Visiting Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak
It's tall. (make sure you research parking reservations in advance! also check the weather first)
Mueller State Park Visitors Center
This state park in the mountains has great views and was the location of Aidan's proposal to Serena! (About 45-60 min from COS.)
Rampart Range Road
Good for a backroads drive into the mountains. Take it to Rampart Reservoir and walk around there and see the aspens. This gravel/dirt road starts in COS.
Mount Rosa
Not for the faint of heart. But it's one of our very favorite hikes!
Paradise Cove / Guffey Gorge
If you have time for a 1.5-2hr drive into the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains, this is a local classic. It's very picturesque, and if you're up for some daring cliff-jumping into chilly mountain water, even better! (disclaimer: we have not tested the cliff-jumping ourselves)
Crystal Trailhead
This is a great hike with not too much elevation gain - good for out-of-state-ers!
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Unless you only plan to drive through and stay in your car, we actually wouldn't necessarily recommend Garden of the Gods: on summer weekends it's crowded and very developed (and you'll get sunburnt in 3 minutes if you're related to Serena). Besides, you can see the most impressive rocks from all of Colorado Springs! If you want to hike around, consider this nearby and much less crowded Red Rock Canyon Open Space, where you can hike on rocks which are part of the same formation as those in Garden of the Gods (albeit not as tall).
Pulpit Rock
This is a good place for clambering on rocks, up to a landmark overlook of the city.
Palmer Park
Where the locals go for running, walking, and good city overlooks.
Manitou Springs
Check out the downtown area. It's a good place for walking around (but parking is difficult, particularly on weekends).
Jives Coffee Lounge
This local coffee shop in Old Colorado City played a role in our first date and the day we got engaged!
Good Neighbors Meeting House
One of Aidan's favorite coffee shops in Colorado Springs. Good for working or relaxing, and it's next to a small playground.
Third Space Coffee
Good atmosphere, plenty of space, varied seating, good for groups.
Olde World Bagel & Deli
This was our first date location! Check the hours, though, because business seems to have been shrinking.
The Sourdough Boulangerie
Best Bread in Town, & Some Delicious Baked Goods
New Day Cafe
Our go-to place for a breakfast date
Mountain Shadows Restaurant
Great local breakfast place in Old Colorado City! We like the staff. But you can't make reservations.
The Maté Factor "Yellow Deli"
Owned by a cult, we hear. Great tea and Jewish deli food.
Monica's Taco Shop
Tasty Mexican food (& drink).
Kang Nam Restaurant
This was a good date. A very nice local place, great food, and good staff.
Thai Mint Restaurant
A good Thai place. Outdoor seating included!
Vitalant Blood Donation- Colorado Springs
Serena's favorite blood donation location. (there is a shortage of type O!)