We rarely make repeat vacations, but this one we couldn't resist. Last summer we spent a week and a half in the Rocky Mountains and loved it so much that when debating vacations this year, it took about 30 seconds for Frank and I to agree we should return.
One of the best things about a summer vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado (where the altitude of main street is 9,600 feet) is the weather. When you leave Kansas City in the morning at the height of a summer heat wave and end your evening cozy in a sweatshirt on the deck of a house in Breckenridge where it's 55 degrees and a gas fireplace is crackling...well...it's a recipe for a great summer getaway.
And during the day, it's 75 degrees, and perfect weather for ice cream.
We had long breakfasts with many cups of coffee while Molly and Clara played in the sun.
We ate giant, fresh salads for lunch.
Read a little (which became a group activity with Molly and Clara in the mix).
We bought a second hiking backpack (it's this one if you're interested) so we could all hike as a family. And hike we did! As evidenced by the 43249 selfies by Frank.
And we ate at and loved so many of the fantastic restaurants in Breck. Which (bonus for people with small kids) almost all offer happy hours with amazing food options.
With schools back in session and Labor Day around the corner, we're soaking up every bit of summer we possibly can.
And already feeling a little nostalgic for summer vacation.
Hopefully you got to enjoy a little time off this summer - either a getaway or relaxing staycation!
Lorie Estelle
I want to go!!!!!!!
Kelsey
Ironically, I was researching Colorado for a possible summer vacation, and I came across your post. We talked just this morning about your blog at Project 238, so of course, I had to click! Looks like a great vacation (and awesome blog)! I will check out more!
Jess
Hi Kelsey! It was so great talking to you last week, and I'm so glad you found the site. I cannot recommend Colorado for a summer vacation enough - it's one of our all-time favorite places to go in the warmer months! Hope to see you around town and hopefully at Project 238 once the doors open.
Veronica
Hello, did you do a train ride tour? If so where is it in Breck? Also, what restaurant do you recommend for a family with four kids? Hope to hear from you. Thanks
Jess
Hi Veronica - We did the Georgetown Loop Train which was about an hour's drive from Breckenridge. Definitely worth it - our kids loved it. The town of Georgetown is small but cute and definitely worth walking around - there are a few cafes for lunch and a small park. Honesty, almost everything in Breckenridge is super family friendly. We often took our kids to some of the nicer restaurants for happy hour because there were many food options and the restaurants were quieter. There are several breweries with good food that are really easy to take kids and have lots of food they love - Breckenridge Brewery is a classic (that's the photo of nachos above). Twist and Relish had fun bites on the happy hour menu. We never felt like it was an issue to take our kids anywhere, and they were really small (and noisy). Don't miss Daylight Donuts!
Ashly
Hi! We’re taking our 14 month old to Breck in a few weeks and are looking for beautiful yet relatively short hikes. What’s the hike you did with the lake? Was it very difficult? Thanks!
Jess
You'll have a great time, Ashly!! Our girls were 14 months the first time we took them to Breck in the summer and it was great! The lake hike is perfect - easy and so pretty. It's through the woods along a little stream and ends with a loop around that lake. We did it a couple of times. It's along the Snowflake trail that leaves from just off the bottom of the Snowflake lift. You can access it from 4 O'clock road (there's parking on 4 o'clock road at the Snowflake lift).
Jess
Ashly - Frank just reminded me that we also really liked the hike we did that left from Peaks Trailhead (near the Grand Lodge on Peak 7). It's a tiny bit more challenging but also really pretty. That's a long trail, but we just hiked about 30 minutes in and then turned around. Definitely one of our favorites and through the woods the whole way.
Ashly
Thank you so much!
Natalie Hopper
These are the cutest pictures ever! The babies look so happy!
Jess Smith
It's a great spot for a family trip! We're headed back this year!