When you think of Colorado you usually imagine the majestic Rocky Mountains, lots of beautiful white snow, and some of America’s most incredible skiing.  Our family goes at least once a year for a family ski vacation.  We’ve been to several different ski resorts in Colorado and they all have something to offer but one of our favorite destinations in Colorado is Breckenridge and the surrounding area. Breckenridge is just a short drive (approximately 1 ½ hours) from Denver.  It’s located in the Summit County Area which is surrounded by three mountain ranges and is home to several world class ski areas that include Keystone, Copper Mountain, Frisco and Silverthorne.  It’s sometimes called Colorado’s “Playground” because there is so much to do and see!

Breckenridge or “Breck” as the locals refer to it, is known worldwide as a top winter destination.  It has 155 ski runs and includes a new 543 acre expansion on Peak 6.  The slopes offer all kinds of ski and snowboard terrain.  Don’t ski?  Try snow tubing, sleigh and dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating.  There’s no excuse to stay inside!

Tired of the same old summer beach vacation?  Then head for Colorado this summer!  One of our favorite family summer vacation trips was in Breckenridge.  There is an endless list of things for families to do!   Summit County has a 10 mile interconnecting system of wide paved paths for walking, bike riding, rollerblading, and running.  You can race down the Gold Runner Coaster, which is an elevated Alpine slide located on Peak 8 Fun Pack.  Pan for gold or take the family white water rafting on the Blue River.  The area is a paradise for camping, hiking, fly fishing, and backpacking.  Enjoy the beautiful nearby Dillon Reservoir.  You can go fishing, boating, or simply sit on the shores and enjoy the view of the water and mountains.

Personally my favorite thing about Breckenridge is the historic and quaint downtown area.  It’s a shopper’s paradise including several unique boutiques that include everything from designer jeans and cupcakes to locally made goods and imported olive oils and vinegars.  There’s also over 70 restaurants to choose from with not a franchise in sight.  You can easily explore the town on foot or take a horse drawn carriage just for fun!  Breck is becoming one of the state’s emerging art towns and hosts monthly art walks.  The town has also become well known for its Brewery.  You can tour and sample their award winning premium bourbon whiskey.   The summer fun kicks off with the opening of Breckenridge Fun Park June 12 – 21, gold panning, a bike festival and Kingdom Days.  For more information go to: http://www.gobreck.com/events/event-calendar

Take at least one day to drive over to the Historic town of Georgetown and take a train trip on the Georgetown Loop Railroad!  It’s an old time steam locomotive that chugs its way up the canyon to Silver Plume.  The trip has breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and you can hop off halfway and tour the historic Lebanon Silver Mines.  Our kids loved this outing!  The train runs several times a day from April 30th through December 30th.  For more information go to:  http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/

Be sure to visit Historic Downtown Georgetown for a taste of Colorado’s mining history. Self-guided walking tours of the town are available. One of my favorite places in Georgetown is the legendary Hotel De Paris Museum built in 1875 by Louis Dupuy during the silver mining boom. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The hotel included a first class French restaurant, a showroom for traveling salesmen, and was considered a luxurious hotel during the Gilded Age.  To further delight your kids, the hotel has been rumored to be haunted!  May 23^rd is the opening date for the 2015 Season.   For more information about this historic building and tours go to:   http://www.hoteldeparismuseum.org/

Would you like information about other Colorado destinations?  Go to:  http://www.colorado.com/