I pride myself on finding out of the ordinary destinations. And I don’t just find them online, I visit them. This is the only way to know for sure if a place is worth writing about and worth sending you to.
The following Colorado destinations are three out of the ordinary winter escapes worth checking out.
Carr Manor, Cripple Creek
I toured this large bed and breakfast while in Cripple Creek a few winters ago. I love unusual repurposing projects and this is definitely a unique one. Carr Manor is an 120-year-old school building that’s been renovated into a bed and breakfast.
(Update: As of 2021, it a hotel)
The building retains some of the features from when it was a school, like original chalkboards in several guest rooms. The school’s auditorium is now the Grand Ballroom and site of many weddings, family reunions and other functions.
RELATED: Three Road Trips for Romance
Know for its legalized gambling, Cripple Creek, Colorado is a picturesque town that offers much more than slot machines. History runs deep in this old mining town (literally and figuratively), and it’s home to several excellent museums and historic sites, including mines that visitors can tour.
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool & Hot Springs, Hooper
The small cabins at the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool & Hot Springs, make excellent headquarters for exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and nearby Alamosa. Located in the San Luis Valley, this place is way off the beaten path.
I count the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool & Hot Springs as one of my greatest HeidiTown discoveries. The property featurings camping sites, cabins, RV hook ups, a hot springs fed pool and a relatively new indoor, adults-only hot springs area that’s 10,000 square feet and includes a bar.
The cabins here are equipped with the basics only and do not feature kitchens, but do have nice patios for soaking up the San Luis Valley sunshine even on a winter day. The area enjoys approximately 282 sunny days a year.
Colorado Yurt Trip, various locations
Last winter, we stayed the weekend in a Never Summer Nordic yurt near Cameron Pass in Northern Colorado. Despite having to keep the fire stoked and heat snow for washing up and having to use a wooden outhouse, it was one of the most peaceful trips we’ve experienced. Plus, we were able to bring along our old dog, which is always a bonus.
For a true, off-the-map, out of the ordinary winter escape I’d highly recommend a yurt trip this winter. Colorado Yurt Company’s website has an excellent list of yurts available for getaways in Colorado and beyond, including the YMCA of the Rockies’ Yurt Village at Snow Mountain Ranch, which are open year round.
Permalink
Hey Heidi, thanks for the tip on Hooper Hot Springs. While we had been there with our kids many years ago to go swimming, I was not aware they now have the indoor, adult pool with a bar. We will definitely have to check it out the next time we’re in the San Luis Valley!
Permalink
Thanks for stopping by town, Major King. You’ve got to check out the indoor hot springs at Hooper. It’s pretty amazing. I wrote all about it here: http://www.heiditown.com/2016/03/01/an-oasis-in-southern-colorado-discovering-hidden-travel-gems/