A Step Back in Colorado's Glorious History

The Peck House is located in the small town of Empire, named for the great state of New York.  This small town expected to be as great an empire someday. James Peck, a wealthy and adventuresome merchant built a four room 'mansion' for his family.  In 1872 he expanded and converted the home to The Peck House to accommodate visiting mining investors.   The Peck House was located at the eastern foot of the wagon road's steep accent up Berthoud Pass, it served as a stage coach stop in the 1880's. After Mr. Peck's death in 1980, Mrs. Peck with her oldest son, Frank, expanded the hotel to include more bedrooms, a bar, a billiard room, a ladies parlor, and a gambling room. The Peck House became the social center of Clear Creek County. The Peck House stayed in the Peck family for ninety years.  The current owners, Gary and Sally St. Clair, bought The Peck House in 1980 while there on their honeymoon.  Gary is usually slaving away in the kitchen to produce the creative cuisine and Sally works in the front of the house and the extensive gardens.    

Eureka Mountain, behind the Peck House is a beautiful grazing ground for
elk, deer and big horn sheep.

The old windows framed in lace, with waves in the glass,
and antique bottles are a lovely look.

The wrap around front porch offers seating for morning coffee,
afternoon cocktails, bird watching or afternoon reading.

The bar and dining room are well known for the stunning view
of the Empire Valley and Union Pass.  The owner-chef is famous
for his food through-out Colorado.  He won the coveted Governor's
 award  for his Colorado cuisine.  The extensive menu includes a
selection of beef, chicken, seafood and game with historic dishes.
 Chef specials are offered every night.  We enjoyed a truly delicious
dinner and well priced wine. The generous breakfast of fruit and home-
made bread is included. 

Full of Victorian antiques, much of the furniture dates back
to the time of the original owners.

Many pieces of furniture were brought by wagon train from
Chicago by Mary Peck for the mountain home her husband built. 

The Peck house was finalist for Uncle Ben's 10 best
Country Inns of the year Award.  Ten antique filled
guest rooms are available ranging in price from $65.
for a small room with twin beds to $135. for a family
suite. Rooms 2 and 3 are favorites at $115.,
parlor style with mountain views.

In 1860, James Peck fled the turmoil of the East
with three teenage sons to stake a claim in the
many gold and silver mines of Clear Creek County.

In the summer-time hummingbirds and wild finches are
drawn by the extensive gardens and hanging baskets of
flowers.

Stunning views from Empire Valley and Union Pass.

These delightful young ladies just graduated college and
were spending the summer working at a rehabilitation
camp for disabled people.  They were enjoying a day off,
 and walked two miles to the Peck House from the camp.
We always meet the most interesting people in B & B's like
a couple from New York over breakfast, she is now a FB friend.  

Hummingbirds feed at the many feeders along the wrap
around front porch.

Colorado orange mountain poppy, gorgeous bloom with
ruffled edges. 

This is the original and dates from 1934, named
for the hard rock miners that were it's early customers.
It predates and is not affiliated  with the chain of
restaurants that call themselves The Hard Rock Cafe.
It is one of our favorites for lunch on the way home.

U.S. 40 passes through the town of Empire as it ascends towards Berthoud Pass and the ski area Winter Park.  Empire is just a wide spot in the road with a population of 355 and an elevation of 8,615.  There are many treasures to stop and explore, such as The General Store, The Sweet Shop with Mom and Pop food, Antique shops and The Hard Rock Cafe. We all need to take the time to enjoy those special places that we pass by everyday.