Colorado Bound

[Ranger]

We went to Mexico for my 50th thats how we found this. Now my wife turns 50 in Sept. and I did give her two choices Mexico or Colorado. I saw the Rockies 38 years ago, but she never has and I probably did'nt appreciate them as much as I will this time. So, any help with suggestions of things we should not miss or food we have to try ? We land in Colorado Springs and will rent a car to drive to Westcliff to see friends.

[lolabella]

Drive up to Estes Park and have lunch at the Stanely Hotel. It was the inspiration for the book, The Shinning. The 90's mini-series was also filmed here. The hotel in itself is absolutely remarkable.

CLICK HERE for the Stanley Website
Afterwards, drive up to Rocky Moutain National Park. Truly breathtaking!!

[jflattracker]

In Colorado Springs theres lots to do! They have the Van Briggle pottery studio there. Try the website www.experiencecoloradosprings.com. Cave of the Winds are a neat thing to see too. The Broadmoore Hotel is a very fancy hotel to see.

[vike57]

Colorado is a great state to explore. The mountains are beautiful. We fell in love with it so much ...that we are building a new home outside of Breckenridge.

[daveNdenver]

Since you'll be starting out your trip in Southern Colorado, a must do is the Broadmoor hotel right in the Springs at the foot of Pikes Peak. The hotel is $$$$, but well worth it(you get what you pay for here). Even if you don't stay there, it's well worth the trip for lunch or dinner or just walk around the grounds. On your way to Westcliff, Stop at the Royal Gorge, it's the worlds highest suspension bridge over the Arkansas River. You may even want to try white water rafting down the Arkansas and through Browns Canyon. if you have time head further south west to the four corners to Durango. From there, there is all kinds of great things to do such as the Narrow gauge train to Silverton, and Mesa Verda, just to name a few.

Have fun

[Manitou]

In Colorado Springs, see the Garden of the Gods

Take the Cog Railroad to the top of Pike's Peak.

The Broadmoor is beautiful, but very expensive. The Cliff House in Manitou Springs (just west of Colorado Springs) is a great hotel and quite a bit cheaper. You could then drive to the Broadmoor for dinner and walk around the lake.

The drive from the Springs to Westcliffe is beautiful. Westcliffe is a small town,

but the Sangre De Cristo mountains are truly beautiful. You can hike the Rainbow Trail outside of Westcliffe or if you really enjoy hiking, the high lakes off the Rainbow Trail are gorgeous.

PM me if you have any specific questions. I have lived in the Springs for the past 23 years.

[redhairgirl1]

Originally Posted by lolabella

Drive up to Estes Park and have lunch at the Stanely Hotel. It was the inspiration for the book, The Shinning. The 90's mini-series was also filmed here. The hotel in itself is absolutely remarkable.

CLICK HERE for the Stanley Website
Afterwards, drive up to Rocky Moutain National Park. Truly breathtaking!!

I gotta agree with all of this! Make sure to stop in Grand Lake on the other side of Trail Ridge! My avatar was taken at the top of Trail Ridge road! I used to live in Grand Lake for 8 years!

[redhairgirl1]

[Ranger]

Gracias, this is what I needed to get over coming home from Mexico. Now the planning part of the brain can kick back in. We're not going until end of August and do plan to go to Co.state fair. I knew Westcliff was small , but the picture of the theater really sums it up.

[suzeq]

and if you need some sand the Great Sand Dunes is a beautiful place.

[Ranger]

I found this on a Colorado web site for tourism. This is route 96 heading toward Silvercliff / Westcliff (as the site said). That is the way we'll be driving from Colorado Springs AP

[cyndyj1]

I have to say Ditto to all of Streckman's suggestions.

[Ranger]

These are a few things I picked up as well;
The Margarita at Pine Creek
Jose Muldoon's, La Casita Patio Grill, The Loop (in Manitou) for Mexican
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co (lots of beers on web site)
Old Chicago Pizza Craftwood Inn, Cliff House or Briarhurst Manor for game etc (in nearby Manitou Springs)

[Slayer]

I was stationed in Colorado Springs about 25 years ago. I fell in love with Colorado. The weather, the people, the scenery are all fantastic. I always though I would go back, but as time past my longing to return waned. The these pictures remind me of how much I loved Colorado.

We use to go rafting at a place called Deckers. Pikes Peak is really cool too. One drunken night me and five other soldiers tried to drive up to the gates of NORAD in my Ford Pinto. We were intercepted by men with bright lights and M-16s. We were turned around and reported to our CO.

[cyndyj1]

I really love Aspen - when they are having live music there. Check out this website. www.jazzaspen.com