I have lived in Colorado Springs now for ten years…sometimes I can’t believe I’ve been here this long and sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday that we moved here. When we first moved here, my son was a young teen and we went someplace different every week, wanting to discover this beautiful city and all the surrounding areas. We had a yearly pass to Pikes Peak and during good weather, went at least once a month, more if we had company from out-of-town. I spent a lot of time trying to research places we wanted to visit, getting prices and directions so we could plan ahead and figuring out what was along the way so we could see as much as possible as we visited each location. (I will say that my son and I have visited more attractions than a lot of people I know who have lived here longer!)
But then as he got older and we lived here longer, we tended to stop exploring new places and I kind of stuck to familiar territory and kind of got in a rut of going and doing the same old stuff. Just recently I told my husband that we should get out more and do some different things that our beautiful area has to offer. He’s lived her for around thirty years and has NEVER driven up to Pikes Peak, just like a lot of other people I have met who live here! I was like, “What? People come from all over the world to do that and you’ve never done it once?”
I guess for us, as with a lot of other people, we tend to get “busy” with everyday things like work, cleaning, yard work, the kids, running errands, etc. I think for me, the Waldo Canyon Fire made me start thinking about our life a little differently. And I’m about a half a year away from turning fifty and since my mom was just a couple of years older than that when she died (as my late husband was, 52 and 51 when they passed), it also makes me think about what’s important and what can wait (like the dishes or pulling weeds). I want to enjoy the weather, spend time with my husband and take advantage of all the beautiful places Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region has to offer.
Get The Book
So, I bought a book (wish I had bought it years ago), called the Insider’s Guide to Colorado Springs by Linda DuVal and Marty Banks. And let me tell you, it is loaded with tons of great ideas, information, facts, places to see, things to do….with all the websites, prices and locations for everything mentioned. Between Linda and Marty, they have lived and written about the Pikes Peak region for more than 65 years so believe me, this book if full of great info!
There’s a lot of different reasons I think this book is THE book, if you could only own one, to have.
First of all, it’s easily laid out and easy to read. It includes maps, important phone numbers, history and more. There are chapters on restaurants, attractions, parks, accommodations, shopping, nightlife, and sports and recreation. It also includes kid stuff, day trips and getaways, scenic drives, and annual events and festivals.
Another thing I really like about this book is that they interject “tidbits” of information that you might not know about or have forgotten. Like info on altitude sickness, what to have in your car during the winter months, parking information, day hike checklists, a list of dog parks, local radio and TV stations and more (an abundance of information on lots of different things!)
And even though this book is full of information and facts, Linda and Marty somehow make it not only interesting, but fun to read.
This book is a “must”, whether you have a family, are single, retired, married, etc. It has great ideas on what to do regardless of your age or interests (also includes info on motorcycle day trips for all you bikers) or income.
This would also make a great gift for a friend or family who is about to move here because it has an entire section called “Living Here” that features specific info for residents or those planning to relocate here which includes real estate, education, health care, and more.
I’m a reader so I’ve already read half this book and I just bought it this morning! It’s that good. And trust me, the next time my husband asks, “What do you want to do?”, instead of replying, “Oh, I don’t know.”, I’m going to have an idea (or two)!
I don’t promote anything that I don’t believe in or enjoy, so I’m writing about this book because I really think you’ll not only have fun reading it, but it’ll also help you get some great ideas on discovering, or rediscovering our beautiful city and the entire Pikes Peak region. I bought my book at Hooked on Books at 3918 Maizeland Road (here in Colorado Springs) because it cost a little less ($15.99 is what I paid-it retails for $18.95) or you can order it on Amazon.com for $13.50. It’s also available at Barnes & Noble or The Library (bookstore at The Broadmoor).
I also just discovered (it’s how I found out about this book), the website www.pikespeakonthecheap.com where Linda guides you to free and inexpensive things to do in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. I have never met Linda but her book is excellent and I’m enjoying the website….I like spreading the word on deals and think she does a great job!
This book would also make a gift or souvenir for out-of-town company you have.
Hope you get the book, have some fun exploring and get out of the house….take time to enjoy life, even if you’re on a budget!!