Colorado Springs Real Estate Facts & Fun

Colorado Springs has a lot to offer the entire family and all for a really great price. March and April are wonderful months to visit Colorado Springs as we have 50-70+ degree weather, which just a risk of a winter blizzard. Most days are sunny and just cool enough to enjoy a rigorous hike, but warm enough to enjoy lunch or an early dinner on a patio.

Cog Railway & America’s Mountain: Pikes Peak

The Cog Railway is located in Manitou Springs just a short drive west of Colorado Springs on Hwy 24. Take this 3-hour train ride up to the top of Pikes Peak known as America’s Mountain where the song American the Beautiful was inspired. If you’ve forgotten those words, there is a large plaque at the top with the words on it. The gift shop at the top has some of the best doughnuts you will find, and this is no small feat as anyone who has tried to cook or bake at altitude will tell you. There is also great hiking near the railway should you choose to hike to the top of the mountain or hike part of it. Pikes Peak is a 14er. If you choose to hike the mountain, make sure to arrange for travel back down the mountain if you are not choosing to hike down. You can purchase one-way tickets through the Cog Rail, or arrange for a friend or guide to drive you back. They now charge a large fee for emergency personnel to take you back down.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a charming town filled with wonderful shops and curios. Great food abounds from the newly opened Hell’s Kitchen pizzeria, to Coquette Creperie (gluten-free!), to the famous Adam’s Mountain Cafe. For a great burger check out the Keg, or for a refined sophistication, the Cliff House and Craftwood Inn have wonderful menus with local game featured. If you are thirsty, the margs at The Loop are wonderful, or for a local glass of wine try the Wines of Colorado a short drive west of Manitou Springs on Hwy 24. At the Wines of Colorado the feature next to Colorado wines is the peaceful outdoor patio scene. Set amongst towering trees and a trickling creek, you will feel all of your worries slip away.

Downtown Colorado Springs

There is good shopping to be had in Downtown Colorado Springs. If you are looking for truly unique gifts for yourself or someone back home try these. Spice of Life, a local spice shop with a robust Pikes Peak rub perfect for steaks. Women on the Rocks, a collection of artists featuring paintings, jewelry, home decor and gifts for Fido. Title Nine, a sports apparel store dedicated to the female. Poor Richard’s Bookstore, a quirky and fun bookstore and toy store connected offering a perfect gift for everyone on your list. Terra Verde, if you haven’t found that just right gift yet, check here.

There are some delectable places to eat in Downtown too. For a little nosh, try Nosh at the Art Center. Colorado is the Napa Valley of craft beer, so try Phantom Canyon on Pikes Peak and Cascade which serves food along with it’s beer, or Bristol Brewing on Tejon St. next door to one of the best restaurants in town, The Blue Star. MacKenzie’s Steakhouse and The Famous offer up superb hunks of beef in intimate settings, and the Pepper Tree off of 8th Street and Moreno offers amazing food with a downtown view. There are a few restaurants at the Broadmoor worth exploring as well, especially if you have a tee or tea time set up there. The Golden Bee is an English-style pub with live sing-alongs every night starting at 8pm. If you are searching for the perfect Irish pub without the 17 hour flight, try Jack Quinn’s on Tejon Street. They bring in live Irish bands several nights a week, and if you happen to be in town on Tuesday nights, lace up your shoes and go for a quick 5k run with its running group. McCabe’s Tavern is another Irish-inspired pub south on Tejon St.

Garden of the Gods

There is no greater beauty in all of Colorado Springs than a walking tour of Garden of the Gods. If you are in complete vacation mode and do not wish to burn a single calorie, there are reputable horse tours through the Garden. Yes, you can also drive through, but as a warning, you will not be the only car out there and you won’t see all of the wonderful formations. Nor will you smell the red sand, the sandalwood, or the juniper trees. You won’t see the wildlife, and you won’t get the full experience. It is worth at least half a day. There are many picnic areas set up throughout the park if you wish to bring a packed lunch, and there are grills if you want to take your picnic to the next level. There are toilets and washrooms near these picnic areas as well. It is handicap accessible from the main parking lot with a paved trail going around the largest formations.

Enjoy your Spring Break!