Breckenridge, Colorado

For my Christmas gift, my sweet husband planned a trip for just the two of us to Breckenridge, Colorado. I had always wanted to go, and he had always wanted to take me- since my last year of college when he went without me! (In his defense, he went with a group from our church and I was unable to attend since I was taking a January-term so I could graduate in May and marry the man!!!)

We didn't plan to ski on this trip... only relaxing, shopping, and enjoying the quaint little town of Breckenridge. (But next time... we DEFINITELY will be skiing!!) I was so excited when he told me that we would be driving instead of flying! I love a road trip, especially with him!

We actually left on February 3rd, when the world had practically shut down due to the ice and snow. But, my man is an accomplished ice-driver and I wasn't at all worried. Until we started seeing more cars and trucks that had veered off the road than those that were actually still on the road. We hit a few scary spots, but Joey piloted us with great skill and the roads dramatically changed once we drove through Wichita Falls. (Since it had been so much colder there, there was no ice- only snow.) We stopped for the night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Amarillo. (It only took us about 7 hours to make a 5 hour drive- thanks to the icy road conditions.) I must say, that was the most comfortable hotel bed I had ever experienced... if you plan to travel- consider them for sure!!!

The next morning, we put on our cold weather gear and hit the IHOP for breakfast. (of course) followed by a mid-morning snack at The Donut Stop. We stopped there only because it was a donut shop with the LARGEST sign I had ever seen, and their parking lot was absolutely overflowing. There had to be something to that. And I took it upon myself to find out what that something could be. :) Delicious donuts indeed. They actually beat Krispy Kreme out of Amarillo. Check it out if you're ever going through there.

We got back on the road fairly early, after making sure Joey's addiction was fed. (That would be sweet tea... he can't function correctly without it.)

I was struck by how civilization seems to end at Amarillo. There is absolutely nothing between there and New Mexico. (Which is not my favorite.) It was thrilling when we finally entered Colorado, and saw the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Especially since I had never seen any real mountains before! After quite a few stops for sweet tea, coffee, lunch, and the inevitable restroom breaks, we reached beautiful Breckenridge after about 10 hours of driving. I loved that drive, it really was so much fun! We talked and laughed, especially at some of the local businesses we saw. Our favorites being: the "Tater Junction" restaurant, the "Turtle Hole" car wash, "Toot 'N Totem" gas stations, and the "It'll Do Motel". Between all that giggling, we even managed to make a few plans for our future on that drive.

The road going into the town of Breckenridge seemed treacherous, driving up that icy snow-covered mountain in the dark was a little scary. When we finally reached the town, it was snowing. My first thought was, it felt like being inside a snow globe. So picturesque. Perfect. Quiet. Serene. Beautiful! We checked into our condo, after some difficulty navigating the hill going to the parking garage. My thoughtful hubby made sure our condo had a real wood-burning fireplace. *swoon*

After we got settled, we headed out to find some dinner. Of course, I did tons of research about the best places to shop and eat, so we chose a place off of my list. Empire Burger. It was amazing. Delicious. And I loved the fact that it was in walking distance. Actually, we walked everywhere and loved it. (Well, everywhere except the grocery store, we didn't want to carry all those bags back in the snow!)

We couldn't wait to relax in front of that roaring fire and enjoy being just the two of us for a while!