While exploring Colorado Springs, we stayed at The Cheyenne Canon Inn, a B & B at the base of Cheyenne Mountain where NORAD is tucked deep inside. It is a beautiful 13,000 square foot estate operated and tended by a self-proclaimed former ski bum who turned real estate agent and grew up just down the block. This is Ground Zero on a number of levels.
This grand old gal has worn many masks in her 135 years: as a family home, a casino, a meeting place and speakeasy, a brothel, and now a squeaky clean B & B. Its floors contentedly groan out a lively heritage, accessorized by claw foot bathtubs, stained glass windows and period antiques. The Inn survived a devastating flood only later to be taken by fire and in an amazing stroke of luck was rebuilt to its original grandeur when the architectural plans turned up.
We comfortably roamed the house in our embroidered bathrobes in the evenings, watched a movie from their library and leafed through historical books of Colorado Springs. Local chefs prepared the most wonderful gourmet breakfasts as we learned from the Innkeepers a lot about the town and its inhabitants. Wine and h'ors d'oeurves were served each afternoon in a glorious sitting room as large as my home with ceiling to floor wood and glass that drew the outside in. What a relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing at Garden of the Gods or shopping in Manitou Springs or experiencing the 'breathtaking' vistas during a visit to Pike's Peak. It'd be a challenge to take a bad picture here.
Innkeeper Nancy assured us, in those low tones women use when they promise a real treat, that the masseur was excellent. And so he was: skilled, friendly, a massage therapist who was also a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, refreshingly honest with a great sense of humor and warmth about life. After the massage, we luxuriated with champagne and strawberries dipped in chocolate on the front veranda as we waved to passerbys.
Great local restaurants abound, with ample variety and style. We particularly enjoyed The Blue Star but the Broadmoor is just minutes away for a five-star dining experience and a round of world class golf.
GO. The Cheyenne Canon Inn, Colorado Springs, CO. And when you do, we hope you'll remember us to our friends Kevin, Nancy and Craig.
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