The holiday decorations have all been packed away, the company has returned home and the Christmas cookies are long gone. Then the winter doldrums can set in. What to do? 

Here in Colorado, we have a magical treasure right on our doorstep that offers a plethora of possibilities for play. So clear your schedule and head to the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs for a day trip or an overnight stay.

“It’s about time that we treat ourselves to a little R & R!” declared Krista Heinicke, director of public relations at the Broadmoor. “Give yourself something to look forward to, the much-needed time away for yourself.”

For a perfect day at the Broadmoor, start at Café Julie’s, located off the lobby of Broadmoor Main). This Parisian-style patisserie offers bakery goodies, homemade gelato, luxury chocolates and signature coffees. 

After indulging in these culinary delights, it’s time to explore all the Broadmoor has to offer. Visit with the hotel concierge to review daily happenings and to grab a map of the premises.

STEP INTO TIMELESS ELEGANCE

The historic artifacts, artwork, shops and restaurants at this five-star resort are second to none, and you won’t want to miss a thing. Check out over 100 years of splendor, including a 14-foot-high fountain adorned with seahorses and mermaids, a soaring marble staircase, cozy common areas and the ever-popular portrait gallery of former guests/celebrities.

Take a free tour of El Pomar Foundation’s Penrose House at 1661 Mesa Ave. The impressive former home of the Broadmoor’s original “power couple,” Spencer and Julie Penrose, displays history and luxury. Informative tours are given one Saturday each month—a “seeing is believing” way to explore the legacy of the founders of the Broadmoor Hotel and to survey the lifestyle of wealthy Colorado Springs residents during the early 20th century. 

A visit here is a glimpse into a bygone era. A rare organ with 2,800 pipes hidden in the ceiling, an impressive art collection, original furnishings, a stunning crystal chandelier and the hidden wine cellar are just a few aspects of this incredible abode, with fascinating stories attached to each. 

“Not only are the house and grounds of the 1910 Mediterranean-style estate stunning, it’s also a place to learn the story of the couple whose legacy includes so many visionary and ambitious destinations we treasure in the Pikes Peak Region,” said Erin Hannan, El Pomar Foundation’s vice-president of communications. For tour dates and reservations, call 719-577-7000.

The Penrose Heritage Museum at 11 Lake Circle showcases the lives and legacy of the Penroses, who were both impressive entrepreneurs and philanthropists. 

“Visitors experience the history of the Pikes Peak region through an exceptional collection of carriages and race cars, as well as personal artifacts, historic photographs and restored films,” said Sarah Woods, associate vice-president of curation of archives. 

The race cars on display have all competed in the renowned Race to the Clouds, one of the oldest motorsport events in the U.S. A fun-filled scavenger hunt encourages visitors to tour the museum in its entirety to connect with the historical value of the exhibits. When the hunt is completed, a prize is available for the asking! The museum is a captivating way to spend an hour or two, and admission is always free. Visit the El Pomar website for additional information.

NATURE AND ADVENTURE!

When you are ready for a welcome respite, head to Cheyenne Lake. Settle into a rocking chair in the sunshine under a bluebird sky to watch the antics of the resident waterfowl. Take a stroll on the paved path around the lake and drink in the incredible beauty of the mountain landscape. Simply breathing in the crisp mountain air in this setting is a balm for the soul.

Are you looking for adventure? Broadmoor Outfitters offers a range of unforgettable experiences for all ages. My husband and I dared ourselves to complete the combo course zipline last summer—and what an adrenaline rush!

Soaring over the forests, elevated far above the canyons and waterfalls of The Broadmoor Seven Falls, was the thrill of a lifetime. Staff tailor each activity to the participants and are kind and encouraging. Geocaching, bike tours, guided hikes and a course in falconry are a few of the other experiences available. Weigh your options at Broadmoor Outfitters.

A ride up the Cog Railway is a quintessential Colorado experience. Gather your friends for a group rate and take the train to the tip-top of Pikes Peak. If it’s been years since you’ve been up there, it will look quite different now, with the completion of the stunning Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center in 2021. See the Cog Railway website for tickets and pricing. 

A few other must-see destinations near the Broadmoor Hotel include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame —each a worthy sojourn for a first-time or repeat visit.

LODGING DEAL FOR COLORADANS

A terrific way to fully experience the Broadmoor Hotel is during the Colorado Appreciation Special, available from January 1 to February 29. 

The resort’s lowest lodging prices of the year are exclusively available to Colorado residents. It Includes complimentary green fees for golfers and outdoor tennis and pickleball court times. Though Colorado weather is notoriously fickle, winter days can be sunny and warm enough for an outdoor round. After you’ve worked up an appetite, find delicious and very reasonably priced three-course prix-fixe menus at several of the upscale restaurants as part of this special “Coloradans only” promotion. 

Learn more about the Colorado appreciation special on the Broadmoor website. 

Between all these activities, make time for some retail therapy! No visit to the Broadmoor is complete without a visit to its specialty shops, where the service is always personal and friendly. Boutiques offer apparel in all price ranges for men, women and children. Western and wildlife artwork, exquisite jewelry, fashionable footwear, home accessories and exotic stones and fossils are just some of the goods available. Peruse, ponder and purchase if there’s something you can’t live without. The fun is in the hunt!

After your action-packed day, slide between the Broadmoor’s luxurious sheets or lay your head down on your own familiar fluffy pillow with a sigh of contentment. Push your mental reset button and bid farewell to the blues! 

THE BROADMOOR IS THE LONGEST-RUNNING FORBES FIVE-STAR, AAA FIVE-DIAMOND RESORT IN THE WORLD

The Broadmoor Hotel

1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, CO

For reservations, call 855-634-7711 or visit the Broadmoor website. 

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