For me, the fall semester of college is always harder and longer than the spring. And because K-State doesn’t have a “Fall Break” but a week long Thanksgiving break, the 11 weeks in between Labor Day and Thanksgiving are slow and torturous. Luckily, the glorious Colorado is only about 8 hours from Manhattan, making it a great weekend destination to relax and enjoy the scenery.

As I am a broke college student, I have traveled back and forth to various places around Colorado to explore and find cute, quaint little spots that are different and don’t break the bank. So far, my favorite place to go to has been Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs has so many activates to chose from for any kind of weather and liking. Below is a list of a few of my favorite places that are different and affordable for your mini weekend vaca.

SunWater Spa Mineral Soaking Tubs

There’s always something fun and interesting to do in Manitou. I feel like Manitou Springs is one of those cities that is totally overlooked, but through my frequent visits I've managed to find the best of the best.

One of my favorite things to do is soak in SunWater Spa’s Mineral Tubs! Not only are the tubs great for your skin, but the view is incredible and really it's one of favorite things to do EVER! Another perk of the tubs is the price! For two full soaking hours, it's only $25 dollars, and for a day pass (open to close) it's only $35! Really it's so cheap for something you get so much out of. Below is the description and website link of the tubs from SunWater Spa’s website!

“Looking into our cedar tubs, you may notice sediment or a cloudy substance due to what we dub ‘calcium bursts.’ This phenomenon is due to the large amount of naturally occurring minerals consisting of calcium, chloride, fluoride, iron, lithium, magnesium, potassium, silica, sodium, sulfate and zinc.”

“We use low amounts of bromine (naturally found in ocean waters), along with state-of-the-art sanitation methods to maintain our guests’ safety and the integrity of our mineral waters.

In addition, SunWater Spa uses a three-part sanitation system to ensure the purity of our natural mineral waters for your safety and enjoyment.”

Penny Arcade

In the downtown area of Manitou Springs, is an old-school penny arcade. When you step into the arcade, it feels like you are taken back decades to a simpler time. The carnival-like feel is not only cheap (Hint: Penny arcade, every game is a penny!) but brings out the little kid in you! I could have spent hours inside! Just make sure you check the hours daily because it does close fairly early. But what a cool and different experience it was and I love to visit it each time I'm in Manitou Springs!

The North Pole/Santa’s Workshop

It's almost Christmas time so you know what that means: Christmas/Holiday everything! In Manitou Springs, they have a little village area known as The North Pole, which is great for families and really anyone. They have rides, a toy shop, and different North Pole related actives to do for the day! Also, I can't forget Santa!!! This activity is for anyone who is a Holiday addict (like me) or for anyone who needs a family fun day for kids from 1 to 92.. (see what I did there?) Attached below is the website link for more information and pictures!

Garden of the Gods And Pike’s Peak.

As I’m sure you know, Manitou Springs is a hop skip and a jump away from Colorado Springs which is home to Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak. Garden of the Gods is a beautiful walk or bike through the registered National Natural Landmark. It's one of Colorado's most beautiful landmarks and something everyone must see at some point of their lives. Not only is it FREE but you get exercise and fresh mountain air that you can't get in Kansas.

Pike’s Peak is also in Colorado Springs and you just can't miss it either. There is a tram you can take up it to really take in the views from the top, but if you are outdoorsy and not afraid of heights, I recommend you walk at least some of it. Pike’s Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America which is like totally cool and something else that is a must-see before you kick the bucket. (Was that too morbid?) Either way the views are spectacular and a total must do/see while in Manitou/Colorado Springs!

All of these actives are all things that you really can't experience living in Kansas and they are all adorable! Manitou Springs is the perfect mini vaca and or weekend getaway!