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Breckenridge, Colorado
Stretched out over four large mountains, the resort of Breckenridge makes up a major recreation center in Colorado. There's skiing in winter, and fishing, hiking, golf, and mountain biking in summer. But the area actually offers much more, with a number of historical attractions, great shopping, fine restaurants and lots of great vacation rentals. The town of Breckenridge is a great place to base yourself for your Summit County vacation. Breckenridge was founded in 1859, when gold was discovered in the surrounding hills. The fortunes of the town rose and fell as gold and silver were uncovered. In 1887, the largest gold nugget ever found in Colorado, "Tom's Baby," was unearthed. Much of the town's architectural legacy from the mining era remains today. Downtown Breckenridge has one of Colorado's largest historic districts, with about 250 buildings in the National Register of Historic Places. There are some 171 buildings with points of historical interest. The four mountains that make up Breckenridge rank third in size among Colorado's ski resorts. Once known as a haven for beginner and intermediate skiers, Breckenridge in recent years has expanded it's acreage for expert skiers and snowboarders as well. Peak 8, the original ski mountain, is the highest of the four at 12,998 feet and has the greatest variety. All told, the resort has 2,043 skiable acres, with 139 trails served by 25 lifts. The resort is also part of Vail Resorts, so any lift ticket purchased at Vail or Beaver Creek is valid without restriction at Breckenridge.

International Snow Sculpture Competition — In Breckenridge each year, blank canvases of snow become works of art as unforgettable as the process of sculpting them. From a whimsical bouquet of enormous flowers, to thought provoking abstract shapes, sculptors form these masterpieces before thousands of spectators over the course of one week each year in the heart of town at the Riverwalk Center.

Oktoberfest — Grab your stein, throw on your lederhosen, and get ready for Breckenridge’s 12th Annual Oktoberfest! The event returns to Main Street to commemorate a time-honored tradition of German heritage. The festival has become a Breckenridge mainstay and offers Oompah music, Bavarian foods and kids’ activities. Join Breckenridge and Paulaner Bier for the best Oktoberfest in the mountains.

Breckenridge Golf Club — The Town of Breckenridge can boast that it is the only municipality in the world to own a Jack Nicklaus designed, 27-hole golf course. The course opened for play in 1985. During the summer 2001 golf season, the Town opened another nine holes also designed by Nicklaus and every bit as challenging as the original 18-holes. The new Elk nine as it is named, offers more elevation change than the Bear and Beaver nines.

The Country Boy Mine — After gold was discovered here in 1887, The Country Boy Mine has been one of the region's top producers. The mine has hay rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter.

Cafe Alpine — Chef/owner Keith Mahoney puts a major emphasis on creative cuisine made with fresh ingredients and an extensive, well-chosen wine list at his cozy, four-level restaurant. The eclectic menu changes frequently with delicious daily specials.

Hearthstone Restaurant — Located in a historic, 120 year old Victorian home in the heart of Breckenridge, the Hearthstone Restaurant, has been a locals' favorite since 1989 for wild game, fresh seafood, and hand-cut steaks all creatively prepared by our talented culinary team.

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub — The Breckenridge Brewery & Pub opened in February of 1990 and is Breckenridge's only brewpub. The menu is eclectic and features traditional pub fare, great burgers and sandwiches, salads, pasta, fresh fish and daily specials, all made fresh daily by a skilled kitchen staff.

Blue River Bistro — The Blue River Bistro's elegant atmosphere, superior cuisine, and tremendous wine and liqour selection combine with moderate prices to present the ultimate dining experience.

In the early 1930s, the federal government learned that a tract of land, including Breckenridge, had accidentally been left off the map in several historic treaties. To commemorate this oversight, the town has been celebrating the "Kingdom of Breckenridge" ever since!