September 2008 Archives

So the jury is out. Breckenridge took 9th place in Ski Magazine's Top 30 Resorts survey. Freeskier Magazine, did better. They put Breckenridge in 4th place. So much for our reputation as a beginner's resort. Even the independent sites are singing the praises of Breckenridge.

For example, the Skiing examiner on Examiner.com ranked Breckenridge in first place for best grooming, best Colorado ski town to take a non-skiing significant other and the best baby boomer ski program. With its new Epic Pass, Breck ranked as one of the top ski pass deals.

So if you're thinking of a  Breckenridge rental this winter, rest assured, you are going with the best!

On October 4th and October 11, Modis Restaurant, located 113 S. Main St., will be hosting a wine tasting along with live jazz music from The Summit County Consort from 5pm-8pm. $20 per person includes: wine tasting, appetizers and live music . Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information please call Kendra at 970-453-3582 or email Kcaldwell@grandlodgeonpeak7.com.

Even if you don't attend the Tastes and Sounds events, you will want to check out Modis. It is located in the space formerly occupied by the Horseshoe.  It is owned by Eric, Ian and Chris, of Downstairs at Eric's fame. Apparently, the restaurant's name was inspired by Eric's toddler. When he wants more of a certain type of food, he points to it and says "Mo'dis."

While its name may be toddler inspired, the food at Modis is awe-inspiring. The health conscious can try the Modis salad, which consists of mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, fresh corn, tomato, croutons, grilled asparagus, olives, blue cheese, and a  honey mustard red wine vinigarette dressing. While we don't usually think of Breckenridge as a seafood destination, the Yellow Fin Tuna is so fresh you'd think that you were eating at a seaside resort. It comes with a ginger garnish, an edamame cilantro risotto cake, steamed baby bok choy, pickled cucumber salad and sweet soy ginger dressing. 

Check out Modis on your next Breckenridge vacation.

Now how's that for a cryptic topic header? Well you see, the thing is, to quote the late Jimmy Hendrix, "My soul has been psychodelicized." No, I'm not on drugs. But I have spent the last two days in Vegas. Last night, we saw Phantom, and tonight we saw the Beatles Love.

So what the heck am I doing here? My husband likes the place, and I get some minimal enjoyment in a sick but kitsch sort of way. It's also a great place to get some perspective. I grew up in New York City and spent nine years in Boston. I've been living in Summit County for a bit more than four years. This, combined with over 25 years in the fitness industry means that I spend most of my time around people who are in shape.

Let me tell you something. The next time you feel fat, go to Vegas. The sight of women who weigh about 100 pounds more than I do wearing dresses I would not wear if I was 25 pounds thinner kind of gets me thinking.

Then there's the smokers. Everybody smokes in Vegas. But my husband got one of these offers you can't refuse from Hilton Grand Vacations. $95 for a three night stay, if you agree to listen to a sales talk. Of course, we didn't buy. At $14,095 at 15% rate, as well as $700 to $2,000 monthly maintenance fees, it's not a great deal, no matter how good they try to make it sound.

But there's more. It's a question of ethics. Let's say that you're coming to Breckenridge. There are plenty of Breckenridge condo rentals available. In this kind of economy, if you have $1,495 available for a down payment  on a timeshare, wouldn't it be better to spend that money renting an existing condo. You won't be making a financial commitment that you'll regret if your financial situation changes, and you'll be helping an existing owner maintain their property. Think about it.,

Now, you have another reason to buy a Breckenridge season's pass and book an extended vacation at the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

The $199 unlimited lesson plan is one of Summit County's best kept secrets, and I am about to reveal it. This $199 pass allows you to take unlimited lessons with the Breckenridge Ski & Ride School throughout the 2008-2009 season. Here's the fine print:

• You must be a season pass holder, but hey, with lift tickets going up to about $90, it's well worth it.
• You can only use it on Thursday through Sunday.
• Blackout dates are 12/25/08-1/4/09,
  1/17-1/18/09, 2/12-2/15/09, 3/12-3/29/09, 4/9-4/12/09.

Do you think you're too good to take a lesson? Think again. Everyone can benefit from instruction. When all else fails, ski lessons let you cut lift lines. That in itself is a great deal!

