Experience all facets of the rare gem of a destination with adventure, family fun and romance.
Absolute adventure...sample 10-er
Enjoy an early breakfast at Lake Terrace Dining Room or grab a quick Latte and Croissant at Espressos in the Broadmoor resort before heading to Buena Vista, about 2 hours from Colorado Springs.
Whitewater rafting is the activity for this day! Check out Four Corners Rafting for an incredible whitewater adventure. A narrow, rocky, steep, cold-water run requiring advanced skills to negotiate tight maneuvers, huge holes, and boat-crashing waves. If you want to "eat water" this is the trip for you! The ultimate adrenaline rush on the Arkansas! Helmets are provided and wetsuits may be required. Participants must be in good physical condition with the ability to swim. Four Corners Rafting is north of Buena Vista.
After a thrilling day on the river, return to The Broadmoor resort to relax before the evening's activities. Dine tonight at the AAA Four-Diamond Cliff House Dining Room in Manitou Springs, a recent two-time performer at the James Beard House and three-time winner of the "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator Magazine.
Top-off the evening with a nightcap at the Golden Bee Pub, a merry dining spot at the world-renowned Broadmoor resort and loved throughout Colorado Springs. The Golden Bee is an authentic 19th-century English pub, where you "must" sing along with live piano music. Transported to the U.S. from London, the pub is adorned with handsome African mahogany figures and "gingerbread" carving. Treat yourself to a yard of ale, or just half a yard, while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Golden Bee!
Cowboys and Indians...sample 10-er
Start today with breakfast at the Manitou Pancake House. Your first stop this morning is the Garden of the Gods, with 1,300 acres of magnificent sandstone formations, natural beauty, wildlife and native plants. Pick up a map at the Visitor Center and explore this remarkable park and its ancient red sandstone rock formations.
Next visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a place to experience the ancient Anasazi Indian culture of the Southwest. These ruins were in danger of being destroyed in the early 1900s before they were moved and meticulously rebuilt in the red sandstone cliffs overlooking Manitou Springs. Spend the next 2 hours in Manitou Springs, founded at the turn of the century as a health resort. Nine of the mineral drinking springs that made Manitou Springs a famous health destination still run freely today - you'll see locals filling their containers at their favorite spring. Several restaurants serve lemonade made from the local springs. For lunch try the Dutch Kitchen, famous for its corned beef sandwiches and homemade pies. Adams Mountain Cafe is another local favorite with its healthy menu and local art. The Arcade in downtown Manitou Springs has historic pinball machines and other games as well as today's hottest arcade games to entertain the kids.
As you leave Manitou Springs on Highway 24, visit Ghost Town. The exciting days of the Old West are recreated in this authentic old western town, built from the ghost towns of Pikes Peak's gold mining era. The rooms are furnished with antiques and panning for gold is part of the fun. Next, take I-25 north to Exit 147 and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Rodeo is a truly American sport and to the men and women who compete, it's a way of life. Start with the two multi-media shows about the rodeo and its history, then spend some time in the Hall of Fame gallery.
Take an afternoon break and explore The Broadmoor resort. Then, finish your day at the Flying W Ranch for a chuck wagon dinner. Spend some time in the old western town before you sit down under the Colorado skies with your cowboy-style dinner. Then enjoy authentic cowboy songs performed by the nationally known Flying W Wranglers. The Flying W, once a working cattle ranch, has been offering families a plateful of western hospitality for 50 years.
Pamper Yourself in Romance...sample 10-er
As you wake up in your elegant surroundings at the world-famousFive-Star, Five-Diamond Broadmoor resort, romance is in the air as you beginyour day with a hot air balloon ride high over Colorado Springs. On this sunriseadventure, you'll experience the gentle, silent flight of a hot air balloon foran hour of pure enchantment guided by the experienced hand of a skilled pilot.At the highest flight levels, snow-capped mountains and ranch lands are visiblefor over 100 miles in each directions. On landing, you are treated to achampagne toast and a continental breakfast elegantly served with a tableclothand flowers. Finally, your pilot will present you with a colorful certificateand a video of your flight, confirming your new status as an "Aeronaut".
Returning to The Broadmoor, you'll experience another kind of"high" as you pamper yourself in the Spa at The Broadmoor. Start out with acouple's massage where the treatment is "twice as nice". Two people receive amassage from two therapists together in the same room. This service is offeredin a most special space with technicians working together so that both guestsreceive the same therapeutic and relaxing treatment simultaneously.
From the Spa, order delectable delights from Stratta's at theGold Club before you move to the Pool Cafe', or on a warm and sunny day to theexpansive outdoor patio overlooking the golf course. It's the perfect place toenjoy a private lunch, or sip a fruit smoothie in the intimate outdoor hot tubbefore returning to the spa for more pampering treatments. Next, you each enjoyyour own treatments. He will have the Men's Executive Facial and she will enjoythe Colorado Cleansing Facial.
Now it's time to head back outside, and take a paddleboat ridearound Cheyenne Lake, photographing the swans as they drift dreamily by in thehalo of a perfect Colorado sunset.
After you return to your room and dress for dinner, you'll havea table for two waiting for you lakeside in Charles Court.
Walk the lake in the warmth of a summer night and take in anightcap by the outdoor fireplace at the Hotel Bar. Perfect.
These represent just a few of the innumerable combinations ofthree 10-er getaways available in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region.
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