Take a leisurely trip or pack in all the sights--here's a few ideas to get you startedDay One

Start the morning with a free tour of Van Briggle Art Pottery studio, and a stop by the gift shop. Then a short drive downtown will take you to Miramont Castle, a museum dedicated to preserving the Victorian heritage of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak region.

After a stop for lunch at one of Manitou Springs many cafes, the next stop will be the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at theFlying W Ranch where you'll experience a chuckwagon barbecue and western entertainment designed to entertain all ages.

Day Two

An early morning drive will take you to the United States Air Force Academy where you will enjoy an informative exhibit about cadet life in the spacious Visitor Center and gift shop. A short walk along a nature trail will lead you to the famous Cadet Chapel. You can end your visit with a self-guided driving tour of the Academy including a large wildlife sanctuary.

The afternoon tour includes a visit to the nearby Western Museum of Mining and Industry, where you'll explore Colorado's rich and colorful mining past and future. You'll even see the actual operation of reconstructed multi-ton steam engines, drills, locomotives and more. Relax with an evening of entertainment at the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theatre.

Day Three

A short drive to the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center offers a spectacular and unique vantage point of the famously photographed red rock formations of the region. Don't miss the excellent and exciting 12-minute video. A drive through the Garden of the Gods City Park will lead you to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Colorado's largest Trading Post.

The afternoon will take you to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum where you will learn of the history of the Anasazi Indians dating from 1100 to 1300 A.D. Then for the more adventuresome, the evening visit will include a visit to Seven Falls for the light spectacular -- the entire canyon is illuminated with lights reflecting off the granite walls and seven water falls.

For those left with energy for the evening you may choose to enjoy the brilliant laser light show of colorful, animated figures dancing from the cliff walls of the Cave of the Winds.

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