Hi! Welcome! On Cyber Monday we purchased tickets to Denver for a steal! When the tickets were purchased we had no idea where in Colorado we were going, but we had tickets lol Winter Park ended up being our choice since it was fairly inexpensive (compared to places like Vail) and we hadn’t been before.
Today I’m sharing pictures from our trip and a bit of a diary style day by day recap. Later I will write a more formal “travel guide” in case anyone is thinking of going.
The travel day started early with a flight at 5:40am! Of course when we landed in Denver we made a stop at Snooze. It’s our favorite place for brunch. Luckily they have expanded their restaurants and have locations in Texas too. Now if they’d just open one in The Woodlands I’d be over the moon. hint hint Snooze 😉
Before leaving brunch we asked the waiter what he recommended seeing before leaving Denver. He said the Red Rocks Amphitheatre was a must since it was such a clear, beautiful day. We swung by Coors Brewery first. The tour and tasting are free! Then headed to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It was breathtaking! Including physically haha the thin air and hike to the top was hard, but completely worth the views. So many people were exercising on the stadium style seating. I think they’re all nuts. Mostly because I feel like I would pass out trying to run “Rocky style” up those tiers!
After taking in the views we headed for Winter Park. Our hotel was in Fraser, just minutes from the Winter Park Resort.
Early morning snowmobiling tour with Grand Adventures. Our guide, Aubrey, was fantastic. The temperatures in Colorado have been higher and snowfall less than usual so the trees weren’t snow covered 🙁 It was still gorgeous though. We spent the afternoon exploring Winter Park Resort.
Headed back to Winter Park Resort to check out the Coca-Cola Tube Park. We loved tubing when we were in Breckenridge and knew we wanted to do it again. It was fun, but Breckenridge (technically Frisco) was better. It ended up snowing that night and everything was beautiful. I shared a lot of videos on Snapchat and IG stories. Hope you caught those!
Our last full day in Winter Park we opted to tube again, but at a park across the street from our hotel. Ironically there were two tubing hills right next to each other. We asked the hotel staff which was better and Colorado Adventure Park was the winner. We got there when it opened and had the best time! The hubs also got to play with his new drone and was in heaven. Videos coming soon, including my tubing crash haha
After tubing we went back to the Winter Park Resort to have lunch and watch the skiers/snowboarders. On the way back to our hotel we stopped in at Idlewild Distillery. We had seen their products in a local liquor store and asked the staff if the distillery was local and had tours. The store staff said we had to go because it was a great atmosphere and drinks and food. It certainly didn’t disappoint! We met the master distiller, Jeff. He was so nice to take time out of his afternoon to talk to us and show us around their production. Can’t wait to see his business grow because their products are amazing!
Travel day back to Houston. Overall it was a fantastic trip. The weather was beautiful the whole time we were there, the food was great, and the people friendly!
Thanks for visiting the blog to see our travel photos. Come back soon to see a formal “guide.” Until next post…xoxo Becca
Breckenridge is by far one of the best places we have traveled to and today I am sharing where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Whether you are traveling at the beginning of the season or towards the end, this town has a lot of history and everyone you meet is friendly.
Although I have only visited Breck in the winter, I have heard the area is beautiful during the summer as well. This vacation guide will focus on winter though since that’s how I have experienced Breckenridge.
How to Get There
From Houston it is a quick flight into Denver. We rent a car in Denver and make the 2 hour drive through the mountains to Breckenridge. There are shuttle services available, but we like to have the rental for easy travel in and around Breck. The local Free Ride shuttle connects the resorts with the main street area and the perimeter of town if you’d rather shuttle in and then use the public transportation.
Where to Stay
Best accommodation experience has been at DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge. With so many people using airbnb these days you may have luck finding a great spot in or near town that fits your needs and budget. The DoubleTree had friendly staff and was dog friendly too! Upon arrival, valet staff greeted us, unloaded our luggage, and delivered it upstairs to the lobby. Valet parking only, fees are included in the cost of the hotel. Check-in was a breeze, the front desk staff was friendly and answered our initial questions.
The room was a great size and immaculately clean. I recommend staying on the 7th floor or lower, otherwise you have to take an elevator to the 7th floor, walk across the hotel to take a second elevator up to a higher floor.
Every night there are free s’mores and happy hour is offered twice a day at the restaurant. The hotel features an indoor pool, three hot tubs outside, saunas, and a fitness center. They also offer a shuttle to four stops along Main Street which is really convenient.
Equipment rentals are available and skiing…well it’s right across the street! Use the ski valet and they’ll deliver your equipment slope-side.
Gondola – Gondolas aren’t just for Venice! The BreckConnect takes you from town to the bases of Peak 7 and 8. It’s a great way to see above the trees and it’s free (but it does cost to park).
Loveland Pass – Scenic views going up and coming down as you travel to the Continental Divide.