Colorado Springs, Colo. – Home to more than 55 attractions and activities including Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain and Garden of the Gods Park, Colorado Springs is sure to inspire an unforgettable visit.
New Things to Do
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park Via Ferrata – One of Colorado Springs oldest attractions will open a thrilling new outdoor adventure in 2018. The Via Ferrata (Italian for “iron path”) is under construction. This rock-side climbing path consists of metal rungs connected to a secure harness ideal for those 12 years and older. The course ends with two zip lines. https://caveofthewinds.com
DroneSpace – Drone racing is a wildly growing sport featured on major television networks and taking the world by storm. Pilots don goggles, which allow them to look through the “cockpit” of the racing drone as they fly the course. The site is the first location in the world that allows first-time fliers to experience this vibrantly lit course. The 12,000 square-foot indoor facility has a large dedicated race track, racing drone shop and spacious lounge. www.dronespace.org
Dragonfly Stand Up Paddle Board Glowga – This special stand-up paddleboard class has been timed to experience Colorado’s setting sun alongside paddle yoga practice. Boards are illuminated with colorful LED lights to guide the class atop Quail Lake. Guests can even choose their favorite color. The class lasts 60 minutes and is open to all levels of practitioners ages 18 and up. www.dragonflypaddleyoga.com
Ent Center for the Arts – This transformational, state-of-the-art 92,000 square-foot facility features year-round music and performances. The impressive concert hall houses 774 seats, the Gallery of Contemporary Art, a recording studio and audio laboratory. www.uccs.edu/entcenter/
WhirlyBall – This exhilarating sport combines lacrosse, hockey, basketball and bumper cars in a game of skill coupled with chance. While maneuvering, two teams of five players use hand-held scoops to pass a whiffle ball to one another to hit a scoring target. Visit Colorado’s first and only location. www.whirlyball.com/colorado-springs/
Garden of the Gods Collection International Health and Wellness Center – An innovative, destination healthcare and wellness center has come to Colorado. Applying evidence-based healthcare principles and practices with the latest advances in complementary medicine, the highly-skilled and compassionate physician team at the International Health & Wellness Center intuitively provides medical and wellness services with the aim of restoring clients to optimal health and functionality. www.gardenofthegodsclub.com.
New Lodging
SCP Colorado Springs – From the big picture to the little details, SCP is cultivating a new guest experience. Centered around the concept of holistic hospitality, guests stay consciously. The first property of its kind in the country will provide a range of opportunities for guests to refresh their bodies and souls, to connect with community and to make better choices for the planet. Discover the artful reuse and recycling of original materials used in the hotel’s construction alongside dining options with a focus on local goodness. www.scphotel.com
Garden of the Gods Collection Cottages and Casitas – Nestled on the bluff within the Garden of the Gods Collection property, the newly constructed cottages and casitas are designed to be an exclusive gated resort community with spectacular views of Garden of the Gods Park. The properties will join hotel inventory between spring of 2018 and spring of 2019. The six three-bedroom cottages and 14 exquisite casitas will be framed with meticulously designed and lush landscaped gardens. Covered and open patios support outdoor living that offers transformative beauty while promoting a synergetic balance of nature and tranquil living. www.gardenofthegodsclub.com
The DoubleTree by Hilton has finished a $9M renovation of the property including meeting space totaling over 25,000 square-feet, guest rooms, lobby and expanded bar, the largest in Colorado Springs.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton completed multimillion-dollar renovations in 2017 with a transformation including modernized design updates to all guest suites, in-house restaurant and bar, atrium and a new 7,000 square-foot meeting and event space.
The highly anticipated Home2 Suites by Hilton, an extended-stay property, will have 120 available rooms and 3,500 square-feet of meetings space. The property will also feature an indoor saltwater pool and pet-friendly accommodations. The opening is slated for this summer.
New Dining and Drink Offerings
Trail’s End Taproom is the first self-pour taproom in the entire state of Colorado. Trails End has 40 taps available for the adventuring beer connoisseur. Pay by the ounce, and 100 percent of tips are donated to local trail and humanitarian nonprofits. www.trailsendtaproom.com
Pikes Peak Lemonade Company is more than just a cup of lemonade. With organic lemons, organic cane sugar and filtered water, they proudly serve a fresh and healthy drink. Starting with organic lemonade or limeade Colorado-grown lavender, real hibiscus or a variety of other fresh ingredients are then added. Enjoy fresh, hand-crafted syrups while also reaping amazing health benefits. Stop in to the lemonade tap room for an individual creation, or purchase pre-made mixes with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. www.pikespeaklemonade.com
Oskar Blues Fooderies Downtown Colorado Springs – The newest addition to the area’s culinary family is in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. The eatery takes up two levels in one of the area’s historic buildings. Enjoy underground bocce courts and an outdoor patio. Grab a pint from one of the 48 taps and munch on locally sourced meats that round out the menu. www.oskarbluesfooderies.com
Goat Patch Brewing Company/Lincoln Center – A variety of local tenants come together in a former elementary school space. Goat Patch Brewing offers a variety of hand-crafted beers along with a fundamental goal of supporting the local Colorado Springs community. Flavors range from a mocha latte stout to a fruit goat patch punch. www.goatpatchbrewing.com
Crafts and Drafts Passport – Colorado Springs has crafted a new way to entice travelers to experience the grandeur of the Pikes Peak region. A new digital passport highlights the destination’s diverse craft beverage scene. From microbreweries to moonshine, visitors can sip and savor their way through the area using a downloadable Crafts & Drafts Passport featuring 24 libation and coffee locations. Colorado continues to make its mark on the adult beverage industry with more than 284 craft breweries state-wide and an economic impact of $2.7 billion. www.visitcos.crafts-drafts
The Piccadilly Bar at The Antlers Hotel offers 50 beers on tap, specialty cocktails and 100 wine choices. This bar offers a classy-cool atmosphere with sophisticated menu items and a nod to the hotel’s history. http://antlers.com/dining.shtml
# # #
About Colorado Springs, CO
Founded as a resort town in 1871, Colorado’s second largest city has drawn travelers from around the world for decades offering unrivaled natural beauty, endless blue skies, a mild climate and more than 55 man-made and natural attractions. Home to iconic landmarks such as Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, Garden of the Gods Park, the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy, the city and surrounding region is a popular destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts and couples. Find out more and order a free vacation planner at VisitCOS.com.
Source: travmedia.com
