Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fizzy Pop

On day two we ventured to Manitou Springs, a kitschy little town right at the base of Pikes Peak. It has a nice downtown strip with several shops and restaurants. It's perfect for walking around and wasting time. I'd say its just like any other mountain town tourist trap except that they have a fantastic Penny Arcade.

There are literally hundreds of vintage video games, pinball machines and kiddie rides - all for their original prices. It's a great way to revel in some classic Americana. I always get nostalgic playing Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and Frogger, but I particuarly love the retro mechanical games from the 50s. It's like stepping into a time machine.



We couldn't pass by without letting Samuel try out a few of the kiddie rides that were lined up outside. He loved the airplane that went up (really high) and down again.



Daddy helped Samuel with the control sticks.



We also rode in the fire truck.



Guess who got to push the siren button and watch the flashing lights?



We made sure to stop at the soda springs fountain in the middle of town. Allen and I both took a drink to check that the water is actually fizzy - it is!



Next, we went to Soda Springs Park which is right by the main downtown area so Samuel and Dad could ride the flying saucer swing. We'd never seen anything like it before. At first we weren't even sure what it was!





The grasshopper was pretty fun too!



Through the tunnels.





One last photo op!