After a jaunt through Denver and a bangin' time at Red Rocks, our Colorado extravaganza (powered by White Cheddar popcorn, Touching Base with Post Grad Problems-- RIP, and cold brew) the short, rainy drive to Colorado Springs was nothing short of beautiful for Ashley and I. Still low-key exhausted from the concert the night before, we checked out of our hotel in Denver, found out that our hotel in Colorado Springs was under construction, booked a new hotel, still went to CSP by way of Canon City, and listened to a LOT of podcast episodes.
Blessed normally but cursed this week by beautiful and cold mountain rain, here are the two major Colorado Springs attractions we were able to conquer without getting soaked to the bone.
Old Colorado City
Food. Fun. History. What more could you want when everything else you've tried to do has been closed or it's been raining too hard to see six inches in front of your car? You park, run, and attempt to shop. Almost like God knew we needed to save our money for other shenanigans and our impending return trip it started to rain again, so we packed it up, waited it out by getting lunch, and when the sun started to peek through the clouds we used it to our advantage and sought out a cute hiking destination I'd been drug to many times in my childhood in North Cheyenne Canon Park.
Hit "shop" that's linked to the Old Colorado City page for a complete list of shops and other local hot spots .
Helen Hunt Falls
Address: VIsitor Center- 3440 N Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
By far my favorite place past and present, the winding and elevated road to North Cheyenne Canon had dried by the time we made our way there and the sun was out. Everything was absolutely beautiful. The visitor center offers an introduction to the natural features visitors will find in the area and a short trek up to the bridge offers a beautiful view of the falls. If you're brave, and not sweaty animals (or even if you are), I highly recommend continuing your hike and taking in the breathtaking views of the canon from the very top.
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We could have done more, but the weather wasn't cooperative, everything was under construction (this rivals Missouri, honestly), and we didn't have an agenda. Making a vow to go back when we aren't as broke and have more time, we settled on fan favorites before devouring the best burger I've ever had at Crave (and a disgustingly wonderful milkshake that made me sick!) and going back to the hotel in the rain to watch Bob's Burgers, again.
Address: 7465 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Order: Fatty Melt (Bacon cheeseburger, no tomato, pickle, ketchup, between two grilled cheese sandwiches), Sweet Potato Fries, ET Shake (reese’s pieces, chocolate chips, peanut butter)
Stuff I've Done Before But We Didn't Do This Time:
Since CSP is my dad's third favorite place on Earth (behind everywhere in South Dakota and in his garage petting his dog), I like to consider myself a Colorado Connoisseur. Between my birth in 1994 and when I moved out in 2012, I think we made the 9 hour trek approximately 965 times.
North Pole Santa's Workshop
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Day Trip: CSP to Victor/Cripple Creek
Stuff We Wanted To Do But Couldn't:
The Garden of the Gods -- It was POURING rain.
Seven Falls at the Broadmoor -- Closed, and I might have cried a little?
US Olympic Training Center -- Last tour started at 4:30 and we were too busy being disappointed by Seven Falls to realize this.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo -- More rain.
Driving up Pikes Peak -- Did you know if you drive like a Midwest asshole all the way to CSP, your car will overheat going up the mountain? I didn't. We have concluded that we will pay $44 for the tram next time.
Best Dispensaries in Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs (Sorry Mom):
Jokes on us... and everyone else. The city of Colorado Springs only sells ~*medical*~ marijuana. Good thing Manitou Springs is where all the action is anyway.
Emerald Fields -- these bud tenders were ridiculously awesome and the atmosphere was so much fun.
Maggie's Farm Manitou Springs
Bonus: Gas & Grass -- we didn't stop, but this is a gas station dispensary combo and I think you should go.
Ciao,
Courtney
P.S. It's always going to rain on you, just... do some better planning. Take that from us.
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