COLORADO REVIEWS
Heading Photograph taken in Colorado Springs by Third Rock Explorations
1 Star * - We would never go again or recommend it
2 Stars ** - It wasn't for us, but someone else may like it
3 Stars *** - It was good and we would recommend it
4 Stars **** - It was great and we would recommend it
5 Stars ***** - Definitely try it when you are visiting the area
Colorado Springs - 5 Stars ***** "Home of the Air Force Academy and so much more. "
One of the most beautiful cities we have visited in the United States. Pikes Peak and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains are in the backdrop almost everywhere you look along with beautiful red rock formations that are in awesome contrast with the almost always blue skies. This area is just stunning.
Garden of the Gods - 5 Stars *****
The Visitor Center across the street from this attraction is informative and has some fun interactive activities. There is a snack bar and gift shop as well. You can also get a preview of the Garden from the patio upstairs. The Garden of the Gods is a free attraction and includes parking, which may be limited during the busy season. The Garden is actually acres of large red rock formations with trails that connect you to them. The trails are moderate to easy and there is a variety of plants, trees, and scrub, making you feel like you are in the wild west. There were beautiful birds including Scrub Jays (blue), Magpies (black & white), Rock Doves that make their homes in the rocks, and the Mountain Bluebird. There are many other birds that may be seen as well as deer, sheep, bobcats, snakes, and more. The formations are very large and beautiful. We would consider this a must see if you are near Colorado Springs.
O'Malley's- 3.5 Stars ***
This is a local favorite. We heard about this from a former cadet that considered it a must stop! This is a sports bar setting with a nice beer selection and offers many sports bar favorites. They offer a salad bar with a large grill that allows you to grill up your own burgers, chicken, and steaks to your liking! They even let you choose the weight of your steak and they have a variety of seasonings you can use. We also ordered the wings, which, being from the Buffalo area, we were hesitant to order them. The pictures looked good and the person who recommended the place also said they were very good. They did not disappoint. They were crispy and the sauce they use was buffalo-style, but with a different kind of zing that we just couldn't place what it was. Whatever it was, they were delicious! If you take a tour of the Air Force Chapel, swing by O'Malley's only a few miles away!
Air Force Academy Chapel Tour -5 Stars *****
This was also recommended by a former cadet that we met along the way. The Chapel is actually the most visited man-made attraction in Colorado! It is an example of modern architecture with it's 17 spires and amazing stained glass throughout. The top of the Chapel is for Protestant services, while the downstairs has places to worship for those that are Jewish, Catholic, and Buddhist faiths. There is also a prayer room for those that follow the Muslim faith. They have an outside worship area for those that practice Wicca, Pagan, and other Earth-based faiths. There is artwork and other pieces that were carefully chosen to represent each faith. For more information and pictures, read our BLOG about our time at the Air Force Academy. While you are there, you should also stop by the Visitor Center which has a movie to show what life is like for the cadets and a gift shop.
Colorado Mountain Brewery Company- 5 Stars *****
We had driven by this restaurant a few times and it caught our eyes. With an outdoor patio with a huge fireplace, and the style of the building, it just screamed Colorado to us. Then we got a recommendation from a local and decided we had to give it a try. We had to order a flight to try their 6 flagship beers. Even the styles that we generally don't enjoy were really good...no bitter aftertaste. Good balanced flavors and very smooth. Of course we had to order their HUGE pretzels with and excellent beer cheese and a delicious mustard that can be described as a mix of horseradish mustard with honey mustard. The Alpine Chicken and the Ale Battered Fish and Chips were both excellent, though, if you are in the mood for a burger, they have been voted the best in Colorado. Great lodge-type atmosphere, fair value, good variety, excellent quality, and friendly and efficient service make this a must try if you are in the area.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings - 3 Stars ***
The staff here is very friendly and helpful. The museum is small, but we found some interesting information regarding the dwellings and the tribes of the area. The gift shop is huge with a lot of variety. The Dwelling are well maintained and it's interesting to learn about how they were built and how these people lived. The only thing that keeps us from giving it more stars is the price. It's not expensive at $10 per person, but the Dwellings only take about 15 minutes to go through, even reading all of the information or using the app.
Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum - 5 Stars *****
This museum is in the downtown area. Parking can be found along the street and is a couple of dollars for metered parking for 2 hours. The staff was friendly and informative. There is no charge, but they do accept donations (recommend)...if you don't have cash, no worries, they accept cards for donations of $5 or $10. There are 2 floors to explore in this historic building. The exhibits tells the story of Colorado Springs from the beginning up until now. There is a great kids pioneer play exhibit area, lots of interesting collections, a movie area, and you can even take an old cage elevator between floors. You could easily spend a couple of hours here and learn a lot about the history of the area.
