Social Activities

Welcome Reception (Sunday, October 10, 7 pm - 9:30 pm) - No charge

Conference Banquet (Thursday, October 14, 7 pm - 10 pm) - No charge for participant, $35. for guests.

Visit to the Foothills (Monday, October 11, 2 pm - 5 pm) - $24.

The buses will head west from the Sheraton to Broadmoor, the area that gave birth to one of America's oldest five star, five diamond hotels. Over the past 25 years, The Broadmoor Hotel has undergone significant renovation, expansion and restoration. The resort, set on over three thousand acres has 4 complexes, 3 golf courses, 3 pools, 11 restaurants, 28 shops and memorable Cheyenne Lake as the complex's grand centerpiece. The time allotted for this tour will probably allow the group to circumvent the magnificent grounds by coach.

Next, a drive through the prestigious Broadmoor neighborhood, past the Pauline Chapel, the esteemed El Pomar Center and a quick peek at the extraordinary wind statues in the Star Kempf Garden. Then, just a few minutes west into Cheyenne Canyon to view the "Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado". The group will then take the Mountain Elevator to the "Eagle's Nest", overlooking the magnificence of Seven Falls. Time permitting, prior to returning to the Sheraton, it is well worth taking the brief drive up Cheyenne Canyon to Helen Hunt Waterfall. The canyon drive will offer a truly magical experience and a high not on which to end the tour.

Dinner at Flying W Ranch (Tuesday, October 12, 7 pm - 10 pm) - $35. Limited to 200 participants!

The Flying W Wranglers will dish up a delicious supper of Kansas City steak, garden salad with homemade honey mustard dressing, red baked beans, baked potatoes, Dutch oven biscuits with honey butter, and your choice of coffee, tea or lemonade. After supper, enjoy a stage show with real cowboys singing songs of the Old West. The show includes over an hour's worth of great music, laughter and complete western entertainment.

City Tour (Wednesday, October 13, 1 pm - 6 pm) - $22.

The buses will head north to the United States Air Force Academy. First, a visit to the Visitor's Center and then off to the AFA Chapel and Field House. Then, on to the magnificant Garden of the Gods. A scenic drive through the geological wonder where incredible red rock formations will be viewed, some of which date back over 280 million years. The Garden of the Gods portion of the tour will include a visit to The Trading Post, where the Indians once traded (recognized as one of the largest of its kind in the country) and a stop off at the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center, where the balcony affords spectacular, unobstructed views of Pikes Peak. Ample picture-taking opportunities will be available. Next, the group will head for the novel and historic shopping district of Old Colorado City. Set in the architecture of historic brick buildings, it has never lost its feisty frontier spirit. Stroll along the tree lined street and visit the distinctive shops and art galleries, including "Michael Garman's Gallery" and "Simpich Character Dolls".

Royal Gorge Bridge (Thursday, October 14, 10 am - 3 pm) - $32.

Travel south for one and one quarter hours to one of America's most spectacular attractions, The Royal Gorge Bridge, the world's highest suspension bridge. Walk and/or drive across the bridge. Spanning the Arkansas River at a height of 1,053 feet, this engineering marvel was accomplished in just six months without a single fatality. View the history of the bridge in a brief multimedia presentation in the Theater. Weather permitting, enjoy an eagle's eye view of the magnificent canyon aboard an Aerial Tram that glides more than 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River and ride the world's steepest Incline Railway to the bottom of the Royal Gorge.

Additional Leisure Activities

Located in the shadow of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Springs area offers many opportunities for leisure activities ranging from the attractions of a major city to the vistas of the untamed wilderness. Visit Pikes Peak with its spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. The Air Force Academy is only a short drive away. Tour the U.S. Olympic Complex, or see the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center. Play golf, go horseback riding or white water rafting. Many adventures await attendees of ICFRM-9. More information about Colorado Springs can be found at http://www.coloradosprings-travel.com/cscvb/.