Some places pave over their history, others embrace it. Summit County was built on mining and its current stewards are doing their best to preserve their past.

The Country Boy Mine (970-453-4405; http://www.countryboymine.com), 0542 French Gulch Road, Breckenridge, was one of the largest and most famous gold mines in Breckenridge. Today you can visit and venture into a real gold mine at this historic and restored mining site. Put on a hard hat and drop more than 1,000 feet into this century old, authentic gold mine. Gold Panning lessons are available in Eureka Creek and you keep what you pan, old timer. Top it off with a hayride and warm your river-frozen hands by the fire.