Get yours now! Call 888.LRN.2SKI until 11/14/08. Classes meet at 9:45 am! Don't be late! take care of "business" before coming to class!

Ski Resorts, for $600
Answer: Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Vail, Beaver Creek and Heavenly.
Question: What ski resorts are included in the Epic Pass.

That's right. The Vail Resorts Epic Pass gives you unrestricted access to all of these resorts. This means no blackout dates! This year, they are extending the purchase date until November 15. There's even a kid's Epic Pass for $278. As if that was not enough, the pass offers discounts on ski clinics, gear and more. You can even sign up for resort charge privileges, and have your purchases charged directly to your credit card. This means that there's no need to carry your wallet to the slopes.

For details, visit the Epic Pass Website.

Now is a great time to book your Breckenridge Vacation!

 



Located on Wellington and Harris, a visit to the Father Dyer church offers fascinating insights into Breckenridge history. Picture this: The year is 1861. Meet John Lewis Dyer. He's 41 years old, and he lives in Minnesota.  Mr. Dyer is suffering from a serious eye ailment. However, he's always wanted to see Pikes Peak. Fearing that he may go blind before realizing his dream, he loads his horse and heads west.

When his horse dies in Iowa, Dyer walks to Omaha, Nebraska, and joins a wagon train headed west. When he arrives in Breckenridge, he preaches at all of the local mining camps. As a devout Methodist, Father Dyer fights dancing, drinking and gambling with sermons which were filled with fire and brimstone.

Dyer adds to his income by carrying mail, along with the word of God, from town to town. His skis are his mode of transportation. At the time, what we now call skis are called snowshoes, and what we call snowshoes are called Indian feet. As such, Father Dyer is referred to as the snowshoe itinerant.

Yesterday, when I was giving a walking tour of the town, someone from the Father Dyer Church asked if I'd like to take my group inside the cabin where he lived. This was incredible! As you would expect, it's a tiny place with a bunk bed and a table.

The Dyer Church is also a popular concert venue. It's just one more reason to book a Breckenridge vacation.

Today is a sad day in the history of Summit County skiing. It marks the death of Edna Dercum, wife of Max Dercum, who was the founder of Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. Since these resorts were around way before Breckenridge, one might say that they started a trend. Rumor has it that Edna's home is decorated with medals, some of which she won after age 65.  But Edna was not the only feisty female skier of a certain age. Just go to Breckenridge or Copper and watch the members of the Over the Hill Gang, and you'll see some truly impressive sliding.

If you think that you're too old to improve your technique, think again. Some of the best instruction I've had in years took place at the Breckenridge Prime Time program. Designed for skiers over age 50, this two-day program features video analysis, a welcome dinner and and a cocktail party. The 2009 dates are February 5-6.

 To join the fun, please call (970) 496-7534 or email brskischoolprograms@vailresorts.com

Since the program begins at 8:30, don't be left behind. Even if you live in Summit County, you might want to book your Breckenridge lodging in advance. Why? After skiing, you only have an hour to change for the dinner party. Besides, the extra half-hour sleep sure feels good!

See this picture? Once upon a time, this structure, located on Washington Street between Ridge and Main, housed the Fuqua Livery Stables. here, one could board horses, mules and burros. If you could afford the fee, you could even rent a room in the stable loft. Apparently, the body heat of the animals would keep you warm on a cold winter night. Although the newly renovated stable no longer has any animals, it will still be used as lodging for people, namely, our artists in residence. This is the second Artist in Residence program in the Town of Breckenridge. The first, is located in the Tin House, which is right next to the Barney Ford Museum. As if that was not enough, the Robert Whyte House on Ridge Street, a former stagecoach stop, now holds crafts workshops for kids and teens.

So, if you're planning a Breckenridge vacation with non-skiing friends, family or significant others, the newly restored Breckenridge Arts District is just one of the many off-slope activities to keep them occupied.

Like most locals, I find the sight of somebody spending their hard-earned money for a bottle of designer water pretty disturbing. First off, the plastic bottles are not quite friendly to our landfill. And secondly, our tap water is actually quite good. Dude! This ain't New Jersey! One of the many great things about a Breckenridge vacation is the fact that you can drink the water.

