Once a booming mining town, Colorado Springs now leads the nation as one of the top places for technology companies to settle. Picturesque Pikes Peak, at 14,110 feet, is the citys backdrop and beckons your attention. Towering Rocky Mountains run north and south of the city with high plains to the east giving it a vast open feeling. Colorados second largest city is modern yet still maintains a small town charm. An amazingly low crime rate, healthy quality of life and near perfect climate, boasting 300 sunny days a year, has this city busting at the seams with newcomers. Hiking, skiing and rock climbing are among the favorite activities found here. With five military bases surrounding the city, camouflage fatigues are common attire.

Old Colorado City
For charming window-shopping stroll along Colorado Avenue where historic buildings have become beautifully decorated contemporary shops. Art galleries are plentiful, as are Southwest and Indian shops, a tribute to the local cultural heritage. Break from shopping to dine at Meadow Muffins, Beau Jos Colorado Style Pizza or indulge in locally produced ice cream at the Colorado City Creamery. Finish with a free tour of Van Briggle Art Pottery, an active pottery, which is open to the public.

Manitou Springs
Serving as the gateway to such popular attractions as the North Pole, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds and majestic Pikes Peak, everyone eventually passes through Manitou Springs. Inexpensive fun can be had by all at the penny arcade. Munch on chocolate popcorn from Patsys Candies while strolling through dozens of quaint shops like The Antique Emporium, Manitou Jacks and St. Nicks. Sip mineral water fresh from the spring that runs through town. Stop for a healthful lunch at Adams Mountain Cafe before heading up to tour Miramont Castle.

Southwest / Broadmoor Area
Long-standing million dollar estates mix with new homes along the foothills and gradual slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, establishing this as the most elite area of town. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun are perched atop this community and snake through the mountainside offering awesome city views below. Seven Falls is a natural wonder. Drive right up to the falls, or if you are more adventurous, hike up Cutler Trail to get a more private view.

Central Downtown
Notice the absence of skyscrapers and billboards cluttering the skyline as you drive through the clean downtown area. Shop for vintage clothing or a Rolex watch at any of the many quaint shops. Rack 'em up and slam 'em back at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, party into the night at funky Rum Bay or art deco Ritz Grill. Martinis and cigars are on the menu at MacKenzies Chop House. Local culture can be explored at the McAllister House Museum or perhaps the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center for a more sophisticated encounter.

North
Far north of town situated on rolling hills is the prestigious USAF Academy. Tour the ever-popular USAF Academy Cadet Chapel with 17 magnificent spires reaching 150 feet into the sky. The Chapel accommodates several religions at once. Catch a football game at the outdoor stadium and you may enjoy an exciting fly-over by the Air Force jets. Follow up the day with a visit to the Western Museum of Mining, just east of the Academy.

Northwest
A mixture of upper class residences splashed with strip centers, and an abundance of eclectic restaurants situated near the picturesque mountain range make this a highly desirable place to live. Enjoy a Victorian tea and tour at the historic Glen Eyrie castle, quietly nestled in the foothills. For a more rowdy evening, "stomp" in at the Flying W Chuckwagon for great food and old west entertainment.

Northeast
This area is natural habitat blended with fabulous shopping and dining. Have time for a quick hike? Palmer Park offers several easy trails with fabulous views and a dozen picnic tables. Power shopping can be had at the two-level Citadel Mall. Nearby Zugspitze serves the citys finest international gourmet lunches. Afterwards, shop in the remarkable gourmet store for hard-to-find items.

East / Southeast
Hills busting at the seams with newly developed middle-class neighborhoods, packed in like sardines, run for miles north to south. See historic aircraft, missiles and exhibits at Peterson Air & Space Museum, located on Peterson AFB. Catch a flick at the newly built IMAX Theater, with 16 movies to choose from. During the summer it is hot dogs, peanuts and baseball at the Sky Sox Stadium.

Whether here on business or a well-deserved vacation, be sure to get out and behold the view that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful." Rest assured, the city with small town charm and big on natural beauty will bring you back again and again.