A vacation to the mountains isn’t just for the rich and famous. Enjoy the great outdoors, walking tours and free festivals. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Summit County that will lighten your spirit and your waistline rather than your wallet. Here are our favorites!
FRISCO
• Experience how the first settlers lived in Frisco during the 1800’s. Walk through the real school house, jail and chapel, or (for a quarter) watch a train travel through the Frisco of 100 years ago in our realistic diorama. 2nd & Main Street, 970-668-3428
• Pick up a map of Frisco at the Information Center and visit eight historic attractions you can easily walk to from downtown. 300 Main Street, 970-668-5547
•Take a picnic to one of Frisco’s seven parks. Most offer tables, shelters and grills.
•There are many popular and challenging hikes around Frisco. Favorites are Rainbow Lake, North Ten Mile, the Rec Path to Breckenridge or Dillon and Meadow Creek/Lilly Pad. Visit the Info Center for directions.
•Experience a glass blowing demonstration at Frisco’s Gatherhouse Glassblowing Studio & Gallery. Watch glassblower John Hudnut as he creates art out of molten glass! 110 2nd Ave., 970-485-2909
•Take your knitting needles to Abbey’s Coffee for free open knitting sessions Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the corner of Hwy. 9 and Main Street. www.whatsneedlingu.com
•Hop on the free Summit Stage shuttle and take a ride through the Rockies! Check page 97 of this guide for maps and schedules. www.summitstage.com
•Grab some gear (and a Colorado fishing license) and fish the local streams and rivers.
•Take the kids to Story Hour at the Frisco Library. Young Toddler, Toddler & Pre-School sessions offered. County Commons on Peak One Blvd., 970-668-5555
•Stroll Main Street Frisco or Breckenridge for some prime window shopping. Most stores are locally owned and operated and filled with unique items
BRECKENRIDGE
•Take a stroll along the Riverwalk just west of Main St. For the more adventurous, Breck has countless miles of hiking trails or climb to the top of Quandry Peak!
•Take a self-guided historic walking tour of town. Visit www.gobreck.com or call 970-453-2913 for more info.
•The Breckenridge Welcome Center is now an interpretive museum featuring displays on life in the 1880s and the town’s evolution from gold-mining mecca to Victorian ski village. 203 S. Main St.
•Along with an array of community amenities, Carter Park also features a free dog park that’s a popular place to socialize for both local dogs and humans. Four blocks east of Main St., south end of High St.
•Take a scenic drive over Hoosier Pass and get some great photos.
•Take a free scenic gondola ride. Enjoy spectacular views of Cucumber Gulch Preserve on your way up to the base of Peak 8. www.breckenridge.com
•Stop by the Summit Historical Society’s old-fashioned ice cream social for 5¢ ice cream cones. Old Dillon Schoolhouse and Museum, 403 La Bonte St. •Soak in the incredible views from the easy hikes through the Dillon Nature Preserve. Trails include educational signs about the history of the area, wildlife and native plants designed by Dillon Valley Elementary School 5th graders!
KEYSTONE
• For stunning views of Lake Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Range, head up Swan Mountain Road to Sapphire Point between Keystone and Breckenridge.
•Ride Keystone’s River Run Gondola up 11,640 feet for spectacular panoramic views of Lake Dillon, Breckenridge and the surrounding mountains.
•Take a picnic and take in the views at Keystone Lake.
•Kidtopia Kidsfest is a great time to have free family fun! www.keystoneresort.com