Exploring Colorado Springs, CO: A Weekend Adventure

Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning natural landscapes to great dining experiences. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through some of the highlights of our weekend adventure in Colorado Springs. Join us as we explore the Falcon Colorado Springs, North KOA Holiday park, try Colorado's version of Mediterranean at Caspian Café, great brunch at Adam's Mountain Cafe, embark on a scenic Cog Railway trip, savor a delightful dinner at Jax, enjoy a bike ride through the Garden of the Gods, and discover a hidden gem called The Loft Espresso in Manitou Springs.

Camping

Our adventure began at Falcon Colorado Springs, North KOA Holiday park, a newly opened facility with pristine surroundings. While Wi-Fi and cable TV were not yet available, the well-manicured spaces with patios and picnic tables made for a comfortable stay. The amenities were top-notch. The water and electric were encased in a nicely manicured area at each site and made it easy to access and get hooked up. They had both back-in and pull-thru sites but we had the benefit of an interesting circular pull-through site which made parking and setup a breeze.

While about 25 minutes away from Colorado Springs, we didn't feel like it was too far away and were able to get in and out of town for all of our activities very easily.

RATING (1-5 SCALE):

• Location - 5

• Ease of Entry - 5

• Facilities - 5

• Entertainment - 5

Points of Interest

Caspian Café: A Mediterranean Delight?

When it came to dining, we sought out the Caspian Café, ranked sixth among all restaurants in Colorado Springs and known for its Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant boasted a pleasant ambiance, and we were promptly seated. We sampled their appetizers, with the feta crisps stealing the show—fried pita pockets stuffed with feta and served with a special sauce. While the hummus fell short in terms of flavor and consistency, the variety of pitas and vegetables for dipping were good. Our main courses, the Gyro platter and the Country Greek salad with Gyro meat, were good but still not the flavors of our favorite Mediterranean restaurant at home, Platia. Kevin's recommendation to order extra salad dressing for my salad proved to be spot-on.

Adam's Mountain Cafe: A Meeting of Friends

We enjoyed a delightful lunch at Adam's Mountain Cafe, a charming eatery that serves breakfast until 3 PM, making it an ideal spot for brunch where we were able to meet up with a friend of mine who came to enjoy the weekend with us and had this restaurant, the Cog Railway, and our dinner at Jax planned out so we just had to show up and enjoy!

Adam's Mountain Cafe had numerous vegan options available also doing a great job of catering to those with various dietary restrictions. I had the Avocado Omelette with fresh sliced avocado, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, asiago cheese and sliced tomato served with buttered Great Harvest Bread CO. toast. Kevin went with more of a lunch option, the Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich). It was a pan seared marinated chicken breast with house made spicy cucumber kimchi, creamy mushroom duxelles, mayo, cilantro, jalapeños, red onion and organic greens on a french roll opting for a side salad versus the Tommyknocker Barley Corn Chips it was paired with originally. Kevin also had the house special tea, a lightly sweetened blend with hints of cinnamon and orange he said was refreshing but a bit sweet for his taste.

Cog Railway: A Journey to the Top

After lunch, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. We recommend securing reserved tickets to ensure seating together. The scenic journey to the top of Pikes Peak, reaching an elevation of 14,115 feet, offered breathtaking views and a stark contrast in temperature. As the air grew thin and the landscape transformed, we marveled at the natural beauty surrounding us. The visitor center at the peak provided clean facilities, a gift shop, and a cafe known for its delectable donuts.

Jax: A Memorable Dinner

To conclude our day of exploration, we dined at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, a small and cozy restaurant located in downtown Colorado Springs. The intimate atmosphere set the stage for a wonderful dining experience. We began with oysters and a perfectly portioned wedge salad for one that Kevin and I shared. Kevin thoroughly enjoyed the black and yellow fin tuna, while the halibut fell slightly short of expectations for me. Our waiter, Nick, provided exceptional service and valuable recommendations, enhancing our overall dining experience.

Garden of the Gods Bike Ride: Nature's Majesty

Our next day began with a leisurely bike ride on our new Lectric ebikes through the Garden of the Gods, a mesmerizing National Natural Landmark. While it was crowded on a Saturday, the beauty of the park was undeniably captivating. Navigating the trails required constant communication with pedestrians, but the paved pathways, rocky trails, and rolling hills offered an exhilarating biking experience. We covered six miles, soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery.

If biking is not your thing, there are many other ways to enjoy the area including vehicle or Segway tours, hiking, or horseback riding. They also have a very cool option to do a self-guided audio tour.

The Loft Espresso: A Hidden Gem in Manitou Springs

Following our bike ride, we made a quick visit to Manitou Springs and stumbled upon a hidden gem called The Loft Espresso. This cozy hole-in-the-wall café delighted us with sugar-free caramel lattes made with almond milk. As we sipped our lattes, we observed the kitchen staff crafting unique combinations atop their homemade bagels. Our curiosity led us to try the Prince Caspian—a chili-infused bagel with cream cheese, avocado, pickled onion, everything spice, and chili oil. The unconventional blend of flavors surprised us in the best possible way. Check out this menu!

Are you just exhausted reading about it? It was a lot but so incredible and wouldn't have changed a thing!

Colorado Springs, CO, offers a wealth of adventures for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From the scenic landscapes of Pikes Peak to the delectable culinary experiences in local cafes and restaurants, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Our weekend getaway provided lasting memories and highly recommend the area if your travels take you that way! Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities or indulging in culinary delights, Colorado Springs will leave you captivated by its natural beauty.

No casinos in this area so nothing to report on that front!

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!