3.25.2011

Spring Breckenridge Beer Festival- Brews, Bands, Lodging and Spring Fever

Karin B. is ResortQuest's event planner and true Breck local- she loves to ensure all our guests enjoy themselves so check out her insider knowledge!

One of the best things to do during Spring Fever in Breckenridge will be the Breckenridge Beer Festival April 9th at Main Street Station.   You really need to spend the entire weekend in Breck, check out the nightlife the night before and of course spend the night of the beer fest – because with 24 brewers sampling their specialty brews, you'll want a comfy bed to return to!

This year the Breck Beer Fest will feature three bands.  Openers the Holden Young Trio and Something Underground set the stage for headliner Elliott Brood and are all sure to keep your feet moving with their grooving music!!!  By buying a $65 VIP (presale) beer mug, you can begin your unlimited beer sampling one hour earlier ( noon – 5pm ) and will gain you access into a VIP lounge for a nice lunch catered by Harvest Catering.  A unlimited tasting regular mug price will run you $25 ( presale) and will get you sampling at 1pm – 5pm.  Entry into the event for music is FREE.

Book with ResortQuest Breckenridge and get discounted lodging plus discounted beer mugs and VIP tickets!  Book now!

So now where to stay?  They say that location is everything, so let’s start with the closest lodging to the event.  The Breck Beer Fest is located a Main Street Station in the plaza at the center of the complex.  I would say that to be right in the mix, staying at Main Street Station in one of the rooms overlooking the plaza would be ideal.  You would be able to watch the live music right from your balcony and venture down to sample the brews as you wish.  Book This Property Now!

If you are looking for a little more peace and quiet, but still want fabulous luxury, the next building over is Water House on Main Street.  It is new, incredibly decorated and the end units have spectacular views of Peak 9 and Maggie Pond.  The night before the event take advantage of  the amenities Water House has to offer, fitness center, swimming pool, hot tubs and eucalyptus steam rooms. After the event is over, you can walk to the many restaurants on Main Street as Water House is located on Main on the south side of town. Book This Property Now!

For a more economical lodging choice for Beer Fest weekend, try River Mountain Lodge.  It is clean, comfortable and located one block from all of the action of Main Street, Breckenridge in the center of town.  It, too, has a fitness room, swimming pool, hot tubs (some units have their own private hot tub) and bar lounge. A short 5 minute walk will bring you to the Festival.  Book This Property Now!

Of course, I  truly recommend staying anywhere within walking distance, because between the 24 brews being served, and the 10,000 feet above sea level, you surely will not want to drive.  There is a wide a range of lodging options located all within a five minute walk to the Beer Fest – view our list of properties with video and photos of every unit so you can pick out the perfect condo for your weekend!

Enjoy everything Spring Fever and the Breckenridge Beer Festivals have to offer and stay safe and comfortable after all the fun in one of our condos!  See the deal and discounted mugs for the beer festivals! Book now before they rooms are gone!

Best Apres Drink Spots- Cool Off That Spring Fever with an Apres Afternoon

Karin B. is a Breck local and our events diva! She loves to ensure our guests have the very best time with her insider tips... 

You should see spring time in Breckenridge.  Sunny, warm, and fabulous! We want every one to experience this kind of spring! That's why the newest Breckenridge event, Spring Fever is here to celebrate spring and everything good about it including the best place to cool a fever with some après drinks!  

