Visiting April 11th Any Suggestions?????

My DS has a tour of the Academy scheduled 4/11/13 - we will be flying into the Denver airport and driving. Any recommendations on where to stay or other pertinent information anyone would be willing to provide?

We have to enter via the north gate because we don't have military/government ID's, so we like to stay closer to the north gate entrance on the Monument side of CO Springs. The Hilton Garden Inn and the Homewood Suites at that end are very nice; we've stayed at both places. The Briargate Shops across the way have several very good places to eat in a variety of price ranges and Panera opens early for coffee/breakfast. Also some nice shops there too if you have the desire. Hilton does not have a free breakfast but Homewood does. We have also stayed at the other end of town at Staybridge Suites which was good when we needed more room. Lots of restaurant options over that way as well. Nothing is terribly inconvenient. Hope you enjoy your stay and the weather cooperates! If the weather is good, go to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. If weather's not so good, then Olympic Training Center. Be prepared to spend some money at the visitor center gift shop!

Thank you very much for the information - we do not have government IDs either so the tip on the North Gate will be very helpful. Any issues or special considerations needed when driving a rental car? I know we need to have our driver's licensees.

Know how to pop the trunk before you get to the gate! My husband suffered a bit of an embarrassing delay at the gate when asked to do so... Other than that, you only really needed your personal ID to get in. We never had to show the rental car info, though we always kept it very close by.
As for USAFA things to do, try to catch any sporting event happening as you will probably get a chance to chat with cadets then; if you are passing them in between classes it's hard to chat as they are usually pressed for time and will never be rude but will need to excuse themselves quickly.

Again - thank you for the information - so helpful - I would have never thought of the trunk issue. Good tip.

We stayed at a hotel near the airport in Denver. I would advise leaving at 7AM to drive to the AFA as there is some traffic due to "rush hour" and construction. It took about an hour, but I drive fast. You will notice the altitude.

My family and I always stayed at Staybridge because of the kitchen and size (and in general it is just a really nice hotel). We liked that there were a lot of food options near by and for me, some really nice running trails nearby because I always seemed to have my AFT right after my parent's visited (maybe it was right after parent's weekend? I don't really remember, amazing how quickly things are forgotten)

We are also going for a visit on 10th or 11th (awaiting confirmation.) All the advice is helpful!

The USNA site says to bring your MIDN treats, do you recommend the same for your cadet?

You mean the cadet escorting? I am sure they would appreciate something, but I don't believe anyone I ever escorted got me a treat of any kind, I think I would remember that.

I highly recommend the Fairfield Inn - Air Force Academy which is off Baptist road. If I recall, just two exits north of the North Gate.

Also, I will warn you.... the North Gate will not let visitors in until 8am, so there is no need to “be early” as you’ll find yourself sitting in the parking lot waiting.

Have fun. When I accompanied my DD for her visit, we created memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!

Dial the gate said:

We are also going for a visit on 10th or 11th (awaiting confirmation.) All the advice is helpful!

The USNA site says to bring your MIDN treats, do you recommend the same for your cadet?

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My daughter brought treats, and enough to share with roommates/squadmates. They were definitely appreciated, so please do bring!