My first business trip to Colorado Springs, CO, wa

The Sumner Suites (now Amerisuites) was actually very nice. As you walked in, the lobby was immediately to your right and always had someone with a smile waiting to greet you, and to your left (at least during the time we stayed there) was the lobby and also where the hotel served continental breakfast in the mornings. The hotel itself looked a little older, but was still in pretty good shape. The rooms were comfortable, with a small kitchenette (great if you want to stow those leftovers from dinner in the fridge for tomorrow), a small sitting area across from it, a dressing area with mirrors that was a little larger (great for two women sharing in the morning as they get ready for the day), the bedroom area, and a rather small bathroom that seemed rather outdated (except for a really nice showerhead that gave optional types of streams for sore shoulders and backs). During our visit, the hotel had a pool, which we didn't use because of the chill in the evenings (remember, we were from Hawaii--to us, 65 degrees makes us want to throw on a sweater), laundry facilities, a gym (stocked with all the normal, everyday gym equipment such as treadmills, stair steppers, free weights, and Nautilus machines), and a pretty good breakfast buffet in the mornings that served everything from danishes, muffins, and donuts to sausage, pancakes, and French toast.

The staff at the hotel was very nice and helpful, as they gave us advice on where to go shopping, sightseeing on our days off, where to go eat, and on the last day when we began checking out, we were presented on behalf of the entire staff two mugs filled with candies and gourmet hot-chocolate mixes wrapped up very nicely as a thanks for staying with them. All in all, they made us feel very welcome, as if we were staying with family and not with strangers.

For more information click link below:
http://www.amerisuites.com/hotels/ajcd.shtml

My supervisor, coworker on this trip, and myself all visited this restaurant on a weekday during our visit. Soon after, our own Honolulu call center manager decided to join us, which was really great as the atmosphere in this restaurant during weekday evenings seemed very conducive for talking about ideas, current business, and other problems that need to be tackled in the office.

The interior of the restaurant is very comfortable and rather reminds me of Tuscan kitchen. The lights are somewhat low, and there is artwork here and there. The staff was somewhat okay, however our waitress seemed rather perturbed that we decided to all move to a large round table rather than our current booth so that we may accommodate our manager and be a little more comfortable. I guess she didn't want to lose her tips to someone else, as we were moving out of her "turf".

Once we become comfortable our server came forward offered us the specials of the day, took our drink orders and then scurried off quickly towards the kitchen. Soon after we were supplied with absolutely delicious crusty loafed warm bread with olive oil enhanced with Italian spices for dipping. YUMMM. I ordered Linguine Pescatore, which was shrimp, scallops, and mussels tossed with linguine in a spicy marinara sauce -- it was delicious. Other than our original server, our next one was all too anxious to fulfill any request (maybe he knew this was a business dinner and that our Call Center manager was paying, who knows). Dining here was very pleasant as a matter of fact I made it a point to visit the Carabba's in WestLake OH with my husband because I loved it so much. This restaurant is somewhat like Olive Garden, but I feel it has a bit more atmosphere that Olive Garden does now a days. I would definitely suggest this restaurant at least for business meetings, quiet dinners with your significant other and possibly families. For more info, check out their website.

This was a spelunking tour, which personally I thought was rather carnival-like. It was rather exciting and kind of neat to walk under tons of stalactites and stalagmites rising up around you with the idea that you’re being somewhat like Indiana Jones on a mission to recover some ancient artifact, but personally, I would have preferred to don the yellow slicker, long johns, and miners' hat and go truly climbing inside mountains, no matter how claustrophobic I might get. Honestly, the Cave of the Winds does offer this type of excitement; however, with that increased excitement of exploring caves on your hands and knees in the mud also comes a higher price to pay, a price during this visit that I couldn’t quite afford.

