Will be vacationing in Colorado Springs for one week mid-October. What are the absolute musts for sightseeing? Also will be considering the area for retirement. Any comments from year-round residents would be appreciated, i.e., quality of life issues, traffic, pleasant people?, weather, etc, etc

Hmmm,unfortunatly I can't say too many good things about CS since I hate it and I have lived here two years. It might be more appealing for someone who is retiring however. You will really have to visit to get an idea. Traffic is getting pretty bad, one reason is because CS is very slow on making road improvements in a timely manner. They also don't have a very good bus system. It is very similar to the amount/severity of traffic that Denver has. Weather is pretty good although this year it has been incredibly hot and we are experiencing a drought. We just went down to mandatory two days a week for watering your grass. We will need a great deal of moisture next year in order to not have water restricitons next summer.Otherwise, we generally have nice weather.Normally when it snows it melts the same day.

The nicest parts of town are pretty much anywhere on the North side of town (especially Briargate,Rockrimmon...) and the Broadmoor/Cheyene Mountain are nice in the SouthWest side of town.
I have lived in Colorado since 1989 (although I prefer Denver). I have noticed CS's has a bit of a snotty attitude because the once small city is now rapidly growing and the community just isn't that small anymore.The other thing I dislike about CS is the amount of Military presence.Compared to other parts of Colorado, the city just is not as well kept as other areas.

Attractions to see:
Olympic Center,Air Force Academy,Garden of the Gods,Manitou Springs,Pikes Peak...There aren't really too many things that are must see's honestly.

Nancy,

I guess I have a more enthusiastic opinion of CS because I don't live there and really enjoyed the two mini-vacations spent there! ;-)

I enjoyed all of the things that she mentioned in regards to sightseeing and I'll add one more thing (if you're a figure skating fan) - the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Enjoy CS.

I lived in the Springs for 4 years and now reside back east. The city has many great qualities--the weather is fantastic with 300+ days of sunshine a year, and generally mild temperatures compared to Denver. Pike's Peak is visible throughout the city and never ceases to take my breath away. The downtown area has significantly improved the quality of its shopping, cafes, etc. in recent years. Colorado College is a great downtown resource with lots of cultural events, concerts, etc. The Broadmoor is a world-class resort with great golf, dining, spa. And the proximity of The Springs to numerous areas of natural outdoor beauty can't be beaten--it's much easier to access the mountains from CS as opposed to Denver which is gridlocked in traffic. Must-sees: Bradmoor; Garden of the Gods; Pike's Peak drive; Olympic Training Center; USAF Academy; Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City; Drive into the mountains by way of route 24.

The Negatives: An incredibly close-minded, arch-conservative, hardly tolerant community. Sprawl is out-of-control and if you leave the downtown of Broadmoor areas, the city is one strip mall after another, clogged with fast food and gas stations.

Hi Nancy agree with Leigh and SN. Colorado Springs is pretty, but the extreme right wind groups there have ruined Co Spgs IMO. With the military, miltia groups and Focus on the Family is has become an right wing mecca. If your politics on in line with that thinking you will like it, if not you may find it hard to take.

Tell us what your hoping for and maybe you will get other suggestions.

Well - here is another voice to be heard. I love Colorado Springs - was born and raised here, and have never wanted to leave. I think Colorado Springs is beautiful. Having lived in the Springs my entire life I have seen many changes - some good and some bad, but doesn't every city have that. Traffic has gotten out of control here, but you just learn to deal with it. I don't think Denver traffic is any better - actually it is worse because of the volume of people in Denver.

Colorado Springs is growing by leaps and bounds, which for a native is a hard thing to stomach - lots of housing, tons of restaurants, and stores. But we still have that small side two - at this time there are only two malls in Colorado Springs.

I do live in the northwest part of town and adore it - we are on the outskirts of the city - we have lots of wildlife in our neighboor, but we are still within 15 minutes of fine restaurants.

The military presence here is just a way of life. Where would CS be without it - it helps get our economy somewhat sound.

There are many great attractions in CS and near CS - the lists that people have already posted are great.

Everyone has their own opinions, but for me Colorado Springs is perfect.

Having only vacationed in the area, must-see sights in Colorado Springs area: Garden of the Gods (FREE!), Pike's Peak, and the town of Manitou Springs. All are very close to Colorado Springs. I didn't get a chance to get to the Air Force Academy, but I understand it is also a great attraction. Plan on getting to Garden of the Gods in the morning when there is a free guided tour of some of the rock formations.

*L* You forgot to mention the attitude of the retired/ex military types that the rest of us ought to bow down and worship them.

I think a distinction should be made between military men and women as opposed to the more right wing elements (FOF) in the town. I agree that the military presence is everywhere, but it's part of the town's character that should be distinguished from the close-minded/intolerant types that seem to have a little bit too much control over the town (like the backwards thinking Gazette-Telegraph newspaper).

You are 100% correct SN! I believe it is not the military that has changed Co Spgs for the worst. Its the other groups that have moved in that have changed the "flavor" of the town.

Nancy, still want to move here?

Thanks for reminding me, I also cannot stand Focus on the Family(which has greatly influenced the town).I suppose some of you are right, it really does seem like a right wing town.

Although Pikes Peak is great to look at, I don't think CS has many other appealing qualities when it comes to the landscape.

I hated the place. Went there on business and stayed at the Broadmoar. I'm asian and my wife is white. Every middle age and older person gave us nasty looks and kept staring at us. Such an uncomfortable place.

Just do what Denverites do. Buy a bumper sticker that says "Focus on Your Own Damn Family"

We had fun in Colorado Springs last summer. Took the kids to "Flying W Ranch" for a chuckwagon dinner and show, Pike's Peak, Garden of the gods, Air Force Achademy and saw the famous church, lots of variety. It was at the end of a 2-week Colorado vacation and we were tired but there were a lot of different types of things there. Very different for us since we live in Florida. Smart to spend some time there is you're thinking of relocating.

Oh my, TOO funny....."focus on your own damn family!" That gave me quite the chuckle this morning.

I must say that just spending one week in the Springs won't give you a large feel for how it would be living there, but I think you'll enjoy all the things there are to do and see as a sightseer. Have a great time.

To Leigh and the other pooh-poohers who live there I'm just curious.....if you dislike it so much, why not move elsewhere?????

YEAH Jen! I agree - if you are so unhappy and "hate" CS why do you live here? Move up to Denver where you think everything is better.....

Actually, as soon as the husband gets a job in Denver we are going and will be happy to get out of dodge. It is people like Ali and Jen that make this community seem so close minded...how dare anyone say they dont' like Colorado Springs!

And I have seen that bumper sticker in Colorado Springs already.

Lenleigh -

It is not that I want you to leave because you don't like CS - I just can't imagine living someplace that makes you so unhappy. I wouldn't want to waste any time in a place that I didn't like. I understand CS isn't for everybody - just like Denver would not be for me. I hope that your husband finds a job in Denver soon, so that you can be happier and enjoy more. Good luck.

Hmmm... from the sounds of all of your "complaints" - it sounds like it should be a might SAFE place to live with the right wing attitude, Christian focus on the family, and military presence.

Perhaps that is the reason many remain there? SAFE STREETS?

I think a lot of people go to CS and think they have seen the best Colorado has to offer. It is by far not the prettiest part of the state.

You have to get on over into the mountains--the ski areas and the SW area are the most scenic.