Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, visitors to Colorado Springs can enjoy commanding views of Pikes Peak from just about any part of town. The multiple recreational opportunities afforded by the nearby mountains include everything from hiking to taking in the breathtaking geological wonders at Garden of the Gods Park, Cave of the Winds and the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

Colorado Springs has a Thriving Arts and Cultural Scene

History the area’s first inhabitants were American Indian people. The Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho and other tribes gathered at the base of Pikes Peak, near its abundant springs. During the 18^th Century both French and Spanish flags flew over the region. But with the Louisiana Purchase more Anglo-American explorers and settlers began to venture west. In 1859, Colorado Springs history is marked with the founding of Colorado City which became the first settlement in the Pikes Peak region. It was the territorial capitol for a short period and served as a supply camp for miners traveling to the mining camps west of Denver.

By 1871, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad facilitated visits to a Victorian spa resort town at the base of Pikes Peak. The stunning scenic beauty was not the only thing that attracted people to the area. The sunny conditions and dry, mild climate of Colorado Springs made these communities popular for people suffering from poor health, especially tuberculosis.

Gold was discovered on the western slope of Pikes Peak, one of the richest gold strikes in American history. Almost overnight, the Cripple Creek Mining District grew from an isolated cattle pasture to the home of more than 50,000 people. By the turn of the 19th century, Colorado Springs was called the city of millionaires.

Since the 1940s, Colorado Springs has been home to major military installations including Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Command, NORAD, Schriever Air Force Base and the United States Air Force Academy.

Colorado Springs is a National Trust for Historic Preservation Distinctive Destination 

Colorado Springs was selected for its walkable historic areas, its commitment to sustainability and its natural attractions and ample recreational opportunities in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Activities range from family itineraries to educational, cultural and a wide range of outdoor programs: rafting, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding and fishing.

Planning Your Trip assumes uniquely local dimensions wherever you go; the activities that you, the visitor – local, or global –  select and irrespective of the length of your stay, are unique of the community you are visiting and rooted into the local economy, history and traditions.

Train Rides experience scenic beauty and historic travel aboard the Broadmoor's Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Food Tours enjoy culinary secrets in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs or Historic Manitou Springs at six diverse dining locations serving unique food and drink tastings.

Art Galleries and Shopping for over a century, artisans have been inspired by the amazing beauty of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Local art can be found in one-of-a-kind boutiques, discount stores and world-famous chains.

Museums Step back in time and explore the Wild West at the Pioneers Museum or Outlaws and Lawmen Museum.  Enjoy the art and culture at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.  A variety of experience ranging from space and aviation to natural history, railroads and ghost towns.

Sports Colorado Springs is home of the U.S. Olympic Committee and Training Center. The high altitude, pleasant climate and natural beauty make training or competing here a unique location for your team and sport.

A Travel Experience in Historic Alexandria Virginia

Step back to 18^th-century America, walk the cobblestone streets, tour stately mansions and museums, explore the true stories of Civil War Alexandria, take a river cruise or bike to Mount Vernon, sip award-winning locally-crafted beer on the waterfront, and shop in Old Town’s boutiques, vintage shops and trendy art galleries.

Old Town is located just south of Washington D.C. along the Potomac waterfront, and is home to nationally-acclaimed dining, chic shopping and truly authentic American history.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center constructed in 1918 for the manufacturing of torpedoes, the internationally acclaimed Torpedo Factory now features 82 working artists' studios, six galleries, the Art League School, Archaeology Museum, a cafe and gift shop located on Alexandria’s historic waterfront.

Outdoor Dining Old Town Food Tours Local Culture and Cuisine

Planning Your Trip assumes uniquely local dimensions wherever you go; the activities that you, the visitor – local, or global –  select and irrespective of the length of your stay, are unique of the community you are visiting and rooted into the local economy, history and traditions. TEMA develops personalized travel itineraries based on client interests by leveraging an in-depth knowledge of your destination, superior client service in the planning stages and throughout the trip or event as well as logistics expertise to reduce your travel costs and transfer times. tema@arezza.net | skype arezza1

Wine Country head west to Loudoun County, known as Washington, DC’s Wine Country, and wind through miles of vineyards, pausing in scenic wineries for tastes of delicious wines, largely unmatched across the nation.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, George Washington’s pharmacy, and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the local tavern frequented by America’s first six presidents. Wander up Old Town’s famous King Street, lined with local boutiques and award-winning restaurants.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial holds artifacts from the first President. Then take the elevator to the top for spectacular views of the capital region.

