LOOKOUT! Breckenridge
Need a heart racing, adrenaline pumping, feel good vacation? Well, look no further than the mountains in your own back yard. I went to the mountains for just that kind of get away. I chose Breckenridge for my very first time on skiis. After I fell off of the lifts a few times and ran into a snow bank or two I was starting to get the hang of it. I was swept away by the beauty and excitement that seemed to surround the mountain. Everyone everywhere was in good spirits, and full of energy!
I was the only one out of my crew of eight close buddies that had never skied before so they were all very adamant about showing me a great time. On the first day we went straight to the mountain as soon as it opened. I visited the lift ticket office and then the Breckenridge sport store for my rentals where I got fast, excellent service. I got on the mountain right away, and began the treacherous task of learning how to ski.
After I was quite sore and exhausted we left the mountain after the last run. We checked into our hotel, took a quick power nap and shower, and it was time to hit the nightlife! Breckenridge has some of the coolest hangout spots in the state. First and foremost it was time to eat a good meal. The Breckenridge BBQ was definitely a great choice after which we went to a great little bar called the Gold Pan which is known for having the oldest liquor license West of the Mississippi! The walls were run down with age and the original decorations still adorned the wooden walls.
After a wild night we were still determined to hit the mountain early the next day. The day was perfectly crisp and sunny, and we skied all day till we ran ourselves ragged. I fell in love with skiing and I think I could really make a serious hobby out of it. So for all of you skiers and snowboarders check out Breckenridge for a great ride and an awesome experience!
Sedona, Arizona
Everyone needs a soul-searching adventure at least once in his or her life, so why not do it when you are still young, fun and full of energy? Sedona, Arizona will lift your spirits and provide a magnificent feast for your eyes. We packed up the car over a long weekend and headed for warmer climates. A trip to Sedona requires very little packing, so leave those sweaters in the closet cause it's hot down there!
The red deserts of Arizona are very peaceful and open. You can't help wanting to sit there all day and watch the way the sun paints the rocks and mountains. We drove through the desert, with our mountain bikes strapped to the top of the car looking for the best trails. Mountain biking trails out there are top-notch and the hiking is spectacular! When we arrived in town we were all intrigued by the way the people seemed so relaxed and laid back. We all got a psychic reading and a palm reading (that is a big thing there). Next, we went on a "Pink Jeep" tour through the rough terrain followed by a picnic lunch in the middle of nowhere. At night we made a short trip into Flagstaff where they have some very eclectic shops and galleries, some really kickin' clubs and great nightlife.
Sedona has a little bit of something for everyone who goes there and everyone can take a little piece of Sedona home with them!
San Francisco, California
There's nothing that I love better than the open road. So if you've got the fever for adventure do what I did, pack up and go West for a week! All you have to do is jump on I-80 and follow the signs to the coast. I went to San Francisco and tried to pack a year of things to do into the short time I was there.
We made our way down to all the best shopping spots and attractions. First we went down to the cold waters of Fisherman's Wharf where we ate delicious San Fran Sourdough and watched the seagulls swarm the bay. On our way to the next stop we came across some street vendors selling live crabs right out of the ocean! Next we checked out the infamous island of Alcatraz followed by the Ghiradelli Chocolate factory. After we had as much chocolate as we could stand for a lifetime, we showered ourselves in culture at the Palace of Fine Arts. After dark is the time of day when the real fun begins. San Francisco has one of the best club scenes in America!
After a couple of jam-packed days of fun, the posse and I drove out of town with the Golden Gate Bridge in our rear view mirrors. We made a quick stop in Sonoma, California to sample the famous wine that the town is known for. Some of the best wine in the world is made in this sleepy little town. We hit all the best wineries in the area and loaded the trunk with killer wine at wholesale prices for the wine rack at home.
This is a town that you must see for yourself, and if you've been before, definitely go again because it never gets dull and it never stays the same!
Four Wheelin'
Four-wheeling is one of the easiest weekend adventures to throw together at the last second. There's nothing better than throwing supplies into the back of the truck and heading for the hills! All you really need to pack is a tool kit, some blankets, an easy lunch and don't forget your favorite beverage! The open trails can be a hair-raising adventure as well as a learning experience. I have always thought of four-wheeling as a big problem solving expedition for adults and the big question is, "how do we get this vehicle up that rock?"
If you plan to "rough it" for the day on the four-wheel trails, here is some advice for survival; first and foremost take a four-wheel drive vehicle (or else I have no sympathy for you). Make sure that the driver knows what he or she is doing. Good, safe driving can make or break the adventure. Another good tip is to know the trail. You should go with someone who has been before, or at least research the path you're heading down. The most important thing is to never litter out in the national forests because no one goes out there to clean up that stuff and a little thing like a soda can or a cigarette butt can kill an animal or start a fire! So pack a few trash bags, you don't want that on your conscience.
The Southern Colorado region is an extraordinary place to hit the trails. We have some of the most rugged terrain in our own back yard. Hackett National Forest has some excellent four-wheel trails as well as some killer scenery. Just head up highway 24 and turn into the national forest close to Divide. Another exciting place to check out is the forest on the other side of Cheyenne Mountain. Simply take Old Stage Road and keep going until you hit the rugged trails.
Remember to stay safe and happy four-wheeling!
*Editor's Note: If you would like to ride along with the pros, contact: High Altitude Jeep Adventures, jeepadventures.com or (719) 473-3030 |
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