August 2008 Archives

Wouldn't that be something to see - $10 a gallon for gas?  That would mean it would cost $250- $300 to fill up an average SUV, which I see as a real win-win for Coloradoans. 

Ski Resort Locals Win: Anyone who lives near a ski resort does so out of a love for skiing or riding.  And there's nothing better than having the whole mountain practically to yourself after getting dumped on with feet of snow.  If it costs almost $300 to drive to the resorts, I would imagine there would be far fewer visitors, so the locals wouldn't have to wait in any lines to get fresh tracks.

Weekend Warriors Win: If you've ever driven to Summit County from Denver on a weekend during ski season, you'll know the true meaning of grid lock.  What should be an hour and a half drive easily turns into three.  If gas prices continue to rise, the weekend warriors will be forced to carpool or take advantage of the various van services that go from the Front Range to the resorts. 

Rental Property Managers Win: Many Denverites drive to the resorts nearly every weekend during ski season. However, if it's going to cost them almost $300 in gas each time, they're going to be far less likely to make that commute so frequently. Instead, they'll be more inclined to stay for several days every time they make the drive.  They'll be taking advantage of the numerous Breckenridge lodging options and taking mini ski vacations throughout the year, which will be profitable for property managers.

Mother Nature Wins: OK, so Mother Nature isn't exactly a Coloradoan, but I couldn't leave her out.  After all, if gas prices skyrocket, commuters will find alernative ways to get where they need to go, which will reduce the pollution and all the negative side effects of our oil dependancy.

So while everyone is griping and groaning about the high gas prices, I'm loving it.  I'm whistling a tune while filling up my tank at $4 per gallon.  If the prices keep going up, things are really going to get exciting.

 ...and you seriously need some new gear!

On September 12-14, gather at the river, or rather, the Riverwalk, for the annual Breckenridge Ski Swap. Don't like the girly-girl graphics on your K2 skis? Trade them in for something else. Proceeds go to Team Summit, and left over gear will be donated to the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Don't miss it!

On August 29th through August 31st, the Backstage Theatre will present The Wizard of Oz. This gala performance will take place at the Riverwalk Theatre.Given that director Wendy Moore has chosen to use stage hooks, which would actually allow the characters to "fly," I find it appropriate that the play will be shown at the Riverwalk, as opposed to the more intimate Backstage Theatre on Ridge Street.

While perusing Wikimedia, I came across this interesting picture. It's copyright has expired, so it is now in the public domain. Note that the Wizard of Oz was written in 1899. which was when Victorian Breckenridge was in its heyday. Had Dorothy's Kansas home taken her over the state lines into Breckenridge, Colorado, she would have found a place that was equally, if not more magical than the Wonderful Land of Oz.

So do come see the Wizard of Oz. It's bound to be a spectacular performance. But don't forget to explore our town, where the magic of yesterday is hidden in our storefronts. our homes and our rivers.

Some people visit Breckenridge and never get off the mountain. Others take a stroll down Main Street, but never see the rest of the town. These folks are missing the hidden beauty, which makes Breckenridge a unique and exciting destination.

Disclaimer: I'm a tour guide for the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, so of course, I'm going to urge you to visit our historic sites. However, since our museums are free (although a $5 donation is much appreciated) it's well worth your while. Here's some things you might not know about our town.

Breckenridge is set up like a typical Victorian mining town. The shops and businesses are located parallel to the waterway. In this case, the shops are on Main Street, which runs parallel to the Blue River. As typical of Victorian mining towns, the homes of the upper class are located at a higher elevation, on French and Harris Street. Of particular interest is the Briggle home, located at 104 North Harris Street. Mr. Briggle was a banker, and Katie, his wife, was a music teacher. As such, she was a prominent society matron, who was often the hostess of elegant afternoon tea parties. The Briggle house is open to the public from 11-3 on Thursday through Saturday. You can also visit the house on our historic walking tours, which take place at 11AM , Tuesday through Sunday.

If you'd like to travel back in time to experience an authentic Victorian tea party, you can do so on Tuesday, September 9 at 3 PM. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.