But all that may change if the Colorado Mining Association gets their way. According to a recent article  in the Summit Daily, they want to challenge the ban on cyanide-based gold mining. Now you're probably wondering what in heaven's name this has to do with the above photo. A lot. A whole lot.

The man featured in the photo is named Edwin Carter. The Carter Museum, located on Ridge Street, is currently under renovation. That's too bad. Why? Because the startling evidence about the negative effects of cyanide mining can be found at that museum.

Allow me to explain. Edwin Carter came here for the mining. However, he soon discovered that the mercury and cyanide in the soil was causing some rather disturbing mutations in the local wildlife. The museum had a photo of a few of these oddities, including a two-headed goat. In other words, the kid ain't right.

Fortunately, if you visit the museum at the Breckenridge Welcome Center, you can learn about the things that the town did to mitigate the effects of these harmful substances. One of the measures was to place a ban on cyanide-based mining. Hopefully, the Colorado Mining Association will lose this case.

And hopefully, people talk louder than money.

The next time you plan your Breckenridge ski lodging, be sure to plan a romantic dinner at the Hearthstone Restaurant. You can't miss the Hearthstone. Located at the corner of Ridge and Washington, the elegant blue Victorian building is the pride and joy of the town.

Back in the late 1800s, the building was the home of Christ Kaiser, who was the local butcher. Apparently, Mrs. Kaiser had a favorite milk cow. Unfortunately, during the three-month snow storm of 1898-1899, she arrived one morning to discover that her poor sweet cow had been slaughtered for its meat. It was unavoidable. because of the snow blockade, there was no food delivery in Breckenridge!

Today, there's almost a poetic justice in the fact that the Hearthstone is famous for its prime rib. But if you don't eat meat, don't despair. The ginger scallops with the coconut basmati rice is, in itself, well worth a Summit vacation.The service is impeccable, and the ambiance inspires the hot love that is characteristic of cold mountains. Don't miss it!

 As you've probably noticed, I seem to be on a mission to get you to explore the entire Town of Breckenridge. Not just the mountain, and not just South Main Street. There's a reason for this. Your decision to choose Breckenridge accommodations means that you are visiting one of the most interesting towns in the state of Colorado. Why not see, hear, taste and experience everything that is has to offer.

For example. Take the Blue River Bistro. Located on North Main Street, it's easy to miss. But that would be a darn shame. So why do locals love the Blue River Bistro. Here are just a few reasons:

1. Seared Ahi with crusted sesame seeds and lime sauce.
2. The chef's ability to turn a Salad Nicoise into an art form.
3. An extensive martini list, which includes chocolate mint martinis, creamsickle martinis and more.
   
4. Smooth jazz accompanied by smooth wine.
5. Romantic ambiance
   
6. Fabulous staff!

Enough said! So next time you take a Breckenridge vacation, plan a romantic dinner at the Blue River Bistro! It's located at 305 North Main Street, near the gondola and the Breckenridge Transportation Center.

No, the title is not not a misspelling of the word "Beatles." And while this even takes place in Frisco, the pine beetle epidemic is something that affects anyone who is considering a summit vacation rental.

So, on  September 20, 2008 from 10 am to 7 pm, the Town of Frisco will hold its first Pine Beetle Festival. The event will take place on Main Street, and will feature activities that are both fun and educational. They will even have a band that will play Beatles songs. Many of the activities are kid friendly, so bring the entire family. The Summit Daily is sponsoring a costume contest. Come dressed, or make your own at the festival. For more information, call 800-424-1554.

Even if you weren't planning to be in Summit County that weekend, this is a worthy cause. But why deal with driving back to Denver. Consider a weekend Summit vacation getaway.

Many people come to Breckenridge and never get off the mountain. Others make it to Main Street, but never get up the hill. Some actually get as high as Ridge Street, perhaps to eat at Hearthstone Restaurant or Fatty's. Did you know that the Hearthstone Restaurant was once the home of Christ Kaiser, who was the local butcher in the late 1800s.