  1. One cure for your après affliction after the last chair at 4:00 is right in downtown Breck!  Simply taking the Four O’Clock Run to the very bottom of the ski resort, walk across the street to the River Mountain Lodge and the Fireside Lounge.  This cozy hotel bar, decorated “moosey bear” complete with antler chandeliers, will be the perfect place for your après ski remedy.   Bubba is one of Breckenridge’s most loved bartenders, and will prescribe cold frosty libations with daily specials.
  2. If you want to stay up on the hill, head to the T-Bar for your après ski therapy.  One of North America’s highest après ski bars, and the largest bar at Breckenridge Ski Resort, the T-Bar seats 150 people and is located slope-side at the base of Peak 8 inside One Ski Hill Place.  Enjoy your favorite tonic while taking in the incredible views.  Friday nights in April  are “EpicMixer” events, when you can share your accomplishments on EpicMix in group therapy and get rewarded with  awesome specials.  The BreckConnect Gondola is located conveniently right outside the T-Bar, so stay until last call and get a free ride down to town!
  3. Addicted to the terrain park? Thursday nights in April are "5 til 5" Terrain Park Happy Hours and just what the doctor ordered. Breckenridge Ski Resort will run the “5” Chair Lift one hour later on Thursday nights in April. Join the other addicts in Park Lane for Thursday Park Happy Hours featuring DJs spinning tunes, food and drinks, prizes and competitions! Plus you get to be out on the mountain 1 hour later and it’s FREE!  Sick Tricks… Thursdays April 7 – April 21.
  4. One of the largest après ski cures in Breckenridge will be the April 9th Beer Festival at Main Street Station from 1-5pm.  Featuring over 20 Breweries from around the country, plus live music, the annual Beer Fest is one of Spring’s infectious events!
  5. Still in pain? A nice dose of sunshine on the many decks in Breck will restore your health.  Some of Breckenridge's best outdoor decks are at the Kenosha Steakhouse, the 2nd floor at Relish or  the outdoor wooden deck at Fatty’s, fabulously  surrounded by John Daisy’s famous botanicals. Try Quandary Grille’s sunny deck overlooking Peak 9 and the Maggie Pond. Or a “wee bit o sunshine” on the Burke and Riley’s Irish Bar deck and patio.    

With over 70 bars and restaurants in Breck, finding a place to heal your Spring Fever Apres Ski craving,  will be painless!  Get to Breckenridge for Spring Fever and the best Spring Apres scene!  View the best lodging deals and stay right in downtown Breckenridge!

3.15.2011

Breckenridge Named Best Getaway by New York Times

Breckenridge is the perfect mountain town to get away for a quick weekend or an extended trip and the New York Times thinks so too with their article about “14 Easy Weekend Getaways” and Breckenridge is first on the list. (read the full article)
The New York Times is raving about Breckenridge!  They report that anyone from major airport hubs around the country can easily get to Breckenridge’s slopes for the sunny spring that is already starting to appear in Breckenridge!  New York Times highlights our record snowfall (over 29 feet so far!!!) and our incredible events like the Spring Beer Festival and Spring Fever events like the Bite of Breck! 

So where to stay while you are on your getaway that won’t break the bank?  The Times featured our River Mountain Lodge property as a great place to stay! During Spring break find prices starting at $140 a night, but as soon as April 1, 2011 rolls around see prices drop and you can save up to 40% off lodging! 


River Mountain Lodge is centrally located just one block of main street and just a short walk to the ski lifts! Choose a hotel room, studio, or 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom condominium with the option of a loft, private hot tub, fireplace or private balcony. Complimentary wireless Internet access is provided (bring your laptop!) Enjoy 24-hour bell and front desk service, an outdoor heated pool, hot tubs and a fitness center. ResortQuest Ski and Sport is on site to take care of all your ski, snowboard and biking needs!

Stay anytime between April 1 and April 30, 2011 and rates start as low as $104 for a hotel room in River Mountain Lodge!  Search for your perfect River Mountain Lodge condo and get to Breckenridge for Spring Fever!  See our other spring lodging and find your perfect condo in Breckenridge!

Spring Fever in Breckenridge- Free Music, Restaurant Deals, Park Jams, & Lodging Deals

Spring Fever- it's that restless feeling you get around March and April when the sun is shining brighter longer and the days are getting warmer.  With the melting snow comes a need for change and any thing fun is fair game.  It involves long days of spring skiing, après beers on your favorite patio, basking in the sun and a secret longing for your love, summer, to arrive (you don't want to make winter jealous.)

But the actual term Spring Fever is recognized by science as a biological change that occurs in humans as the seasons switch from winter to spring. Wikipedia defines Spring Fever as: “A term applied to several sets of physical and psychological symptoms associated with the arrival of Spring. It refers to an increase in energy and vitality, often particularly strong in those experiencing lows during the winter months.”  Its like we are coming out of our winter hibernation and we're ready to play!

So Breckenridge has fully embraced this Spring Fever condition and to help relieve all those antsy, fun seeking spring chicks they have made April a month of pure Spring Fever Fun!!!  Save up to 40% on Spring Fever lodging. Come on get to Breckenridge- don't deny the urge to break free from winter and have some spring fun!

From live music from major headline bands like the Flobots, The Wailers, Devotchka and more to incredible restaurant deals, apres deals, extended ski hours to shopping deals to an entire beer festival, the entire town of Breckenridge is setting up the fun for all of April! 

