Nine Years in Norway

An American's Reflections

A tourist in Colorado

by 14 Comments

My trip to Colorado in June was to see my daughters … but it was fun to explore a new part of the world and be a tourist!

My second day there we drove through Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City in the foothills of the Rockies, people-watching and giving me an overview of the area.  The next week we stopped in Manitou Springs at the Manitou Brewing Co. after our trip to Garden of the Gods … remember this photo? 🙂

June 13, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado

… and then walked around a bit after our refreshment.

With Pikes Peak and the Manitou Incline rising in the background, there’s a sense of permanence and presence as you approach Manitou Springs.

June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado

A little about Manitou Springs from Wikipedia:

The City of Manitou Springs is … located in El Paso County, Colorado … founded for its scenic setting and natural mineral springs. The downtown area continues to be of interest to travelers, particularly in the summer, as [it] consists of many one-story, adjoining, small shops, restaurants, and pubs … Among other services, shops cater to tourist interests such as clothing, candy, souvenirs, and outdoor recreation. The main road through the center of town was one of the direct paths to the base of Pikes Peak.

… and from a historical marker in Manitou Springs about their Healing Waters:

Manitou’s mineral springs have been appreciated for their healthful benefits throughout history. For centuries, Native peoples revered the effervescent waters. They used the mineral water to calm stomachs, soothe skin problems, and as a tonic for other ailments. In the Victorian era when diseases like tuberculosis were rampant, spas and health resorts became popular as a way for people to escape the cities and find fresh air and curative waters … Each spring has different amounts of mineral content and natural carbonation and was prescribed by doctors for ailments such as liver and kidney disease and digestive disorders.
June 15, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 15, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 15, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 15, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 15, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 15, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 15, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado

 

A little about Old Colorado City:

Old Colorado City … is a national historic district in the city of Colorado Springs. [It] was founded [in] 1859, when the Colorado Town Company … envisioned that Colorado City would be a major supply hub via Ute Pass for the new gold mines in South Park and the Blue River, where major strikes in the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush had recently been made … [Today] Old Colorado City has a shopping district featuring dozens of independently owned art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and special attractions.

Favorite photos from our visit to Old Colorado City:

June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
2South Wine Bar
June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado
June 6, 2015 - a tourist in Colorado

 

And how about ending with something fun I saw in Manitou Springs?

Comments

  1. We just moved to Puelbo Co so when I saw your post, thought “Yeah, I will finally get to meet Cindi” but alas you were here and we were not and now we are and you are not. We will pay attention to your post and welcome you to Pueblo on your next visit.

    Reply

    • It had a wonderful and varied collection of art, jewelry, and sculpture (as well as a very personable and friendly owner). I could have easily left with several items. My suitcase is thankful the photo was all I collected … this visit. 😉

      Reply

  5. I was in Seven Falls two weeks ago and thought of you. What wonderful pictures, Cindi. It was so much fun to see beautiful Colorado through your eyes and also to know that I may have walked right over your steps just a few weeks later. xo

    Reply

  6. hello cindi its dennis the vizsla dog hay dada sez that bal skulptcher luks verry steempunk!!! i do not see enny steem or enny punks so i am not shoor wot he meens!!! did yoo git to see enny ghosts git treeted to a proton pak toast??? ok bye

    Reply

    • You’re right, Dennis … there was no steam. Or punk. Or anyone in proper dress that I could see either.

      Nor were there any ghosts that I could see. But isn’t that the point? 🙂 Anyway, I ain’t afraid on no ghosts!

      But there were several very well behaved canines strolling around the area. You would have enjoyed the time there!

      Reply

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