Don’t Worry About Big Airports-Fly to Colorado Springs, CO!
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Airport (IATA: COS, ICAO: KCOS, FAA LID: COS) is a city owned airport located 6 miles SE of downtown Colorado Springs in El Paso County. It’s the second busiest commercial airport in Colorado but it’s much less congested than number one and you still get some great mountains views right from the terminal. COS has three paved runways: 17L/35R is 13,501 ft x 150 ft and is concrete. Both 17R/35L, 11,022 ft x 150 ft and 13/31, 8,269 ft x 150 ft are asphalt with elevation at 6,187 ft. If you’re looking for a hassle-free travel experience the Colorado Springs Airport is a great choice.
Powers Blvd./SH 21 gives you easy access to the general and private aviation hangers, maintenance, and FBOs. There are three FBOs located on this field, jetCenters of Colorado, Cutter Aviation and the J. H. W. Hanger Complex. There are two concourses in the terminal building but only one is used for commercial traffic the other is basically a large space used for meetings.
There is plenty of commercial traffic here provided by American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Sun, and United Airlines. Also, Air Cargo facilities are located on the west side of the airport. The terminal has multiple places to eat both before and after security with a great little coffee shop named appropriately, Pikes Perk Coffee House.
Transportation
In addition to shuttle services by Groome Transportation, Transit Van Shuttle Services, Front Range Shuttle there is also Peak Transportation and Ramblin Express available at Colorado Springs Airport. You could also opt for Yellow Cab Taxi, Springs Cab or A Ride in Luxury. Alternately, limousine services such as Mountain Lion Limo and Brown’s Car Service are available. If you prefer driving there are rental cars available at the airport. If you need a commercial flight, check out Expedia.com.
Places to Stay!
Homestay has a classy little cabin in the woods if you want to be really authentic with your Colorado experience. I stayed in a small Airbnb with a peaceful stream running behind it in Cheyenne Valley and I’m certain you’ll find plenty of those in the area. Additionally, Colorado Springs was once known as the City of Millionaires and is the home of the world renown Broadmoor Hotel. The treasures that await you inside the galleries are magnificent. If you’d like to compare amenities and prices go to Hotels.com.
If you want to be closer to downtown go to The Antlers. It is now a part of the Wyndham franchise but the hotel itself has been here since 1871. The Mining Exchange, also now a Wyndham property, is also close enough to any downtown destination that a few minute walk will get you there.
For a “closer to nature” stay try a guest cottage at The Ranch at Emerald Valley or the Broadmoor Cloud Camp. You won’t find a better view!
Wanting to stay closer to Denver yet still have very easy access to Colorado Springs? I would suggest the Best Western Inn Peak Vista Inn & Suites. It’s about three miles from the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and close to the Chapel Mills Mall. It’s also clean, comfortable and affordable.
If you need something near the Air Force Academy the Drury Inn & Suites would be a great choice. For a pet friendly visit check out The Academy Hotel and of course, the usual chain hotels are here if you have or collect points.
Colorado Springs Pubs!
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. right on E. Pike Peak Avenue is celebrating 30 years in business in 2023 with four special brews to celebrate the event. Not only do they serve great beer there’s great food to go with it for lunch and dinner. If they don’t have anything that sounds good to you the Melting Pot is right next door and voted the number one eating place in town.
The 503W has an energetic atmosphere and they consistently change the interior artwork. The Asian menu is a little pricey but very good. Sticking with the upbeat theme The Public House caters to the locals with pool tables, karaoke and trivia nights, pint nights and televised sports! I didn’t try one but this place boasts they have some of the best burgers in town. They look good, if that helps.
I loved the bar in the Ristorante De Lago in the Broadmoor Hotel. It was busy at dinner but after that it turned into a nice relaxing place to have a drink and watch the snow fall. Everything in the hotel is a little expensive but when it’s worth it, it’s just worth it. The Broadmoor also has The Golden Bee which is a cozy British pub with great fish and chips! (And the bar is sooo pretty!) You can check out the Broadmoor link above for info on these two restaurants.
If you prefer laid back, Alchemy is a sweet little pub in the old shopping district with an Irish theme. It’s also located right in the heart of the city and they have live music on the back patio. The location, although handy, does have it’s drawbacks as parking can sometimes be problematic.
Things to do!
Even if you don’t stay in the Broadmoor Hotel, check it out. It’s filled with magnificent western art and the annex houses the Penrose Heritage Museum and the El Pomar Carriage Gallery. In addition, there are race cars that took part in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. There are Segway tours around the grounds and Cheyenne Canyon.
Please note: If you somehow get lost or separated in the surrounding beauty, do not try to hike up Cheyenne Mountain to orientate yourself. It’s the one with all the antennas on top and is Federal property. Also, in case you were wondering civilians aren’t allowed in the visitors center and the road isn’t public access. It’s a good thing Santa got in good with Norad long ago because I don’t think they would track him today if that little guy hadn’t called back in 1955.
The Garden of the God’s is a beautiful natural landmark just waiting for you to come hike or bike the trails. Also available are Segway tours and jeep or trolley tours. Visit the Geo-Trekker theater to find out how this awe-inspiring place came to be.
Ultimately, you can’t forget the ultimate high-Pike’s Peak! Take a tour, take a hike and take a breath! there’s no place like it. In the same area is the historic Manitou Springs with restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Colorado Springs is also home to the U. S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum with the Festival of Lights usually scheduled for the second week of December.
Dining in Colorado Springs
I didn’t spend much time eating out in town as my job on this trip was at the Broadmoor so I will leave the ranking of the eating establishments to the pros.
In the #1 spot is The Melting Pot and #2, I have to admit, was a surprise to me. It’s a place called Uchenna that serves authentic Ethiopian food. I don’t think Ethiopian food has ever been on my radar but apparently it needs to be and if you have first hand knowledge please let me know. In third place is the Marigold Cafe & Bakery and coming in at #4 is the Urban Egg. Caspian Cafe Mediterranean takes fifth place with both #6 and #7 being the Shangri-La Restaurant and the Mountain Shadow Restaurant respectively.
There are numerous others such as Pizzeria Rustica, La Bella Vita, Jose Muldoon’s and Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant. Someone did recommend carrot cake at the Marigold Cafe & Bakery but I didn’t ever make it there. If anyone beats me to it please tell us if it’s worth the hype.
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As always, safe flight and safer landings,
jo@jettreks.com