Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City is a charming historic district in the middle of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It shows how the city has grown and changed over time. Locals call this community “OCC,” and it has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as many festivals and events all year long. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or art, Old Colorado City will win your heart and make you want to see more.
History
Old Colorado City was the first place to live in the Pikes Peak area. It was built in 1859. When it was called Colorado City, it was a place where miners and settlers who had come to the area because gold had been found could trade goods. In the late 1800s, it became a center for the railroad industry. Trains going to the west coast stopped there. During this time, the town grew and became more prosperous. New businesses and buildings popped up all over the area.
Colorado City became part of Colorado Springs in 1917, but it still has its own personality and charm to this day. Many of the old buildings that used to be saloons, general stores, and hotels have been beautifully restored and now house art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants.
What to do
Old Colorado City is a great place to spend the afternoon because there are so many things to do and see there. One of the most popular things to do in the district is to walk along Colorado Avenue, the main street, and take in the sights and sounds. There are a lot of shops and galleries to look around. They sell everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to fine art and old clothes.
If you are interested in history, you should visit the Old Colorado City History Center. It is in a building that used to be a church. Here, you can learn about the area’s rich history through interactive exhibits and displays, as well as through guided tours of the district.
Old Colorado City is a true paradise for people who love to eat. There are dozens of restaurants and cafes there that serve everything from traditional American food to food from around the world. Be sure to try some of the local foods, like green chili made in the Colorado style or bison burgers.
Old Colorado City hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. One of these is the annual Territory Days celebration, which honors the area’s Wild West history with live music, food vendors, and a rodeo. The Art on the Avenue festival, the Old Colorado City Car Show, and the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, which is a hot air balloon festival in nearby Memorial Park, are also very popular.
How to Get There
Old Colorado City is just west of downtown Colorado Springs, and it’s easy to get there by car or bus. If you drive, there are a lot of free parking spots all over the district. There are also paid parking lots for people who don’t want to look for a spot.
If you want to go to Colorado Springs but don’t have a car, there are several ways to get there by public transportation. Mountain Metro Transit, the city’s bus system, has several routes that go to the Old Colorado City area. There are also a number of taxi and ride-sharing services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Old Colorado City is a charming and historic area with something for everyone. Whether you like history, art, or just going to new places, this lively community will win your heart and make you want more. So, the next time you’re in Colorado Springs, be sure to go to Old Colorado City and see what this unique and interesting place has to offer.