Colorado Springs and the Historic Holden House Bed and Breakfast

One area of Colorado that truly thrives in the warmer months of the year is Colorado Springs.  Colorado Springs is located south of Denver right near Pikes Peak which is one of the Rocky Mountain’s most famous and historic peaks.  The infamous song, “America the Beautiful” was written by Katherine Lee Bates and was inspired by her mule ride up Pikes Peak in 1893.  With views towering over the Rocky Mountains you’re privileged with the miles of red rocks that make up Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon; home to the infamous Red Rocks Amphitheatre which was just named by Rolling Stone’s as the “Best Amphitheater in the United States.”  With claims like this it’s no wonder the peak is so famous, it truly exemplifies “America the Beautiful” and embodies the words “Colorful Colorado.”

Getting to the top of Pikes Peak may not be as difficult as you think!  The Cog Railway is a train ride that will take you directly to the top of Pikes Peak in just about an hour; you can also drive to the top.  Of course, you can also hike up Pikes Peak.  Doing so is one of the easier 14’ers (peaks reaching over 14,000 ft in elevation) in Colorado..unless you take the stairs (literally).  When approaching the Pikes Peak trailhead, you’ll notice you have two options; take the trail or the renowned Manitou Incline.  The Manitou Incline is sought out by exercise enthusiasts all over the world as it’s the world’s largest stair set.  For a long time it was illegal to hike the stairs and was considered trespassing, but this did not stop the masses of people from accomplishing this incredible physical feat.  It’s now legal to hike and is enjoyed by hundreds of people every day; very few people make it to the top without stopping if at all—this is no joke.

Aside from Pikes Peak you can enjoy hiking in the Garden of the Gods or Red Rocks Park.  Garden of the Gods gets its name from its spectacular scenery.  It’s flooded with massive red rocks and provides a colorful landscape that is unique to this area.  Red Rocks Park is very similar and acts as host to the Rolling Stones recently named, “Best Amphitheater in the United States,” Red Rocks Amphitheater.  If you enjoy live music (even if you don’t) this is a must-see location before you die.  The venue and stage are carved into the side of a mountain creating spectacular natural acoustics that will blow you away.  The sound at this amphitheater is unlike anything you’ll ever hear in your life.  This is a unique experience that can’t be duplicated.  Aside from the sound you get to enjoy the incredible light show and surrounding Red Rocks that create a visual unlike anything else.

If you’re not a music fan, they also feature several other events that help you enjoy this incredibly unique venue.  Once or twice a month they feature Film on the Rocks which, “includes 10 events throughout the summer featuring cult-classic films, including several past Film on the Rocks fan-favorites.”  Another popular event held here is called Yoga on the Rocks.  Exercise enthusiasts visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre on a regular basis to hike up and down the stairs of the seating area.  When they’re done they enjoy a group Yoga session held on the stage of the amphitheatre.  There’s no better place to enjoy some exercise, yoga and fresh air than while enjoying the spectacular views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Red Rocks Park.

With so much history and activities in the area, it only makes sense to spend your stay in a historic location.  The Holden House 1902 B&B provides, “The romance of the past, with the comforts of today.”  This historic bed and breakfast has been in operation since 1902.  “Imagine two storybook Victorian homes and an original carriage house filled with antiques and family heirlooms.”  While it maintains its historic and Victorian style, its modern amenities make it the perfect getaway.  This little escape is centrally located on a quiet tree-lined residential street, convenient to downtown, near historic “Old Colorado City” and just a few minutes from quaint Manitou Springs.

“My wife and I enjoyed our stay beyond words, the atmosphere was much more than we ever expected and the staff were the friendliest we’ve encountered in a long time. We have already agreed that a return visit is a must. Thank you for your warmth and hospitality”. Dan and Monika – Colorado

http://www.holdenhouse.com/

http://www.redrocksonline.com/

SPOTlight: The Cliff House at Pike’s Peak

The Cliff House at Pikes Peak is a four diamond Colorado Springs Hotel that will absolutely blow you away.  This hotel is perfect for weddings, meetings or your next getaway.    As the premier historic hotel of Greater Colorado Springs area, this location has been a piece of history in countless ways.  This hotel has been in operation longer than the State of Colorado itself and has played host to famous historic figures and served as a barracks for soldiers.  With such history and luxurious accommodations, it only makes sense to check it out on your next visit to Colorado Springs, but here’s a little more about the hotel if you haven’t already been convinced!  They were also recently awarded the 2013 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor!

When staying at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, you are presented with several options in terms of accommodations.  They have a variety of rooms from studios and junior suites to the celebrity and premier celebrity suites!  While the studios and junior suites have a less exciting name, don’t judge a book by its cover! The studio suite is essentially your standard hotel room while the junior suites feature two person spa tub or steam showers, a fireplace and most of them have mountain views!  As for the more exclusive accommodations, stay in the celebrity or premier celebrity suites which are decorated according to a celebrity who has stayed at the hotel in the last 130 years!  Some of these themes include Charles Dickens, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford!  No matter which room you stay in here you are guaranteed luxurious accommodations that do not disappoint.

Plan your wedding at The Cliff House!  As I’m sure you’ve already gathered, this hotel boasts its modern day luxuries and Victorian elegance which will make your special day absolutely perfect.   American Historic Inns named this location “Top Ten Romantic Hotels in the USA.”  The hotel offers several different wedding packages to accommodate up to 150 guests. 

Impress your employees with an amazing meeting location!  Want to increase employee productivity? That’s easy, just keep them happy!  “Enjoy 19^th Century charm and atmosphere of the Rocky Mountains with the technology and service of the 21^st Century!”  With a variety of meeting rooms and conference centers available, The Cliff House will find a venue to match your needs.  They also offer “pick a pair” meeting incentives; by reserving a block of 20 rooms or more you receive free incentives that can include complimentary overnight parking and coffee/pastry break for your meeting!

What will your guests do while they visit the historic Cliff House at Pikes Peak?  It’s all in the title!  Pike’s Peak is known as “America’s Mountain” sitting at over 14,000 feet in elevation and providing over 80 miles of scenery.  There’s a few ways to get to the top of Pike’s Peak.  The Manitou Incline is the world’s largest stair set and is now legal to hike (it used to be considered trespassing, which didn’t stop anyone).  This is the exercise-enthusiast’s dream come true as it provides a challenge you probably won’t succeed at your first time.  For the less ambitious travelers, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway will take you on a ride unlike anything you’ve ever seen!  The railway climbs up the mountain and through curves and grades to see areas that are only visible from the train route which is now open year round!

Aside from Pike’s Peak, which is a hiker’s dream come true, you can also explore the The Cave of the Winds, The Garden of the Gods or the Manitou Cliff Dwellings!  The Cave of the Winds offers two types of ours to accommodate the more timid spirit as well as the more adventurous—“the Lantern Tour is not for the faint of heart!”  Finally you can also explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings constructed by the Anasazi tribe or Native Americans.  These cliff side dwellings help you to step back into a piece of American history right in our own backyard!

Certainly the sights are enough reason to come and visit Colorado Springs but when you stay here try to enjoy the city for its history and unique amenities by staying at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak!  This luxurious spot is perfect for your next business meeting, wedding or simply to getaway and enjoy an incredible vacation spot.

Want to see more? Check out some of the links below!  We post twice a week and feature events and happenings around the state of Colorado as well as various cabins and hotels!  This blog is a great place to discover that “cabin in the woods” for your next vacation!

http://www.thecliffhouse.com/meetings

http://www.thecliffhouse.com/

http://www.thecliffhouse.com/manitou-springs-attractions-activities