Breckenridge, Colorado, ranks right up there when it comes to the complete vacation experience. The town boasts of a full complement of special events in the Arts District, live performances at the Riverwalk Center and indoor sports at the Stephen West Ice Arena. Summer or winter, expect to be fully occupied with things to do at the ski resorts or the hiking trails. One of the highlights of your Colorado vacation is the vibrant night life around Breckenridge’s Main Street, which is considered the place to see and be seen.
Main Street
No Breckenridge trip is complete without a night or two spent exploring the numerous bars and clubs along Main Street. After a day on the slopes or the trails, unwind at any of the 30 or so bars that offer a unique ambiance. Leave the comfort of your Breckenridge vacation rentals to dance the night away at Cecelia’s, which is the hottest place in town even during the coldest nights of ski season. Cecelia’s features include a sizable dance floor, several bars and a party DJ.
If you’re after hip and casual, try Burke & Riley’s Irish Pub where the views are spectacular and hand-battered fish and chips are even more so with pints of beer. This place has a wide selection of drafts to down your late-night repasts and is considered a must-see on your Breckenridge trip.
On the north end of Main Street, you can pop into Blue River Bistro, notable for its two happy hours and live music most of the week. Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub is within ambling distance and also features live bands that can sometimes be audible to nearby Breckenridge vacation rentals.
History has been preserved at the Gold Pan Saloon where you can examine old photos and signage as you sip your drinks and create more memories of your Colorado vacation. This favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike holds the oldest liquor license for establishments located in these parts. The Brown Hotel is another historic watering hole located in what was an 1800s hotel and restaurant. Today, the place still caters to folks enjoying their Colorado vacation, providing darts, pinball, foosball and air hockey equipment. Billiards and a shuffle board are also offered for the perfect hangout with family and friends.
Apres-Ski Places
The apres-ski scene is a large part of the Breckenridge lifestyle for locals, seasonal residents and visitors. While these places are not nightspots because they specialize in lunch and afternoon refreshments, apres-ski margaritas and appetizers set the tone for an evening of fun on the town. These spots are located along the base of Peaks 8 and 9, convenient enough to the gondola so that you can savor your apres properly before catching a ride to the downtown area for more fun on your Breckenridge trip.
The options include the T-Bar at One Ski Hill Place and the Base Nine Bar with billiard rooms and flat-screen TVs to keep up with your favorite teams and tournaments. Walk a little bit from the base of Peak 9 for wings and margaritas at Mi Casa or try the Park Avenue Pub for daily happy hour specials, complete meals or late night specials. If your Breckenridge vacation rentals are close to this area, the Pub has you covered starting at daybreak with its skier's breakfast buffet.
The Tasting Rooms
Little-known tasting rooms provide alternatives to the sometimes hyperactive apres-ski options. Breckenridge Distillery operates a tasting room at Blue River Plaza where you can sample the award-winning bourbon, vodka and rum on the house. The actual distillery is also open for tours if you're interested in the magic behind the brews.
Absinthe Bar is a cozy place with a lounge-like atmosphere where you can experiment with the absinthe water tower. Meanwhile, D'Vine Wine is a boutique winery with a tasting room where you can sample specialized wines made from varietals grown on the Western Slope. The vintner will even guide you through the process of customizing your own blend, including creating your own label.
There are many reasons for wanting to revisit your Breckenridge vacation rentals year after year, and a bustling nightlife is certainly one of them.