There are the obvious reasons to visit Colorado Springs: 300 annual days of sunshine, beautiful scenery including Pikes Peak, clean air, mountain-fresh water and lots of attractions throughout the area. But another great reason to visit Colorado Springs is to experience a true western adventure.

Denver has a vivid literary history including famed work from many poets, novelists and journalists; some born and raised in Colorado's capital while others, residents for only a short time. What they all have in common is they and their prose were influenced by Denver.

Denver transforms for the holiday season. The City and County Building is illuminated from every vantage point, strands of lights are strung over the streets and suspended between buildings, and the horse carriages are festively decorated as they clop their way around downtown, pulling passengers snuggled under flannel blankets. While the Mile High City boasts attractions, food, and culture for all tastes, the holiday season brings out its best for visitors of all ages.

Vail, Colorado is a heaven on Earth environment with gorgeous terrain of mountains and streams and the perfect place to turn off the cell phone and laptop or not bring them at all. While autumn may not bring the famous soft powder snow, a true blessing from the ski and snowboard gods, it does have the chill of winter creeping in with fresh air and a soft breeze that may give your nose a little hint of red. This time of year also allows you to check out the town like the locals and really enjoy its charm before the snow dumps and the crowds pour in.

Cherry Creek, a neighborhood a few miles southeast of Downtown, has a charm of its own. Known for its well-to-do residents, country club, and upper-scale mall, it also includes a grid of quaint streets lined with boutique shops, galleries, and eateries.