I want to take my fiancee away for a weekend in the begining of October for his birthday. I'm torn between Breckenridge and Estes Park. I haven't been to either so I'm looking for pros and cons to both. I'm certain hiking and other outdoor activities are in order for the weekend!

Also, can anyone recommend a reasonably priced bed and breakfast or a cute inn? I'd like it to be a romantic getaway...but without the huge price tag attached!

Thanks in advance!

I am not a big fan of Estes Park so I'd go with Breckenridge. Though in October it will be very quiet. Could snow or could be somewhat warm. A plus is that is the least expensive time of year to go. Some restaurants will be closed though most are open year round now. Dining try Relish and Cafe Alpine. Cafe Alpine may even be offering 2 for 1 dining at that time. If it is open drive over to Keystone and eat at Ski Tip, the most romantic restaurant in Summit County.



Lodging ideas http://www.allairetimbers.com

http://www.thelodgeatbreck.com/

Personally, I would pick Breckenridge over Estes. Estes--too touristy, although the proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park is a plus. Breckenridge is a sophisticated, yet casual little town with so much to offer in terms of hiking, shopping and dining.

Sorry I can't help on the B&Bs.

Add my vote for Breck. We've stayed in weekly rentals through rental by owner sites. White Pines does management locally, and we've rented through them as well.

I'd vote for Estes, mainly for its proximity to the park with a much greater selection of trails and sights than Breckenridge. They also have a much better selection of romantic lodging. There are many condo-like places on Fall River Road and after the first weekend in October, the prices go way down. You may have warm sunny weather, or it may snow - be prepared for both! The wildlife, particularly the elk, are in abundance at this time of year and are awesome to see. Estes is not that "touristy" after the summer's over and there are great restaurants that aren't crowded, but everything's usually open, unlike Breck.

I like both. It really just depends on what you really want to do. You'll find plenty of outdoor activities at both destinations. The things you'll miss in Breck are the wildlife and the huge mountain ranges on the drive up Trail Ridge through RMNP. I like the shopping and dining better in Breck. If you decide to splurge on a dinner in Breck... I recommend the Cafe Alpine.

I do have a recommendation for a great B&B near Breck. It's not right in town, but sits between Frisco and Breck. It's the Swan Mountain Inn. The food is amazing and the Mount Baldy room, though small, is quite comfortable and very affordable. If you're there on Sunday, don't miss their brunch.

Breck has a much better town & restaurants,,,BUT Estes Park has RMNP and that trumps all IMO. We did some of our best hikes there, saw the most amazing animals, wolves (yes wolves) esp elk who were wandering next to our Hotel, the Silver Moon Inn(great place). Estes Park restaurants are at best mediocre, but we can go to good restaurants here in FLL. Trail Ridge road is a national treasure and should not be missed!

Judyrem, if you saw wolves in RMNP, I hope you took photos and showed them to the park service because there haven't been wolves in the park for years. There is currently talk about re-introducing wolves to RMNP as a solution to the elk overpopulation problem.

Actually, it's been decades since wolves "officially" roamed RMNP, BUT: a female wolf was recently hit by a car in the I-70 corridor, and they identified it as one of the Yellowstone wolf pack! Plus, a ranger recently told us that sightings were increasing (tho they chalked them up to big coyotes). Who knows? those things can range pretty far...(where there's a niche, there's a critter to fill it). Anyhoo, Breckenridge (IMHO) is just as tacky touristy as any other Colorado ski town, maybe more--and as another poster mentioned, bargains can be had in Estes (along the river north of town is VERY nice), and you can't beat RMNP for scenery and wildlife, esp. in the fall.

I'd vote for Estes Park. We have been to both and prefer Estes. About 10 years ago, hubby and I stayed at a very nice, romantic place on the river called Boulder Brook. It was great. If you want hiking, definitely go with Estes Park. It won't be too crowded in October.

Sylvia, I remember the story about the wolf hit on I-70. It definitely made me wonder about other wolves being in the area. I wasn't discounting Judyrem's story, just hoping she passed the info on.

Ellaphant, I'm not a big Estes Park fan, but it would be my pick for the beginning of October. I think it is a great time to explore RMNP.

Yale, have you tried Relish yet? Great addition to the food scene in Summit County. I too am a fan of Swan Mtn Inn but have heard it is for sale and are not taking overnight guests. Not sure if that is true or not.

We were driving towards the Beaver run vistor center and there were cars pulled up along the side of the road, and you know that means "creature alert" . We stopped next to an American Indian older man with binoculars. Next to a downed tree, were what we thought initially were a coyote family, mother and pups feeding on a carcass, but the older Indian gentleman said they were timberwolves,,,lots of other people saw them too. We looked through the man's binos and they did look like wolves! Hey what do we know..... Nevertheless RMNP is ab fab!!!!! Do stay at the Silver Moon INN, it is right on the the river with fabulous views.

Thanks for the great suggestions! Lemme do some more research and I'll post what I find!

I was going to say hit both - we did.

My advice is, what is better in October, versus what is better in the 'Winter' ?

I'd go to Estes in October, and then I'd go to Breck in January/February if you can swing it.

Coskier - If what you say is true I am so sad. We haven't stayed there since the spring ski season... but I was already looking forward to this winter for our next stay. I will be sure to check out Relish on our next visit.

Coskier - you were right. I'm indeed sad to see the Swan Mountain Inn is closing. I can't imagine our ski weekends without them. Guess I'll have to find a new place to lay our heads.

From their website: The Swan Mountain Inn has been sold. We are closing and it will no longer be a restaurant or B&B. September 2nd, Saturday will be our last day open to the public. We have a private wedding on September 3rd and then we have until September 11th to sell off our furnishings and equipment.

Don't you hate it when a favorite closes. I had heard that they were considering closing it for business moving in until it sold. I wonder if it actually sold. If so perhaps the new owners will reopen before ski season.

" Next to a downed tree, were what we thought initially were a coyote family, mother and pups feeding on a carcass, but the older Indian gentleman said they were timberwolves"

I'd say not. If you had seen (or thought you saw) a single wolf, then maybe. But an entire family (especially in a very visible location) would not escape the park's notice. They had to be coyotes. If you look at photos online, gray wolves and coyotes are fairly similar in appearance (and for sure the animals you saw were not timberwolves - they're only in MN, WI, and MI).

Sorry to go off-topic. Hopefully OP's already got her answer.

RMNP certainly could use some hungry wolves, given the glut of elk--but everyone else would be very upset once they left the park boundaries! Estes just sent us the usual fall circular of events, advertising the great deals, so there should be lots of accommodations available.
HOpe the birthday trip is great, whichever you chose.