On our arrival at Cave of the Winds, my supervisor, coworker, and I purchased our admittance to the Discovery Tour, which was $15.00 for adults, $8.00 children for a 45-minute guided tour, which actually was very informative and educational but a trifle boring. After purchasing our tickets, we waited, and waited, and...waited, till around 45 minutes to 1 hour later, our tour number was called. During that time of waiting, we toured around the local stores built up around the caves, which sold things such as supposed handmade Indian bracelets, jewelry, and other trinkets. Plus, of course there were popcorn, ice cream, and fast-food vendors here and there to satisfy that sudden hunger that pops up. Also, if you get a chance, take a walk around the deck surrounding all the stores--there’s a great view up there that you can really enjoy, unless you have a tendency toward acrophobia. Upon entering the line for your tour, which unless they have changed it is actually in one of the clothing stores, you are asked if you would like to have your picture taken. I have to suggest to not purchase this, as many of the people (including my supervisor, my coworker, and myself) all ended up with bright-green glowing eyes that made us look like very odd vampires. At which point, after all the picture-taking finishes, the tour begins.

It was amazing to see the beautiful creations of nature; however, walking around reminded me of some kind of carnival act with all the small lights around the paths and the way the guides referred to you as if explaining some unbelievable feat like the bearded lady or the snake woman. On the other hand, for a person just wanting to look at stalactites and stalagmites with little danger, I am sure this would be a great and extremely exciting expedition underground.

Not a bad trip, if you ask me; however, next time I think I’ll spend the $80.00 per person and truly experience an adventurous trip into the mountainside.

This was my very first stop on our day tour of many of the attractions in Colorado Springs. We arrived at around 10am and at the time the three of us were the only guests at the castle. You first turn off the road that leads to Garden of the Gods onto a somewhat smaller road where you reach a gate with an attendant. It is suggested that you donate $5 per person; after experiencing the peace that the castle and grounds inspired in me, I believe it was worth it.

After donating our money we then drove to a smaller building that almost resembles a puritan church or courthouse where the furniture is spare but it the room is still comfortable. Here we watched a movie on the history of Glen Eyrie and its founder, General William Palmer, who was not only a war hero but also a railroad tycoon and the founder of Colorado Springs.

After watching the movie, we drove through pine-covered roads to the castle where we walked through room after amazing room. As I walked through this historic castle that was built in the year 1904, I felt more and more relaxed and more peaceful than I have felt in a long time. You can truly feel the love and hard work that went into both building this landmark and maintaining it.

After we completed touring the building we all decided to tour the grounds. I think by this time we were all affected rather sentimentally by this castle, as we all seemed to be rather quiet and introspective by this time. We went hiking on a trail to the side of the castle where a small fresh water stream filled with cold, invigorating water trickles. We walked as far as we safely could to the serenade of birds chirping in the trees and a breeze slightly stirring the branches of the pine trees. With regret we returned back to our car, took one final wistful gaze at the grounds, and drove away.

The castle is currently owned and maintained by a Christian group called The Navigators. They currently offer afternoon tea, marriage retreats, and other Christian get togethers. I have also heard of people being married at the castle as well. For more information click here.

This was our second visit of the day, and after our relaxing visit to Glen Eyrie Historic Castle, we were ready for a little exercise. We arrived shortly after 12 noon on a warm, sunny day, perfect weather for walking and hiking around Garden of the Gods. Our first stop: the visitor center and museum. Here, it was just about time for lunch, so we stopped for a quick bite (the restaurant serves mostly burgers, fries, hot dogs, etc.), then toured the shops, which sold mostly Indian artifacts and the normal tourist stuff. After all of this, it was time, time to tackle the park. As we drove into the entrance, we were faced by large red rocks standing out of the ground and we were greeted by four or five deer running right in front of our car--in fact, one stopped very close to our bumper! The deer turned its head and looked straight at us and we at it. It seemed like ages until suddenly a car sounded its horn behind us, startling both us and the deer out of our strange hypnotism. At which point we all proceeded through the park, including the deer. There are many stops throughout this national park where you may park your car, get out, and simply hike from here to there, examining both geological wonders and local plant life. We stopped at the first one, being too shaken up to drive much further after our encounter from the deer. Here we enjoyed the sun, the sound of families enjoying themselves, and most of all, the scenery around us, which seemed as if the Gods had truly designed it. Everywhere, small and large rocks in varying shades rose up through the ground as if planted there by some large hand. After a while of walking and just enjoying the beauty and serenity of the park, we took off towards the next series of stops, where we were greeted likewise by beauty. Many of these rocks and small mountains we actually observed people climbing them! After following many trails that included many other amazing, beautiful features, my coworker and supervisor became tired, and so we retired to the car so that we could drive the rest of the way. If I had the chance, I would walk through this park over and over again, as I feel one can simply not get enough from it from simply visiting it once.

