BRECKENRIDGE - If it wasn’t obvious, I love Colorado, from its history to the atmospheric mountain towns I love exploring. Regardless of how often I visit a region in the Centennial State, I find there is always something new to discover.

During one of my many trips across the Rocky Mountains, I stopped at the highest point on Hoosier Pass. In the distance, I could make out a mountain town. My mind began to wander, as it often does.

I thought about what it would be like to stand in the same spot on horseback. I imagined how different the scenery might have looked and how much smaller the town I was seeing might have been. The scenes in my mind brought me to a pretty cool place and time.

It was 1859, the year of the greatest North American gold rush. George Andrew Jackson, a California miner initially drawn to our state for its hot springs, discovered gold. Thousands of gold seekers flocked to Colorado after Jackson’s gold discovery.

Two years later, a watering hole opened at what today is 103 North Main Street in Breckenridge. The local business was Long’s Saloon, and you couldn’t keep the thirsty miners away from the tented structure.

Since 1861, it has been the site for many gatherings, including gunfights. A permanent building was erected in 1879.

During the first half of the 20th century, it operated as the Palace Restaurant and was a seafood lover’s dream. Rumor has it that a secret underground tunnel allowed for the hidden production and sale of moonshine.

A bowling alley and pool hall have been among the businesses located at 103. More than 145 years later, one of the oldest bars in Summit County, it’s still a local favorite. Today, the location is known as the Gold Pan Saloon.

The saloon offers mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees year-round. Live performances from local and traveling musicians of all genres and a DJ can often be part of the Gold Pan Saloon’s entertainment roster. Comedy nights and open mics are also on the saloon’s agenda.

Attached to the saloon is the Carboy Winery, a Colorado winery offering wine in bottles or by the glass. The details of the winery are for another time.

You can always find someone willing to share stories about the saloon, or about something they’ve experienced around town. Based on its history alone, I’d give the saloon two thumbs up and a “must-visit” while in Breckenridge.

The Gold Pan Saloon is located at 103 North Main Street, Breckenridge. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thegoldpansaloon/# or call them at 970-453-5499.