Five FREE Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado

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The village of Breckenridge has long been a favorite spot in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for snow skiing and winter sports.  The laid back atmosphere and quaint historic district draws visitors looking for an authentic Colorado mountain town experience and a break from fast food joints and chain restaurants.  The numerous ski trails provide an experience for all levels of skiers from beginners to advanced.  The high elevation and the beautiful scenery provides a tranquil spot to relax in summer and is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. There is even a line of stores on Airport Road featuring different varieties of Cannabis for those who'd like to indulge (legal in Colorado).

 However, the cost of a ski vacation can be quite daunting when you factor in flights, lodging, ski equipment rental and lift tickets.  But don't despair.  Here are three FREE activities to do while in Breckenridge.


1.  Free tastings and tours at Breckenridge Distillery



A gem for adult travelers looking for a different type of activity, the Breckenridge Distillery is a great place to visit.  The distillery is a little off the beaten path, on Airport Road, but you can hop on the free van shuttle on Main Street. 




 In the newly added tasting room combined with a gift shop, guests are invited on a tour of the award winning distillery between the hours of 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. 




The tour starts out with tasting four different vodkas before you head into the factory.  

 After touring, you're back in the tasting room to try their bourbon, gin, whiskey and spiced rum.   

After the 30 minute tour concludes, if you're so inclined, you might stay for dinner in their restaurant.  The restaurant is becoming one of the hottest new restaurants in Breckenridge so reservations are recommended.  Another small free tasting room is also located at 137 S. Main Street (gratuities are expected).

 2. Ride the Gondola


An amazing free activity is the Breckenridge Gondola. It is a completely free service for anyone who visits Breckenridge.  Riding the gondola provides spectacular mountain views as well as fantastic views of the historic district.  The gondola makes three stops and allows skiers and sightseers to travel from downtown Breckenridge, to the ski lifts at the bases of Peak 7 and 8. The total ride time is about 11 minutes. Riders can get off and get a drink or a meal at the ski lodges located at the second and third stops.  

 The gondola is open during ski season from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.  It is also open during the summer from mid-June to mid-September. Skiers can purchase lift tickets at the Gondola Ticket Office, but no tickets are necessary to jump on the gondola.  To see the gondola, check out these links:  Gondola first run, Gondola second run, Gondola third run

3. Sightseeing and Shopping

 The historic district of Breckenridge includes Main Street, Ridge Street and French Street.  Many historic buildings are mixed with newer construction to create a charming shopping, dining and entertainment district like no other in Colorado.  Parking is not as easy as it used to be with the new parking meters on Main Street, but now worries.  There is a fantastic free bus system in Breckenridge.  A quick bus ride will take you anywhere you want to go in the town.  Main Street is also home to a great arts district with many galleries displaying local art. 



  The town is dotted with several fantastic sculptures.  Though it might cost a few bucks if you make purchases, it doesn't cost anything to window shop in this quaint historic shopping district, devoid of fast food chains.  The district has excellent dining options with a few excellent street fare stands for low cost dining options as well as moderate and fine dining options.


4.  Free Naturalist Tour

 Although it doesn't happen every day, Breckenridge guests are invited for a free on mountain naturalist tour.  These tours are meant to promote the natural aspects as well as history of the Breckenridge mountains.

 


5.  Sledding in Carter Park.  


At the south end of High Street and next to Breckenridge Elementary School is Carter Park, a small public park with a great sledding hill.  Since sledding is not permitted in any Breckenridge ski resort areas, head on over there with your sled or rent one for a nominal fee.  The hill has a slight incline which makes it perfect for all ages to try out sledding.  

For more information on visiting Breckenridge, go to these links:

Breck's free bus system: http://www.breckfreeride.com
Breck's Arts District:  http://www.breckcreate.org
Breck's Gondola:  http://www.breckenridgeresortmanagers.com/breckenridge-gondola
Sledding at Carter Park: http://www.breckenridge.com/activitiesdetail/Breck+-+Sledding+at+Carter+Park.axd
Breckenridge Distillery:  http://breckenridgedistillery.com/tours/

Additional links:
http://www.gobreck.com
http://www.breckenridge.com
http://www.townofbreckenridge.com
http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/breckenridge

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