When Texas is 100 degrees, where can you go to cool off?? We were fortunate to be able to spend the month of July in Colorado, where it was definitely cooler –especially in the evenings and mornings. More importantly, it was near my family! Past trips to Colorado were usually for a week or so, but this trip gave us time to explore new sights and see more of this beautiful area.
We drove up from Texas on TX 87 and I-25. It’s a nice drive now with newer roads and 4 lanes almost all of the way. We stopped in Pueblo at the Weisbrod Aircraft Museum for a cool tour. Housed in the former WWII Pueblo Army Air Base, the museum boasts an extensive display of military artifacts and space technology. Harry, our guide, was very knowledgeable and shared many interesting stories with us. The museum is easy to get to and being a Harvest Host spot, we stayed overnight before heading up to Colorado Springs.
For our month in Colorado Springs, we camped at the peaceful and wooded Air Force Academy campground. It was our first time spending that much time without satellite tv and internet, as the trees blocked any reception other than phone calls/texts. Luckily, we kept very busy and I can say I survived. (hey, we are glamping after all!) It did impede progress on my blog posts, but I am catching up now.
The USAFA has so much beauty –I never miss a chance to see the Cadet Chapel where Mike and I were married 32 years ago (this month!) There is so much symbolism in the chapel’s design, like the sculptured pew ends that resemble a WW I airplane propeller or the backs of each pew that are capped by a strip of aluminum like the leading edge of a fighter aircraft wing. The amazing stained-glass windows and 4300+ pipe classical organ are sights to behold!
Lots of hiking trails allowed Mike to get in shape for his Pike’s Peak Ultra race. Buddies Mark and Kent drove up from Texas to experience running in the Rockies. Of course, they had to try many of Colorado’s craft beers too!
A great new discovery was the Rocky Mountain Food Tour company. Ryan guided us on a delightful 3-hour tour that included a short walk around the downtown area with highlights of the town’s beginnings and history, outdoor art along the way, and tastings from 5 different local restaurants. Many towns are now offering food tours, and if they are like this one, I will certainly try some more!
The Olympic Training Center, a top spot on the tourist list, allowed us to see the practice venue for so many of our Olympians in training. Different resident athletes conduct the tours and give their personal stories along the way. I did not know that host countries for each Olympics get to have a say in new sports that are added for that year. For the 2020 Tokyo games, 5 new sports will be added: surfing, skateboard, softball/baseball, rock climbing, and karate.
If you want to be amazed by the towering sandstone rock formations of the area, a visit to Garden of the Gods is a must. I couldn’t stop taking pictures because every time I turned around there was another beautiful view or structure. There are 17 main rock formations and many trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding in the park.
My mom and sisters and I enjoyed a day browsing the quaint shops in Manitou Springs. We had a great dinner at Iron Springs Chateau and then enjoyed the comedy-filled melodrama and vaudeville style musical review. The audience loves to cheer the hero and boo the villain at this fun family show.
Since we had more time on this visit, we ventured out to several places within a short 1-2 hour drive from Colorado Springs. The first two involved animals, because who doesn’t love animals…right?! Crooked Willow Farms is an animal sanctuary located in Larkspur that is home to the Zoology Foundation. Through educational programs, sanctuary visits, and volunteering opportunities they hope to spread knowledge and compassion for all living things. We had a great 2-hour tour that included some hands-on and feeding of the animals.
The Colorado Wolf and WIldlife Center is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to rescue and education about wolves and wolf-hybrids. They offer a variety of tours, including several where you can get up close and personal with the wolves. On the standard tour, you can’t pet the wolves but they come up close to the fence to get treats so you have a great view while learning their individual stories. The center tries to dispel the stereotype of the “big bad wolf” and focuses on education about this species.
Cripple Creek is a historic town known for gold mining and gambling. We didn’t see any gold but we did enjoy an afternoon at the slot machines. I even left with a few dollars in my pocket! A ride on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad allows you to see many of the mining areas and the beautiful countryside. Interesting fact: ranchers cursing the rocky stream for causing injury to their cattle gave Cripple Creek its name.
We also enjoyed a trip to Idaho Springs to see the Argo Gold Mine. We had an interesting tour of the area and even got to pan for gold at the end. I think I got 3 tiny gold flakes, but hey…it’s gold! We enjoyed pizza afterwards at a local favorite, Beau Jo’s.
Thanks to all of my family for the great times we had together! Even a month passed so quickly, but we enjoyed seeing everyone so much.
Hi Robin and Mike
This is Mark, your cousin. Just wanted to say…I love reading your posts and articles. Causes me to dream. Stay safe and keep Them coming!
Hi Mark–thanks for following along with us on this journey! Are you still in Virginia?
You folks are doing it right!
Have you had luck finding good campsites?
Hey Stu and Sue–hope y’all are doing well in Tennessee. We have been pretty lucky with campsites; I have used some recommendations from fellow Entegra owners via the Facebook group. We are currently in Utah doing the Big 5 National Parks:)
We loved having y’all here for July but that was still too short. It was great to have all my daughters here and we could enjoy so many fun things together. We loved it!
I agree–the month passed way too quickly but we enjoyed every minute with all of you! We feel blessed to have had the time together.
Robin I LOVE this post! It brings back so many memories of my last visit to Colorado Springs and spending time with your mom Linda and Manny. They took me to Cadet Chapel, Manitou Springs and YES Cripple Creek! We found a “special spot” for taking pictures while overlooking the mountains (ask your mom about it, it is a funny story). I have visited Garden of the Gods too and would love to go to Crooked Willow Farms! Hoping to come back out there next Spring. LOVE the pictures of y’all 🙂
Hey Sandi! I’m glad you have fond memories of your trip to Colorado Springs–it is a beautiful place, for sure. We feel blessed to have had a month to spend with family and be able to see and do so much there.
You look great. I’m happy for you.
Thanks Pam–we are having lots of fun!