Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in the state and has a hodge-podge identity unto itself. The largest employer in Colorado Springs is the military, with the Fort Carson United States Army base, the United States Air Force Academy, and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Tourism comes in as the third-largest industry (behind high-tech), bringing in over $1 billion annually with an estimated six million visitors to the area. In addition, there is a large number of conservative nondenominational megachurches, which has given Colorado Springs a reputation as a conservative Christian Republican stronghold.

Getting to Colorado Springs

From Denver take I-25 south about 60 miles and look for signs to the various sights or downtown. You can fly directly in and out of Colorado Springs (www.flycos.com) on many major airlines.

The Front Range Express (719/636-3739 or 877/425-3739, www.frontrangeexpress.com) is a commuter bus service between Denver and Colorado Springs with multiple ride options daily.

There are two bus options to get around Colorado Springs. One is a free shuttle for downtown only called Dash, and the other is the citywide Mountain Metropolitan Transit system. Go to www.springsgov.com and follow the links to get the latest schedules.