1. Stay at the Grand Timber Lodge 

Plan a year ahead and you should be able to book enough condos to accommodate your family at the Grand Timber Lodge.  Summer prices are reasonable, with one, two or three bedroom units available for rent.  All are well equipped and spacious, complete with fireplaces and balconies.  The setting just above the village of Breckenridge is convenient for walking into town, or the Lodge offers a complimentary on-call shuttle. Kids will enjoy the multiple swimming pools, hot tubs, or game room, while adults can take advantage of the Victorian Day Spa, or sample some of local brew at the Lodgepole Bar and Grill.

http://www.grandtimber.com/

2. Bike Ride from Vail Pass to Frisco

Both Mountain Wave and  Alpine Sports, along with several other companies in town, offer bike rental and shuttle transportation to the top of Vail Pass. It’s an easy ride down for all ages, and was definitely a highlight for twenty-three family members at our recent reunion! The good news for the seniors in the group is that you don't have to pedal that much. You mostly coast along the twelve miles of paved trail, winding past bubbling creeks, through stands of Aspen, to the town of Frisco, located on scenic Lake Dillon.  Be sure to bring your camera, as there are spectacular photo opportunities all along the way!

http://www.mtnwavesnowboards.com/biking.cfm

http://www.alpinesportsrental.com/indexsummer.html

3. Sailing on Lake Dillon

Combine your Vail Pass to Frisco bike ride with lunch at the Backcountry Brewery, and then take a sail on scenic Lake Dillon to complete your day.  Spanning 3300 acres, and boasting twenty-five miles of coastline, the lake is surrounded by majestic peaks!  Visit the Frisco Bay Marina where you can rent anything from a canoe or kayak, to a pontoon or powerboat, to a twenty-two foot sailboat. 

http://www.townoffrisco.com/visitors/marina.html

http://www.windrider.us/

http://columbinemtn.com/backcountry/main.htm

4. Horse Back Riding

Breckenridge Stables offers a variety of equestrian options, including a breakfast ride, as well as an hour and a half trail ride on the range between Peaks 9 and 10 above town.  The wranglers will pick out just the right horse for you according to your size, age and riding ability. Sitting high in the saddle, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views before turning into the woods for a beautiful ride. up and down hills, across rivers and through meadows dotted with wildflowers.  

http://www.breckstables.com/breckstables_TrailRides.php

5. Golf

Breckenridge boasts the only public Jack Nicklaus designed 27-hole golf course in the world.  The recipient of many prestigious awards, the Breckenridge Golf Club will surely please the most discriminating golfers in the family.  And situated at 9,324 feet, your golf ball will fly further that at lower elevations, giving you great bragging rights!  Make your tee times early, so as not to be disappointed.  Looking for another alternative, try the Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks in nearby Silverthorne.

http://www.breckenridgegolfclub.com/

http://www.ravengolf.com/page.asp?p=199

6. Fly Fishing

Visit one of the local angling shops in downtown Breckenridge to hire a guide, or just head out on your own to wet your line in one of the five nearby rivers known for great fishing…. the Blue, Eagle, Colorado, Arkansas or South Platte.  You’ll be inspired by the serenity and beauty that surrounds you, and you may even catch a big brown trout or two while you are at it!  New to fly fishing, with no experience, but you’ve always wanted to try?  In our family, Grandpa had the pleasure of spending the morning on the river with the younger members of the family, teaching them how to cast…. but you will find that lessons and rental equipment are readily available through many of the local outfitters.

http://www.breckenridgeoutfitters.com/

http://www.mountainangler.com/home/index.php

7. Happy Trails Chuckwagon Dinner

Looking for evening entertainment that the whole family will enjoy?  Well, you are out west in Colorado after all, so why not play that theme and attend the Happy Trails Chuckwagon Dinner?  Arrive early for a wagon ride, or try your hand at roping or horse shoes,  When the dinner bell rings, hit the chow line for steak or chicken hot off the grill, along with their signature beans and fixins’, cowboy coffee and tenderfoot lemonade.  Then settle in for a real cowboy show, including the music and humor of Duke Davis and the Buckshot Band. 

http://www.happytrailschuckwagon.com/

8. Shopping in the Village

Approaching its 150^th anniversary, Breckenridge is known as “the perfect mountain town.” With its lovely Victorian architecture, and its Main Street lined with quaint shops and a wide variety of restaurants, it is fun to stroll through the village and while away an afternoon. 

9. Music Festival at the Riverfront Center

Located in the center of town directly on the Blue River, is the award winning new Riverwalk Center amphitheater.  It is the home of the Breckenridge Music Festival, and offers a wonderful series of concerts throughout the summer.  Our family enjoyed an evening with the music of John Williams, performed by the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra. 

http://www.breckenridgemusicfestival.com/

10.  Dinner at Breckenridge Brewery

Colorado is known for its numerous microbreweries, and one of the best is located in Breckenridge.  Opened in 1990, the Breckenridge Brewery and Pub is a great place to gather the family.  Whether it’s a handcrafted small batch beer for Uncle Hans, or a tasty root beer for one of the grandkids, Breckenridge Brewery offers reasonable prices and a family friendly atmosphere. 

http://www.breckenridgebrewery.com/

NOTE: While still beautiful, the Summit County area is suffering from the Mountain Pine Beetle Disease. 

http://www.barkbeetles.org/mountain/fidl2.htm