Fall, Colorado, 2013--Manitou Springs

We stayed at a most delightful bed and breakfast in Manitou Springs.  I would definitely recommend the Blue Skies Inn to anyone that wants a wonderful experience.  The owner Sally is most friendly as well as helpful with anything you want to know.  She has basically built the inn herself with a bit of help.  Very artistic, down to the tiles that she has handpainted.  They bring your breakfast to your room in a lovely basket.  You have the choice of either 8:30 or 9. The breakfast is very filling and would also satisfy any vegetarians who stay here.  I am going to post a few of the photos I took as well as a link to the rooms that are available to the guests.

Blue Skies Inn Suite Index

We checked out about 10 and headed to downtown Manitou Springs.  Had a great time visiting many of the shops and boutiques.  I even made a few purchases which is so very unusual.  When finished shopping here, we climbed into Don's pickup and headed over to Old Colorado City.  I didn't even know this existed until we were visiting with Penny and Don.  This is also a very unique place to shop.  We started with lunch, though, at La Baguette French Bakery-Cafe.  Lunch was delicious.  I had a ham and swiss baguette while James had a most delicious-looking cheese and fruit platter served with a French bun.  

La Baguette French Bakery-Cafe

When lunch was done, we headed to a few of the very unique shops located in Old Colorado City. We were then off to the Garden of the Gods.

One can see photos of the Garden of the Gods but when you are there in person it is a spectacular sight.  We first went to the Visitor Center where we watched a 14 minute film on the creation of these rocks.  Very helpful.  We then loaded into the pickup to drive thru the Garden before heading back to Fort Collins.

Garden of the Gods

We had thought the drive down to the Colorado Springs area wasn't very pleasant due to the rain/snow mixture that was falling until we went over Monument Hill.  Well, it was worse coming home due to the high volume of traffic.  I know that Don had to be glad when we turned off I-25 to head west into Fort Collins.  I was.