Highlights of Spring Fever Events - Don't Miss these!  See entire calendar of Events
  • All of April: “Breck 1859” Restaurant Special
    All throughout the month of April, restaurants all over town will participate in “Breck 1859”, featuring special menu items for only $18.59, in celebration of the year of the town’s founding!
  • Fridays April 1-Fri. April 22: Epic Mixer
    Free “EpicMixer” events in the TBar, the hottest après-ski scene in Breck! Come share your accomplishments on EpicMix with other guests, get rewarded with specials, and mix and mingle as our Mixologists dish out great mixed drinks and Breck’s hottest DJ’s mix it up on the turntables!
  • The Flobots- Breck Spring Fever Free Concerts 3-5pm Peak 8 Stage
    The Flobots are an American rock and hip hop musical group from Denver, Colorado, formed in 2000 by Jamie Laurie. Flobots found mainstream success with their major label debut Fight with Tools (2007), featuring the single "Handlebars", which became a popular hit on Modern Rock radio in April 2008.
  • "5 til 5" Terrain Park Happy Hours
    For all you terrain park hounds, Thursday nights in April are for you! The 5 Chair Lift will run one hour later on Thursday nights in April and are keeping our parks open late! In Park Lane, the Thursday Park Happy Hours featuring DJs spinning tunes, food and drinks, prizes and competitions will be underway!
  • April 9: Breckenridge Beer Festival
    The Breckenridge Beer Festival presented by KSMT, The Mountain radio station, is the kick-off party to Spring Massive. Expect to see over 20 different breweries, dance to live music and see our awesome lodging deals- we are an official lodging partner.
  • April 9: The Wailers - Breck Spring Fever Free Concerts 3-5pm Peak 8 Stage
    Together with Bob Marley, the Wailers have sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide. Outside of their groundbreaking work with Marley, the Wailers have also played or performed with international acts like Sting, the Fugees, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana. As the greatest living exponents of Jamaica's reggae tradition, the Wailers have completed innumerable other tours, playing to an estimated 24 million people across the globe.
  • April 16: moe. - Breck Spring Fever Free Concerts 3-5pm Peak 8 Stage
    From modest beginnings in a Buffalo basement over two decades ago to today’s multifaceted success, the members of moe. have never lost sight of the earnest, elemental goals that they aspired to from their very first show: to deliver honest, heartfelt music and to ensure the audience has a good time.
  • April 17: Devotchka - Breck Spring Fever Free Concerts 3-5pm Peak 8 Stage
    DeVotchKa is a four piece multi-instrumental and vocal ensemble that fuses Romani, Greek, Slavic, and Bolero, music with American punk and folk roots. They are Colorado natives with their own unique Gypsy style, providing live multi-instrumental performances like no other.
  • Sat. April 23 and Sun. April 24: Weekend-Long Easter Egg Hunt: Peak 8
    Grab the Kids and head to one of the largest Easter Egg Hunts anywhere, as this free 2-day egg-stravaganza will give kids and adults alike the chance to hunt for prize filled eggs both on the mountain and at various locations around town! 

Get to Breckenridge for your Spring Fever Relievers and save on lodging too!  We have special Spring Fever Deals running so you can get to Breckenridge for cheap! Save up to 40%! View the deal and book online now to secure these Spring prices!

3.08.2011

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Breckenridge- Kiss Me, I'm Irish!

Blog written by Breck Local Karin Bearnarth who has a special place in her heart for all those Irish- even just a wee-bit! 

Breckenridge celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, just a wee bit this March 17, 2011!  Whether you are born and raised in Ireland or have a touch of Irish in you, celebrating St. Patrick’s day in the high country will have you saying “Tabhair pog dom taim Eireannach” (Kiss me! I’m Irish)  before the end of the evening!

Start your day off at Burke and Riley’s which will open at 7am with a giant Irish buffet breakfast.  Mark Burke, one of the owners, says he will be serving up a traditional Irish breakfast, the most important meal of your day!  Later in the day, enjoy the sounds of the old country with bagpipers from Denver’s Emerald Society.  Burke and Riley’s will also have live Irish music, a DJ and Celtic dancers throughout the afternoon and evening.  A small cover charge will get your first  “beor ghlas” (green beer) and a collector’s Burke and Riley’s t-shirt.  Of course there will be Guinness on tap as well.

