Thursday, May 19, 2011

Colorado Trip

Posted by Daisy at Thursday, May 19, 2011

We drove to Colorado on Mother's Day weekend (May 5-9) and did a lot of fun stuff. Below you would see all the places we went and visited. Have fun!

US Mint Denver

Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little "D" for Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.

Hammond's Candy Factory Tour

Hammond's Candy is a working, hand-made, hard candy factory, established in Denver, Colorado in 1920. They still make hard candy the old-fashioned way: small batches, hand-pulled, hand-twisted and hand-shaped. Specializing in Candy Canes, Lollipops, Ribbon Candy, traditional hard candy and Christmas Candy. We give free tours Monday through Saturday, every 20 minutes.

Downtown Aquarium

This world-class aquarium immerses visitors on two journeys, from the Continental Divide in Colorado to Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the other from an Indonesian rain forest to the Pacific Ocean. From Colorado's state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout, to swimming Sumatran tigers, visitors experience a variety of fish, mammals and birds that all rely upon water.

Dining Adventure!

Your underwater adventure begins as you are seated around the 50,000 gallon centerpiece aquarium, which allows exceptional floor-to-ceiling viewing from all tables. More than 100 species of colorful, tropical fish from the Caribbean Sea, Hawaii, South Pacific and the Indian Ocean – reside in the tank. To the great delight of both children and adults, a diver makes feedings twice a day in full view of the dining room. The unparalleled offerings at Aquarium feature only the freshest fish, seafood, steaks, and more.

We had dinner at the aquarium, their food though pricey was really good and the kids enjoyed watching the fish while eating.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum's Hamilton Building is an architectural work of art. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, it will change the way you experience art and architecture. Explore the Museum's galleries showcasing a world-famous American Indian art collection, as well as art from around the world. Family programs, traveling special exhibitions, Museum Shop, on-site restaurants and spectacular event spaces.

Elitch Garden Theme Park

Elitch Gardens is full of world class thrills and adventure -- all at a  Mile High!  There's something for everyone at Elitch Gardens.

Denver Colorado Temple

The Denver Colorado Temple is located south of Denver in a beautiful residential neighborhood in the suburb of Centennial. Notable features of the striking white temple and its grounds are thousands of colorful flowers in the growing season, a calming water feature bordered by benches, a wall of colorful stained glass above the temple entrance, and a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni atop the heaven-reaching spire. A Distribution Services Center is located next to the temple.

One of the best part of our vacation was we got to spend time with our friend Amor and her family. We stayed a night a her house in Pueblo Colorado and the kids had so much fun!

Pueblo Lake Overlook

Lying in an area of deep contrast, Lake Pueblo State Park is one of Colorado's most popular water sports parks. To the east, the high plains seem to stretch away forever while to the west, the Sangre de Cristo, Pikes Peak and Greenhorn mountain ranges provide a scenic alpine backdrop. The lake's irregular, 60+ mile shoreline is rimmed with limestone cliffs and buttes. At an elevation of 4,900' with 4,500 surface acres of water and almost 10,000 acres of land combined with the Lake Pueblo's mild climate, this state park is a major year round recreation resource.

Garden of the Gods

Explore Colorado Springs' paradise in one magical stop. Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a rare historical treasure. Preserved under a protective red sandstone overhang, authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings, built more than 700 years ago, await you here. There are no "Do Not Touch" signs. You are free to touch and even go inside these fascinating architectural remnants of an American Indian culture that roamed the Four Corners area of the Southwest from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300.

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pikes Peak, the mountain that provided the inspiration for the writing of, America the Beautiful. The dwellings are open seven days a week, year round, except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Over the years, Native American Indians - descendants of the Ancient Ones - have demonstrated their living culture through traditional dances handed down from generation to generation.

We went swimming at the hotel pool after a long day and it was a great way to relax.