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Check out the region's Old West charm, amazing natural splendor and scenic drives, while being pampered in style.

Nature's greatest triumphs and deepest mysteries fuel the beautiful natural aura of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak country -- so much so that Katherine Lee Bates, enraptured by the "purple mountains majesty” of nearby Pikes Peak penned "America the Beautiful” here over a century ago. The luxury Broadmoor resort nearby, with its unique appeal for families and children of all ages, is the perfect base for road trips around the region.

Colorado Springs’ dry climate, clear cool mountain air and Wild West ambience have been luring families year-round since the turn of the 19th century. If you’re craving some summertime fun in cool, crisp fresh air and sunshine, the area provides a rich network of paths and trails designed for walking, hiking, mountain climbing and biking, while the rivers and lakes lure kayakers, boaters, river-rafters and fishers.

A Truly Grand, Grand Hotel

The Broadmoor, cradled at the foot of the dazzling Cheyenne Mountains, was built in 1917 on the 440-acre site of the original Broadmoor Dairy Farm by the blue-green Lake Cheyenne waters. For almost a century, the timeless charm and modern amenities of the resort's spacious 700 rooms and suites have provided a relaxing and luxurious ambience. Picture windows and private balconies offer front-row seats to spectacular scenery, glorious sunrises and fiery sunsets.

Something magical happens when the generations gather to enjoy the resort’s full range of activities. For adults, championship golf ranks as the favorite recreational pursuit, and golf lovers can start their day taking a swing at the awesome new Nicklaus Design Mountain course, the West course, or the East course where golf history took place when the Broadmoor hosted the 2008 US Senior Open Championship.

For tennis buffs, the tennis complex features seven plexi-cushioned courts, all under the direction of Hall of Famer Dennis Ralston. Work out to your heart’s content at the fitness center using the Cybex resistance and weight training machines, and then indulge yourself at the full-service Spa and salon with over 100 varieties of massage, energy and body therapies. Special children and teen services are also available including an "extreme" massage, manicures, pedicures and facials.

Designed with kids and adults in mind, families are in for fun at the new water complex open in summer. The zero-entry infinity swimming pool and waterslides designed like a mountain range are guaranteed to hold kids interest for quite some time. Just for child’s play is the Bee Bunch Children’s Program, an interactive summer camp for ages 3-12. Grouped together are the 3 to 6-year-olds as the Explorer Bees and the 7 to 12-year-olds as the Adventure Bees. Full and half-day programs and evening programs are available for additional costs.

Choices for dining at The Broadmoor run the gamut from fine dining to casual, and everything in between. The newest venue is The Summit, a freestanding restaurant designed by Adam D. Tihany, with a menu featuring American Brasserie with the hint of a French "accent.” Spruced up Charles Court offers families their choice of dining in the relaxed interior or al fresco, looking out across the lake. The friendly wait staff interacts well with children’s special requests from the wide selection of contemporary Colorado fare. For a romantic adults night out, the newly enhanced Penrose Room continues to present its service and amenities well rooted in old word charm. The mouthwatering signature Chef’s tasting menu is highly recommended and can be ordered alone or with wine pairings especially selected by wine director Tim Baldwin. Be sure to check out the enclosed private dining room and demonstration kitchen that has a 16 seat Chef’s Table for interacting with Executive Chef Bertrand Bouqin.

Browsing at the elegant Shops at the Broadmoor is a treat. For a new shopping high, stop by the "village” reminiscent of the finest small European piazzas. Here you can sit by the cascading waterfall, enjoy a refreshing gelato from the cart, or stroll the promenade and visit the eight new specialty boutiques that include designer fashions, cosmetics, books, unique time pieces, luxurious bedding, one of a kind artwork and jewelry, flowers and garden items, and a full service bridal store.

The Broadmoor is located at One Lake Avenue in Colorado Springs. Visit their site or call 866/837-9520 for reservations and information on special Escape Packages for families, romantic getaways, holiday celebrations and galas. And whether you're visiting in summer, winter, spring or fall, count on renting a car to explore the beguiling beauty of the region.