The Pikes Peak region of Colorado holds a wealth of roadside resources from motels to tourist springs and beyond. Join us for the Rocky Mountain adventure!
Don’t miss the great tour guide produced for the tour!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23
1:00-4:15 p.m.
Preserving & Promoting the Classic Motel Workshop
City Hall, Manitou Springs
This workshop, designed for owners of classic motels and those interested in promoting their preservation and economic viability, begins with a history of classic motels in Colorado. Staff from the State Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation will discuss historic designation and present economic incentives including tax credits and grant opportunities. A session on planning and implementing cooperative marketing programs will be followed by a panel discussion and questions. Participants will receive’ information packets.
4:30-6:00 p.m.
SCA Board Meeting, Rainbow Motel Breakfast Room
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24
9:00 a.m. 4:45 p.m.
Bus Tour of Manitou Springs
This bus tour of historic tourist sites in the Manitou Springs area will begin after an 8:00 a.m. continental breakfast at the historic Rainbow Motel. First, a visit to Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole. This 25 acre Christmas theme park has been in business since 1956, and features a village of gift shops, complete with elves, snowmen (and women), and of course Santa himself. Ride the reindeer on a 1920 carousel, or take a turn on the genuine Tilt-A-Whirl. All rides are included with the cost of your bus ticket. Then on to the Trading Post at the Garden of the Gods for lunch (included) and a “Welcome to Manitou” slide show. The owners will tell us the history of this business (in operation for more than 70 years) and the pueblo-revival building it occupies. And there will be plenty of time for shopping. The afternoon will feature a trip up the famous Cog Railroad to the 14,110 foot top of Pike’s Peak, a National Historic Landmark. In business since 1891, the Cog ride will be the high point of your tour in more ways than one!
4:45-6:00 p.m.
Opening Reception and Annual Meeting at Miramont Castle
Miramont Castle was built in the 1880’s and 90’s as a private residence. Today Miramont serves as a museum for the Manitou Springs Historical Society. The SCA Annual Meeting will be held at Miramont during the reception, with an opportunity to hear about plans for the conference in 2001.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
9:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Symposium and Presentation of Papers, Manitou Springs City Hall
The Symposium will beheld at Manitou Springs City Hall. Built as a spring pavilion for the Mansions Hotel, a rear addition was constructed c.1920 as a dance hall and roller skating rink. The addition was also the meeting place for the Pikes Peak Tourist Cabin Association, and is a fitting conference headquarters for SCA. A variety of papers will be presented, many related to travel and tourism in the Rocky Mountain West. Lunch is included in the price of registration, and will be served in the picnic pavilion in the park just across the creek from City Hall.
4:30-6:15 p.m.
Reception at the “Business of Art” Center
This reception will offer the opportunity for members to present “5-minute stories” with slides and information on current projects and interests. Attendees may tour the galleries to enjoy (and purchase) products from local artists. A hard hat tour of the adjacent restoration of an early stone barn/touring car garage may also be available.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Bus Tour of Manitou and Colorado Springs
First on the agenda is a visit to the Cliff Dwellings. This attraction was built in 1906 from the ruins of cliff dwellings moved to the site from southwestern Colorado. Then a loop of Manitou’s historic motel district, some of the finest vintage facilities in the west. Lunch will be on your own in downtown Manitou, where you can enjoy the more than 750 buildings that contribute to the downtown historic district. Or take in the amusements at the Manitou Arcade, including vintage pinball machines and Skee ball. Then back on the bus for a tour of motels, diners and other sites of interest in neighboring Colorado Springs. We’ll see the famous Navajo Hogan restaurant, a giant sombrero, and the original Van Briggle pottery works. Stretch your legs at the spectacular Garden of the Gods, a natural sandstone wonderland, where the remains of former tourist attractions wilt be pointed out. Then on to the Flying W Chuckwagon, for a chuckwagon dinner and singing cowboys at a western theme park.