The Garden of the Gods is a public park and United States National Natural Landmark that was deemed a "fit place for the gods to assemble" by Rufus Cable, one of the two surveyors tasked with identifying a site for Colorado City in 1859. With its towering spires of red sandstone pitted against the incongruous greenery of its surrounds, Cable's inspired choice of name is an apt summary of the wonders that it contains. The jagged pinnacles, mammoth needles, and precariously balanced rocks strewn across the landscape are glorious monuments thrust upward, sideways and slanted by tectonic undercurrents, subsequently whipped by the wind into curious shapes. From the biological perspective, the Garden of the Gods is a remarkable merger of the vegetation typical of both highlands and lowlands creating a kind of chronicle of the evolution of planet earth. The land was bequeathed to the City of Colorado Springs by the children of Charles Elliott Perkins, who originally owned this parcel of land. The only stipulation was that it must remain “free to the entire world.” Riddled with nature trails and hiking paths, the Garden of the Gods is a popular spot for outdoor activities like horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking that is always free, in keeping with Perkins' wishes.
The fact that this popular brewery and restaurant sells its own T-shirts at the front entrance is a strong sign that this place is extremely popular. The menu is mostly American cuisine with global influences, featuring everything from burgers to fish and chips to baked ziti. The interior is dominated by hardwood flooring and a wall of windows. Outdoor seating, though limited, is very popular during the warm months. Above the dining area is a huge billiards room. The crowds tend to be of the 30-something kind.
Kimball's Twin Peak Theater screens independent and foreign films for your viewing pleasure. Of course, there are also commercial films that are screened once in a while. A unique feature about this place is that they have a wine bar, which offers Bristol beers and 12 kinds of wines by the glass. You can also pick up a panini sandwich and espresso drink to keep you full. For film times, ticket prices and further information, please call or see their website.
As the only comedy club in Colorado Springs, it attracts some of the best comics on the circuit. In the past Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen Degeneres and Sam Kinison have graced its stage. The owner likes to mix the acts up so each week changes from straight stand-up to improv to the amazingly popular hypnotist shows. A small kitchen serves finger food such as nachos, chicken wings and cheese sticks. A full bar is available. Reservations are strongly recommended. Check the website for the schedule of shows.
Broadmoor World Arena is the premier sports and entertainment venue in the Pikes Peak region. Locally owned and managed, the non-profit CSWA and the attached ice hall regularly host sporting events, concerts, family shows, banquets, trade shows, graduations, religious rallies and civic events. With 8000 seats, the CSWA is large enough to host world-class events in an intimate setting.
Built in 1936, this art center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is more like a mall of art mediums featuring plays, films, paintings and sculpture. Harbored inside the Taylor Museum is one of the world's most extensive collections of Native American and Hispanic art. It also displays the works of Georgia O'Keeffe and Charles Russell, and presents ever-changing special art exhibitions. The Repertory Theatre Company features musicals and sponsors weekly showings of classic films. In addition, there is the Bemis Art school, an art library, and dining at the Balcony restaurant.
The Garden of the Gods is a public park and United States National Natural Landmark that was deemed a "fit place for the gods to assemble" by Rufus Cable, one of the two surveyors tasked with identifying a site for Colorado City in 1859. With its towering spires of red sandstone pitted against the incongruous greenery of its surrounds, Cable's inspired choice of name is an apt summary of the wonders that it contains. The jagged pinnacles, mammoth needles, and precariously balanced rocks strewn across the landscape are glorious monuments thrust upward, sideways and slanted by tectonic undercurrents, subsequently whipped by the wind into curious shapes. From the biological perspective, the Garden of the Gods is a remarkable merger of the vegetation typical of both highlands and lowlands creating a kind of chronicle of the evolution of planet earth. The land was bequeathed to the City of Colorado Springs by the children of Charles Elliott Perkins, who originally owned this parcel of land. The only stipulation was that it must remain “free to the entire world.” Riddled with nature trails and hiking paths, the Garden of the Gods is a popular spot for outdoor activities like horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking that is always free, in keeping with Perkins' wishes.
Traverse back in time with this eccentric yet iconic arcade venue in Manitou Springs. In what seems like an entertainment space frozen in time, the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade requires quarters for most of its games, and there is nothing like a little inexpensive fun to make the day. As much a tourist attraction as it is a functional arcade, the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade invites plenty of folk from out of town who want to see this old-world wonder. For new-age gaming enthusiasts, it is imperative to know that this archaic arcade consists of irreplaceable gems from the video-game realm such as pinball, Mutoscopes, 12 player mechanical-horse racing machine and Skeeball.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a wildlife conservatrion sanctuary that aims at spreading awareness for wildlife and nature protection. The facility offers guided tours and trips to educate visitors about the significance of wolves, coyotes, foxes and other such creatures in supporting the ecosystem. They conduct different trips like kids tour, interactive tour, standard tour, feeding tour, and full moon tour. You can choose any tour of your preference, but it requires advanced reservations. The facility provides benches, and is handicapped accessible. It is best to read out their rules section on their website, before making a visit.
This Tudor-style castle, built in 1904 by General Palmer, sits on 700 acres along the foothills amidst tall pine trees, beautifully landscaped lawns and stunning rock formations. Primarily used today for Christian camps and conferences, limited daily tours of the castle are still available. Come for afternoon English Cream Tea and a bit of history on the side. Tea is served with scones, seasonal fruit and sweets in a Victorian setting. Dine like royalty in the elegant King James dining room where delicious food is plentiful and served buffet style. Meals are always chef's choice, with menus available one week in advance.