With laudable Summit County neighbors such as Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone, the town of Frisco often gets overlooked when, in actuality, we should be putting “Frisco: The Main Street to the Rockies” at the top of our list.
I fell in love with Frisco a couple of years ago when we stayed just a stone’s throw away from the network of bike paths that wind around crystalline Dillon Reservoir. My very best day ever was when I biked with my young kids around the reservoir and stumbled upon the town of Dillon’s charming farmer’s market (Fridays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through September 2011).
My husband Jamie’s very worst day ever was hauling them in their bike trailer the next day 20 miles round-trip from Frisco to Breckenridge where he attested it was somehow uphill. Both ways.
We all have our moments.
10 Fabulous Things to Do in Frisco
1. The Frisco BBQ Challenge
Last weekend, we hit the Frisco BBQ Challenge. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, this meat-lover’s paradise draws top chefs from all over the country. Little Bode devoured a chicken leg as big as his head, Hadley inhaled chocolate-covered bacon and mini-doughnuts and Mama and Papa ate everything else (smoked brisket and pulled pork were the favorites. ) Unique offerings included mac ‘n cheese pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue nachos, a mechanical bull and pig races (our pick Lindsey Lo-HAM was a winner). If you love barbecue and a great time, start planning now for 2012.
2. Biking
My very favorite network of paved, non-motorized paths in Colorado originates in Frisco. With more than 80 miles of trails connecting Summit County resorts like Breckenridge, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail, your family will love exploring by bike. If you need to rent, Rebel Sports offers 24-hour bike rentals.
On Friday evening, we biked a portion of the 10-mile trail from Frisco to Breckenridge. It was my 7-year-old daughter’s first adventure on her new mountain bike and she squealed with glee as we crossed bridges over the raging Blue River and wound along the serpentine trail. Once in Breckenridge, we nestled up to the firepit as we ate Crepes a la Carte and later leisurely strolled along the popular Riverwalk. The next day, we parked our car at the Frisco Adventure Park and rode to the Frisco Marina where we were thrilled to discover a futuristic playground.
Tip: If your family is up for a mountain biking challenge, the Peaks Trail will take your breath away (literally) with a 1,200-foot elevation gain that winds that the forest over bridges and stumps.
3. Frisco Adventure Park
The Frisco Adventure Park opened December 2010 and adventures are, indeed in abundance. During the summer months, there are loads of hiking and biking trails, the Peak One Disc Golf Course, a free skate park, the Frisco Fun Club (a daycamp for kids 5-12) at the Day Lodge, baseball fields, horse stables for dinner rides, picnic facilities, camping via the forest serves and a free BMX bike park that will have a soft opening on July 4. The Park is located 1/2-mile south of Frisco on Highway 9 overlooking Dillon Reservoir.
4. Frisco Bay Marina
Add mountains and the highest marina in the state (9,091 feet) with over 330 acres to explore by sail, motor or paddle, and you have a recipe for adventure. The Frisco Bay Marina offers rentals, sales and services for everything from sailboats to kayaks to boats. Grab some coconut shrimp or blackened fish tacos on the patio of The Island Grill or cool down with an ice cream sandwich after playing on the Marina’s futuristic playground. Open seven days a week, all summer long.
5. Fantastic Playground
If the futuristic playground at the Frisco Marina (see above) doesn’t float your kids’ boat, Frisco’s Funtastic Funground will. Located on the grounds of Frisco Elementary School (800 E 8th Ave, Frisco), this playground ranked up there as one of my kids’ all-time favorites. A castle in the wilderness, this massive grey structure offers umpteen secret hideouts, climbing walls, monkey bars, tires, swings, slides and so much more.
6. Live Music
Grab a blanket and head over to the FREE Concert in the Park series at Frisco’s Historic Park. The sunset show is held every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through August 18 and features tunes the family will love—from folk to rock to bluegrass.
7. Frisco Kayak Park
Whether you’re a kayak pro and want to practice your rolls and rodeos or spectators like us, be sure to check-out the Frisco Kayak Park. Located on the west end of Main Street, you’ll get the best view of the action from the walking bridge.
8. Fourth of July
On Sunday the 4th, start the day with the Kids Fishing Derby, cheer on the Main Street parade, listen to the pre- and post-parade concerts in the park, and end with the grand finale of Fabulous Fireworks over Frisco Bay Marina, all encompassed by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Check-out Frisco’s Web site for additional information and times. Photo
9. Art on Main Street to the Rockies
On August 13 and 14, this fine art show attracts the region’s best artists who display their treasures on several blocks of Main Street. Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
10. Fabulous Food
Butterhorn Bakery is a must for breakfast lovers and favorites included the popular Eggie Bread (a unique twist on French toast), the Butterhorn Benedict or Frisco Skillet. Also check-out The Lost Cajun, a new restaurant that opened after its Louisiana owners’ popular fishing lodge was temporarily closed due to the oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of making lemonade out of lemons, they opted for delicious gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée and beignets. Yes, please. Go here for a full list of Frisco dining options.
Getting there: Frisco is located just 70 miles west of Denver on Interstate 70.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