Head over to Fatty’s Pizzeria, a local’s tradition for St Patrick’s Day lunch.  The corned beef simply falls apart because they braise it and then slow cook if for eight hours.  It is served with cabbage and other vegetables that have been slow cooked as well. They open at 11 and serve at least 100 pounds of corned beef that afternoon!  Yum! 

Napper Tandy’s owner Anthony Bulfin, born and raised in County Tipperary Ireland,  and rumored to be  a direct descendant of St Patrick, hosts another gigantic celebration beginning with a true Irish buffet with corned beef and cabbage with soda crackers and Guinness on tap.  The buffet opens at 11am - 4pm.  Live Celtic music will begin at 12pm – close.  The decks at Napper Tandys will be filled with revelry and have nice views of the mountains.  At 5pm, be dazzled by Breckenridge’s own Celtic Steps dancers – ages 5 – 15, which have been professionally trained by members of the cast of Lord of the Dance, and will perform traditional Irish dances until 6pm.  Impress Anthony by saying “Pionta Guinness le do thoil” which means “ A pint of Guinness , please!”

New this year will be an upscale St Patrick’s Day party at Blue River Bistro, from 4 – 7pm.  Their new chef will prepare traditional Irish fare including corned beef and cabbage, but with an avant-garde twist.  Jay Beckerman, owner, says he is introducing a new St Patrick’s Day martini to go along with the fabulous appetizers.  Larry Copeland will be performing his outstanding jazz but promises it will have an Irish twist, as he and his crew have been working on U2 covers! Getting green at the blue will certainly have you saying “Eirinn go Brach”  ( Ireland forever) for the rest of the night!

Get to Breckenridge to celebrate St. Patty's day or anytime this spring and save up to 40% on lodging through March- or experience Spring Fever in a different light all April! Save up to 40% on Spring Fever Lodging and cure that need for spring skiing, apres and all those awesome events!
We look forward to seeing you this St Patrick’s Day! Slainte!

3.01.2011

Breckenridge Florists- Who's the Best for Your Wedding?

Petal and Bean photo
Flowers can be a large part of many weddings- they can be an essential decor piece for a wedding or just a perfect highlight.  Whether your wedding budget includes transforming your wedding space into a jungle of flower arrangements or if you simply plan to have beautiful bouquets, there are plenty of Breckenridge florists to help you achieve the perfect look.  

Florists can be a hard pick however our Group and Wedding Sales Manager Brigitte (contact her today) suggests to start by looking at the florist's portfolio- you want to ensure they can physically create the look you are going for with your flower elements. Second check their pricing to ensure they can fit your budget, and thirdly check to see their full range of services. Sometimes its easier to know that fewer companies are taking care of multiple aspects of your wedding.  Contact Brigitte today to discuss your Breckenridge wedding!

Brigitte has put together her top picks of Breckenridge Florists for your Wedding Day in Breckenridge! 

Petal and Bean
Petal and Bean
This is a one stop shopping destination - Petal and Bean is not just a floral shop- they are event planners, florist and can arrange for linens, glassware, decorations and create invitations.  Petal & Beans can make your wedding planning as easy as it can get.  They are highlighted over different years of Rocky Mountain Bride issues, The Knot and other various mentions! See their website.


Bloom
Bloom
You will get the best service and quality possible when using Bloom as your florist.  They have been voted “Best of Summit” since 2003. Bloom also has been recognized in the Knot – Best of Wedding Magazine” and has been featured in the Rocky Mountain Bridal Magazine. See their website.


Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden specializes in fresh flower arrangements and silk flower arrangements.  They also offer unique home accessories.  With 28 years of experience, you will be in good hands for all your wedding flower arrangements. See their website.

If you are still planning your perfect Breckenridge wedding don't miss the beautiful wedding accommodations and wedding spaces we have at our different properties with ResortQuest Breckenridge.  When you book with us you will also receive a newly wed gift - free night in one of our beautiful wedding suites!  Contact Brigitte today to discuss your perfect wedding.

Keystone’s Winter Culinary Festival 2011- Extravagance on Ice!

The annual Keystone Winter Culinary Festival March 4-6, 2011 is absolutely packed with fabulous events, tastings, demonstrations and the Grand Tasting of them all!  This years culinary feast is presented by 5280 Magazine and Stella Artois.

Get to Keystone and walk away with delighted taste buds, new found culinary enlightenment and the perfect Keystone lodging to be the icing on the foodie weekend.   View our Keystone Lodging Deals.

