Parents comin down for a visit - things to do (Colorado Springs: restaurant, price)

[psheridan050]

Hi all,

My parents (in their early 60’s) are coming down the first week of October from Southern California and I wanted to show them what Colorado Springs has to offer. Since I’m pretty new here myself I’m not sure exactly what to do with them the week that they are here. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. We would like to remain within a few hours of Colorado Springs for whatever we end up doing. Also, any ideas on what the weather is like during that time especially in the mountains?

Here is some stuff I know I would like to do with them:

• Stream fishing in the mountains for trout in a wooded environment with some easy day hiking opportunities. Also a good picnic area (any ideas where?)

• Cog Railway up Pikes Peak (Dad only – mom hates heights)

• Gambling at Cripple Creek (or another location. Don’t know the best places to go for slots and such).

• Garden of the Gods

• A good local steak restaurant that’s casual in nature and not found in Southern California (ideas?)

Thanks!

[Maynerd]

Stream fishing -- Elevenmile State Park, out near Lake George. Plenty of very scenic picnic sites there, too.

Cog Railway -- I'm a bigger fan of the Pikes Peak Auto Highway, but...whatever. Consider bringing Mom along. People with a fear of heights generally have a fear of being near an edge of some sort, like on a tall building. Pikes Peak keeps you firmly on the ground, and even people with a fear of heights do just fine.

Gambling -- your choices are Cripple Creek, Blackhawk, and Central City. Cripple Creek is significantly closer to COS.

Garden of the Gods -- an absolute must-do.

Steak restaurant -- what's your budget? Peppertree is awesome, but pricey. Steaksmith is a cheaper, but less spectacular alternative. Another consideration might be the Craftwood Inn in Manitou. Not so much steak, but they serve a lot of wild game. Certainly a Colorado-unique experience.

Other thoughts -- the Air Force Academy, Royal Gorge (Mom won't like this one), Olympic Training Center.