Scratching the Surface of The (Magnificent) Broadmoor Hotel

As we were leaving Seven Falls, we got a glimpse of a local hotel, The Broadmoor. We were out of time for the day, but we vowed to return.  Monday, we did just that.  This gorgeous hotel has been providing stellar (and award winning) service and hospitality to the common folk and dignitaries alike, for over 100 years.  The property is absolutely magnificent, and indoors, every room is ornate and exquisitely maintained and appointed.  Every stick of furniture is elegant and obviously, meant to be used and enjoyed by guests and visitors.  Even though we were only there to view the buildings and grounds, we were greeted warmly by the valets, and whisked indoors under a spectacular painted canopy.

The main foyer had a stained glass ceiling, and there were huge bouquets of roses and other flowers on almost every table. Chandeliers were dripping with crystals, and not a one of them held a speck of dust.

We passed through the main foyer, past the smiling & friendly concierges, and followed that inviting path, lined on both sides with quaint lampposts and fragrant hanging baskets, around the lake, past the paddle boats, and down to the sparkling infinity pool.  It was tempting, for sure.  But, we hadn't brought our suits, and nowhere did we see the "clothing optional" signs of Desert Reef.

Our shadow-selves paused a moment to drink in the sights and appreciate the beauty all around us.

As we were not registered guests, we couldn't get any closer, but boy, did we want to dip our toes!

The outdoor views were just as spectacular as indoors.

 

Back inside, we spent a couple of hours (!!) wandering from lobby to parlor to gallery, simply reading the historical notes and viewing hundreds of pictures and artifacts that were lovingly displayed in glass-fronted curio cabinets that reached almost to the ceiling.  The property was built by Spencer Penrose and his wife, Julia, in the style of the grand chateaus of Europe.  It was meant to be a place of luxury and opulence, to be enjoyed by high society and travelers of the early 1900's.  

There were ornate and circular stairwells...

And terry cloth handtowels in the bathrooms; no cheap paper towels here! And, yes, the toilet paper ends were indeed folded over into triangles, as was totally expected.  And yes, the complimentary lotion was of very good quality and fragrance.

This is a portrait of the ever-dapper Mr. Spencer Penrose. 

They made their own gelato, and it certainly looked scrumptious.  

The pastries were beautiful as well.  Luckily for our budget, we had enjoyed a hearty pancake breakfast before we set out, so we were tempted, but able to resist.

Even "ordinary" staircases were ornate and embellished by hand-painted inlaid tiles in the risers and waterfalls and fountains down the center.

It was our dear friend, Gary's, birthday, and we found the perfect present for him!  Notice the price!  We knew he'd feel bad if we spent that much on him, so again, we were able to resist the temptation without too much trouble. 

Around every bend were cozy little seating arrangements, some were casual, like this hand-painted garden scene...

While others were a bit more masculine and formal, like these two armchairs and their accompanying turtle ottoman.

For several yeras, The Broadmoor was home and training facility to Olympic skating teams, both men and women.  Peggy Fleming was one of the major influencers of her time here.  In February of 1961, the entire U.S. World Figure Skating team suffered a horrific loss when their plane crashed in Belgium,  Seventy two people were on board, including 8 members of the Broadmoor Skating Club, and everyone was killed in the crash.

In memorium, they created this marble skate blade and inscribed their friends' names on it.

As we reluctantly left the property, we stopped for one last look back at what was surely one of the most beautiful man-made structures we've ever had the privilege of touring.

We came down off the mountain top and grand days of yore, and were quickly jolted back to reality  within moments, with this sign, advertising Gas & Grass.  Offering a 15% discount for vets, no less.  That is one discount we won't be taking advantage of!  

Next up, Garden of the Gods.  But you'll have to wait till I can get my photos sorted out.  Don't ask.  Just know that technology is a wonderful thing, when it works.  And a bug-a-boo when it wants to be.  And tonight, it wanted to be.  Till next time, y'all stay safe!

How High is Too High? THIS High is Too High!

 Y'all know me well, and you know that I'm not fond of heights. Truth be told, you know I'm terrified of really high heights.  You know that we aren't going to go up Pike's Peak, due to this crazy phobia, not even in the bus!  Well, today we went to Seven Falls, which is currently privately owned by the Broadmoor Hotel.  That wasn't always the case....ownership goes all the way back to Nathaniel Colby, who homesteaded 160 acres of the Cheyenne Canyon, including the falls, in 1872.  Nine months later, he sold the property to Colorado Springs Land Company, but in 1882, naturalist James Hull purchased it to prevent logging operations from ruining the scenic value. After Hull's death, the property was turned over a couple of times and improved somewhat, with the staircases and some lighting, and after a significant flood damage in 2013, The Broadmoor purchased it with the intent of reopening the canyon to the public in 2015.  After being owned by one man for 68 years, it was now corporately owned and successfully reopened in mid-August.  Today was our day of exploration of the Canyon and Falls.  We had to drive to a parking lot and catch a shuttle bus up to the mouth of the Canyon, where we paid our admission fee.  We went in as Seniors, which entitled us to a $3 discount from general admission, and a free (and optional) ride up and back on the tram.  Youngsters were required to pony up an additional $2 for the tram ride.  The entire Canyon, shuttles and trams were all dog friendly, which really made it nice.

The Pillars of Hercules.  Hard to believe it, but WATER carved out this canyon.

Here's a little history of the area for you....  CLICK HERE

and lets go for a hike up the hill...

It seems so tame...at this point...

But, then the steps appear.  224 of them.  And they are at quite the angle, you see.  And, speaking of seeing, these are the steps that you can see right down through.  There's a small platform, about halfway up where you can catch your breath.  Or turn around and come back down, if you're not up to the rest of the hike.  You know there was absolutely NO WAY I was going more than one or two steps up, right?  Oh, no, heck no!  

Well, you know Driver is fearless.  And he'd said earlier in the day that he wanted to walk, well, here was his golden opportunity!

And, just in case he was getting cocky and feeling comfortable, they posted all the ways he could get sick and/or die out on the trail.  Yeah.  Comforting thoughts, eh?

This was part of the path he traveled.

A little skimpy in the handrails department.

And don't forget, if lightning strikes, you should high tail it down to the gift shop.  About a half mile plus 224 steps (metal steps, no less, stuck into the side of the rock walls, with metal I-beams) down.

Dedicated to one of the long-time owners of the property.

Colorado Springs, from on high.

Let's see where this trail leads.

 Up at the very top, the water looks so placid and peaceful.  Word is, it's COOOOOLD.

Taking pictures of me taking pictures.  Note Bailey is keeping an eye on us both!

We did spring for a $3 bottle of tepid water, but we didn't buy the $25 T-shirt.  But it sure does look good on him!  I'm proud of him, and I'm so thankful he came back down, safe and sound.  To be honest, he was up at the top about 2 hours, and I was considering asking someone at the restaurant to call someone or send someone up to the top to check on him and make sure he was all right.  I debated with myself for about 15 minutes, and he finally appeared back up at the top of the steps, so I knew he'd be down and safe shortly.  I'm hoping we can tour The Broadmoor Hotel in the coming days.  I've heard it's an amazingly beautiful village-like campus and buildings.  There is also a restaurant onsite, but it's pretty pricey and you must have reservations, even for lunch.  Their Sunday brunch is outstanding, I've heard, but it's also sold out due to the upcoming holiday.  Oh well.  Maybe next time we're in the area.  Or not.  heehee

Hope you enjoyed the hike!  Till next time....