"For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain!” Even the youngest of school children knows this stirring anthem by heart, but not everyone knows that it was a journey to the top of Pikes Peak that inspired these words. Whether it’s scaling the heights or taking in the view as you enjoy the wildlife – or just a scenic game of golf – there is something about a mountain that captivates every traveler.
By Plane: Colorado Springs, Colorado
What to do
You’ll have to travel 14,000 feet up to stand where Katherine Lee Bates was inspired to write “America, the Beautiful” in 1895, but the views from the top are worth the journey. The best way to reach the top of Pikes Peak is to buy a ticket on the Cog Railway, where you can enjoy a guided tour. Don’t leave the summit without tasting the lighter-than-air high altitude doughnuts! If you’ve got an athlete in the making, you’ll want to check out the free tours at the Olympic Training Center, where you just might see the next gold-medal gymnast in training. But there’s more: The Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls and Royal Gorge are all nearby.
719/685-5401; cograilway.com
719/866-4618; teamusa.org
Where to rest your head
From the minute you check into the Broadmoor Hotel, you will not want to leave. Kids under 12 can golf along with a parent for free on the award-winning course or take part in junior tennis camps. If relaxation is more your style, book a specially designed mother-daughter massage and spa day. After a day of family togetherness, Mom and Dad may want to slip away for time alone while the kids continue the fun at The Bee Bunch Kids Club. End your perfect day at the family-friendly Golf Club Dining room, where kids will be invited to roast marshmallows over the open fire pit.
719/577-5775; broadmoor.com
Where to eat
The Flying W Ranch is the place to experience the food of the Old West cowboy, but with all that the ranch has to offer, be prepared to come early and stay late. In the summer and fall enjoy a chuck-wagon dinner under the stars. Winter shifts inside to the steakhouse. Either way, you’ll be entertained by the Flying W Wranglers. Need to grab a quick bite before you catch your plane? The Airplane Restaurant offers a unique opportunity to dine inside a Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker. Best of all, the cockpit is open for kids to take off on an imaginary flight.
719/598-4000; flyingw.com
719/570-7656; solosrestaurant.com
By Car: Arbuckle Mountains, Oklahoma
What to do
Hop in the car and head to higher ground in Oklahoma's Arbuckle Mountains. Animal lovers will want to check out Arbuckle Wilderness, a drive-through safari. Enjoy feeding gazelles, giraffes and peacocks, but watch out for the emus – they’re shifty! For a little bit of history, head to the Chickasaw Cultural Center to learn more about this indigenous people’s way of life. Outdoor exploration in the mountains is at its best at Turner Falls Park. Hike beside the 77-foot waterfall or do some casual spelunking in the many caves throughout the park. Don’t miss the rock castle, a great place for kids to climb and create their own medieval fantasies.
580/369-3383;
arbucklewildernesspark.com
580/622-7130;
chickasawculturalcenter.com
580/369-2988; turnerfallspark.com
Where to rest your head
The Arbuckle Mountains are home to a variety of picturesque country cabins and bed and breakfasts. Arbuckle Mountain Lodging offers cabins of all sizes with amenities that include fully stocked kitchens, fireplaces and hot tubs. Secluded, wooded locations along the area lakes ensure that you feel completely alone when you wake up to the sounds and sights of the mountains.
580/369-3543;
arbucklelodging.com
Where to eat
It’s all about the atmosphere at Two Frogs Grill, a Cajun fusion restaurant that’s developed a cult following among travelers. Choose to eat in the main dining area where you can expect rocking live entertainment or in the guitar room with autographed guitars lining the walls. The Filet Orleans, a choice filet blackened with Cajun spices and topped with crawfish tails, is the house specialty.
580/226-3764;
twofrogsgrill.com
Updated 7/26/12