The events begin with a bang from the Chocolate Demo to Friday nights Welcome Wine Dinner. Saturday enjoy a full day of culinary techniques and classes that will prepare you for the Grand Tasting. And Sunday wind down with the Champagne brunch and bring the kids to the kids cooking class. All of these events require reservations which can be made by calling 800-354-4386.

Highlight of Events- Don’t Miss These Tasty Events!
See full schedule.


Friday March 4, 2011
  • Chocolate Demo – 2pm
    Executive Pastry Chef Ned Archibald shares his talent with you during this Chocolate Demo Class. This class can accommodate up to 25 people for a 2 hour long demonstration.  Watch Ned demonstrate how to make various desserts. Location: Keystone Conference Center. Cost: $15 per person. Reservations Required. 
  • Unique Red Varietals and Blends – 3:30pm
    This wine tasting at the Ski Tip Lodge, featuring unique red varietals and blends, will be hosted by resident sommelier Megan Morgan.  Megan will share her knowledge about new and interesting wines, many from unexpected regions or an unusual grape varietals.  Location: Ski Tip Lodge Cost: $15 Reservations Required. Duration: 2 hours Seating: 30  
  • Welcome Wine Dinner Event: World Celebration of Wine Dinner – 6pm
    Join Chef Kevin McCombs and Sommelier Megan Morgan for a tour around the globe, as we explore the viticulture and culinary arts of the seven continents of the world.  With seven courses and six wines, your experience will span the world. No luggage needed! Location: Ski Tip Lodge Cost: $100 Reservations Required. Duration: 3 hrs Seating: 50ppl
Saturday March 5, 2011
  • Farm to Table Seminar - 1pm
    From community gardens to backyard chickens, come learn how we’re taking back our local food system by bringing the farm closer to the table. Jennifer Santry, Executive Director of the High Country Conservation Center and Co-Chair of the Summit County Food Policy Council, and Kevin Cannel, Farmer and Ranch Manager of Our Sustainable Village in Leadville, will present ongoing efforts to bring locally based agriculture via food policy and education to our schools, restaurants, and families.
    Seating: 50 ppl Location: Warren Station Duration: 2 hours Cost: $15
  • Champagne Seminar – 3pm
    Learn from our expert about champagne with this informative seminar at the Ranch. A complimentary cheese plate will also be available. Location: The Ranch Cost: $15 Reservations Required. Duration: 2 hours Seating: 40 ppl *Free Shuttle provided from Keystone Lodge at 2:30pm to the Ranch and back after the seminar
  • Grand Tasting Lodge presented by 5280 Magazine & Stella Artois  5:30 – 9pm
    Come experience a sampling of local specialties from Keystone's award-winning restaurants including the Keystone Ranch, Ski Tip Lodge, Alpenglow Stube, Bighorn and more! The Outpost, located atop Keystone's North Peak will be transformed into a tasting lodge for guests to pamper their palates and delight their taste buds. Includes wine and beer pairings with each tasting. Chefs will be serving sustainable and organic ingredients in several dishes. Location: Outpost Pricing: $100 per person. Total Attendees: 300. Reservations Required. * Travel time to Outpost is 30 mins via 2 gondola rides. Please wear warm winter clothes for your travels!
Sunday March 6, 2011
  • Champagne Brunch at 11,444ft - Starts at 10:30am.
    Ranked as one of the best on-mountain restaurants in the country, Alpenglow Stube is described by Zagat Survey as "Fabulous old-world food and service and the best setting in the state."  Head to the top of North Peak at 11,444 ft , where your boots are exchanged for warm, fuzzy slippers. This unique menu includes a Mimosa, your choice of soup du jour, selection of entrée and an array of magnificent desserts.  Don't miss this ski in/ski out lunch at the highest AAA four Diamond restaurant in North America. Pricing: $47 per person. Reservations Required. 
  • Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Class – 1pm
    Calling All Kid Chefs! Mixing and Measuring and Knife Skills, Oh My! In our one hour class, we’ll celebrate all the fresh tastes that spring has to offer.  Our  wonderful teachers will incorporate nutrition, food history, math skills and jokes for an hour of fun!  All chefs will enjoy eating the 'fruits' of their labors at the end of class. Location: Warren Station Cost: $15 Reservations Required. Duration: 1 hour Seating: 30 ppl

Get to Keystone for the Winter Culinary Festival - you won't want to miss it.  They will satisfy your taste buds and we'll satisfy your lodging wants and needs! View our Keystone Lodging Deals and get perfect accommodations close to all the food and wine action!