Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado If You Don’t Want to Ski

things to do in Breckenridge

Written By Kelly Branyik

Kelly is a lifetime traveler, writer, and author. She is a former Peace Corps China Volunteer (2014 - 2016). She's been published in numerous publications including Apartment Guide, Fluent in 3 Months, and Pink Pangea. She loves tea, breakfast burritos, and traveling with people she loves.
January 25, 2020

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I know many people have done this post already, but what’s one more perspective right?

I went to Breckenridge for my Birthday when I did a grand adventure with Escape Campervans. You can read about here. I chose Breckenridge to stay closer to Arapahoe Basin, where I did my first snowboarding lesson (shockingly enough).

I wasn’t too interested in snowboarding, (don’t get me wrong, it was great). Instead, I went on a walk to find some other great things to do in Breckenridge until I made the trip for the next leg of my journey.

The second day I was there, I took a walk around the downtown area. I’m a big fan of walking so I’ll do it where I can. I found a lot of adorable shops during my wanderings, sweet restaurants, and coffee shops that aren’t Starbucks.

So below are a few of the places I really enjoyed while I was in Breck and I hope you’ll go visit and see what they’re all about.

Ole Man Berkin’s Bookstore

Ithaca - Bookstore in Breckenridge

I found this little place cozied up in a little village looking area just at the end of the main street. The sign is labeled “books” and I knew I was about to walk into a gem of an establishment. When I entered Ole Man Berkin’s Bookstore, books were stacked floor to ceiling in some seemingly chaotic order.

I was able to sit down in a chair and read the first few pages of “The Zahir” by Paulo Coelho. As I checked out, I had a pleasant conversation with the clerks, who were in the midst of having a gentle and adult discussion about politics. I left the store with three classics I still had never read. If you are a bookstore lover, this is the place for you.

Pho Real

pho real food to eat in Breckenridge

I was living in a van for the past few nights in temperatures below 10 degrees every night. It made sense to grab a meal that warms you down to your belly. If you’re walking around the downtown area, you can smell the basil from Pho Real within a few blocks of the establishment. Stop in for a big bowl of their delicious pho and warm up from the chilly mountain temperatures. They have a variety of other different menu items, including boba teas for the warmer months. Totally worth the visit!

Breckenridge Brewing Company

Breckbrew in Breckenridge Colorado

What’s a trip anywhere in Colorado without a trip to a brewery? Breckenridge Brewery is located near the downtown area. It is equipped with a variety of their flavorful beers and a delightful food menu.

During my trip, I decided to get their spinach and artichoke dip and a flight of their greatest beers. Their taproom is cozy and perfect for a chill night with your friends after a long day of not skiing.

Breckenridge Gondola Ride

Go Breck Gondola Ride in Breckenridge Colorado

There is a free gondola ride from Breckenridge up the mountain for people to go skiing. Of course, if you are skiing, it’s still a great ride up and back to see the beauty of Breckenridge. It’s a perfect place for people watching. You can easily get to the top of the mountain by way of the gondola. Once up there, you can grab a beverage or snack from the lodge, and watch people shred down the mountain.

Drive Over Hoosier Pass

10+ Photos that will inspire you to visit Colorado

Visit the Great Continental Divide and snap some candid shots of you and your friends (or yourself). Hoosier Pass is just a short drive from Breck, but if there is snow on the ground, take your time driving up! Guaranteed, you will enjoy the sites and the unbelievable towering mountain peaks just in front of you.

Stop In At Ollie’s Pub and Grub

Ollie's Pub and Grub in Breckenridge, Colorado

I stopped in Ollie’s Pub and Grub in Breck on a cold night while snow was piled up to the sides of the stores in cute cottage. I grabbed a jalapeno chili mac to help me warm my body up from the cold night I was facing in my campervan. This place is not far from the yacht clubhouse that you can duck into for a beer and the game, or a chill night with your friend.

Take a Drive to Keystone

Out Nessy's Window - Escape Campervans

One of my favorite drives in this area is driving from Breckenridge to Keystone, Colorado. Coming up and over a small mountain and around a few bends, you’ll see what looks like a little Santa village, especially in the winter. And then up against the beautiful mountains in a gorgeous lake that will take your breath away.

Breckenridge is not only a preferred luxury getaway. It’s also a gorgeous location to take slow drives and enjoy the beautiful sites of some of Colorado’s most impressive mountain landscapes. There is so much to do in Breckenridge all year round, but these are just a few of my favorite things to do and see.

What is your favorite thing to do in Breckenridge, Colorado? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

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Heyo, I'm Kelly!

I'm a Returned Peace Corps China Volunteer, author, blogger, Content Director trying to become fluent in Mandarin Chinese. I'm living and traveling in Colorado during some of the best years of my life. Thank you for joining me on my adventures!

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