| Once a booming mining town, Colorado Springs
now leads the nation as one of the top places for technology companies to
settle. Picturesque Pikes Peak, at 14,110 feet, is the citys backdrop and
beckons your attention. Towering Rocky Mountains run north and south of
the city with high plains to the east giving it a vast open feeling.
Colorados second largest city is modern yet still maintains a small town
charm. An amazingly low crime rate, healthy quality of life and near
perfect climate, boasting 300 sunny days a year, has this city busting at
the seams with newcomers. Hiking, skiing and rock climbing are among the
favorite activities found here. With five military bases surrounding the
city, camouflage fatigues are common attire.
Old Colorado City
For charming window-shopping stroll along Colorado Avenue where historic
buildings have become beautifully decorated contemporary shops. Art
galleries are plentiful, as are Southwest and Indian shops, a tribute to
the local cultural heritage. Break from shopping to dine at Meadow
Muffins, Beau Jos Colorado Style Pizza or indulge in locally produced ice
cream at the Colorado City Creamery. Finish with a free tour of Van
Briggle Art Pottery, an active pottery, which is open to the public.
Manitou Springs
Serving as the gateway to such popular attractions as the North Pole,
Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds and majestic Pikes Peak, everyone
eventually passes through Manitou Springs. Inexpensive fun can be had by
all at the penny arcade. Munch on chocolate popcorn from Patsys Candies
while strolling through dozens of quaint shops like The Antique Emporium,
Manitou Jacks and St. Nicks. Sip mineral water fresh from the spring that
runs through town. Stop for a healthful lunch at Adams Mountain Cafe
before heading up to tour Miramont Castle.
Southwest / Broadmoor Area
Long-standing million dollar estates mix with new homes along the
foothills and gradual slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, establishing this as
the most elite area of town. The Broadmoor Hotel anchors this
neighborhood, lending historic charm and beauty to the community. Cheyenne
Mountain Zoo and the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun are perched atop this
community and snake through the mountainside offering awesome city views
below. Seven Falls, located just beyond the Broadmoor Hotel, is a natural
wonder. Drive right up to the falls, or if you are more adventurous, hike
up Cutler Trail to get a more private view.
Central Downtown
Notice the absence of skyscrapers and billboards cluttering the skyline as
you drive through the clean downtown area. Shop for vintage clothing or a
Rolex watch at any of the many quaint shops. Rack 'em up and slam 'em back
at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, party into the night at funky Rum Bay
or art deco Ritz Grill. Martinis and cigars are on the menu at MacKenzies
Chop House. Local culture can be explored at the McAllister House Museum
or perhaps the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center for a more sophisticated
encounter.
North
Far north of town situated on rolling hills is the prestigious USAF
Academy. Tour the ever-popular USAF Academy Cadet Chapel with 17
magnificent spires reaching 150 feet into the sky. The Chapel accommodates
several religions at once. Catch a football game at the outdoor stadium
and you may enjoy an exciting fly-over by the Air Force jets. Follow up
the day with a visit to the Western Museum of Mining, just east of the
Academy.
Northwest
A mixture of upper class residences splashed with strip centers, and an
abundance of eclectic restaurants situated near the picturesque mountain
range make this a highly desirable place to live. Enjoy a Victorian tea
and tour at the historic Glen Eyrie castle, quietly nestled in the
foothills. For a more rowdy evening, "stomp" in at the Flying W
Chuckwagon for great food and old west entertainment.
Northeast
This area is natural habitat blended with fabulous shopping and dining.
Have time for a quick hike? Palmer Park offers several easy trails with
fabulous views and a dozen picnic tables. Power shopping can be had at the
two-level Citadel Mall. Nearby Zugspitze serves the citys finest
international gourmet lunches. Afterwards, shop in the remarkable gourmet
store for hard-to-find items.
East / Southeast
Hills busting at the seams with newly developed middle-class
neighborhoods, packed in like sardines, run for miles north to south. See
historic aircraft, missiles and exhibits at Peterson Air & Space
Museum, located on Peterson AFB. Catch a flick at the newly built IMAX
Theater, with 16 movies to choose from. During the summer it is hot dogs,
peanuts and baseball at the Sky Sox Stadium.
Whether here on business or a well-deserved vacation, be sure to get
out and behold the view that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write
"America the Beautiful." Rest assured, the city with small town
charm and big on natural beauty will bring you back again and again.
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