Have you ever noticed the small yellow house that's next to the Hearthstone? When Kaiser's oldest son got married, he purchased that home, known as an Aladdin Home, for about $479. It was delivered by railroad, and it was one of those do-it-yourself projects.

Meanwhile, Fatty's Restaurant was once the Colorado Hotel. It was a pretty wild place. One night, the pianist was plating some music. I guess somebody in the audience didn't care for Ragtime; A gunmen shot a bullet into the piano. This piano is on display at the Briggle home, which is located on North Harris Street.

Now take a look at the photo featured above. Nice place, huh? Sadly, it has a rather grim history. The original house, located on North Harris Street, had two entrances: one for weddings and one for funerals. A lovestruck man built it for his fiance, who had the misfortune of dying before the wedding.

Oh well. At least they already had a ready-made funeral parlor.

You can learn about all of these things on a Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Walking Tour.
But hurry. When the weather gets colder, you'll have to wait till the spring . 

Meanwhile, why wait for ski season to visit Breckenridge. Book a Breckenridge vacation rental
and explore the town!

This is a rear view of my good friend Jonathan Lawson. Jonathan is an instructor and instructor-trainer at Breckenridge. He is also one of the best trainers in the industry. If you taught at Breckenridge, you just might be lucky enough to train under Jonathan. But that's not the only perk you get for working at Breck. You'll also get a ski pass, food and gear discounts, and depending on how many hours you work, a pass for your family members. Even better, the pass will give you access to Keystone, ABasin and ten days at Vail or Beaver Creek.

If you don't feel quite ready to teach skiing or snowboarding, there are other jobs available. I've outlined the jobs and hiring process in this article, which comes complete with the appropriate links. But keep in mind that there are pros and cons to working at a ski area. While the pros are obvious, you should realize that you will have to be "on" all the time, it can get cold, and, if you teach, you might end up teaching kids. If these things don't bother you, by all means, apply, but do it soon. Ski season is quickly approaching.

Here's something you may not realize. You don't have to be a full-time resident to apply for some of these jobs. Some of them only require a 14 day commitment. However, if you stay at a Breckenridge hotel each time you come here, it can get pretty expensive. Instead, why not consider one of the many Breckenridge condos for rent in this fabulous town?

So it's that time again! The weekend of September 12 -14 marks the 14th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest. I have a confession. I've never been there. Why? Because believe it or not, I don't drink beer, and I have an aversion to Oompah music. The whole event strikes me as kind of strange. It's a weekend where everyone can be German.

Now can understand people wanting be Irish on Saint Paddy's, or Italian just because it's sexy, but German? Oh well. This year, I'll be there. The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance
is doing some sort of event for a private organization, and they want us to dress up as Victorian characters. Perhaps I'll come as Sylvia. Moving on.

If you plan on attending, here are the details. The event kicks off on Friday, September 12 with the Brewmaster's Dinner. It takes place at the Salt Creek Steakhouse on 110E. Lincoln Street. Call 970-453-5074 for details.

Don't drink too much. The Street Party starts at 11 AM the next morning, and goes till 6PM. Don't miss the ceremonial keg tapping at noon on the Blue River Plaza. In the meantime you'll be entertained by music from Those Austrian Guys, while the Schuttplattler Dancers will perform traditional folk dances.

If you'd prefer healthier endeavors, there's a 5K run. Call 970-4531734 for details. But if you plan to drink lots of beer, please don't drink and drive. Consider a Breckenridge condo rental for the weekend.

DUDE! Why so sad? Perhaps he already knew that the Prospector Restaurant was going to close on August 31st. The building on 130 South Main Street once housed the Prospector Restaurant. However, in the 1800s, it was known as the Arcade Hotel. Legend has it that the Prospector was haunted by a ghost named Sylvia.

Who is Sylvia? What is she?

Sylvia was a minor's widow, who lived at the Arcade, with hopes for meeting a man who would replace her late husband. But alas, she died a single woman. Rumor has it that she is still looking for that perfect guy. Apparently, only men were able to see her ghost. What will become of Sylvia? What will become of the men who were enchanted by her specter?
Who knows? But whatever happens, the Prospector Restaurant will be deeply missed!