Victor, Manitou Springs and Incline Praised by International Travelers/Heritage Tourists
Rick Langenberg
Alright, since everyone is suffering from election burnout these days, let’s talk about tourism, travel and eccentric happenings this week. In fact, when it comes to the latter category, we are hitting the jackpot big-time. This is one subject everyone can agree on up here, whether you are Republican, Democrat, Independent or Green, or however, you stand on certain issues.
Frankly, it’s time to give national, state and local politics a rest.
Here are some fun survey polls (some of which recently appeared on the Google App) and ones that emphasize our love for adventure and zaniness in these testy times, and that magic element called Town Character.
Worldatlas.com is the latest media/educational outlet to give several local communities high marks for a trip off the beaten path and an A-plus rating in the historic character rating.
Victor and Manitou Springs gained top notoriety recently as two of the premier spots for blending history and small-town charm with impeccable beauty and outdoor adventure. In fact, they hit the top six in the entire Rocky Mountain West region for eccentric mountain communities and hidden gems and towns with great character.
As noted by the website in a recent article, the “Rocky Mountains hills and valleys are residences to some of the most eccentric little villages, each with its personality and distinctive sense of community. Venture off the beaten path into the heart of the Rockies, and these lesser-known towns unfold an authentic appeal that even the most popular destinations can’t match. Nestled with kooky local attractions, incredible scenic beauty, artist colonies, historic sites, offbeat attractions, and heart-stopping natural beauty, these towns create an ideal destination for one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Pack up and get ready to discover the unforeseen in these six kooky Rocky Mountain destinations.”
The educational website, which does many travel stories, had this to say about a Victor experience. “Sometimes overlooked by Cripple Creek, Victor is one of those places blessed with a kind of quirky appeal that was born in the Gold Rush days of Colorado. With less than 3,000 residents, Victor retains its frontier character, and remnants of the gold mining era remain visible in and around town. Trails run back to abandoned mines, while the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum displays other artifacts from the town’s heyday. Each summer, Victor hosts Gold Rush Days. During this entertaining event, various activities and competitions are modeled after olden times. Since the town is designed to be so accessible by foot, visitors have the chance to pass by other unique attractions, such as the Victor Hotel, which is purportedly haunted. The Victor downtown historic district has a collection of murals and older storefronts that have been preserved to give the town an appearance and atmosphere as if it were from another era. Located amidst a panoramic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Victor is the secret treasure for those wanting diversity in the Rockies.”
Those words may now have special meaning and emphasis as Victor is definitely serving as a prime example in Colorado as a designated Main Street community, a statewide program that combines historic preservation with economic development as a way to revitalize downtowns. Some of the infrastructure enhancements and building rehabs there are quite amazing. The city of Cripple Creek may soon follow suit, although that has not been determined yet. A workshop is being planned in early February, orchestrated by Main Street Coordinator Gayle Langley. Stay tuned, as the Main Street movement may have a serious newcomer, based on a previous meeting with the Cripple Creek City Council. But it really comes down to a buy-in from the business community, according to Mayor Annie Durham.
Manitou Springs has also captured much allure in the latest poll and was considered among the best of the best for Rocky Mountain towns with character.
As noted by the Worldatlas website, “The town of Manitou Springs, home to eight natural mineral springs, incorporates quirkiness and wellness with a population of some 4,600. But what drives visitors to the area is a chance to taste each spring’s unique minerals, available for free along the town’s main streets. The Miramont Castle, a 14,000-square-foot Victorian-style home built in 1895, welcomes visitors to explore Victorian architecture. Around 10,000 individuals attend Manitou Springs’ Emma Crawford Coffin Races to watch participants race in coffin-themed races commemorating an iconic local figure. The Manitou Incline has 2,744 steps, making it a challenging climb for hikers; the Barr Trail is friendlier and more accessible. The downtown area is surrounded by walking neighborhood cafés, galleries, and specialized stores, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for visitors and locals to spend the day.”
And since we are talking about polls and various ratings, Manitou Springs’ Incline attraction continues to receive stellar reviews from international travelers. According to a rather bizarre recent poll done by a luxurious yacht company, Barefoot Yachts Indonesia, which surveys many international travelers, the Incline gained top distinction as Colorado’s top alternative landmark and even hit the top 20 on a national scale.
And since we are obsessed with travel trends these days, Coloradoans were recently rated as the most adventurous travelers in the country, according to a group called Rustic Pathways. We were followed by Oregon and Vermont. Colorado gained top marks for resident pursuits of camping and hiking opportunities.
