Thursday, March 21, 2013

Spring Break 2013

SPRING BREAK FUN

MANITOU SPRINGS, CO!!

 
This spring break started out a little rocky for us and all the other Texans headed to Colorado.  It took us four hours to get from Raton to Walsenburg, in a blizzard.  Part of that trip was a white out and I was helping my husband drive from the back seat, no really, he actually asked.  I'm sure that will never happen again, but I was guiding him helping him keep on the road on the right side of the car, while he looked out the left, since nobody could see out the front wind shield.  Once in Walsenburg, rooms were booked, so we decided to spend the night in the mini rather than try to go any futher in that mess.  Luckily we hung out in the lobby of a Best Western just long enough, the receptionist called someone holding three rooms and we were the lucky third family to get the very last room. 
So that was how we started out our vacation, luckily the rest of the week was much better. 
 
Manitou Springs, CO is one of the prettiest places I've ever visited.  It has great charm yet everything you need is right there.  There are great places to eat, wonderful parks, hiking, and a slew of day adventures to experience.  Plus, this is a wonderful little community that supports the arts, and it is obvious as soon as you drive into town.  There are sculptures along the road, flags with children's artwork, and artist studios dot the main avenue.  I guarantee you will fall in love with this place.
 
Here is just a few thing to do while you are in Manitou.  Manitou is home of the Cog Rail that goes to Pikes Peak, The Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is very close (best zoo ever!), The Ghost Towne Museum, Cliff Dwelling, and of course lots of trails.
And if you are really fit or just into torturing yourself you can always tackle the incline! Here is more info on Manitou, http://manitousprings.org/.
 
 
The day after the blizzard.
All ready to go on a hike.
Beautiful walk down to all the shops.
Manitou Avenue

They have an old arcade, great way to spend a few hours with the kids.  The best part is the horse derby...so much fun!

Home and art studio of C. H. Rockey. 
 
 

One of my favorite places to go in Manitou, Commonwheel Artist Co-op.

Functional art bench, with a couple of cuties!
 

One of several of the natural springs right on the Avenue.
Love this shop, eclectic culture :) Love it.  This is where my girls and I went for our first Mehendi designs.

Miller art studio.
 

In my opinion, the best pizza in town! 

The best place to stay!  It is beautiful and just walking distance from Everything!

Another artist Co-op.

Goodbye Manitou...see you in July!!


No comments:

Post a Comment