Mount Vernon is the most visited historic home in the nation. Tour the centuries-old mansion and grounds, beautiful gardens and interactive museum featuring over 700 artifacts. Recently opened, visit George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, just a few miles down the road.

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City and Country Destinations in Texas and Oklahoma

Historical Tourism Victorian Architecture Cowboys Cowgirls Public Art Vintage Rails  

Houston is the largest city in Texas and the US South as well as America's fourth-largest. A cosmopolitan destination and home to an energetic arts community, Houston was founded in 1836 near the banks of Buffalo Bayou. The city was named after former General Sam Houston, who was president of the Republic of Texas and commander at the Battle of San Jacinto, 25 miles - 40 km - east of where the city was established. Read More

Austin, on the eastern edge of Texas Hill Country, is the state capital, the live music capital of the world, a center for film, home to the University of Texas and Formula 1's Circuit of the Americas raceway. The city’ parks and lakes are popular for hiking, biking, swimming, boating and other outdoor pursuits as well as a ballet, world-class museums and a unique shopping experience. Read More

Experience San Antonio’s rich heritage by visiting its 18^th century Spanish colonial missions, residential areas dating from the 1860s and the local museums that celebrate the city’s past. The National Historic Park the Mission Trail is a walking, biking or driving experience of the five local missions and the centuries of local history and culture: Mission San Antonio de Valero, commonly known as the Alamo, Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission San Francisco de la Espada. The San Antonio Mission Trail begins at the Alamo and winds southward along a nine-mile stretch of the San Antonio River. Read More

Dallas is relatively young city with a colorful past. In 1839, John Neely Bryan, a lawyer from Tennessee with a taste for adventure, wandered into the area and was impressed with what he believed to be the perfect ingredients for a trading post and eventually a town: plenty of raw land, Indians with whom to do business, and the river. The young city’s can-do spirit helped bring the railroads to the area in the 1870s, the Federal Reserve Bank in 1914, Southern Methodist University in 1915, Love Field Airport in 1927, the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936 and DFW International Airport in 1973. Read More

Cowboys Cowgirls Wineries Public Art Trails and Vintage Railroads

Grapevine is a small town located between Dallas and Fort Worth and is home of DFW International Airport, the world’s fourth largest, with nonstop service from more than 200 cities, including over 50 international destinations. Main Street in the historic downtown has a public library, recreation center, antique stores, restaurants, bars, theaters, a park, and many specialty shops. Here, you can also bottle your own wine, explore Historic Nash Farm, the Botanical Gardens and Lake Grapevine.

A Downtown Walking Tour the Main Street Historic District includes over 50 buildings and their architectural descriptions as well as stories, events and people who contributed to the town’s development. Founded in 1844, Grapevine is the oldest community in Tarrant County. In 1888, when the Cotton Belt Railroad came to Grapevine, businesses flourished and the wooden buildings on Main Street were replaced with new structures constructed of locally-made brick. Read More

 

Logistics Locations Costs Time and Personalized Travel Solutions

Fort Worth was settled in 1849 as an army outpost along the Trinity River as one of eight forts assigned to protect settlers on the advancing frontier. The cattle industry was king for a generation of people working the Fort Worth leg of the historic Chisholm Trail, which ran from the 1860s to the 1870s when the Texas & Pacific Railway arrived. In the years that followed, oil and aviation brought new wealth throughout the region. The post-war years found Fort Worth capitalizing on its strengths as a transport, business and military center. Cultural pursuits included the development of the city's internationally acclaimed museum district.

Food Brews and Spirits in Fort Worth you can experience cowboy cuisine, trendy farm-to-table, authentic Mexican and bayou fare. Highlights include beef briskets, pork ribs and locally grown, organic artisan cheeses, alongside nicely paired wines. Artisanal distilleries offer straight bourbon, premium blended whiskey and vodka made from black-eyed peas. Also handcrafted beers, some brewed with milk, honey and sugar, accompanied by live music and local food trucks. Read More

Oklahoma

Historical Tourism and Victorian Architecture

Guthrie lies along one of the primary corridors into Texas and Mexico, and is a four-hour drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The city is in the center of the state, about 32 miles - 51 km - north of Oklahoma City, in the Sandstone Hills region of Oklahoma, known for hills of 250 to 400 feet - 120 m - and oak forests. Read More