I'd much rather live in a warmer climate for most of the year and spend my vacations in the mountains rather than vacationing to the beach and my day to day life include scraping snow off my car. One place that's like a second home to me is Breckenridge, Colorado. My family spent time up there while I was growing up, a few summer, a few winters, and always for Spring Break skiing. These days, it's a few hour drive from where we live and makes the perfect weekend getaway for my husband and our daughter. It's so special to bring them to one of my favorite childhood places and get to see my daughter experience the same joy I did when I was her age. Here's our itinerary for what we did on our latest visit this February.
What to Pack:
-
Road Trip Essentials: I'm all about the Free People knitted sets for the journey there, switching to my favorite Skims matching set on the way back. Plus, they double as the perfect lounging around the condo outfits. Ugg slippers keep it cozy for gas station pitstops. And oh, the lululemon canvas bag? Perfect for stashing snacks and novels.
-
In Town Outfits: Spring in Colorado is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get. I rocked an oversized coat and chic rain boots for shopping adventures in the slushy, melted spring snow. Don't forget the cashmere beanie – it's basically mountain couture. Lastly, you'll need a pair of polarized sunglasses. The sun is so strong reflected off the snow but if you don't have a pair, you'll find the best ones in all the local boutiques.
-
Date Night Chic: Breckenridge is very casual cool (much different than Aspen or Vail) so I ditch the dress and go for a Jenni Kayne sweater, dress pants, and a wool coat ensemble. It's very much still a slay without being too dressed up or down.
Where to Eat:
-
For my breakfast and brunch queens, most places don't open until 10 or 11am, but if you're looking for an earlier start, Mom's Baking Company, Semplice Cafe, and The Crown are your caffeine command centers. Pro tip: The Crown serves boozy coffee – the town's best-kept secret and my favorite place to cozy up by the fire and check work emails.
-
Daylight Donuts brings classic diner favorites to the table. It opens at 6am and they're a line out the door by 6:05am, even though the line moves extra quick. For lunch, try Rita's Agave Y Tacos. Taco heaven with killer margaritas. Major yum alert.
-
Date night at The Briar Rose Chophouse & Saloon is a mood. Make a reservation, soak in the western vibes, and devour the best steak dinner in town. The Saloon side, is first come first serve and more casual, but fills up quick.
Where to Stay:
-
Gold Creek Condos: In the heart of downtown, so you can roll out and be where the action's at. Two blocks from the free gondola? Yes, please.
-
Gold Camp Condos: Closer to the mountain, on the free bus system, and serving all the cozy cabin vibes. Think secluded, think chic.
What to Do:
-
Skiing? A hard yes. This time, I was rocking a 8 month baby bump so I sat on the mountain and drank a mocktail Aperol Spritz instead while watching all the newbies being brought down in a sled. If you decide to go, get the Epic Pass and it'll save you money rather than a day pass.
-
Shopping along main street never gets old. They have all your typical favorites, like Lululemon and Patagonia. But every time I'm there, I find new little boutiques, thrift shops, and stores. Lace and Lariat is my newfound love. A western boutique with a custom hat bar? They have a sign out front that says "Your husband called, he said you can buy whatever you want", and I took that very literally. They had me in a Dolly Parton and disco ball chokehold.
-
Troll hunting: Yes, you read that right. Half-mile hike, epic troll pic, and a story to tell. My daughter's obsessed, and so am I.
-
Breckenridge, where the mountains meet chic.