Pike's Peak -5 Stars *****
What is not to love about driving to the top of America's Peak? At 14,115 ft you can see the Rocky Mountain Chain for miles and miles, as well as the plains below. The roads are well maintained and are wider than others we have been on, making it a little less stressful for drivers. There are many switchbacks to the top so the incline is manageable for most vehicles (we have a 4 cylinder). We would recommend driving straight up, and then taking your photos on the way down. The way the pull-offs are set up, it is just easier this way. At the top, it can be very cold and windy, depending on the time of year of course. Be prepared with a jacket, hat, and gloves, just in case. The views from the top are spectacular. There is a visitor center with a gift shop and snack bar. They have perfected making hot and fresh donuts at altitude...don't skip these!!!! The staff up there were also EMTs and were very friendly and had lots of great information. There are restrooms up there, but they actually do a great job having restrooms along the road as well as picnic areas. Make sure to keep a look out for Bigfoot along this MUST STOP in Colorado!!!
Red Rock Canyon Open Space - 4 Stars ****
This free park is basically an extension of the Garden of the Gods. It is right across the street and has more trails to hike with nice views of more red rock formations. The further you hike, the more you can see how the ridge of rocks connects right up to the Garden of Gods. If you enjoy being outside and like easy to moderate hikes, check out this free park!
Fairfield Inn and Suites (15275 Struthers Rd) - 5 Stars *****
The rooms are spacious and clean. There is an outdoor hot tub with mountain views open year round and a small indoor heated pool. The fitness center has a few cardio machines and free weights with a bench. A free hot breakfast is included which offered eggs, meats, breads, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, cereal, and waffles. They even have strawberry flax seed waffles, which were really good and something different. The staff was very friendly. The TV offered a Netflix and Hula option on their TV, which was a nice bonus. The only thing we did notice was how loud the ac/heat unit was. There are many conveniences in the area with regards to shopping and restaurants. The Air Force Academy is close by and the downtown is about 15 minutes.
Fairfield Inn (7085 Commerce Center Dr) - 4 Stars ****
The staff is very friendly and hardworking, and the hot breakfast is good. They offer eggs and meats, breads, fruits, waffles, juice, cereal, and coffee. There are nice views of the mountains, a small heated indoor pool, and a fitness center with cardio and free weights. The area is close to the Air Force Academy and about 15 mins from downtown.
Doubletree By Hilton (1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd) - 3 Stars ***
The front desk staff was very friendly. The hotel is currently updating and is under construction. We got in late and we only stayed one night. The room was average, but not as clean as it should be. The housekeeping staff was loud and rude. The cookies at check in were EXCELLENT though! The area was commercial with a lot of conveniences nearby. When we walked out we saw the mountains across the street which was a wonderful view.
Denver (Coming Soon)
Holiday Inn Express (Littleton) - 5 Stars *****
The staff here was friendly and hard working. The place was very clean and the rooms were nice. The Holiday Inn Express free breakfast seems to always hit the spot with eggs, meat, awesome cinnamon rolls, pancakes, breads, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee. We were only there one night so we did not see the pool or fitness area. The location had conveniences nearby such as shopping and restaurants.
Hyatt Place Denver-South Park/Meadows - 5 Stars *****
The staff was very friendly throughout our visit. The room was clean and comfortable with plenty of space. Breakfast included pancakes, bananas fosters, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, breads, eggs, meat, and more. The location in South Denver made it convenient to Denver and Colorado Springs and there were plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. We were only here one night so we didn't have an opportunity to use the pool or the fitness area.
Boulder (Coming Soon)
Breckenridge (Coming Soon)
Glenwood Springs
Rocky Mountain Pizza Co 4 Stars ****
Good pizza. Liked the texture of dough but not enough favor. Very nice salad. Staff/owner friendly. The reviews of this place set up letdown - best pizza I've ever had type comment...HYPE OVER SOLD...it's good. Quality ingredients but missing something.
Aspen (Coming Soon)
Grand Junction/Palisade 4 Stars ****
Diorios Pizza (Palisade) 3.5 Stars ***
Friendly and attentive service. We both enjoyed the flavorful sauce. Cheese and pepperoni used were quality products. Billed as New York style...fell short. Crust texture not enjoyable-very dry and cracker-like.
Peach Street Distillery (Palisade) 4 Stars ****
Busy with regulars. No one there to give us info on the place or tours. Bartender was knowledgeable regarding customizing our beverages. Hand crafted cocktails were excellent. Cherries were out of this world!
