Denver Botanic Gardens Where Free Days Blossom

A FREE day, to Denver Botanic Gardens, is being offered once a month to Colorado residents. Free Days occur during regular gardens hours only, and do not include ticketed events. At the downtown location, don’t miss the new Children’s Garden. It’s amazing. Here’s the schedule: Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street location): Tuesday, July 19; Monday, Aug. 29; Monday, Sept. 26; and Monday, Oct. 10.   Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield:  Friday, July 1; Friday, Aug. 5; and Friday, Nov 5. For more information, call 720 865-3500.

Firecracker Fiesta a July Special

 Start your stay off with a BANG !  After a fun filled day of discovering the quaint mountain town of  Manitou Springs take a break, check-in to the Avenue Hotel Bed and Breakfast for a 2 night stay.  Refresh  and cool off with a  Margarita, chip & salsa  along with jalapeno poppers. 4-6 check-in
Spend time with their friends or family celebrating the summer season. Please mention special when making your reservation.

Florrisant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is located inTeller County, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24. The fossils from this area consist mostly of plants and insects, and a few vertebrates, from lake deposits of the Florissant Formation. This formation is dated at 34.07 million years old.Fossilized stumps of a redwood forest litter the site, which is the most prolific source of fossilized insects anywhere in the world.
The hiking trails are another popular reason for visiting the park. They wind several miles past wonderful outcrops of weathered Pikes Peak granite. Take the weather into consideration if you're visiting for a hike: Summers are short with warm days and cool nights, and sub-zero temperatures are common in the winter as the site is more than 8,000 feet above sea level.

The Florissant Fossil Beds were set aside as part of the National Park System in 1969.

An average visit to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument lasts about three hours and there are a variety of ways to spend your time in the park.The fee to enter the park is $3 per person for anyone 16 years or older (15 years or younger are free).

Info Phone: 719-748-3253

Colorado Springs Food Tours

The Colorado Springs Food Tours is a unique way to eat your way through the beautiful historic cities of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City. During a fun and exciting walking tour you will taste culinary creations from 5-7 delicious local eateries, learn more about our treasured history, and make great memories. All tours are unique and feature award- winning destinations. Great for locals as well as tourists.
The Avenue Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Manitou Springs is the starting point for the Food Tour of Manitou.
You will meander through this historic town nestled at the base of Pikes Peak and preview gourmet cheeses, meats, sandwiches, and teas. Indulge in fresh fruit smoothies and organic salad; Colorado pheasant chowder and home style biscuits served with cherry preserve. Sample and tease your taste buds with delicious olive oils and balsamic vinaigrette; unique Colorado wines from Manitou's only winery; Artisan chocolates and truffles; and more!Tours run every week, check the website for the schedule and to purchase tickets. Tours take up to 12 people and cost $49 per person. You must book in advance.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb

In 1916,the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb began and is America’s second-oldest motor sports race behind the Indy 500. The race is on a 12.5 mile course with 156 turns. It begins at 9,390 feet and ends at the famous mountain’s 14,110 foot summit above Colorado Springs.

 “Fan Fest,” which takes place on  the Friday evening before the race, June 24, in downtown Colorado Springs, with more than 30,000 fans on hand to meet the competitors, see the autos and motorcycles, and enjoy music, food and entertainment.

Advance ticket sales are running at a record pace right now, and race officials are urging fans to purchase their tickets soon to avoid congestion at the toll booth on Race Day.

Ticket prices begin at $40.00, with a Family Four-Pack available at $125.00 and VIP admission priced at $80.00. Tickets, limited camping permits and all other race information is available at www.ppihc.com