Colorado's largest city by area, Colorado Spring covers just under 200 square miles and is home to nearly 500,000 people. At the base of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs has no shortage of activities and events to keep residents and tourists busy. It's not hard to understand why U.S. News previously ranked Colorado Springs as the country's most desirable place to live.

Part of the American Frontier, Old Colorado City was established in 1858 during the Gold Rush. This area was annexed into Colorado Springs, designed as resort town. When the railroads arrived in 1871, the area almost immediately became a popular tourist destination. People flocked here for the dazzling mountain views, the lush greenery, and the pleasant weather. The dry climate also supported respite for tuberculosis patients, and thus areas of Colorado Springs developed as health resorts. In the endeavor for tranquility, Colorado Springs' first parks, including the Garden of Gods, were allocated in the early 20th century.

With the climate and beautiful scenery, Colorado Springs evolved as a center of athletics and outdoorsmanship, and is now home to two dozen national sports governing bodies, including the U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S.A. Hockey. Along with the United States Olympic Training Center, there's more than 55 attractions and activities in Colorado Springs. You can visit with grizzly bears, chuckwallas, emus, and kangaroos at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or view works of art and plays at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Part of Colorado College, the Fine Arts Center also provides numerous classes and hands-on activities.

For an experience you can't find elsewhere, visit The Flying W Ranch for a chuckwagon dinner and western show. Recently renovated and reopened, The Flying W Ranch is a working mountain cattle ranch with nearly 70 years of history. After a meal typical of cattle drivers, you can ride on over to the Rodeo Hall of Fame and learn more about this unique aspect of American culture.

In addition to these permanent attractions, Colorado Springs hosts an array of festivals and events all throughout the year. Labor Day Liftoff brings an awe-inspiring collection of hot air balloons to Memorial Park. Spectators begin the weekend with a mass ascension of over 70 balloons, and then end the weekend with a balloon glow at dusk. Other events include Galaxy Fest, which is a combined comic book and science fiction convention, the annual Greek Festival, Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, and a celebration of lights in December. Steers and Beers Brew Fest, which occurs every summer, brings together a collective of craft breweries, whiskey distilleries, and other vendors.

With nearly 350 craft breweries in the state, Colorado Springs is home to over 30. A good beer is best accompanied by a good burger, which locals say is found at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar. Beyond just American eats, Colorado Springs has a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Uchenna is known for authentic Ethiopian food, TAPateria fills tables with Mediterranean and Spanish bites, and woodfired pizza is found at Pizzeria Rustica.

No matter what you explore, beautiful views are never far away. Enjoy the wonder of Colorado Springs by entrusting your landscaping needs to LawnStarter.