Columbine Liquors (Palisade) 4.5 Stars ****
The man working was SO helpful. Wine suggestions and descriptions. Maps of entire valley(activities suggestions) and a wine trail map. Very friendly, decent liquor selection, excellent wine selection including local wines.
One of the most beautiful cities we have visited in the United States. Pikes Peak and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains are in the backdrop almost everywhere you look along with beautiful red rock formations that are in awesome contrast with the almost always blue skies. This area is just stunning.
Garden of the Gods - 5 Stars *****
The Visitor Center across the street from this attraction is informative and has some fun interactive activities. There is a snack bar and gift shop as well. You can also get a preview of the Garden from the patio upstairs. The Garden of the Gods is a free attraction and includes parking, which may be limited during the busy season. The Garden is actually acres of large red rock formations with trails that connect you to them. The trails are moderate to easy and there is a variety of plants, trees, and scrub, making you feel like you are in the wild west. There were beautiful birds including Scrub Jays (blue), Magpies (black & white), Rock Doves that make their homes in the rocks, and the Mountain Bluebird. There are many other birds that may be seen as well as deer, sheep, bobcats, snakes, and more. The formations are very large and beautiful. We would consider this a must see if you are near Colorado Springs.
O'Malley's- 3.5 Stars ***
This is a local favorite. We heard about this from a former cadet that considered it a must stop! This is a sports bar setting with a nice beer selection and offers many sports bar favorites. They offer a salad bar with a large grill that allows you to grill up your own burgers, chicken, and steaks to your liking! They even let you choose the weight of your steak and they have a variety of seasonings you can use. We also ordered the wings, which, being from the Buffalo area, we were hesitant to order them. The pictures looked good and the person who recommended the place also said they were very good. They did not disappoint. They were crispy and the sauce they use was buffalo-style, but with a different kind of zing that we just couldn't place what it was. Whatever it was, they were delicious! If you take a tour of the Air Force Chapel, swing by O'Malley's only a few miles away!
Air Force Academy Chapel Tour -5 Stars *****
This was also recommended by a former cadet that we met along the way. The Chapel is actually the most visited man-made attraction in Colorado! It is an example of modern architecture with it's 17 spires and amazing stained glass throughout. The top of the Chapel is for Protestant services, while the downstairs has places to worship for those that are Jewish, Catholic, and Buddhist faiths. There is also a prayer room for those that follow the Muslim faith. They have an outside worship area for those that practice Wicca, Pagan, and other Earth-based faiths. There is artwork and other pieces that were carefully chosen to represent each faith. For more information and pictures, read our BLOG about our time at the Air Force Academy. While you are there, you should also stop by the Visitor Center which has a movie to show what life is like for the cadets and a gift shop.
Colorado Mountain Brewery Company- 5 Stars *****
We had driven by this restaurant a few times and it caught our eyes. With an outdoor patio with a huge fireplace, and the style of the building, it just screamed Colorado to us. Then we got a recommendation from a local and decided we had to give it a try. We had to order a flight to try their 6 flagship beers. Even the styles that we generally don't enjoy were really good...no bitter aftertaste. Good balanced flavors and very smooth. Of course we had to order their HUGE pretzels with and excellent beer cheese and a delicious mustard that can be described as a mix of horseradish mustard with honey mustard. The Alpine Chicken and the Ale Battered Fish and Chips were both excellent, though, if you are in the mood for a burger, they have been voted the best in Colorado. Great lodge-type atmosphere, fair value, good variety, excellent quality, and friendly and efficient service make this a must try if you are in the area.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings - 3 Stars ***
The staff here is very friendly and helpful. The museum is small, but we found some interesting information regarding the dwellings and the tribes of the area. The gift shop is huge with a lot of variety. The Dwelling are well maintained and it's interesting to learn about how they were built and how these people lived. The only thing that keeps us from giving it more stars is the price. It's not expensive at $10 per person, but the Dwellings only take about 15 minutes to go through, even reading all of the information or using the app.
Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum - 5 Stars *****
This museum is in the downtown area. Parking can be found along the street and is a couple of dollars for metered parking for 2 hours. The staff was friendly and informative. There is no charge, but they do accept donations (recommend)...if you don't have cash, no worries, they accept cards for donations of $5 or $10. There are 2 floors to explore in this historic building. The exhibits tells the story of Colorado Springs from the beginning up until now. There is a great kids pioneer play exhibit area, lots of interesting collections, a movie area, and you can even take an old cage elevator between floors. You could easily spend a couple of hours here and learn a lot about the history of the area.
