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| EasyPlan: Experience a day-trip to Colorado Springs |
By: Wendy Burt-Thomas
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With gas prices expected to reach $4 a gallon this summer, the prospect of a long-distance road trip may send your family’s plans into a tailspin. Why not take advantage of all the Front Range has to offer with a day-trip to Colorado Springs? There’s plenty to see and do for all ages, interests and budgets, and you’ve got the option of staying overnight or driving home the same day.
Here are a few highlights of what the area has to offer.
> What to do
There’s only so much you can do in a day, but you can narrow down your options by factoring in thing like weather, fitness level, general interests, and if you’re bringing young children. We’ve included a few categories to help you narrow the field:
Enjoy sightseeing?
• Hop on the Cog Railway and take in the view atop Pikes Peak. www.Cograilway.com
• Drive or stroll through Garden of the Gods and its amazing nature center. www.gardenofgods.com
• Marvel at the 181 feet of cascading clear water at Seven Falls. www.sevenfalls.com
Feeling adventurous?
• Explore underground at Cave of the Winds. www.caveofthewinds.com
• Step back in time more than 700 years at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com
Bringing the kids?
• Spend time with monkeys, giraffes and elephants at the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. www.cmzoo.org
• Pan for gold and see what life was like more than 100 years ago at the Ghost Town Wild West Museum. www.ghosttownmuseum.com
• Treat the family to a day in Santa’s neighborhood at the North Pole. www.santas-colo.com
Arts and culture buff?
• If you love cowboys and rodeos, don’t miss the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame that honors them. www.prorodeohalloffame.com
• Get a local look at some of the world’s finest collections at the newly modernized Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. www.csfineartscenter.org
> What to take
Like much of the state, Colorado has unpredictable weather. Be sure to pack layers (coat, hat, sweater, socks) in case you start the day in shorts and sandals only to encounter a freakishly cool evening.
Afternoon thunderstorms are also a staple of the region, so pack raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof shoes just in case. You may also want to bring a change of clothes in case you get caught in a rain shower unexpectedly while you’re out hiking the many trails.
Sunblock and sunglasses are a must — especially if you plan to do any hiking or head up Pikes Peak.
In addition to a camera, you may want to bring binoculars to take in all the breathtaking views and wildlife of the area.
> What to buy
There are plenty of souvenirs and goodies to mark your visit to the area. The Garden of the Gods Trading Post is a favorite among tourists offering fine art, Native American jewelry, Navajo rugs, pottery and locally made edibles like jellies, pancake mixes and hot sauces.
Old Colorado City is ripe with art galleries and boutiques, with original pieces by regional artisans, including the world-renowned Michael Garmen Gallery.
A trip to Manitou Springs wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Commonwheel Artists’ Co-op, where local crafters sell their pottery, artwork and jewelry at incredible rates. While you’re in town, be sure to bring your change for the nickel arcade, right behind the 100-year-old Patsy’s Candies.
Just up the hill from Manitou in Cascade is The Wines of Colorado. This restaurant/store offers a fabulous tasting room with one of the widest selection of Colorado wines available for you to take home.
> Where to stay
If you decide to spend the night, you’ve got a wide range of options.
The five-star Broadmoor boasts a virtual vacation in itself. With 15 restaurants, cafés and lounges, three golf courses, a tennis club and a world-class spa, you could spend the day (and night) being pampered without setting foot off its 3,000 acres.
If a bed and breakfast is more your style, there are countless choices in the region. Visit Bed and Breakfasts of the Pikes Peak Area on the Web at www.pikespeakareabnbs.com to search by area, specials or amenities.
Traveling with children or pets? There are searchable criteria for you too!
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