Built in 1936, this art center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is more like a mall of art mediums featuring plays, films, paintings and sculpture. Harbored inside the Taylor Museum is one of the world's most extensive collections of Native American and Hispanic art. It also displays the works of Georgia O'Keeffe and Charles Russell, and presents ever-changing special art exhibitions. The Repertory Theatre Company features musicals and sponsors weekly showings of classic films. In addition, there is the Bemis Art school, an art library, and dining at the Balcony restaurant.
Contact Information: 30 West Dale Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, United States +1 719 634 5581
This three-block historic district of restored brick buildings once served as Colorado's original capitol back in 1861. Today it is both a shopping and dining magnet. Old brick buildings and thick towering trees hem both sides of Colorado Avenue to create a visually appealing throwback feel, without relying upon touristy gimmicks and campy decorations. The district is jammed with 113 shops, galleries and restaurants that all have the refreshing distinction of not being chains. Special events such as Territory Days draw big crowds.
Contact Information: W Colorado Ave & 24th St, (between 24th & 27th St), Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States +1 719 577 4112
Spend a day at America's only mountainside zoo. It features endangered species in mountain exhibits that resemble their natural habitat. You can walk the hilly terrain or catch the tram at one of seven stops. Hands-on contact with animals is permitted in front of the Aquatics building - giraffes will literally eat from your hand and zoo crackers can be purchased at the entrance. Mountain weather changes rapidly, so bring a light jacket.
Contact Information: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States +1 719 633 9925
Bring a light jacket and hike this 54-degree cavern which offers three tours. Learn about geology and history on the Discovery Tour, or go back in time on the Lantern Tour, listening to tales from the past and using only lanterns for light. The physically challenging Explorers Trip is an adventure through undeveloped passageways and chambers. Tours range from 45 minutes to four hours.
Contact Information: Highway 24, Exit 141, Manitou Springs, CO 80929, United States +1 719 685 5444
Hanging 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River is the world's highest suspension bridge. Looking down the narrow canyon with steep granite cliffs, it is hard to imagine how this spectacular bridge was constructed in 1929 without any major accidents. Riding the aerial tram or the world's steepest incline train through the gorge offers heart-stopping excitement. A visitors center, nature center, restaurant and kiddie rides are all part of this magnificent 500-acre park. Located in Canon City, one-hour southwest of Colorado Springs.
Contact Information: 4218 County Road 3A, Canon City, CO 81212, United States +1 719 275 7507
Towering 14,110 feet above Colorado Springs, this mountain serves as one of the nation's most famous landmarks. Access to the summit can be obtained via the Pike's Peak Cog Railway, or by driving the Pikes Peak Highway which winds through stands of pine and aspen before cresting above treeline. Katherine Lee Bates was so moved by her visit to the summit that it inspired her to pen "America the Beautiful." Bring a jacket as the temperature is about 20 degrees cooler up top.
Contact Information: Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado Springs, CO 80901, United States +1 719 385 7325
This is not the usual pottery shop of plant containers and animal figurine toothpick holders. Instead, you will find a world-renowned art center that has work exhibited in New York's Metropolitan Art Museum, the Smithsonian and England's British Museum. Since 1899, it has been crafting pieces that feature its signature look of muted colors and pastels. In addition to vases, the studio turns out candlesticks, bowls, mugs, Indian figurines and lamps. Visit the studio and take a free tour of the working artists shaping, etching and glazing water and clay into works of unmatched art.
Contact Information: 600 South 21st Street, (at Highway 24), Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States +1 719 633 4080
Some Flea Markets give you the sneaky sense that you have entered a fly-by-night gypsy camp that at any minute is going to be closed down by local authorities. This, however, is not one of them. This market has been in operation for over 30 years, giving it more permanence than most notable retail chains. It is so permanent that the grounds are paved, and well-maintained flowerbeds line the walks. There are over 500 vendors, an on-site cafe and restless kids can be tamed on pony rides.
Contact Information: 5225 E Platte Ave, Co Sprgs, CO 80915, United States +1 719 380 8599
