Each fall, our landscape begins a slow transition. Step outside and you're certain to find familiar jack-o-lantern faces peering at you from neighboring stoops. Leaves crunch underfoot as you admire the variety of these pumpkin's sizes, shapes, and designs. Bakeries temps you with a variety of pumpkin and pecan treats. Grocery stores follow suit as frozen turkeys, pie filling, and many other tastes of the season make your anticipation grow as you begin thinking about the upcoming holiday.

While fall is most certainly a season of change, it's perhaps most notably linked to one of our favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. As you begin to make your holiday preparations, why not try something different this year? Rather than cleaning house and inviting the whole family over for dinner, turn this Thanksgiving holiday into a mini-vacation. And, there's no better place to do it than Breckenridge, Colorado. Providing a historic, Victorian Main Street set to a backdrop of the mammoth Ten Mile Range, the reasons to get to Breckenridge this holiday season are endless.

The Outdoor Adventure: November 7^th marks opening day at the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Turn your average Thanksgiving dinner into a weekend vacation that includes playing in the snow. Buy a weekend pass to the mountain and improve your skiing or snowboarding skills. Or, plunge into the snow in one of Breckenridge's other exciting winter sports, which range from snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, or snowmobiling. But, you don't necessarily have to gear up to have a good time in the snow. Walk right outside your door and hop on a sled, have a snowball fight, or build a snow angel. After all, there's no better way to make up for that extra helping of stuffing than a workout in the snow, regardless of the impact level.

The Indoor Adventure: One of the best things about Breckenridge is that it's a perfect fit for each member of your family. While some might itch for the outdoor adventure, there are certain to be family members who equate Thanksgiving with a lot of down time. Not to worry. If you're not necessarily an outdoor person, Breckenridge is still a perfect fit. Breckenridge accommodations range from cozy cabins and condos to large vacation homes. Many of these rentals are designed with the intention that you'll want to stay indoors relaxing by the fire and spending time with family and friends. And, if you do catch a bit of cabin fever, there are plenty of ways to spend the day in Breckenridge that don't involve breaking a sweat. Take the town's free shuttle to Main Street, where you'll find a variety of boutiques, shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Better yet, schedule a spa appointment and ease away any dinner-planning stress.

The Culinary Adventure: Most Breckenridge vacation rentals are equipped with a full kitchen. And, because Breckenridge is Summit County's favorite town, grocery and specialty stores are not hard to find. So, you can literally pack your clothes in your car and take off. You won't need to worry about hauling bags of groceries and cooking supplies up 9,600 feet. And, because Breckenridge accommodations come in a variety of sizes and floor plans, you can find a rental that fits your crew, regardless of its size. So, invite the whole family this year; you're sure to find room for everyone.

Perhaps the best reason to spend Thanksgiving in Breckenridge is the view. Surrounded with pine trees, beautiful mountain ranges, and sunny blue skies, Breckenridge's peaceful and laid-back nature is sure to rub off on you. Close your eyes and imagine your family sharing Thanksgiving dinner, nestled by a fire with the snow falling right outside your window. This isn't just a picture-perfect scene in Breckenridge; it's a way of life.