by the Town of Breckenridge to support and promote arts, culture and creative  experiences. At BreckCreate you can choose from a variety of workshops like beginner welding,  beginner metalsmithing and even beginner glass blowing. 

Now it’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy all the self-care and fun that Breckenridge has to offer! If you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay with luxury amenities, head to our Breck Deals page for more information.  

The Best Pizza in Breck: A Local’s Guide

/in /by

Here’s “the inside slice” on the best pizza in Breckenridge. We asked locals about their favorite pizza joints and this is what they had to say.

Read more