Colorado Springs for the Grown-ups

Total Number of Days/Nights: Three

Itinerary Summary: Colorado Springs is a wonderful place to spend with the family. But it's also a fantastic getaway if you're traveling without children. We've created an itinerary for you that will provide three days of memorable fun. And don't worry. It's not all "grown-up stuff". Some of the places may just bring out the kid in you. 

Day One
Start the morning with a tour of Van Briggle Art Pottery studio and a stop at its gift shop. Next door you'll find the Pikes Peak Ghost Town. Drop in and view the old west as it once was—under one roof, you'll find restored buildings from 'the olden days'. A short drive west into the heart of Manitou Springs will take you to Miramont Castle, a museum dedicated to preserving the Victorian heritage of the Pikes Peak region.

Now it's on to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, where you'll experience the rich cultures of the Southwest in an award-winning, art-deco-style pueblo. Enjoy lunch at the Fine Arts Center, or at one of the many restaurants in town. After you eat, take a tour of the nation's largest Olympic Training Center, home of the U.S. Olympic Committee. You will need at least two hours to fully enjoy both the escorted tour and the new Visitor Center.

Make sure you also visit the Colorado Springs Pioneer's Museum, featuring the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse and showcasing the region's history, crafts and artwork.

In the evening, catch a philharmonic performance at the world-renowned, acoustically acclaimed Pikes Peak Center. Check for performance dates, times and tickets by calling the center at 719-520-7469.

Day Two
Drive to the United States Air Force Academy, where you will enjoy an informative exhibit about cadet life in the spacious visitor center. Then, take a short walk along a nature trail that leads to the famous Cadet Chapel. You can end your visit with a self-guided driving tour of the Academy, which includes a large wildlife sanctuary.

In the afternoon, visit to the nearby Western Museum of Mining and Industry, where you'll explore Colorado's rich and colorful mining past and future. You'll even see the actual operation of reconstructed multi-ton steam engines, drills and locomotives. Proceed to historic Old Colorado City for a unique shopping experience. While you're there, make sure you tour the Simpich Doll Factory and Michael Garman's Sculpture Gallery. Relax with an evening of elegant dining at the Historic Briarhurst Manor, The Craftwood Inn or The Stagecoach Inn—all three are located in Manitou Springs.

Day Three
A short drive to the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center offers a spectacular and unique view of the much-photographed red rock formations of the region. Don't miss the excellent 12-minute film, which provides the history of the formations. A drive through the Garden of the Gods City Park will lead you to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Colorado's largest trading post.

In the afternoon, go to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum where you'll learn the history of the Anasazi Indians, dating from 1100 to 1300 A.D. If you're an adventurous type, include a visit to Seven Falls—often called the "grandest mile of scenery in Colorado," seven separate waterfalls splash 181 feet down a sheer granite cliff. To get a better look, take a 224-step stairway to the top, or enjoy the convenience of a mountain elevator to the observation platform. You won't regret it—it's one of the most spectacular views you can imagine.

Enjoy an afternoon of shopping in historic Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City, or visit the unique boutiques and shops in downtown Colorado Springs. The Citadel and Chapel Hills malls, with major chains as anchor tenants, provide further shopping opportunities.

If you feel like seeing money instead of spending it, visit the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, which has a world-class collection of coins, paper money and medals.

Experience small-town serenity by enjoying a quiet dinner at one of Colorado Springs downtown restaurants, or indulge by checking into The Broadmoor Hotel. Start with cocktails at the Golden Bee, then savor exquisite cuisine at the Penrose Room and Charles' Court. Cap off the night by browsing in specialty shops, and taking an after-dinner stroll around the tranquil lake to view swans and other wildlife in the island's habitat.