The Bread House
Tucked into the tiny town of Silver Plume, The Bread House is a Western oasis owned by a quirky seasonal bar. The town's gravel streets lead you by high, wooden storefronts that look straight out of “Deadwood." The former mining camp is about an hour from Denver and is considered a living ghost town, with a population under 200 and an incorporation date of 1880. Perfect as a jumping-off point for hikers, skiers, mountain bikers and history lovers, The Bread House beckons you for a quiet respite.
The Victorian, two-story Bread House perches atop a hill with deep, purple accents and massive floor-to-ceiling windows. This lodging is one of the oldest homes in Silver Plume from those early days of incorporation. The vacation rental has been recently renovated but maintains those vintage vibes with polished wood floors, antique rugs and a clawfoot tub perfect for soaking those weary muscles. The house can fit six guests comfortably with three bedrooms and two baths — plus a parlor, because you’ve entered the 1800s — but you get to have all the modern luxuries like a dishwasher and Wi-Fi.
What makes it special?
Did we mention The Bread House is owned by the seasonal Bread Bar? Located in an 1800s bakery, the bar slings fancy cocktails in the light-filled storefront. Order a Clifford Griffin (rye, amaro, lemon, red wine) and read up on the local legend who owned 7:30 mine that’s set 1,500 feet above the municipality. Fun Fact: The mine was named 7:30 because he didn’t make his workers go in at the traditional 6:30 a.m.
If the elevation is hitting you a little hard, grab some water and a Zero Proof Tabor, which is a concoction of blackberry sage jam, citrus and soda. Dine on a charcuterie board and buy a classic Bread Bar ceramic mug before walking the short distance back to your lodgings to rest and repeat your day tomorrow.
The most “Colorado” thing about this place
We have to go with the location as the most “Colorado” thing. You are mere steps from the 7:30 Mine trail, which will take you by historical structures, geologic features and insane peak views. And you are just minutes away from the narrow-gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad — another must-do. Plus, you can learn the fascinating history of the ghost town that never dies at the George Rowe Museum — an easy seven-minute trek across the settlement. Colorado is known for its gold-rush boroughs, and Silver Plume is the perfect example.
Top sensory encounter you’ll experience
Your hosts are on top of it. You’ll be welcomed into the home with a handwritten note, and they genuinely mean it when they say to contact them if you need anything. Get stuck on one side of a mountain pass during winter? They’ll work with you to get your reservation sorted. Leave something behind? They’ll go out of their way to get it back to you. Want to know the backstory of the home? They’ll tell you. The hospitality is truly something.
Our favorite traveler review
“We had the absolutely best time and are already planning a trip back next summer. The Bread House was well stocked and the accommodations were wonderful. It’s clear that a lot of love was poured into restoring it. We were enchanted with house and the history of this living ghost town.” — Rebecca, airbnb
Things to do nearby
As we mentioned before, using Silver Plume — a designated National Historic District — as a basecamp for Colorado adventures is perfect. Make your way across I-70 to Loveland Ski Area in winter to tackle the slopes or head down into Georgetown to see one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the state and sip a sudsy beer on the patio at the newly opened Cabin Creek Brewing. Throw your tube in the chilly water and float a river or strap on your helmet and whitewater raft (we’d be screaming the whole way, but you’re probably braver than us) just outside of town in summer.
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Photos courtesy of The Bread House and airbnb