Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is a young town, but it is nonetheless steeped in history, with a wealth of tour options for every visitor.

Carter Museum The Historic District is the location of the Carter Museum, which celebrates the work of environmentalist Edwin Carter, the Barney Ford House Museum, which chronicles the life of the famed runaway slave, and the Summit County Courthouse. Afterward, you can grab lunch at the nearby Blue Moose Café.

Country Boy Mine The Country Boy Mine offers visitors a glimpse inside the world of mining, the industry on which Breckenridge and many surrounding communities were founded. The Breckenridge Firehouse Museum and the William Harrison Briggle House are also of historical significance. Enjoy dinner at The Dredge Boathouse which serves up hearty meals.

Riverwalk Center Catch a show at the Riverwalk Center or the Backstage Theatre, then check out the handmade pieces at the Portiera Designs Gallery. End the night by Dining with a view at Relish.

Dillon Nature Preserve  Have breakfast at the Crown Café, then head out to explore the wilderness at the Dillon Nature Preserve. The nearby Lake Dillon Theatre offers affordable performances. Not far away is the old mining town of Montezuma.

Lake Dillon Just north of Breckenridge is Lake Dillon, which is located beside Frisco Historic Park. You'll find a museum, cabins and a schoolhouse on its grounds. Hike through the nearby Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area or the Peninsula Recreation Area. Enjoy a meal at the Dillon Dam Brewery, a popular spot that serves American classics.

There are many ways to see Breckenridge; hike through its many forests, hop on a snowmobile, or glide through the countryside or explore the inside of an old mine with a knowledgeable guide.

Walking Tours Breckenridge Walking Tour ( +1 800 980 1859/ http://www.summithistorical.org/ ) Summit Historical Society ( +1 970 453 9022/ http://www.summithistorical.org/ )

Bike Tours Rocky Mountain Adventures ( +1 970 452 9202/ http://rockymountain.co.uk/mbiking/ ) The Adventure Company ( +1 970 453 0747/ http://theadventurecompany.com/ )

Mine Tours Country Boy Mine ( +1 970 453 4405/ http://www.countryboymine.com/index.html ) Summit Historical Society ( +1 970 453 9022/ http://www.summithistorical.org/ )

Adventure Guides South Park Adventure Guides ( +1 970 406 0349/ http://www.sherpaascent.com/ ) Breckenridge Adenture Tours ( +1 866 898 4868/ http://www.breckenridgeadventuretours.com/ )

Snowmobile Tours Good Time Adventures ( +1 970 453 7604/ http://www.goodtimesadventures.com/ ) Tiger Run Tours ( +1 970 453 2231 ) White Mountain Tours ( +1 800 247 7238/ http://www.whitemountaintours.net/ )

Breckenridge's entertainment brims with activities to suit a diversity of tastes. The city offers endless ski slopes and adventure possibilities, with plenty of shops, museums, and bars to offer alternatives.

Recreation

Breckenridge is ideal for kids and families with programs like The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, which provides youth with wilderness excursions and resources like canoes, rafts and climbing walls. At Peak 8 Fun Park, kids can get lost in the "Amaze n' Breckenridge." The Breckenridge Recreation Center features a skate park, numerous bike paths and a kayak park.

At Stephen C. West Ice Arena, visitors can take a break from the rough elements with year-round ice skating. When you're not hitting the slopes, try putting around on the greens at The Breckenridge Golf Club. The course offers 27 holes perfect for professional and amateur golfers alike. The club also features practice greens for those that might need to brush up on their skills.

For a sample of Breckenridge's mining history, take a tour through Country Boy Mine where you can go on an "Underground Mine Adventure" and pan for gold in Eureka Creek. The Dillon region, located north of Breckenridge, is home to the Peninsula Recreation Area where guests can find hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots, and much more.

If you're looking for adventure, venture just out of Breckenridge to Montezuma to see the Montezuma Ghost Town or what's left of it at least and spectacular views of the Rockies. In the high altitudes of the Climax Ghost Town, enjoy views of the Fremont Pass and the Rockies.

Museums

Breckenridge's Historic District is chock full of museums and well preserved sites dating back to the pioneer days of the 1800s. If you're interested in entomology—bug life, you can check out a collection of Rocky Mountain specimens at The Carter Museum. Get an intimate look into the life of Barney Ford at The Barney Ford House Museum. For a peak into the town's mining past, The Silverthorne Museum houses artifacts and recreates schoolhouses and shops of its time. At The William Harrison Briggle House, guests can see original clothing items, musical instruments, and tapestries from the town's well known ex-mayor, William Briggle. Marvel at the Summit County Courthouse's original oak staircase, high ceilings, beautiful wall-hanging draperies and architecture. Also. the courthouse houses an exhibit of minerals that have been gathered from the region. The Breckenridge Firehouse Museum displays the earliest firefighting tools and photographs.

Cinema, Music and Theater

Film buffs will be pleased with The Speakeasy's choice blends of both major blockbuster and independent films. It's the only cinema in town so guests will get an intimate experience.

The music scene of Breckenridge is well-represented by The Riverwalk Center's array of outdoor concerts and popular live performances. Come experience the sights and sounds of Breckenridge at The Breckenridge Music Festival, where the house can fill up to 2,000 guests. Here, both classical and contemporary music concerts take place from February to August.

The Backstage Theatre brings to the town a variety of live productions like The Sound of Music and Frog Prince.

Shopping

Who would have thought that a place so well known for its outdoor life would also be bursting with an array of shopping possibilities too. Goods is a shop for everything from housewares to clothing. Delight the kids by taking them to Peak-a-boo Toys, which has all the latest gadgets and games. Finley, Jones & Harris Home has everything you can need out of a home furnishing store. At Flying Crane, you can find high-end jewelry and fashion.

Located just outside of Breckenridge, The Outlets at Silverthorne is the ultimate shopper's retreat with over 50 places to get fashions at great prices. At Dillon Factory Stores, just north of Breckenridge, visitors can find major named brands like Coach at a discounted price.