48 hours in Colorado Springs

Kids loved the free popcorn, I loved that they would serve beer in to-go cups so I could take it to the pool.

To be fair if I'm going to take a little dig at Springs' downtown, then I'm happy to give props to this restaurant a block from the Hilton. Good pizza for the kids and adults at decent prices ($50 for the four of us inc. drinks). Much more on the menu besides pizza; however, the glasses of wine we had were in retrospect what we should have expected for $5/ at a pizza shop.

"Old School" movie theater house two blocks from the Hilton.

"Not another zoo" was my first thought when my kids voted to go here. Very glad we went because of being able to feed the giraffes and the training demo at the monkey pavilion. Both of these activities made this the most unique zoo visit ever. Not a large zoo (spent about two hours there) but well worth the $50.

Originally started in the Hill Country outside of San Antonio, they serve meats and sides family-style on butcher paper. Don't hesitate to ask for small portions (e.g., 1/4 pound) of the meats to create your own sampler. It's not cheap ($50 was the tab before we bought some sauce and rub to go), but the five minute detour off of I-25 is worth the time and money.

Take a scenic drive north on Nevada Ave. to this coverted diner serving taqueria-style food. Good eats, good value ($25).

Very much a "little theater" atmosphere (e.g., this performance was located in a room at the back of a dance studio), this was a fun performance at a good price ($42). This was the type of thing that we might not have done back home; however, both kids cited this as the highlight of the trip.

Not a huge selection but everyone was pleased with their breakfast ($25). Wish we would have also hit this place for either a late-night dessert or for a loaf (or would you call it a "stick..."?) of bread to take back to the hotel room.

Game-time substitution for the Pikes Peak COG due to weather. While it was a little on the pricey side ($60 for the hour tour) it exceeded expectations. Not for grandpa who walks with a cane.

Located 30" north of Springs, we very much enjoyed this Tex-Mex restaurant on our way back to Denver. ($40)

Saving this for next time. Probably go at twilight just for desserts as a way to experience The Broadmoor.

Saving this for next trip.

Saving this for next trip in conjunction with a ride on the Pikes Peak COG.