Ready, Set, Go!

Giddyup to the Mining Exchange Hotel located in downtown Colorado Springs for the new “Legacy of the West” Experience. The hotel and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum have partnered up to offer a unique and fun-filled adventure.

I was recently lucky enough to sample all that is included in this terrifically fun, western-inspired adventure. It’s perfect as a couples getaway, girls’ trip or bachelorette party, staycation, or even as a solo undertaking.

Part of the Experience is spending a night or two or three at the historic Mining Exchange Hotel. Built in 1902 as a stock exchange for precious metals, this recently renovated accommodation is now a perfect blend of historic charm and an upbeat contemporary vibe. The soaring ceilings and expansive windows of the lobby look out on the bustling streets of Colorado Springs. Doors of original vaults that were once filled with valuable metals are found in several locations throughout the venue.

The multi-use, sun-drenched lobby is anchored with multiple living-room style seating areas featuring soft lighting and tasteful and comfortable leather and velveteen furnishings. It’s impossible to resist settling into a comfy spot with a freshly brewed coffee and a pastry from BLK MGK coffee bar, or a cocktail and bite to eat from the Golden Hour bar that offers seating in the lobby, or in the New Orleans inspired outdoor courtyard.

Enjoy a specialty-infused cocktail offered in your experience from the Golden Hour. I was served a colorful concoction called Vacation Time, complete with a curlicue of lemon and a sugared glass rim. It was a delicious treat on a hot afternoon. I contemplated bellying up to the bar but opted to settle into a leather armchair to daydream and watch the world pass by.

The designer hotel rooms feature high ceilings, original exposed-brick walls, picture windows, a soothing color palette and tastefully appointed bathrooms. Premium bed linens, a large-screen TV, and comfortable seating areas complement the upscale, luxury ambiance. My room was a relaxing oasis with views of the front range and mountain peaks beyond.

Next up was a private tour of The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, complete with a private roping lesson. Head of Marketing, Sloan Hoffmann, guided me on an informative tour through this terrific, local museum that highlights rodeo, the oldest American sport. Over the next 2 hours I gained a huge appreciation not only for the rodeo athletes but for the culture that developed when America was a rural and agricultural community.

“The mission (of the museum) is promoting and protecting western heritage.” Sloan said.

Exhibits focus on the history and current elements of rodeo events, costumes, coveted trophies of custom-made saddles and gem-studded belt buckles, and a wall commemorating the over 300 inductees into the Hall of Fame.

A few things I learned were that skilled competitors include much more than the stereotypical, John Wayne-type cowboy. Women, along with a multiethnic population also compete. Stakes are high with the potential for substantial earnings. I didn’t know that animals are specially bred to participate in rodeos, and they also have the potential to be inducted into their own hall of fame.

Visitors are invited to the barn housing two mares and their foals, from breeding stock spending the summer at the museum. Although I enjoyed my roping lesson, I must admit that this city gal doesn’t have the skills required to twirl a rope around her head and land a loop over the horns of a plastic bovine

Back at The Mining Exchange, I was treated to dinner at Oro Restaurant, featuring Italian specialities with a local twist. The dining room is spacious and welcoming, creating an intimate feel, with muted lighting, gold velveteen banquettes, pale oak flooring, and a soaring tin ceiling. Unique lighting fixtures resemble enormous mushroom-shaped saucers.

Assistant Manager, Ciara Spendlove, explained that the restaurant is defined as “Elevated Casual.” She said there is an emphasis on the extensive wine list, cozy ambiance, skills of the professional staff, and heart and attention that go into the total dining experience.

Seated in a cozy booth, I savored premium wines and outstanding dishes. I dined on the Arancini Alla Romano appetizer of crispy risotto croquettes; and the Whole Roasted Branzino, a Mediterranean sea bass. Both were absolutely fabulous and highly recommended.

After a restful night’s sleep, it was time for my “Desert Wind” Western-inspired facial at MX Spa, an urban escape hideaway located in the lower level of the hotel. Spa guests are encouraged to partake of the many amenities including the sauna, steam room, and relaxation seating area.

The special spa facial is designed to soothe and hydrate skin exposed to the Colorado elements. It was a wonderful treat! Serenity (yes-this is her given name) led me into the softly lit treatment room where soothing music and soft scents emanated. For the next 60 minutes I was in heaven as she cleansed, hydrated, renewed, and refreshed my skin. Serenity even gave me a relaxing scalp massage, and moisturizing hand treatment.

All good things have to come to an end. At the completion of the spa treatment, my complexion was as dewy as a teenagers. I drifted off to the relaxation lounge to sip a flute of champagne, and nibble on a square of dark chocolate; thinking that it doesn’t get any better than this! Do I have to go home?