Colorado is a state in the southern part of the United States of America with an estimated population of over five million people. Often referred to as simply “The Springs”. Colorado Springs itself is the second most populated city in the State, behind only Denver. According to the 2010 census, Colorado Springs had an estimated population of 416 427. The legal drinking age in Colorado is 19 years; one may be required to provide proof of identity including identity cards, driving licenses, military identity cards or valid travelling passports. The official language spoken in Colorado is English. Colorado Springs is home to attractive mountains, plains and many rivers which make it a beautiful and very well-liked tourist destination. The city is situated at the base of Pikes Peak, a mountain that rises over 8 000 feet over the city. These mountain ranges are a part of the famous Rocky Mountains, and can be seen from anywhere in the city.
Major Attraction
For a tourist planning to visit Colorado Springs you will be spoiled for choices when it comes to choosing which attractions to visit. Travelling to Colorado Springs will not only be an adventure but also a discovery and learning experience with well over one hundred tourist attractions, Colorado Springs will make your trips something to remember. Some of the tourist attractions that you can visit while on vacation in Colorado Springs include the following:
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry
This museum is found along Northgate Road and inside this museum you will find very informative details about mining, especially for mining lovers. It has unique and excellent classic mining machinery on exhibit as well as over 4000 artifacts and beautiful mineral compositions.
The Cheyenne Mountain
Here you get to visit Mountain State Park where you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities all in clear view of the mountain. The nice scenic view of the atmosphere and the birds around the mountain is something to behold. You can tour Mountain State Park park under the leadership of the tour guides on standby.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Located along the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, the Cheyenne zoo provides a perfect destination for a family tour. With the different kinds of animals on display you can relax under the mountain plains while your children take a walk in the zoo. The Zoo is home to over 500 different types of animals.
The Red Rock Canyon
Located along 31st street the Red Rock is a spot to visit while on vacation in Colorado Springs. If you love hiking then this is the place for you. The rocks provide great paths for family walks and hiking during the day trips.
The Garden of the Gods
This great park has wonderful rock formations to see. The Garden of the Gods is a public park that is a natural occurring landmark. That is to say the rock formations have not been landscaped. It also has great natural wildlife in the area.
Other
Other tourist attractions that you can visit while on vacation in Colorado Springs are Pikes Peak highway, the air force academy, the palmer park and the national world war 11 museum among many more other tourist attractions.
Where to Eat
For a tourist travelling to Colorado Springs, you need not worry about where to eat while on vacation. Colorado Springs has hundreds of top class restaurants, which will make your stay in Colorado Springs a delight.
Uchenna
Located along Colorado Avenue, this restaurant provides a delicious Ethiopian menu. It is a nice restaurant to visit especially if you are on vacation with your family. Don’t expect your typical eat out restaurant though, the hospitality and experience make this restaurant seem more like you’re a visitor in a welcoming host’s home.
The Penrose Room Restaurant
The Penrose has the best continental cuisine for your whole family. They provide the most delicious Mediterranean menus.
The Narai Thai Restaurant
This restaurant provides the best Thai foods and cuisines.
The Paravicinis
This restaurant is located along Colorado Avenue and has the best Italian food and cuisine in Colorado Springs.
The Warehouse Restaurant and Gallery
Found in the southern edge of downtown Colorado Springs, The Warehouse offers great meals courtesy of renowned chef Lawrence Johnson and beautiful local artwork lining the walls.
The Olive Branch
A tradition of Colorado Springs for over 32 years, The Olive Branch is a full natural brick building with high ceilings and a beautiful decor. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Olive Branch is a great place for a family dinner or a date. They also offer a Gluten Free menu.
Shopping
For those tourists who love shopping while on vacation, you don’t have to worry. Colorado Springs has the best malls where you can go shopping for jewelry, clothing and food.
Citadel Shopping Mall
The Citadel is located on Citadel Drive East and features numerous stores including Aeropostale, American Eagle, Best Buy, JCPenney, Foot Locker, and more.
The Cheyenne Mountain Shopping Center
The open-air mall is located off I-25 at exit 138 and offers over 40 stores and restaurants. Featured entertainment at the Cheyenne Mountain Shopping Center includes Tinseltown theater and Ice Skating.
Chapel Hills Mall
Located conveniently off Interstate 25 at exit 150, Chapel Hills Mall offers over 100 stores, restaurants, a multitude of department stores, a car wash, and even a children’s play area.
The Promenade Shops at Briargate
The Promenade can be found on Briargate Parkway and is home to stores such as Apple, Banana Republic, Bath and Body Works, and even has 12 restaurants on site.
Outlets at Castle Rock
A short drive from Colorado Springs, 40 miles north to be exact, Outlets at Castle Rock has over 100 outlet stores and is the largest outlet center in Colorado. Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue, are just some of the stores you’ll find here.
Colorado Springs Flea Market
The Colorado Springs Flea Market has been going on for over 30 years and is open year round, every weekend. Admission is $2.00 and parking is free. This flea market also has activities for kids and sometimes, live bands playing. You can find it at exit 135 on I-25.
Where to Have Fun
For a tourist travelling to Colorado Springs you will have plenty of things to do while on vacation. You can visit the many tourist attraction sites during day trips or go to pubs and bars at night. There are many pubs and bars around Colorado Springs for you to sample some of the best beers and wine as well as listen to and dance to great music.
Cleats Bar and Grill
Cleats Bar and Grill is a great sports bar and live entertainment pub. There are 21 HD tv’s foosball and pool tables, live music on weekends and plenty to drink. Catch your favorite team on one of the tv’s.
Thunder and Buttons
A true Colorado pub, Thunder and Buttons has great beer, many local, good food, local eats such as buffalo and elk, and a second floor outdoor deck.
Tony’s Downtown Bar
Tony’s Bar has been a fixture of Colorado Springs for almost fifteen years. The staff are friendly and there Tony’s has a lot of loyal customers because of the laidback atmosphere. They offer daily food and drink specials.
McCabe’s Tavern
Irish pubs are notorious for beer and good times and McCabe’s Tavern is no exception. A great variety of beers and whiskey are offered here. McCabe’s is a great place to hang out and have a beer.
On the Boulevard
On the Boulevard is a favorite local restaurant and one of the best bars in Colorado Springs. Daily weekday specials are offered including 75 cent taco’s on Monday’s.
Union Station
If you’re into live music, check out Union Station. Situated on North Union Boulevard, this venue is a great place to have a good time.
How to Get Around
As a tourist you can choose to use the tourist vans to move around Colorado. Tour guide companies provide these cab services to tourists. You can also use public transportation services; public buses have scheduled routes so you need to know which bus leaves at what time and to where. The train in Colorado Springs can also serve as a good means of transport, especially if you are going to far cities across Colorado. The public transport system is managed by the state government of Colorado. Of course, biking or driving are also very efficient methods of transportation around The Springs
