Colorado Tourism Excerpt
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I fell in love with Colorado when I was seven years old. Coming from textbook suburbia on Long Island, it was everything different, and anything my young self would want. There were fields of open space for miles, mountains on the horizon, and animals I had never seen in person were running around. Even the sky seemed a different shade of blue. Now, over 20 years later, things have changed. Most of those fields are now apartment complexes, and I care about the traffic a lot more, but there’s still a certain magic to the place that’s undeniable. Depending on what sort of traveler you are, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
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For the Sightseers...
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Garden of the Gods
Nestled in Colorado Springs, 70 miles south of Denver, Garden of the Gods is a National Park that has some of the most beautiful red rock formations you’ll ever see. Sprawling over 21 miles, the park hosts several walking trails for hikers ranging from beginner to expert, so anybody can enjoy being close to nature. Not a hiker? That’s just fine; Garden of the Gods also has a driving trail so you can sightsee on the go.
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Manitou Springs
At first glance, the little town of Manitou Springs in El Paso County looks like a tourist trap, but with its bright colored shops, small businesses and views, Manitou Springs is a charming spot at the base of Pikes Peak. If you have a few minutes to walk the downtown, you’ll be captivated by all the colors, old timey feel. The shopkeepers are friendly and there’s a great sense of community in town. And when you’re done shopping for the day, you can head to one of the several spas or hot springs the town boasts.
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For the Sports Enthusiasts...
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Aspen
If you can stomach a very windy, wavy ride into town, Aspen Colorado is another gem of a city. There’s plenty of shopping and fantastic eclectic restaurants, but the true draw to the city is the winter sports offerings. The city has hosted the Winter X Games every year since 2002, and it’s the very picture of a winter getaway town, offering all sorts of skiing, snowboarding, and sledding imaginable for all ages.
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For the Whole Family...
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Denver
If you want to keep the kids occupied, Denver offers an amazing selection. There are several museums like the Art Museum, Nature & Science, Air & Space Museum, Ballpark Museum, and Childrens’ Museum, just to name a few. The city also has its own Aquarium and Zoo. Additionally, there are several theaters where you can catch a play, musical, or comedy show, including Denver Center for the Performing Arts, which is the second-largest performing arts center in the U.S. There are far too many things to do in just one day, so plan accordingly.
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Colorado is a beautiful state with a wonderful variety of fun, diverse things to offer. It will be the perfect destination for an idyllic getaway. Take a look at some of these options, book your trip today, and enjoy falling in love with Colorado as quickly as I did.