Pike's Peak -5 Stars *****
What is not to love about driving to the top of America's Peak? At 14,115 ft you can see the Rocky Mountain Chain for miles and miles, as well as the plains below. The roads are well maintained and are wider than others we have been on, making it a little less stressful for drivers. There are many switchbacks to the top so the incline is manageable for most vehicles (we have a 4 cylinder). We would recommend driving straight up, and then taking your photos on the way down. The way the pull-offs are set up, it is just easier this way. At the top, it can be very cold and windy, depending on the time of year of course. Be prepared with a jacket, hat, and gloves, just in case. The views from the top are spectacular. There is a visitor center with a gift shop and snack bar. They have perfected making hot and fresh donuts at altitude...don't skip these!!!! The staff up there were also EMTs and were very friendly and had lots of great information. There are restrooms up there, but they actually do a great job having restrooms along the road as well as picnic areas. Make sure to keep a look out for Bigfoot along this MUST STOP in Colorado!!!
Red Rock Canyon Open Space - 4 Stars ****
This free park is basically an extension of the Garden of the Gods. It is right across the street and has more trails to hike with nice views of more red rock formations. The further you hike, the more you can see how the ridge of rocks connects right up to the Garden of Gods. If you enjoy being outside and like easy to moderate hikes, check out this free park!
Fairfield Inn and Suites (15275 Struthers Rd) - 5 Stars *****
The rooms are spacious and clean. There is an outdoor hot tub with mountain views open year round and a small indoor heated pool. The fitness center has a few cardio machines and free weights with a bench. A free hot breakfast is included which offered eggs, meats, breads, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, cereal, and waffles. They even have strawberry flax seed waffles, which were really good and something different. The staff was very friendly. The TV offered a Netflix and Hula option on their TV, which was a nice bonus. The only thing we did notice was how loud the ac/heat unit was. There are many conveniences in the area with regards to shopping and restaurants. The Air Force Academy is close by and the downtown is about 15 minutes.
Fairfield Inn (7085 Commerce Center Dr) - 4 Stars ****
The staff is very friendly and hardworking, and the hot breakfast is good. They offer eggs and meats, breads, fruits, waffles, juice, cereal, and coffee. There are nice views of the mountains, a small heated indoor pool, and a fitness center with cardio and free weights. The area is close to the Air Force Academy and about 15 mins from downtown.
Doubletree By Hilton (1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd) - 3 Stars ***
The front desk staff was very friendly. The hotel is currently updating and is under construction. We got in late and we only stayed one night. The room was average, but not as clean as it should be. The housekeeping staff was loud and rude. The cookies at check in were EXCELLENT though! The area was commercial with a lot of conveniences nearby. When we walked out we saw the mountains across the street which was a wonderful view.
Denver (Coming Soon)
Holiday Inn Express (Littleton) - 5 Stars *****
The staff here was friendly and hard working. The place was very clean and the rooms were nice. The Holiday Inn Express free breakfast seems to always hit the spot with eggs, meat, awesome cinnamon rolls, pancakes, breads, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee. We were only there one night so we did not see the pool or fitness area. The location had conveniences nearby such as shopping and restaurants.
Hyatt Place Denver-South Park/Meadows - 5 Stars *****
The staff was very friendly throughout our visit. The room was clean and comfortable with plenty of space. Breakfast included pancakes, bananas fosters, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, breads, eggs, meat, and more. The location in South Denver made it convenient to Denver and Colorado Springs and there were plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. We were only here one night so we didn't have an opportunity to use the pool or the fitness area.
Boulder (Coming Soon)
Breckenridge (Coming Soon)
Glenwood Springs
Rocky Mountain Pizza Co 4 Stars ****
Good pizza. Liked the texture of dough but not enough favor. Very nice salad. Staff/owner friendly. The reviews of this place set up letdown - best pizza I've ever had type comment...HYPE OVER SOLD...it's good. Quality ingredients but missing something.
Aspen (Coming Soon)
Grand Junction/Palisade 4 Stars ****
Diorios Pizza (Palisade) 3.5 Stars ***
Friendly and attentive service. We both enjoyed the flavorful sauce. Cheese and pepperoni used were quality products. Billed as New York style...fell short. Crust texture not enjoyable-very dry and cracker-like.
Peach Street Distillery (Palisade) 4 Stars ****
Busy with regulars. No one there to give us info on the place or tours. Bartender was knowledgeable regarding customizing our beverages. Hand crafted cocktails were excellent. Cherries were out of this world!
Columbine Liquors (Palisade) 4.5 Stars ****
The man working was SO helpful. Wine suggestions and descriptions. Maps of entire valley(activities suggestions) and a wine trail map. Very friendly, decent liquor selection, excellent wine selection including local wines.