Just a note: first and foremost, entrance to the park is free, which of course is a plus for anyone budget-minded. Second of all, unless you wish to spend the prices that the visitor center charges for a somewhat small lunch, bring it if at all possible. Trust me, you’ll save some money.

Most of all, if you need more info, click on or type in the following link:
http://gardenofgods.com/

This was our last tourist stop of the day, and boy, were we ready for the stop! Since we arrived during daylight hours (approximately 4:30pm), we only had to pay $8.25 per person. If you enter at night, expect to pay $9.75 for adults and $6.25 for children. This price, to me, was a pretty fair deal, as the beauty you encounter here is unbelievable! After paying admission, you drive up a large gorge that is rather narrow in some spots. Once you park your car, you then have a small walk up to the main falls area. During the daylight, the falls are not illuminated but are still beautiful. Once it becomes dark (at approximately 7pm), the falls are lit in colors of green, red, gold, and blue. If you feel very adventurous and don't mind heights, there is a metal staircase that goes all the way up to the top of the falls. I must warn you, though: if you are even slightly afraid of heights, beware! This staircase somewhat vibrates when people walk up and down it, and the stairs are very, very steep and you can see all the way down to the ground even when looking straight down at the stairs.

There is also a lookout on the opposite side; I have heard nowadays the park charges admission for this as well. Of course, there are gift shops at the base of the falls; however, they just sell the normal tourist junk. When I visited, there was also a live performance by Native Americans who dress in their tribal wear and dance around. Really rather neat, plus, if you arrive early (like we did), it fills the time between when you arrive and showtime. All in all, this is a great stop for families and other groups alike to just sit, relax, and enjoy the falls after a long day touring the region.

Flying from Honolulu, of course we had to leave in the evening Hawaii time and fly all night to arrive at Colorado Springs airport early the next morning. My supervisor and I arrived at the airport barely awake and extremely jet-lagged; however, as we began walking towards the baggage claim and Avis car rental counter, I began to feel revived as I was greeted by the appearance of huge, magnificent mountains surrounded by forests of evergreens through the large picture windows in the airport. Once we walked outdoors, the clean fresh air, so unlike downtown Honolulu, wiped away almost all other traces of my sleepiness. My supervisor and I stayed at the Sumner Suites (now an Amerisuites) off of Garden of the Gods Road, which was very convenient, both because our call center was right down the road and also, of course, we were extremely close to the Garden of the Gods National Park, as well as many of the other local attractions.

After a bit of sleep, we of course had to get up and do a bit of shopping to take advantage of all the great mainland prices. The concierge advised us that there was a great mall right off Academy Boulevard that was relatively close to our hotel. Since we visited the mall during a weekday, it was very empty, which was great, but the staff seemed rather annoyed to see us. Who knows? Maybe we were interrupting the gossip or lunch hour with our presence. After a day or so of adjusting, we went out every night, trying a small restaurant here or a bar there. I have to advise anyone who visits here and stays at the Sumner Suites to stay away from the restaurant right across the parking lot. It was an Applebee’s when we were there; who knows what it is now. Our entire dining party (a group of five) had our waiter first sit down with us and begin to talk with all of us about everything from the weather to how he hated his boss and his work, all while counting his tips on the table. Later, as we waited somewhat patiently for our dinners to arrive, the restaurant manager finally advised us that unfortunately, our server had just quit and wasn’t coming back. Let’s just say that was quite an experience (one you’ll laugh at after enough drinks).

During our stay in Colorado Springs, we toured Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs during a late summer festival, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, and Glen Eyrie Castle. Each attraction we visited, each person we met, except for of course that really odd waiter, seemed genuinely happy to be both living here and be happy that we were there. Of course, we were only there for two weeks and didn’t meet everyone or see everything, yet I have a feeling I will someday return to this land of clean air, nice people, pine trees and mountains, and truly amazing scenery and history. Oh boy, I can’t wait!