Beautiful Breck

Breckenridge is one of many mountains towns in Colorado that I just adore. I remember taking family ski vacations there when I was a teenager. I loved it then and I still love it today.

Breckenridge, known as "Breck" by the locals, offers a vast array of unique winter activities. The Breckenridge Ski Resort continues to be one of the most popular winter destinations for visitors from all over the United States and the world. More than 2,300 acres and 152 trails are covered annually with 300 inches of white gold. In addition to the downhill skiing and snowboarding on four mountain peaks, Breckenridge boasts miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. No matter the season, a trip to this Victorian mountain town delivers a memorable experience.

Fun Fact: Breckenridge was the film location of the 1989 comedy National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and some scenes in Dumb and Dumber {shots of Aspen in the movie are actually Breckenridge}.

Where to eat: One of my favorite restaurants in Breck is South Ridge Seafood Grill. My husband and I always eat there when we are in town. It is cozy and always delicious. Also, it is a block off Main Street so you get away from the tourists a little bit. I definitely recommend a reservation. While strolling the many boutiques, grab a warm cookie and latte at Clint's {131 S Main St}. For apres ski, Modis has a great happy hour starting at 3. Try out their truffle fries. Modis is also a great stop for dinner. Check it out in the summers for their roof top patio.

I traded in my skis for my hiking boots this past weekend. I hiked the Barney Ford Trail that starts in Carter Park. The best thing is that the trail head is right in town. It is four blocks from Main Street {go east on Lincoln Street for 4 blocks, then turn right on High Street and follow it 3 for blocks}. The hardest part is the first grunt is a steep uphill for about 10 minutes. The rest of the hike through coniferous forest is fairly gentle. The Barney Ford Trail was built along old mining trails. I spent about 2 hours exploring the forest with my two dogs. I didn't do the entire hike which I believe would have been more like 3 hours. For a winter hike that is in town, I would recommend it. If you want more of a scenic and challenging hike, I would recommend the Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lake which is 2 1/2 miles outside of Breck off of Highway 9.

Photos from my hike on Barney Ford Trail.