Michelle/NYC

I will be in Colorado Springs for Memorial Day weekend... and would love to experience all it has to offer. I'm definitely interested in the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, jeep tour to Garden of the Gods, possibly a hot air balloon ride... any feedback? or other things not to miss in the area? want to enjoy as many wonderful views as possible, but not sure if we will be renting a care. how is the Old Colorado City Historic District? any recommendations for restaurants? thanks for your feedback...

Jan

We had a couple of days in Colorado Springs last Sept. as part of our tour round Colorado, and enjoyed the area very much. I would think you would need a car as the attractions are quite a way apart. We took the railway up Pikes Peak, quite an experience for us as we live at about sea level here in the UK! The views at the top were well worth it and as long as you take it easy and drink plenty of water the altitude should not be a problem.If you visit Garden of the Gods as well as walking round the area do try and catch a talk by one of the Rangers. We listened to one about snakes, not my most favourite of animals but the Ranger made it most interesting, I was fascinated. We had a good meal at El Tesoro, (mexican cuisine and the best Margarhita I had all holiday!), in the old historic district, we also enjoyed looking round some of the specialist shops and boutiques in this area. For great pub food plus real ales try the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company on E. Pikes Peak Ave. Hope you enjoy the area as much as we did.

Sandy

Hi Michelle, I live in the Colorado Springs area. The recommendations of the above poster are good ones. You will definately need a car, as our public transportation leaves a bit to be desired. The attractions you speak of are a bit spread out. If you get the chance, may I suggest either a drive up Highway 24 west to Woodland Park or even beyond to Cripple Creek. It's an old mining town now turned into a small gaming town. Many people like it. The drive is beautiful. There is also Mueller State Park on the way. I've never been there, but my friends say its gorgeous. Another suggestion is Royal Gorge near Canon City - the world's highest suspension bridge. A bit touristy, but very scenic. As for restaurants, in the Historic District, another choice is the Mona Lisa. It's a fondue place - we love it! Have a great time here!

Michelle/nyc

thanks for your response! we will be staying at the Broadmoor... and will probably have transfers made available to us. since I don't want to over do it on my first day, we were thinking of strolling around the Historic District... is this any interest or is it primarily restaurants. how about a good BBQ place for my friend?

Ms. Ghost

You'll love the Broadmoor! Be sure and go up to the Penrose Room, on the top floor of Broadmoor South, at least for a drink so you can see the view from up there. Also, very close to the hotel is Cheyenne Canyon which is worth the short drive to see. And don't forget to explore Manitou Springs, right next to Colorado Springs, as it is a very interesting area. The Garden of the Gods is well worth seeing, as mentioned above. Cripple Creek is a bit of a drive, but you can make a loop and leave from the general area of the Broadmoor/Cheyenne Canyon and go the old back way which goes through lots of old tunnels and through some beautiful mountain country (unlike the top of Pikes Peak, it is not above the tree line and therefore--in my opinion, only--more scenic!) and come back the regular highway. But first check (since you'll have to get directions anyway) that the "backcountry route" is open since it's closed in the winter and they reopen it depending on weather.

Sandy

Hi Michelle, it's me again. The Broadmoor is a great place - you will enjoy your stay there. Like Ms. Ghost said, be sure and have a drink or dine there one evening. The last time I was there, they made Bananas Foster tableside! The food and the service are terrific - you're pampered. The Historic District has a lot of shopping as well - many quaint stores and art galleries. It would be a nice place to start your trip. As for a BBQ place, my own personal favorite is Howard's Backyard Pit BBQ on Sierra Madre. It's not a chain, and Howard is a very nice guy. Other people like Zeb's, another local restaurant (it's not a favorite of mine, but to each his own!). If you want to know anything else, just let me know.

gb

The others posted some good ideas. But, I don't think you need o take a jeep tour of the Garden of the Gods. I believe most roads are paved or graded for 2 wheel drive. If you want a 4 WD tour, you might see if there are any tours over in Cripple Creek. You absolutely need a car in Colorado. There is not adequate public transportation, and I am sure taxi waits are enormous.

charles

Have drinks in the Tavern Room on me. I used to find dates there in WWII when the Air Corps in 1945 blessedly gave me an assignment in Colorado Springs. Send me the bill.

xx

I'm not sure what the Jeep tour of Garden of the Gods is, but we took our own vehicle there and that's really the only way I'd want to see it. There were lots of places there at we just wanted to park and stay a while. Quite awe-inspiring. Wouldn't want to be part of a tour where I couldn't explore as I wanted to there.

michelle/nyc

any other tips... good restaurants??

Belle

I used to live there and would recommend renting a car. I would also spend an hour or two at the Air Force Academy...beautiful grounds, little info center, chapel and possibly see some cadets marching around.

Drive your own car through Garden of the Gods. I wouldn't think a jeep tour would be worth the $$$$.

Manitou Spgs (just across the city line) has interesting shops.

At the Broadmoor, stop in the ice rink and watch future Olympians train.

Eating- I love Jebs (dinner only) they have great ribs - south side of town not too far from Broadmoor. For breakfast and lunch try the Omlette Parlor- think it's on Fillmore. There's a micro brewery on a corner across from the big hotel downtown that was good and a great hot dog joint up on N. Nevada near Fillmore (sorry can't remember the name). Have had wonderful Sunday brunches at Cheyenne Mt. Inn Conference Center- not too far from Broadmoor(they may also have dinner buffet). Breakfast pastries at the Heidleberg near the Broadmoor is also a great way to start the day or stop in for a mid morning pick me up.

gb

Hi, Michelle I just heard the weather forecast for this Monday. SNOW! is in the forecast. They didn't predict as far as next weekend, but be prepared for anything from 90 degrees to 30 degrees! We all want a good weekend here.Seems like every weekend lately is a rainout or snowout.

michelle/nyc

thank you everyone for your feedback! I have a lot planned for my first trip to Colorado Springs... including a hot air balloon ride if the weather holds up and I don't chicken out!

Samantha

In case you haven't left yet.....Hi Michelle - My husband and I visited CO Springs several years ago. The hotel and restaurants escape me now, but we did enjoy the Garden of the Gods (you won't need a jeep), Air Force Academy, and the Olympic training center. Pike's Peak is a must do, as well. We never made it there, but if you're a figure skating fan, the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame/Museum is there, also. Enjoy! CO Springs is one of my favorite areas of the U.S.

Irene

You will love the Broadmoor. We were there for a week and what a great experience. We did Garden of the Gods on Horseback and it was fun. Had a tour guide. The Air Force Adademy is a must see. Had a great time just relaxing at the Broadmoor and walking the grounds. You will definitely need a car to get around. Can rent one at the hotel, we did. Have a wonderful time.

michelle/nyc

thanks to everyone... I had an amazing long weekend and had a really hard time leaving the mountains behind! for anyone skeptical about the jeep tours, it was one of our best outings...we took a 4 hour high country tour into the mountains... the views were breath-taking. there was still snow on the ground in May. we wouldn't have been able to do it with a rental car! also, I highly recommend the Pikes Peak Cog Rail... 14,000 feet above sea level! worth the ride!

Sandy

Hi Michelle, this is Sandy again.

Glad that you had a great time. Snow in May at the higher elevations is not unusual at all. We've had snow on the ground (small amounts) as late as June!

The Cog Railway is a nice way to get to the top of Pikes Peak. I haven't done it in about 15 years, but I remember that it sure beats driving to the top!

I'm glad that you enjoyed your trip to the Springs. The mountains DO grow on you! Come back again sometime!